Skip to main content

Yamaha expands its RX-V 81 series with new Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-capable models

Just last week, Yahama unveiled its new RX-V381 A/V receiver, an affordable yet powerful 4K-ready receiver with built-in support for HDR, Bluetooth and a host of other features. It turns out that was just the beginning, and Yamaha was saving the bigger news for this week.

Yamaha unveiled four new models in its RX-V 81 series this week: The RX-V781, RX-V681, and RX-V581 are all 7.2-channel models, while the RX-V481 is more of a companion to the unit announced last week, offering 5.1 channels. Each model supports 4K Ultra HD and wireless multiroom audio, as well as Bluetooth and Yamaha’s Compressed Music Enhancer for better quality playback from mobile devices.

Recommended Videos

“The RX-V 81 Series offers our consumers unparalleled flexibility in feature sets, the most immersive high performance HD audio and video technologies and the freedom of wireless multiroom audio connectivity options,” said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha Corporation of America’s A/V division. “Industry-leading innovation and must-have features are key to the RX-V Series’ best-selling success for years. Our latest 3D surround and 4K format enhancements, combined with MusicCast this year will keep these AV receivers at the front of innovation.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Like the unit introduced last week, all of these receivers offer 4K at 60p with 4:4:4 color depth, and support BT.2020 for a wide color gamut and improved contrast. Setup is made easy with the inclusion of Yamaha’s YPAO automatic calibration, which uses an included microphone to ensure that your home theater system sounds the best it can without manually setting volumes and speaker distances.

One of the core features of all of these receivers is MusicCast, which offers easy access to any component connected to the receiver as well as streaming music sources and more, all controlled by a simple app. Earlier this year we took a hands-on look at MusicCast, and walked away impressed.

As 7.2-channel models, the RX-V781, RX-V681, and RX-V581 all support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound, making for a much more immersive experience. Vinyl connoisseurs will be happy to hear that both the RX-V781 and RX-V681 feature a dedicated phono input as well. The RX-V781 will sell for $850, while the RX-V681 and RX-V581 will sell for $650 and $550, respectively.

While the RX-V481 cuts the channel count down to 5.1 channels, losing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X along the way, it’s still a capable receiver, with all the features mentioned above. It’s more powerful than the RX-V381 introduced, but at $450, it doesn’t sell for much more.

As for when buyers will be able to get their hands on these, it depends on the model. The wait for the RX-V781 is longest, with that unit arriving sometime in June. The RX-V681 and RX-V581 will be available in May, while the RX-V481 goes on sale in April. For more information on the RX-V 81 series, see the Yamaha website.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
How to use Spotify: 14 tricks and secrets to get the most out of the music streamer
Spotify tricks.

Do you think you know everything there is to know about the top music streaming service on the planet? Think again! While many Spotify users are familiar with creating playlists and using the shuffle feature, there is much more to discover. Spotify has hidden features and clever tips that can significantly enhance your music experience.

Are you ready to explore everything Spotify offers and take your listening enjoyment to the next level? Let’s get started!

Read more
Panasonic could abandon the U.S. TV market once again
Panasonic Z95A

I've got some grim news for North American fans of Panasonic's TVs. After returning to these shores in 2024, the company is now mulling the sale of its entire TV division, according to a report from Nikkei.

The potential move would be part of a group restructuring at Panasonic Holdings, intended to enable faster decision-making and focus on growth.  "We are prepared to sell it if necessary," said President Yuki Kusumi said of the TV division on February 4 during an online press conference, "but we have not yet decided on a plan."

Read more
A native Android Apple TV app is now in the Google Play store
The Apple TV app on a Samsung Android phone.

It's been five years since the Apple TV app was launched, and we're now getting a version for Android devices -- built from the ground up for native Android integration -- in the Google Play store that will have the same Apple TV+ functionality as the Apple ecosystem version. The new app means users with Android OS 10 or later will finally have the ability to sign up for Apple TV+ on their Android-based phones and tablets to watch shows and movies like Severance, Silo, Killers of the Flower Moon, and CODA. There will be no difference in pricing on Android compared to Apple.

This should enable seamless interactivity across platforms for features such as Continue Watching -- which keeps track of where you are in a show or movie and allows you to pick up from that spot when you return, regardless of the device you watch on. Customer's Watchlist will be kept up to date across devices as well, and since purchases are linked to your Apple account, all the content you own will be accessible on any device with the new updated app. One thing missing at launch, though, will be the ability to cast Apple TV content from your Android device.

Read more