Amplifiers don’t come much more jam-packed with features than Yamaha’s newest offering. Liam Power tested it out and took his sound system into the future.

The Yamaha RX-A8A is the top-of-the-line model in Yamaha’s AVENTAGE range of integrated receivers. Designed for the uncompromising home-theatre enthusiast, this hefty amplifier includes a wide range of features leading to a huge amount of versatility and integration with modern systems.

The RX-A8A’s design focuses on integrating premium components with modern quality of life features such as multi-room audio, connection to streaming services and digital room correction through the provided YPAO Room EQ system, the RX-A8A is intended to form the heart of a versatile audio setup.

The RX-A8A features 11 channels of amplification plus two pre-outs for subwoofers, allowing up to a 7.2.4 speaker layout. However, it will also comfortably drive a 5.1, 7.1 or even a 2.1 sub/sat system. If your speakers support bi-amping, any unused amplifier channels can be used to bi-amp for improved sound quality. This works by sending low and high-frequency parts of the audio signal down different speaker wires, potentially reducing any interference between the two.

Each channel has a rated output of 150W into 8-Ohms, with a 0.06% THD. Its max power per channel is rated at 220W, driving the THD up to 10%, but it wouldn’t be recommended to run the system at this level for an extended period as it would negatively affect your audio hardware.

Features

The feature list of the RX-A8A could fill a review by itself. Powered by a Qualcomm QCS407 quad-core processor the receiver packs a wide array of surround sound processing, music-streaming, voice control and digital EQ features into its large frame. The RX-A8A also includes Yamaha’s Surround AI DSP technology. This feature uses machine learning to adjust the surround mix of audio dynamically while listening.

In practice, this could mean mixing small amounts of the centre channel into the sides during dialogue scenes or expanding the sound field during a large action scene. This differs from static DSP modes because the SURROUND AI processing changes depending on input, rather than adding a static amount of reverb, spatialisation or EQ throughout an entire program.

YPAO is Yamaha’s room correction EQ algorithm, which in conjunction with an included YPAO microphone, provides diagnostic and calibration tools for identifying and correcting acoustic problems in your audio setup. This can identify acoustic problems and attempts to correct them with a DSP EQ algorithm.

However, it would be advised to correct these in the acoustic realm by treating your room with acoustic panels or bass traps and covering hard surfaces as much as possible to avoid reflections.

The RX-A8A’s inbuilt MusicCast system supports popular streaming providers such as Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. There’s also traditional analogue inputs for other hi-fi separates. The seven HDMI inputs, HDMI eARC, as well as composite inputs, all provide a versatile arrangement of I/O.

The RX-A8A has network connectivity via WiFi and ethernet for streaming music as well as firmware updates. Firmware can also be updated via the front USB port.  With 4K/120hz and up to 8K/60Hz HDMI I/O, this top-of-the-line receiver will be future-proof for years to come, combining new and old technologies into an integrated package.

Build and Aesthetics

Before even opening the box, the RX-A8A feels like a solidly built and heavy piece of kit. In the box is the RX-A8A itself, a DAB/FM antenna, the YPAO microphone and stand for room correction and analysis. There is also a short note describing the firmware update process. Also included is the power cable and remote. The RX-A8A weighs in a hefty 21.4 kg, a consequence of sticking this much functionality into an integrated package.

The piano-black front panel is glossy and uncluttered, with a large central volume knob sitting square in the middle waiting to be cranked. The unit’s screen sits to the right of the volume knob. A clickable jog wheel is located to the right of the screen for navigating the unit’s extensive menus (however using the remote or the YAMAHA setup app would be quicker).

Below the volume knob on the left sits the all-important power button, YPAO microphone input, USB Type-A port for media playback and the headphone jack. The build quality is solid throughout, with the large volume rotary feeling responsive and easy to operate.

In stark contrast to the minimal front panel, the back panel means business: containing the rest of the I/O for the device. The back panel features inputs for HDMI, Ethernet, Digital Audio, Composite Video, Phono for connecting a turntable and the speaker outputs and pre-outs.

Also, the RX-A8A includes balanced XLR inputs and outputs: an interesting inclusion from the pro-audio world. Balanced XLR signals are used to minimise noise and crosstalk for longer cable runs, and are typically used for sending microphone signals to and from a mixer in a live/studio environment. The balanced I/O on this unit is a nice touch, allowing longer cable runs while maximizing sound performance.

Setup and Installation

My setup includes a Hisense Smart TV and a pair of custom-built freestanding speakers with 8” woofers. Installation will vary in complexity based on your specific setup but will follow the basic pattern of plugging in inputs and outputs and enabling/disabling them in settings.

After you’ve powered on the receiver, plug an HDMI cable from the HDMI out on the back panel into an unused input on your TV. This will allow access to the on-screen menu via the remote control. To connect your speakers, either unscrew the terminals and loop bare speaker wire around them or if using banana plugs, remove the red and black dust covers from the speaker terminals and plug them in.

If in doubt, the Yamaha AV Setup Guide app allows you to enter specific details about your setup and devices. It then shows step-by-step instructions of inputs and outputs you need to plug them into as well as cables required.

For testing, I connected my phone via Bluetooth to the device, a simple process, and streamed some music via Spotify to verify that my speakers were set up correctly. I then installed the MusicCast app from the Google Play store. This allows you to control your receiver through Bluetooth or on a Wi-Fi network. To connect to the MusicCast app, select setup on your phone and then hold the menu/connect button on the RX-A8A’s front panel.

For further testing I connected an optical digital cable from my TV to the port on the back of the RX-A8A, as well as HDMI input via a Fire Stick 4K.

Sound

The opening scene of Anette (2021) starts with a hugely dynamic ensemble number. The sound is crisp, clear, and detailed with distinct elements easily picked out from a busy mix. With all AI enhancements and DSP turned off the amplifier faithfully recreated the dynamics of the source material. No visible noise or compression was applied to the signal. The dialogue was clear and comprehensible. Perhaps due to the Yamaha quoted “high slew rate” amplifier channels on the RX-A8A, changes in volume are handled well without any smearing.

The sound was so detailed I found myself appreciating the choices that sound designers had made during the film’s production. With the RX-A8A I was able to pick out each layer of sound design distinctly, seeing how different sound levels fit with different elements.

If the ideal home cinema setup recreates the feel of going to a cinema and being immersed in the soundscape, then the RX-A8A, along with a good set of surround speakers and a well-treated room, would certainly come close.

It will come up to personal preference whether features such as Surround AI or DSP modes will be useful to you and are definitely worth a try. During Road to Perdition (2002) the dynamics between chest-thumping gunshots and quiet sound elements like melting ice dripping and whispered dialogue made for a powerful, tense soundtrack.

The RX-A8A had enough dynamic range to comfortably handle these large volume swings with ease and without any noticeable distortion even at higher volume levels.

Conclusion

As the flagship amplifier of the AVENTAGE range, the RX-A8A incorporates a laundry list of features, designed with the uncompromising home theatre enthusiast in mind. When it comes to build quality, features, and sound, the RX-A8A performs admirably on all fronts.

The AV setup app allows for easy configuration and customisation for your specific use case. However, if your setup is more modest or if some features aren’t required, it might be worth considering a simpler receiver that suits your specific needs. Yamaha’s AVENTAGE range, such as the RX-A6A or RX-A4A, trade some features or amplifier channels for a lower cost. Before investing in a piece of audio equipment, it is advised to assess your needs and research the best solution in your price range.

Ultimately, the RX-A8A delivers features in a slick package with the possibility of future expansion well looked after by its 11 channels, multiple I/O options and streaming features. Firmware updates could also provide further functionality in the future. This leaves the RX-A8A as a strong contender in a crowded home theatre market and a great choice for taking your AV system into the future.