Yamaha presents the Aventage RX-A 80 series-- a set of flagship AV receivers replacing the 2017 Aventage lineup, with models including the RX-A680, RX-A880, RX-A1080, RX-A2080 and RX-A3080.
The AVRs share functionality with the recent RX-V85 models, such as Bluetooth and AirPlay wireless connectivity and, for Amazon Alexa device owners, voice control. Also included is MusicCast for DLNA streaming of files up to 24-bit/192kHz and support for Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer via either 2.4-5GHz wifi or ethernet. Another addition is MusicCast Surround, a means for users to connect pairs of Yamaha MusicCast 20 or 50 wireless speakers for use as rear channels.
Of course, support for 4K and HDR technologies is included, as is HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma. On the audio side, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-bases surround sound comes as standard. An interesting addition is a phono input, allowing customers to connect a turntable or legacy audio hardware.
The RX-A1080, RX-A2080 and RX-A3080 feature Surround:AI-- a technology promising a perfect audio experience by adjusting audio levels on the fly. The feature matches media scenes gainst a database of movie scenes, and promises to equally handle action sequence and quiet dialogue, as well as anything in between.
As for details on the individual AVRs, the RX-A680 is a 7.2-channel amp delivering 80W per channel. The RX-A880 delivers 100W, while the RX-A1080 pushes 110W. The RX-A280 expands the channel count to 9.2, each at 140W. The RX-A3080 offers 9 discrete channels, meaning it can handle a 5.2.4 Atmos configuration.
On the connectivity side, the A860 has x4 HDMI inputs. The A880 and A1080 offer x7 HDMI inputs, while the A2080 offers x7 HDMI inputs plus x3 HDMI outputs. Being the ultimate model, the A3080 has x7 HDMI inputs, x3 HDMI outputs and "ultimate quality" XLR inputs.
The newly announced Aventage AVRs should ship by June 2018.
