1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 (Australian version)

SCORE:
84

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • Dolby Atmos capable
  • HDR10, 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA, MusicCast
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB and Phono inputs

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Content

Overview

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 84 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
90
VIDEO FEATURES
83
AUDIO FEATURES
81
CONNECTIVITY
87
MULTIZONE
81
MISCELLANEOUS
68
RADIO
84
OVERALL
84

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha Aventage RX-A850.

PROS
  Dolby Atmos
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  HDR10
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Works with Amazon Alexa
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  Many HDMI Inputs
  USB Input
  Many Optical Inputs
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  RCA Pre-Outs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Spotify
CONS
  No Front Wide Channel Support
  No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  No DTS:X
  No IMAX Enhanced
  No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
  No eARC
  No HDR10+
  No Dolby Vision
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Few 8K Inputs
  No Pandora
  No Tidal
  Old Bluetooth Version

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 to its predecessor RX-A840 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A840
Dolby Atmos vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
HDR10 vs
MusicCast vs
Works with Amazon Alexa on MusicCast (Voice control using your Alexa device like Echo, Dot, Tap and Show) vs
Bluetooth vs via YBA-11 adapter (included)

DOWNGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A840
MHL Input vs
USB DC Out Port vs (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
Party Mode vs
Napster vs
Lower Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA) 160 W (10% THD) vs 165 W (10% THD)
Lower FM S/N Ratio Mono/Stereo: 65 dB/64 dB vs Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/ 70 dB

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A840.

Audio Section

7 channel Amplifier

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    Speaker Configurations

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

    Dolby Atmos

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    • Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

    Sound Processing

    • Adaptive DRC: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 features Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) which automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume level. This ensures that you hear clear dialog and vocals, and all sound effects at comfortable levels. There is no need to adjust the volume level as you listen; everything from whispers to big explosions will be heard clearly and comfortably at the same volume setting. It also tones down loud TV commercials, and is ideal for low-volume, late-night listening, when you do not want to disturb others.

    Room Calibration

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 comes with YPAO (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • YPAO: The Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) function detects speaker connections, measures the distances from them to your listening position(s), and then automatically optimizes the speaker settings, such as volume balance and acoustic parameters, to suit your room.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 can upscale up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
    andh3>HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

    • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.

    Multi-zone Playback

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.

    Zone B

    • HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 offers HDMI output for Zone B. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 has 7.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 5   Outputs: 1
    • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 supports up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Yamaha Aventage RX-A850.

    BASICS
    BrandYamaha
    SeriesAventage
    ModelRX-A850
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryAustralia
    Release Year2015
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO
    Surround:AI™
    DACBurr-Brown
    DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing7.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLIIx
    Dolby Digital EX
    DTS:X
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo Neo:6
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS Express
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
    Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    DTS Dialog Control
    Dialog Level Adjustment
    Dialog Normalization
    Dialogue Lift no presence speakers required
    Compressed Music Enhancer including for Bluetooth®
    High-resolution Music Enhancer
    Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
    Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting
    Audyssey Dynamic EQ
    Audyssey Dynamic Volume
    Audyssey LFC
    Audyssey Sub EQ HT
    Audyssey DSX
    Straight Decoding Mode
    Pure Direct Mode with Video On mode
    CINEMA DSP 3D
    DSP Programs17
    SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP Virtual CINEMA FRONT
    Virtual Speakers including surround back
    CALIBRATION
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
    YPAO Volume
    PEQ for SUBDown to 31 Hz
    VIDEO
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    BT.2020 color space
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 60p 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    Component Video Maximum Resolution1080i
    Video Parameter Adjustments
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY
    MHL Input
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    MusicCast
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa on MusicCast (Voice control using your Alexa device like Echo, Dot, Tap and Show)
    Works with SONOS
    AirPlay AirPlay
    Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
    Remote App (iPhone® / iPad® / Android™ phone / tablet)
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi with Wireless Direct
    Bluetooth
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2
    8K Inputs
    USB InputiPod® / iPhone®, USB memory, portable audio player
    USB DC Out Port
    RCA Line Input5 (1 front)
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    Composite Video Input5 (1 front)
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input2
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs7.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Analog Audio, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones2
    Powered ZonesZone 2
    Zone 2 OutsLine output
    Zone B Video Output HDMI
    Zone GUI
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output1
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
    Party Mode
    MISC
    On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface
    SCENESCENE (4 sets)
    Web Browser Control
    PreAmp Mode
    Detachable Power Cord
    dockport
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM/AM
    Presets40
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION
    A.R.T. Wedge
    Speaker Terminals9
    Large Speaker Terminals9
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 240 V, 50 Hz
    Power Consumption300 W
    Standby Power0.1 W
    GENERAL
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power Standby
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 171 mm x 380 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 234 mm x 380 mm)
    17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 15" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 9-1/4" x 15")
    Weight10.6 kg (23.4 lbs)
    Warranty3 Years
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2100 W (0.06% THD)
    Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2110 W (0.9% THD)
    Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)130 W (0.9% THD)
    Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)160 W (10% THD)
    Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)160 W (0.9% THD, Front)
    Dynamic Power per Channel (2240 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)195 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (6 Ω, Front)170 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)130 W
    THD0.06% (AV 5 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
    THD (Phono)0.02% (Phono to SPEAKER OUT (Front), 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 V)
    Damping Factor100 (Front, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 Ω)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
    Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)2.3 V
    Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)60 mV
    Rated Preout Level and Impedance1.0 V/1.2 kΩ
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)110 dB
    S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)96 dB
    Frequency Response (Analog In)+0/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz)
    Residual Noise (IHF-A Network)150 µV (Speaker Out)
    Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)75 dB/50 dB
    Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (PHONO)60 dB/55 dB
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
    DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
    Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
    0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
    1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Video Maximum Input1.5 Vp-p
    Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 60 MHz, -3 dB (Component)
    Video S/N Ratio50 dB
    Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
    Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency2.4 GHz
    Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 5 V, 1 A
    FM Frequency87.50 MHz - 108.00 MHz
    FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
    FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 65 dB/64 dB
    FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
    AM Frequency531 MHz - 1611 MHz

    * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
    ** - 480i/576i only
    *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
    **** - 1080p signal is not converted

    Successor

    In 2016 Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 was replaced by RX-A860. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A860 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A850
    DTS:X up to 5.1.2 vs
    DTS Neural:X vs
    DTS Dialog Control vs
    PEQ for SUB Down to 15.6 Hz vs Down to 31 Hz
    Dolby Vision vs
    HLG vs
    BT.2020 color space vs
    Party Mode vs
    Napster vs
    Higher FM S/N Ratio Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/67 dB vs Mono/Stereo: 65 dB/64 dB

    DOWNGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A860 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A850
    Lower S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 95 dB vs 96 dB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A860.

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