In 2021, Yamaha finally introduced the all-new RX-A8A 11.2-CH AV Receiver, not only upgrading hardware, audiovisual capabilities, and technological achievements over the past three years but also being another A.V. amplifier with 11.2 channels, following in the footsteps of the Z11. It’s undoubtedly a star product in Yamaha’s lineup and the entire AV industry
Key Features:
- Supports 11.2 channel output, including 7.2.4 channels
- SURROUND: A.I. with 64-bit processing
- HDMI 2.1 interface supporting 8K/60p and eARC
- Supports 64-bit High-precision E.Q. spatial response processing
- Utilizes the advanced 32-bit D.A.C. ES9026Pro by E.S.S. for digital conversion
- YPAO 3D surround sound acoustic calibration
- Hi-Res support for DSD 11.2MHz and PCM 384kHz/32-bit specifications
The Yamaha RX-A8A 11.2-CH AV Receiver, in terms of design and materials, is benchmarked against the previous flagship preamp/amp combo: the CX-A5200 and MX-A5200. Compared to the A6A we reviewed earlier, this flagship A8A boasts 11 amplifier modules, two more than the A6A, providing support for a 7.2.4 channel home theater setup.
The A8A, A6A, and A4A models all feature a double-layer top panel, with the upper layer of composite material and the lower layer of metal. This combination of materials offers excellent damping properties. The double-layer top panel is fastened to the chassis with screws around its edges and locked into place in the center by an overhead beam, further reducing vibrations.
At the bottom of the unit, Yamaha’s high-end AV amplifier not only features large vibration-damping feet but also includes an ART(Anti-Resonance Technology) Wedge for mechanical grounding and damping of vibrations in the center of the chassis.
The most significant change in this new AVENTAGE model is the upgrade of SURROUND: AI from 32-bit to 64-bit processing, with a Qualcomm QCS407 SoC chip at its core. This SoC (System-on-Chip) combines four processor cores with a built-in AI Engine, ideal for Yamaha’s Surround AI’s audio and machine learning applications.
Importantly, its processing power is seven times that of the previous TI DSP chips, enabling 64-bit digital audio processing in SURROUND: AI.
Let’s also look at the design of the HDMI module in the Yamaha RX-A8A 11.2-CH AV Receiver, which features a configuration of 7 inputs and three outputs and supports the new HDMI 2.1 standard. This allows for a 48 Gbps audiovisual transmission rate, significantly improving over the previous HDMI 2.0’s 18 Gbps.
Due to the increased heat generated by the higher data rate, heat sinks are required. While most surround amplifiers that support 8K video have only one input and one output for HDMI 2.1, the RX-A8A supports 8K for all inputs, necessitating a larger number of heat sinks.
The two-channel playback quality of the Yamaha RX-A8A 11.2-CH AV Receiver is exceptionally high. In addition to its meticulous design and support for Bi-Amping and various distortion reduction techniques, it also supports Hi-Res audio playback, including DSD 11.2MHz and PCM 384kHz/32-bit music files. Whether in Pure Direct mode or other music modes, you can experience the true essence of music with a clear and transparent soundstage; even delicate nuances are rendered with finesse.
This fully embodies Yamaha’s “True Sound” slogan, allowing you to experience unadulterated sound and understand the artist’s true emotions. The A8A includes 11 music DSP modes, including six related to classical music and five to jazz and pop music. So, no matter what type of audiovisual content you’re playing, there’s an appropriate DSP mode to enhance the experience.
Whether watching movies or listening to music, the Yamaha RX-A8A 11.2-CH AV Receiver’s power output is robust and versatile. It is suitable for most speaker setups, especially bookshelf speakers or custom installation models, where it excels effortlessly.
In terms of sound, it offers a warm tonal quality with a slightly solid texture, making music listening a delightful experience and movie-watching fatigue-free. Moreover, it supports networking wireless transmission, features an integrated DAC for Hi-Res audio, and has a phono input for playing vinyl records. Its capabilities are comprehensive, living up to its status as the flagship of the AVENTAGE series.
In the Box:
- Receiver
- Remote control
- Power cable
- Manual