Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A 8K AV Receiver - In-house review - Part 1 Overview

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A 8K AV Receiver - In-house review - Part 1 Overview
Ripewave Audio brings in the Yamaha RX-A8A flagship AV Receiver for the first time. We unbox while providing an overall and some comparison to similar Denon and Marantz - such as the Denon AVR-X3800H, AVR-X4800H, Marantz Cinema 50 and Cinema 40 - as well as the Onkyo TX-RZ50 and Integra DRX-8.4 AV Receivers.
Original overview - August 2021
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[@wezzman1]

This is what I've been waiting for! Want to see how this perform, no one is paying Yamaha any attention at all. Thank you so much 👍🏽

[@ripewave]

I am glad this series on Yamaha filled a need. -Jon

[@franklincrisostomo2874]

So what should I do so that I don't get into that mode but in dolby atmos?

[@boatnikloew9399]

I spent about 30 hours of research on this receiver to tweak it.

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Great video! I think the 5th feet on the unit is marketing. I ran into this avr and I am considering it now over other lines that have Dirac. I wasn't really impressed with Dirac. This unit has YPAO that is less superior but that does not mean it will sound inferior. I am curious to try Yamaha's Surround AI too. I hear it is fabulous.

[@madcrabber1113]

I recently purchased the A2A to use as a 2 channel preamp. I have not purchased a separate amp yet so have been using the internal amp. Very happy with the way that it sounds with my efficient speakers. I found a sale and only paid $475 brand new.

[@joentell]

Thanks for the Magic Beans shout out. Too bad about the knob feel on these. 😊

[@ripewave]

Making sure I have a response to all. We discuss this offline already. May connect with you in near future. -Jon

[@GlennMcKeon-n5s]

Great video as always! At 26:15 I believe you meant to say ONKYO TX-RZ50 instead of Yamaha. Can't wait to see the in house review of new Onkyo TX-RZ70 (48.5 lbs.!) and how it compares to Denon/Marantz/Yamaha. Also really looking forward to Dirac vs. Magic Beans comparison!

[@ripewave]

Thanks for catching error. Your ears are better then mine. I missed through the whole editing process. I still plan to produce the videos you are waiting for - Onkyo TX-RZ70 and magic Beans comparisons. -Jon

[@fairytalepurityanalyser6056]

I got the amazing Yamaha CX-A5200 right before stocks died up and I don't want any other, not even Auro 3D or 8k at 120Mhz temps me away from the CX-A5200. I also get more excited when DTS-HD MTR show up on the display than THD/Atmos.

[@ripewave]

When you have a processor that you are content with there is no reason move to something else. I love it when that happens. -Jon

[@jb.2986]

Initial thoughts are it’s great to see Yamaha go away from their orange lcd displays. Disappointed though in the new small display. Great to see Auro 3D support for auromatic up mixing of multi channel music. Thanks for the review Jon.

[@ripewave]

Thanks for raising the orange displays Yamaha was known for. That goes back many generations. Something I forgot to note, but a good point. -Jon

[@voederbietels]

how it upmix audio to auro 3D

[@jb.2986]

@@voederbietels using the Auro 3D selection during playback.

[@voederbietels]

@@jb.2986 thank you ))

[@mattgiunt]

Sound was always a good part of Yamaha but this generation is just very unexciting compared to what's out there. YPAO needs a major upgrade if they are determined to keep it going. Just raising prices on old tech is a recipe for disaster.

[@ripewave]

While the new models may leverage a lot from their prior generation, I felt that the results are still good and sounded as good if not better. -Jon

[@hellonwheelsuknow6556]

I have the A4A & it is great for me. I had a pioneer like mid level of the top tier products & yamaha kicks butt in music. Awesome for movies as well!

[@ripewave]

Thanks for sharing your experience with both Pioneer and now Yamaha. I do feel Yamaha is better at music reproduction. -Jon

[@boatnikloew9399]

i figured out how to display it from the front program button. Thanks John

[@psyphonyxaudio]

What a beast =)

[@ripewave]

It’s weight and size is impressive. Can’t weight to hear it this week and compare. -Jon

[@Mark-hb5zf]

When I was looking for a AV Rx, I just wasn't a fan of the new, smaller display on the front. I had a Yamaha Rx that was a couple of years old (RIP - lightning strike) and the display conveyed a lot of info at a glance. Ended up going w/a Onkyo.

[@ripewave]

Your decision to go Onkyo based on the display as one factor speaks to the miss Yamaha has made with this latest design. -Jon

[@Mark-hb5zf]

@@ripewave Looks like others share my opinion too. Quite a shame since it has nothing to do with audio quality. Seems Yamaha my have shot themselves in the foot, needlessly.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

The Kaizen seems to be moving a bit slow. The small screen is a bit disappointing. The responsive selector wheel may overshoot, but is also probably very fast, fast changing input is good. Fast Kaizen also good. Slow Kaizen is… hopefully on sale at a good price. Also I am happy to see legacy inputs for RCA and component, they were smart to not change that, unlike their competitors who take a Kaizen leap so large, that its like trying to jump over a river that is too far. My wishlist is iMax support, Dirac, and more channel configurations. 7.2.4 is of course good. I would request more options like 9 or 11 channel bottom layer. For use with Dolby extra wide speakers, and future formats. Maybe they can simply update the configurations through download. I love Yamaha and hope to see this platform evolve very well. This is only early generation of this platform. A6A looking very appealing to me. So glad they are here providing us this option among the competition.

[@ripewave]

Sounds like you have product management experience or at least understand product management. I think Yamaha needs to add a model with more channels as you said. The unit sounded among the best I tested and I gave it credit for being a little better. I think that Yamaha has stayed with their YPAO to save costs and it does a decent job. -Jon

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

@@ripewave I’d probably be good at it.

[@kevinhoronzy6011]

Hooray. Finally got one in. Would had been nice to hook up a cd player and two speakers to get that initial sound right out of the box.

[@ripewave]

It sounds great - more videos coming! -Jon

[@dennishill290]

I bought one for a back up to my Yamaha separates and have made a couple of videos using it in a 2 channel set-up in pure direct..... works fine,but agree on the display and volume control could have been better...... and paid 2999 $....earlier on. YAMAHA. ... !

[@ripewave]

Thank you for that firsthand feedback. The volume knob is the one that bothers me the most so far. Otherwise the it is a cosmetically pleasing design. -Jon

[@davidflorence3510]

Remote is backlit - I love my 7.2.4 solution

[@ripewave]

Thanks for the correction. I found it only works when you install the batteries in the right direction- my error when quickly doing the review. Works nice with motion sensing vs having to press a button. The manual doesn’t cover - but it is intuitive once you install the batteries correctly. -Jon

[@borlach321]

That thing is huge. It looks bigger than The Denon or Marantz models. I wonder why when they all use E-cores.

[@ripewave]

The whole selection of power supplies is something I would like to understand better. Maybe it comes down to the quality of the power supply and less about the type of power supply it is. -Jon

[@jayroland9481]

Surely the 150 watts you mention at the beginning dwindle considerably once a full set of speakers is connected?

[@ripewave]

That is correct - the power supply is shared between all internal amplifiers so the power output is lowered when multiple channels are driven. As I understand, these Yamaha amplifiers will still do well under full load. -Jon

[@nsinghc2799]

This tries to compete with the Denon 6700H with 11.1 channels but 6700H can process 7.1.6 configuration with 2 additional amps, I dont think this can do that. And it doesnt do DTS-X Pro that 6700H can do as well - the age old front display does not look good either. There's much better options out there like the 6700H and the soon to be out X6800H.

[@raidergainzx5290]

I just upgraded to the A8A. I really need to learn about how to manually calibrate it. I tried ypao which was decent, but ive noticed i doesnt do well with calibrating subs. Also it does have a backlight on the remote. Its hard to see in a lighted room though.

[@ripewave]

I have been beta testing a different type of calibration tool that calculate values to enter into the Yamaha EQ settings. It seems to produce better results, but I need more bench time. -Jon

[@kevinhoronzy6011]

A balance output has 3 pins plus, negative and ground. Yet the a8a ac power cord has no ground pin.

[@ripewave]

I wish I know more about have a true balanced connection needs to be established within a receiver. I would feel more comfortable if these receivers had a ground for the input power cord, including Yamaha. From what I understand is that the balanced connections on a lot of these are not true balanced connections. They are most likely single ended up to the backplane of the receiver. The Emotiva RMC-1 models are among the few that are truly differential. -Jon

[@Roof_Pizza]

I'm a lifelong Yamaha fan but I gotta say these don't interest me at all, still looks like Anthem is my best bet.

[@mattgiunt]

Yes,Im in the same boat with Yamaha receivers for 30 years. Im thinking of trying out the new Sony ES line that seems to be doing something different for home theater which is my prime interest.

[@ripewave]

I like your approach. Brands need to earn our attention with each generation. While I can still respect a brand's past, I will not just purchase their latest release without careful examination and approval. -Jon

[@ripewave]

I was a Sony ES fan through the 90s - but they lost me when they moved their focus away form market leading designs. With their latest ES line, they have my attention again and look forward to reviewing. -Jon

[@Boxkerp]

I just sold my A6A which I was only using as a 2-channel preamp and that thing is a beast, I can only imagine what the a8a is like. Funny about the remote my A6A remote lights up. it not bright but it lights when you touch a button.

[@ripewave]

Looking forward to the sound test. The remote turned out to be my error. I put one of the batteries in backwards. Thanks for pointing out that yours worked. I will correct my error in the next video. I like the remote more then the Marantz remote as it lights up simply by moving. -Jon

[@robertrobski1013]

If you sold it means you wasn't happy with it sound wasn't too good

[@Boxkerp]

@@robertrobski1013 No it doesn't. You gotta think things through your way isn't everyone's way. In my case the way I was using it was redundant. I used it for its streaming and EARC capabilities in my 2 channel/gaming room connected to a Mcintosh integrated amp. When I wanted to upgrade my AV processor in my home theater, I sold the Yamaha to offset the cost. For me, Onkyo, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, etc all sound very good, neither of them sound terrible. And the differences are in the single digits of percentages.

[@boatnikloew9399]

just got one of these and have no idea how to get it on my wireless network. The sound is incredible. I have another klipsch 12 inch sub for the rear and 4 10inch atmos ceiling speakers on the way. I will have some pretty good sound sound when done. Any help would be great. I subscribed to you channel

[@ripewave]

Exciting improvements. Are the 10” ceiling speaker Klipsch as well? I would like to help with your wireless connection. Assuming you have a wireless home network. 1 press setup 2 select network 3 select network connection 4 select Wireless(Wi-Fi) There are multiple options for connecting Connecting from an iPhone option is easiest if you have an iPhone connected to your wireless already. Otherwise choose “setting up wireless connection by selecting from the list of available access points.” The steps from there are: 1. select access point 2. Follow on-screen guidance When finished the onscreen “completed” appears Jon

[@boatnikloew9399]

Thank you John, they are going to be wired. I am happy to see Netflix has a lot of Atmos movies. Cannot wait to see Atmos displayed on my A8A display. This receiver has amazing sound. It works perfect and brings out amazing sound with my Klipsch rf7 tower speakers. This receiver is a huge improvement from my rx3900 that the stereo shop wanted to give me $150 for. Needless to say I kept it. 13 channels will be great to hear. I don't know how Yamaha rates the power, but I doubt it will be the full 150 watts per channel. My Klipsch subs are powered at 400 watts one of which is a dual 12 inch that is about 23 years old. I don't even think you can get those anymore. Thanks for your reply your a pretty sharp guy.

[@ripewave]

I prefer wired connection whenever possible. Smart move. I think you will enjoy this setup.-Jon

[@boatnikloew9399]

John I have all 11 speakers installed with 2 subs and it sounds great. I hear all the incredible sound when playing atmos content. Do you know what Yamaha calls atmos on this receiver. I cannot display atmos on the receiver screen like the denon and marantz do. I would imagine from what I have read it would be what they call ai on the input. Their a6a would display atmos. Thanks John

[@BluEight_R8]

Ciao, io penso che yamaha in questo modello avrebbe potuto mettere almeno un trasformatore toroidale e ancche che avrebbero dovuto mettere le uscite xlr bilanciate per tutti i canali processati dal dac!

[@FURognar]

Interesting to hear you are testing out the Magic Beans app. Once I upgrade to a Denon X6700H I was planning to upgrade to MultEQ-X and go all in on the calibration. I might use magic beans with it if I feel it needs more oomph.

[@ripewave]

The approach that Magic Beans is taking makes a lot of sense. It is hard to comprehend why establish solutions, like Dirac, have not employed a similar approach. Joe deserves a lot of praise for developing this approach that can outperform solutions that have years of R&D behind them. MultiEQ-X will make using Magic Beans easier to apply. -Jon

[@totalplonker824]

Just to give you a heads up.. my experience with the Denon 6500 (same as the 67 only 4k) was disappointing! Even though movies sounded quite good, when the sound Dynamics changed I quite often found myself reaching for the remote control. Dirac is good but it's not going to be able to fix Denon's off-the-shelf capacitors & resistors. But it was actually for Denon's poor 2 channel audio was the reason why I sent it back and at the time I happen to have an extended 3-month audition time with it (during lockdown) couldn't wait to give it back and move on to the next one. Mate if I was you I'd persevere and carry on saving coz adding a power amp is not gonna improve it's sound either. Just my subjected opinion. After all your findings might be quite different! Just to give you some context, I've changed my cables three times just cos I didn't like the sound of them 😊

[@RAMIRO61FERNANDES]

Excelent!

[@ripewave]

Thank you! -Jon

[@mikeschmidt2339]

5.1 currently upgrading to atmos

[@ripewave]

Nice! I did that last year and haven’t looked back. -Jon

[@mikeschmidt2339]

@@ripewave thanks for getting back to me I enjoy your shows i can only add 2 atmos what’s your thoughts on in ceilings or up firing looking at emotiva may add another sub using 100sw klips Dirac live is very good and it’s not dialed in yet and I like the thx ty

[@2tall886]

It's on sale for 2700 but I was wondering if all the features were enabled from the latest firmware 1.96.

[@ripewave]

All the planned HDMI features were available on the latest firmware when I tested this summer. -Jon

[@thelonewolf666]

anothet great review mate, it aint worth $6k australian id buy the rz70 over this

[@ripewave]

The pricing in Australia is often crazy. Very unfortunate. -Jon

[@DanielKinuthia]

Thanks for the video, Please confirm if HDMI for zone 2 i.e. HDMI 3 can output 4K 120hz. I have never seen it mentioned anywhere. Denon, Pioneer and Marantz usually mention their zone 2 output is not 8K but 4K 60Hz. Also confirm if lets say zone 2 is 8K, can it run simultaneously at 8K/ 4K 120 when zone one is also running 8k / 4k 120 ? Thank you

[@ripewave]

I will look into that detail and confirm for my next installment. What I have been finding is that zone outputs are typically limited to 4K 60hz with the several brands I have tested to date. Likely the same with this Yamaha model. -Jon

[@cpa889900]

I have owned multiple Yamaha AVRs and was excited about the redeign launch. That excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The new AVR design is awful. I have my equipment on full display and I couldn't imagine myself looking at that design daily. Once I saw the new design, I hunted down a CX-A5200 and a RX-A3080. If I decide to upgrade, Yamaha isn't an option. I will park my money on Sony AVR

[@ripewave]

While I hear from both those who like and those who dislike an AV Receiver design (Any brand any models) I think it prove that the physical design can have just as big of a factor in purchasing as sound quality and features. -Jon

[@jaylorenzana7761]

I like the design. Features/performance far outweigh aesthetics for me. Display is a little small. Can you scroll and leave it on which speakers are active?

[@AhmedAddas]

I have A2A...and its better than denon 4700 and pioneer 505. Yamaha❤

[@ripewave]

Thanks for reporting. That seems to align with my findings by brand - you have some other models mixed in that I haven’t tested. -Jon

[@mikeschmidt2339]

how is the sound for movies and music vs rz50 or 3800h. my sr5008 stopped working looking to buy something 5.1.4

[@ripewave]

I will be testing for that comparison over the next two weeks. -Jon

[@jamespavier1624]

I have the RX- A6A and the remote is back lit ?

[@ripewave]

Thank you for the correction. I put one battery in backwards. Now the backlight works! - and better then others as it turns on with motion. -Jon

[@franklincrisostomo2874]

Hello greetings I have and Yamaha Rx a3070 one fucks me dolby atmos when I put a movie with that quality it only enters STRAIGHT I don't know why

[@ripewave]

Is it not recognizing the source as Atmos? Or it is simply limiting the modes you can select? -Jon

[@voederbietels]

click in the yamaha on dsp and than on the dolby surround icon than you click until atmos pops up in your reciever when you have a atmos movie or music on. i tooks me months tje notice this button has presets within this icon

[@eddietours3728]

Sir the mushroom kingdom ✌🏼

[@ripewave]

The kids love Mario Brothers. -Jon

[@666dualsport]

very dissapointed with the tiny useless display--- i will not change my RXA 3080 for this, ill look eleswhere, yamaha have lost the desire to be in the av receiver business

[@ripewave]

I bet Yamaha is getting regular criticism over that small display. I think is the smallest we have seen over the last year. -Jon

[@666dualsport]

@@ripewave 👍

[@audiotechguy]

I was dying for this receiver but it only does Auro3D 9.1 and doesn’t have 4 sub outs with tactile that I love on my Denon 3800H

[@ripewave]

Very smart for Denon and Marantz to support 4 independent subwoofer outputs on their latest models. I need to start including the Auro-3D channel count each model supports and not just yes/no. Thanks for pointing out the importance of that detail. -Jon

[@FURognar]

It doesnt do Auro 10.1 with the VoG or 11.1 with 7.1.4 or 5.1.6 (VoG and center height)? Thats unfortunate if so

[@ripewave]

I will dig into that detail and report back. -Jon

[@clsanchez77]

A major flaw in your power analysis. The 150w power per channel is only when 2 channels are running. If you review the manual, they tell you this. Seems total available power for the power supply is 600W.

[@morozovkirill]

3080=ess 9026 pro ! not 9028 !

[@ripewave]

Thanks for the correction. I will confirm and correct on my end

[@boatnikloew9399]

that ai stands for artificial intelligence. That is what i am going to leave it at

[@tigerbalm666]

Yamaha's display is total FAIL! So stupid...at this price, ALL knobs should be metal with smooth movement!

[@ripewave]

For me the front panel and knobs were the most disappointing aspect of this Yamaha model. -Jon

[@dperr338]

These new Yamahas are pretty ugly looking.

[@ripewave]

I think they missed on the front design. Plastic, small display - Jon