AV Processor/Receiver Yamaha RX500A Black

Yamaha RX500A – 7.2-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1 and network streaming

The RX500A is a 7.2-channel AV receiver designed for home cinema, combining Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround decoding with a modern HDMI 2.1 video path supporting 4K/120 and 8K/60. Seven amplifier channels deliver 75 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 % THD, 2 channels driven), or 145 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10 % THD, one channel driven), with the option of bi-amp connection. Two subwoofer pre-outs allow a system to be built with a pair of bass modules.

The design draws on Yamaha's long-term development of AV receivers and emphasises operating stability when switching high-speed HDMI signals. A large heatsink above the HDMI circuitry draws heat away from the sensitive DSP and HDMI components, contributing to long-term reliability under demanding operating conditions. Component layout and signal path routing are addressed with the sonic result in mind and verified by listening evaluation. Mechanical influences are countered by the A.R.T. Wedge – a fifth, centrally positioned foot, adopted from higher model ranges, which together with the four outer feet disperses vibration.

Surround reproduction can be tailored to the room: the receiver supports a 5.2.2 layout with in-ceiling or upward-firing height speakers, or 7.2 with virtual height effects. The supplied measurement microphone and the Room Correction function measure both the acoustics of the space and the characteristics of the speakers and automatically adjust the system settings, improving source localisation and tonal balance regardless of the room's layout. The Pure Direct, Straight, Movie, Music, All Channel Stereo, 2 Channel Stereo and Night sound modes allow playback to be matched to the content and to the time of day.

In terms of connectivity, the RX500A offers four HDMI inputs and one output with eARC, VRR, ALLM and QMS, support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma, two analogue RCA inputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB, an FM tuner and Ethernet. Network playback includes Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast and AirPlay 2, internet radio and podcasts, with decoding of FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, AAC and WMA. Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint allows two devices to be paired and switched between quickly, four Scene buttons recall stored combinations of input and settings, and control is complemented by the Audio Connect app.

Key features

• Channels: 7.2-channel receiver with support for a 5.2.2 layout
• Surround sound: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding
• Video: HDMI 2.1, 4K/120 and 8K/60, eARC, VRR, ALLM
• Calibration: Room Correction with supplied measurement microphone
• Network: Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint