For 2012, Yamaha announced five new AVENTAGE network A/V receivers with the 9.2-channel RX-A3020 (150W x 9) and RX-A2020 (140W x 9), as well as the 7.2-channel RX-A1020 (110W x 7), RX-A820 (100W x 7) and RX-A720 (90W x 7) models. The new models are designed to exceed the expectations of discerning audio and video enthusiasts with ear- and eye-pleasing performance. New 2012 features include AirPlay, 4K video pass-through with upscaling, upgrades to the top-rated Apple iOS/Android/Kindle Fire control apps, advanced multi-zone control with Zone 2 HDMI and energy-saving ECO mode.
“To raise the bar on the dramatic, enveloping sound customers expect from AVENTAGE, Yamaha engineers once again focused on the most minute details in componentry and construction. We evaluate every design element until we are satisfied that we are integrating only those that deliver the highest possible sound experience,” said Tom Sumner, senior vice president, Yamaha Corporation of America. “We take exactly the same approach from the system setup and operation standpoints, bringing customers the seamless delivery of music, TV and movie content from virtually any source to any room in the home.”
Just one example of the attention to detail designed and built into each AVENTAGE receiver is Yamaha's Anti-Resonance Technology (ART). A specially- designed, signature fifth foot at the bottom improves structural rigidity and reduces vibration that can cause distortion and loss of fidelity. Yamaha also incorporates double-bottom frame construction on the RX-A3020, RX-A2020 and RX-A1020 models, further minimizing distortion to provide peak audio performance.
All AVENTAGE A/V receivers are compatible with the top-rated Yamaha AV Controller Apps for Apple iOS and Android devices, as well as for Amazon's Kindle Fire, which offer full system control and access to music stored on smartphones and tablets. Depending on the device (tablet or smartphone), the app is designed to provide a portrait or landscape mode interface for easy visibility and use. Yamaha is the only AV maker to offer control apps with native resolution on all supported tablets and smartphones.
Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad, all AVENTAGE receivers provide the best possible audio reproduction via front panel USB inputs that provide direct digital connections to the popular devices. All connected Apple devices automatically charge for use on the go. In addition, the USB inputs may be used for playing music from portable storage and other compatible devices.
The AVENTAGE AV Experience
The RX-A3020, the flagship model of the AVENTAGE line, features Zone 2 HDMI that enables it to simultaneously deliver content from two independent HDMI AV sources to two separate zones — including 5.1-channel audio to the second zone. The RX-A3020 is a 9.2-channel receiver, and can be expanded to 11.2 using a standard two-channel amplifier for maximum system installation flexibility.
RX-A3020
RX-A2020
The RX-A3020 and RX-A2020 boast the HQV high-class “VHD1900” VIDA video processor for peak video performance. The RX-A3020 adds CINEMA DSP HD3 (HD Cubic) that expands the sound field vertically to provide the best surround sound reproduction available in a home entertainment system.
All AVENTAGE series models feature YPAO Reflected Sound Control (RSC) sound optimization, a Yamaha-designed technology built on its years of experience tuning professional sound systems to concert halls throughout the world. The RX-A820 through the RX-A3020 models add multi-point measurement (up to eight locations) to this process to enlarge the listening zone's sweet spot. The RX-A2020 and RX-A3020 add DSP Normalization that collects data on a room's “liveness” during the calibration process so additional adjustments can be made to optimize sound quality. The RX-A3020 enhances this even further with angle measurement that triangulates the positioning of each speaker in the system to compensate for non-symmetrical placement. In addition, the RX-A3020 and RX-A2020 feature a newly designed YPAO microphone that more accurately measures speakers placed at different heights.
Ensuring surround sound realism, all AVENTAGE series models feature improved Dialog Lift that more accurately positions dialog to come from the center of the viewing area when watching movies and television programming. Dialog Lift and Yamaha's proprietary CINEMA DSP 3D surround features can be used in conjunction with Yamaha's Virtual Presence Speaker function to provide these sonic benefits for systems that are not set up with presence speakers. Dialog Level Adjustment enables listeners to fine-tune the balance of sound for dialog and vocals.
The RX-A2020, RX-A1020 and RX-A820 feature dual HDMI (Zone B output capability) for simultaneous HDTV viewing in the main room and in a secondary room.
RX-A1020
RX-A820
RX-A720
AVENTAGE receivers offer a superior gaming experience with Video Direct Mode, which bypasses the receiver's video processing chips to speed up video by two frames per second and eliminates distracting delays to play action.
Connectivity and Control to Enjoy Content Anywhere
All models, starting with the RX-A820, feature Party Mode, which lets users automatically power on all zones and play content from a single source to all zones, without delay, at the touch of a button. While Party Mode is on, digital inputs in secondary zones can be used to playback different content.
Advanced networking control functions provide seamless integration with a wide range of third-party home automation control systems, including Control4 and PC Web browsers. All AVENTAGE receivers easily stream Internet Radio, while playing music files (WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC 96/24) from a PC or DLNA-enabled server. Each AVENTAGE model also offers comprehensive Web-enabled set up features for the custom installation market.
Additional key performance and control features found throughout the line include:
- Full HD Audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio) with Yamaha's proprietary Cinema DSP 3D audio processing;
- HDMI 1.4a with 3D and A.R.C. (Audio Return Channel) and analog-to-HDMI 4K/1080p video upscaling with precise deinterlacing for stunning, lifelike picture quality, even from non-HD sources;
- Compressed Music Enhancer expands the bit rate and frequency of compressed stereo audio signals (such as PCM files) for enhanced sound quality;
- SCENE PLUS provides a total of 12 preset system operation choices for the RX-A3020, RX-A2020 and RX-A1020 models. SCENE modes offers a total of four preset choices for the RX-A820 and RX-A720 models;
- ECO mode reduces the overall power consumption by 20 percent, with particularly low power use when the receivers are in standby mode. In addition, an Auto Power Down feature can be set for 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours to conserve energy;
- A newly designed learning remote control with full LED backlight display is included with the RX-A3020 and RX-A2020 receivers. The RX-A1020, RX-A820 and RX-A720 models also include newly designed preset remote controls.
Pricing / June 2012 Availability
RX-A720 ($699.95)
RX-A820 ($899.95)
RX-A1020 ($1,199.95)
RX-A2020 ($1,699.95)
RX-A3020 ($2,199.95)
RX-A720
RX-A820
RX-A1020
RX-2020
RX-A3020
