AV Processor/Receiver Yamaha RX-A8A Black

Flagship 11.2-channel AVENTAGE AV receiver with Qualcomm QCS407 processor, dual ESS SABRE DACs and Surround:AI

The Yamaha RX-A8A is an 11.2-channel AVENTAGE series AV receiver aimed at demanding home cinemas, combining the Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and AURO-3D immersive formats with Yamaha's own CINEMA DSP HD3 sound field processing and the Surround:AI function. Rated power reaches 150 W per channel (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06 % THD, 2 channels driven), rising to 185 W with one channel driven (1 kHz, 0.9 % THD). The configuration includes 11.2-channel pre-outs and Zone 2/3/4 operation.

The construction adopts the concept, architecture and materials of the CX-A5200/MX-A5200 models. A double bottom chassis suppresses the transfer of unwanted vibrations, thick copper PCB foil lowers the impedance of the signal and power supply paths, and specially developed capacitors are used throughout. The output stages work as a High Slew Rate amplifier, whose circuit design maintains stable transfer even with steep signal edges — essential when reproducing high-resolution material. The chassis is completed by the resonance-damping A.R.T. Wedge foot.

The digital section is built around the Qualcomm QCS407 processor with 64-bit computation and a pair of ESS SABRE ES9026PRO (384 kHz/32-bit) converters. The combination contributes to a high signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range, so quiet passages and reverb tails remain intelligible even at high levels. Surround:AI analyses the scene in real time and distinguishes dialogue, music, ambience and effects, adjusting the degree of the surround effect accordingly; CINEMA DSP HD3 can use virtual rear speakers to create a field of up to 11.1 channels even with a 7.1 setup. Playback supports FLAC up to 384 kHz/24-bit, WAV and AIFF up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD up to 11.2 MHz.

On the video side there are 7 HDMI inputs / 3 outputs (HDCP 2.3) with 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz pass-through at 40 Gbps, support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, eARC and the ALLM and VRR gaming features. YPAO-R.S.C. calibration with multi-point measurement, 3D analysis, angle measurement and 64-bit EQ computation adapts the response to the room acoustics and optimises the parameters for Surround:AI and object-based formats alike. Network functions include 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and MusicCast multiroom, including MusicCast Surround with wireless MusicCast 20 or 50 rear speakers. The input complement is rounded out by an XLR input, a phono input for turntables, three optical and two coaxial digital inputs.

Key features

• Power: 11.2 channels, 150 W per channel (8 ohms, 0.06 % THD)
• Conversion: Two ESS SABRE ES9026PRO 384 kHz/32-bit DACs
• Processing: Qualcomm QCS407, Surround:AI and CINEMA DSP HD3
• Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and AURO-3D
• Video: HDMI 7/3, 8K60, 4K120, HDR10+, VRR and ALLM
• Calibration: YPAO-R.S.C. 3D with multi-point measurement and precision EQ