Since the official debut of MusicCast last summer, Yamaha has steadily been revealing the feature as a part of each new component in its A/V lineup. Today the company unveiled the latest in its Aventage line of receivers, with a total of six new multiroom-ready models comprising the new RX-A 60 series.
Each of the six new models supports 4K Ultra HD, with HDMI 2.0a inputs supporting HDR (High Dynamic Range), HDCP 2.2, 10 / 12-bit color, and 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based surround sound are featured in every model as well, though the number of speakers supported varies across models.
High-resolution audio is another feature supported across the entire RX-A 60 series, including support for ALAC at 96 kHz / 24 bit, WAV, AIFF, FLAC at up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, and DSD up to 5.6 MHz. In addition to multiroom support via MusicCast, each model also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. All models, with the exception of the base-level RXA-660, even include a phono input so vinyl enthusiasts can listen traditionally, or send music from their record collection throughout their home via MusicCast.
Finally, the entire series supports Yamaha’s proprietary YPAO calibration and sound optimization system. This automatically analyzes speaker positions, then tunes them appropriately, allowing your home theater system to work at its best for the room it’s in.
The top of the line 9.2 channel Aventage RX-A3060 retails for $2,200 and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups of 5.1.4 channels, 7.1.2 channels and — with an external 2-channel amplifier — up to 11 channels of processing for a 7.1.4 channel setup. The unit features a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC and offers a claimed output of 150 watts per channel. For $1,700, the Aventage RX-A2060 drops the two-channel pres, but still hits the sweet spot with 9.2 channels and power at a claimed 140 watts per channel, offering 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configurations.
The 7.2-channel Aventage RXA-1060 will sell for $1,300 and offers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in a 5.1.2 configuration, touting a claimed 110 watts per channel. The Aventage RXA-860 keeps the channel count of the RXA-1060, bringing the wattage down to a claimed 100 watts per channel and selling for a cool $1,000. The $750 Aventage RXA-760 also keeps the same channel count, offering a claimed 90 watts per channel.
Selling for $650, the Aventage RXA-660 might be the base model, but it still offers 7.2-channels and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 5.1.2-channel setups, offering some serious value for your dollars. It lacks the phono input, but it packs most of the features of the other models in the RX-A 60 series and offers a claimed 80 watts per channel of power.
Only one model, the RXA-760 will be available this month. The RXA-660, RXA-860, and RXA-1060 are expected to be available starting in June, while the RXA-2060 and RXA-3060 will make their way to store shelves beginning in July. All models will be available from authorized Yamaha A/V dealers. For more information, see the company’s website.
