Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A was introduced in 2021 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 11 channel amplifier with 150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 95 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.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A8A vs RX-A3080 vs RX-A3070 vs RX-A3060 vs RX-A3050 vs RX-A3040.

In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A.

In 2021 Yamaha released 3 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A8A vs RX-A6A vs RX-A4A.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A has replaced RX-A3080. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A	vs	Yamaha RX-A3080
More Channels	11.2	vs	9.2
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer		vs
HDR10+		vs
QMS		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K/60p 4:4:4
More 8K Inputs	7	vs
More Speaker Terminals	13	vs	11
More Large Speaker Terminals	13	vs	11
Bigger Power Supply	600 W	vs	490 W
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	250 W (10% THD)	vs	230 W (10% THD)
Better Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)	75 dB/61 dB	vs	75 dB/60 dB

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A	vs	Yamaha RX-A3080
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2	vs	3
Less RCA Line Inputs	5	vs	8 (1 front)
Less Composite Video Inputs	2	vs	4
Less Component Video Inputs	1	vs	2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	vs	USB, Analog Audio
RS-232C Interface		vs
SiriusXM		vs
Lower Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	220 W (10% THD)	vs	230 W (10% THD)
Higher THD	0.05% (AUDIO 2 etc. to Speaker Out, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 75 W, 8 Ω)	vs	0.04% (AUDIO 2 etc. to Speaker Out, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 75 W, 8 Ω)
Lower Damping Factor	140 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	vs	150 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A vs RX-A3080.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A's 11 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2, 7.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2, 7.2.4 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-A8A 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-A8A supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• 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.
• Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

• Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Auro-3D

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

• Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A features 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 for MAIN and 1 for ZONE2/4.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A 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-A8A will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience.
• 3D Ready: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A comes with YPAO with R.S.C., Multipoint, 3D, 64-Bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle 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.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 4 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 9 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

Zone 3

• Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 9 channels will be left for main zone amplification.

Zone 4

• HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A offers HDMI output for Zone 4. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

Zone B

• HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A offers HDMI output for Zone B. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A has 11.2 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.
• XLR Inputs and Outputs: There is one pair of XLR inputs on this a/v receiver. If your CD player, Blu-Ray player or other source have XLR outputs you can connect them to the Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A's XLR Inputs for higher quality balanced connection. Besides 11 unbalanced RCA pre-outs there are 2 XLR outputs for Front L/R. In case your external power amplifier has XLR inputs you can use this balanced connection for higher audio quality.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 3 optical inputs 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: 7   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2/4)
8K Inputs: 7
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0
• 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-A8A supports up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 1   Outputs: 0

Front A/V Inputs

• USB

GENERAL
Brand	Yamaha
Series	Aventage
Model	RX-A8A
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	Taiwan
Release Year	2021
Predecessor	Yamaha RX-A3080

AMPLIFIER
Channels	11.2
Power Output	150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
Surround:AI™
DAC	ESS Hyperstream DAC ES9026PRO x2
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	11.2
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 384 kHz/32 Bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple 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
Jitter Reduction	Ultra Low Jitter PLL
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Compressed Music Enhancer
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
CINEMA DSP	HD3
DSP Programs	24
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP
Virtual Speakers	including surround back
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	YPAO sound optimization with R.S.C., Multipoint, 3D, 64-Bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle measurement
YPAO Volume
PEQ for SUB	Down to 15.6 Hz

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 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 Resolution	1080i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Apple Siri
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
MusicCast
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	(iPhone® / iPad® / Android™ phone / tablet)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7
HDMI Outputs	3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2/4)
8K Inputs	7
USB Input	USB memory, Portable Audio Player
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	3
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	5
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs	1
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	11.2
XLR Pre-outs	Front L/R
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
dockport

ZONES
Number of Zones	4
Powered Zones	Zone 2 / 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Preout
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Preout
Zone 4 Outs	HDMI
Zone B Video Output	HDMI
Zone GUI
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1
Party Mode

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface
SCENE	SCENE (8 sets)
Web Control
PreAmp Mode
Display	High-resolution LCD display

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
A.R.T. Wedge
Speaker Terminals	13
Large Speaker Terminals	13
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 110-120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	600 W
Standby Power	0.4 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power Standby

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 192 mm x 477 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 271 mm x 477 mm) 17-1/8" x 7-1/2" x 18-3/4" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 10-5/8" x 18-3/4")
Weight	21.4 kg (47.2 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	150 W (0.06% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	165 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	185 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	220 W (10% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	200 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	250 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	230 W (0.9% THD, Front)
THD	0.05% (AUDIO 2 etc. to Speaker Out, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 75 W, 8 Ω)
THD (Phono)	0.04% (Phono to PRE OUT, 1 kHz, 1 V)
Damping Factor	140 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	250 mV/47 kΩ unbalanced 260 mV/200 kΩ balanced (attenuator off) 520 mV/200 kΩ balanced (attenuator on)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	4.5 mV/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	2.4 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD) unbalanced 2.4 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD) balanced (attenuator off) 4.8 V balanced (attenuator on)
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)	45 mV (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1.0 V/470 Ω unbalanced 2.0 V/470 Ω balanced
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	2.0 V unbalanced 4.0 V balanced
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	95 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation	0±0.5 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+0/-3 dB (AUDIO 2 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Residual noise (IHF-A Network)	150 µV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)	75 dB/61 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (Phono)	75 dB/60 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 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 Input	1.5 Vp-p
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5/87.50 MHz - 108.0/108.00 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/68 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
AM Frequency	530/531 kHz to 1710/1611 kHz
Warranty	3 Years

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