I was very keen on this Receiver, as I have been a lifelong Yamaha fan. However, with the never ending "future software update", I am now leaning towards the Denon AVR-X3700H or AVR-X4700H.
take it back. A customer buying a new product that says it should do something - should do it. I took back over 6 amps of various manufacturers to prove that all had the same defective hdmi chip set so the 120hz would never work. a year later Dennon finally admitted they knew of the bad chipset but sold their product anyway figuring people are too dumb to ever know. so any amp built 2021 or before is bad for 120hz 4k. I am tired of being sold supposed new amps which were only repackaged and sold again with same bug. Bestbuy geek squad kept saying its the cables, its my setup, its my settings - NO it was the defective crap the manufactures were selling us. A law should of been passed to hold these manufacturers liable for selling these bad amps/products.
I upgraded to the Arcam AVR21 from the RX-A6A because of the HDMI issues. That was a mistake. The Arcam is full of bugs and glitches and simply won’t display anything or play audio most of the time. I ended up returning it and keeping the A6A which seems more stable now than at launch.
I will not buy anything with future updates coming. For the money we are paying it should be ready out of the Box, If not we select a brand that is ready.
Nice review. I've ordered the A4A which should arrive in late May 2022. However if the promised features won't be included by then i will return it. Full function 48Gbit HDMI 2.1 on all ports is a huge factor for me. An AV Receiver is going to last me at least 5+ years so i expect the flagship line of Yamaha to work reliably, bug free and as promised.
Thanks man. Yeah I agree. I’m in the same boat the 2.1 features are the primary reason I selected this receiver. I hope we get the features and I’m sure they will come, but when is the question.
Wow, glad I saw this as I was looking at the A6A myself for my new dedicated media room for ps5 gaming (mainly) and movies. It's off the list for me now until at the very least it supports 2.1 features fully without bugs. Thanks for the heads up. I have the same issue that due to having to muck about with Amp, TV and settings my wife just goes and watches stuff on another TV. I was hoping to rectify this as well with the A6A.
I’m glad to give you the heads up. I think they really haven’t fully baked hdmi 2.1 yet. I’m still waiting for my consoles to work with it. It’s very frustrating.
I installed the firmware, it just enabled 4K120 pass-through however, it does not included VRR. So for me, unplugging from my Tv into the receiver directly (which is what I want) I will lose features. So it’s useless to me.
Hi mate, am i right that yamaha has released firmware to make it fully to work with hdmi 2.1 features now, i want my pc rtx 4090 to give me 4k 120hz vrr hdr etc ? can you confirm this, i want my gpu 4090 to go to this receiver, and then hdmi 2.1 out from yamaha to my lg cx, thx
I own the A6A and don't have the same issues with firmware updates, I can do them without the need for usb. Odd i haven't heard this issue before. One issue that frustrates me is after switching an input, after about 2 mins of play the screen goes blank for 5 seconds and then comes back. I really can't tell where in the chain this is happening (TV or receiver) but it never happened with my a1080
Sometimes getting the latest or greatest gear has problems yeah we all find out after buying them i wouldnt rely on updates make shure it does what you want it to as is when you buy it .
I'm in the same boat. I have the Yamaha RX-A8A. Everything that you just said is spot on! Also, Yamaha just released FW 1.59, where Yamaha updated RX-A6A & RX-A8A with Auro-3D!! No HDMI 2.1 update with the 4K 120.
@@ILT_AU There is an email floating around the AVS forums where a customer service rep said the hdmi 2.1 was supposed to be out winter 2022, which was the rumor, sometime in feb, march at the latest. But that could also mean december. so.....
Yup. Same here. Still can’t update via Online - need to use USB. Infuriating that PS5 won’t use RGB and is stuck on YUV422 because it is stuck in HDMI2.0. I was under the impression that it was 4K@120Hz that would come later. Not standard 4K@60Hz 4:4:4. How can TVs be having HDMI 2.1 working, but AVRs haven’t sorted this out in over 2 years!?
I have the Yamaha a8a and wow you have a lot of issues. I have zero issues you have but not having the 2.1 hdmi and vrr is a little frustrating. EARC Worked flawlessly for me
@@ILT_AU I wrote on the forums a couple of times. My biggest issues were the Dolby vision bugs. Then the 1.59 firmware came out and everything is fine.
Same here. I also have the A8A and it works very well. I did have some audio cut-outs in the beginning where I had to switch patterns to get it back but after firmware 1.59 no more issues.
Do any of you guys have an xbox series x and have paid for the Dolby atoms for games app? All my game and blu-ray sound has a delay when using the format
@@ILT_AU yea I was a lil turned off for having to pay for Dolby atmos. But did nonetheless.. that being said I don’t have delays. It works fine for me.
I bought the rxa2a 3 weeks ago. Spent 3 saturdays trying to get it running. Gave up and sent it back to the the store. got my money back and bought the Onkyo trx 6100. plugged it in and away i go, no updates on the hdmi etc.
Even though this AVR is rated at 150WPC RMS. you still need an external amp. took me a while to figure it out. if you connect 7.2.4 channels you won't have sufficient power. which is odd. On the other hand, the Onkyo RZ50 which is rated only at 120 WPC doesn't drop the power 7.2.4. I'm really having a hard time understanding all the ins and outs of this AVR. if I'm not mistaken this is really a Yamaha 3080 dressed up.
I’m really happy with it. Haven’t noticed any issues with power. I added an external amp for the fronts just because why not :) main reason was it supports my gaming toys with 7 inputs.
@@ILT_AU well. don't forget that took the "cost" issue into consideration. in my case, I build my own subwoofers. and since they're passive I needed a powerful amp to drive six 10-inch subs. (3 in each enclosure) for that, I'm using a Crown XLS 2002. plus I added another Crown 1002 for the front channels. I will admit. when I listen to a Dolby Atmos movie then I do use it on high volume. not blasting but I like feeling the bass. one of the reasons I chose the A6A was due to having XLR inputs and outputs. that's a feature only found on high-end AVRs' . gave me the impression This is a really high end receiver. all I can say is the power ratings do drop by a lot even when using 5.1.2 . when the RZ50 was on sale for $1299 I should have grabbed it. BTW: I have not changed a receiver since 1997. I own an Onkyo Integra TX838. this thing can put out some serious power. and the bass coming out from this unit is unsurpassed.
I bought and returned the Yamaha RX-A6A too many issues with it, no easy set up, sound was never right, apps for the receiver messy. I was too much. Plus the built quality was iffy , selector knob felt very cheap, you could not see the GUI on the screen, the menu for set up was not simple. I decided not to deal with it.
I'm considering buying this receiver as an update from a rxa1070, I don't game at all, I only use my receiver for music and movies. With your experience would you recommend against this receiver?
There was a recent minor firmware update about 2 weeks ago. It seems to have ironed out a lot of “funnies” the receiver had. I would recommend it. It’s definitely been improved and I’m super happy with the sound. Even if you don’t play games you will also be future proofed with HDMI 2.1 when the firmware is updated to support that. I also purchased it because I own an 8K TV. So if you ever get an 8K TV in the future it will support 8K resolution. Another layer of future proofing.
Just checking the receiver. Yep. You were correct. 1.65. It’s included the ability to pass 4K120 but not VRR :/ So doesn’t change much for me, it’s a downgrade. My TV gives me everything, if I connect via my receiver I will lose ALLM, QMS, VRR and more. It’s pretty disappointing for gamers.
@@ILT_AU do you think the Denon X1700H is a better option if your mostly a gamer? Has all the features I need 4K/120 on three hdmi ports in, with VRR and ALLM. fully functional out the box
Hard to say. I’ve never had hands on with it. I’ve always had Yamaha stuff and been really happy. I personally need as many hdmi ports as possible. So I’m going to hang in there. I feel the update has improved a few minor bugs but I’m not connecting my consoles until they include ALLM/VRR etc. it’s crazy. Most TVs that do 4K120 also do VRR/ALLM. So it’s pointless changing to directly plug into my receiver as all that will do is remove those features. What do you intend on doing?
I purchased 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos speakers in 2020 summer and waited for an av receiver with flawless HDMI 2.1 ports to come out in 2021. The RX-A6A was the one that I considered buying when it was released. However, after considering the bugs that it has been carrying and no full-function HDMI 2.1 ports, it's pushing me away because I don't want my family to have turn-on TV PTSD. I really don't understand why these manufacturers release these 8k av receivers with so many obvious problems.
All the new Onkyo models have flawless HDMI 2.1 out of the box. I bought the TX NR6050 from Costco for $439.00 / it's $499.00 right now. You wont be disappointed.
They are “electronic” candles :) They are called YeeLight Candella. I usually find they are cheapest on AliExpress. Unless there is a sale on eBay. Thanks for reaching out :) enjoy!
I thought I would upgrade to this from a Dennon 2130, big mistake, I rarely watch streaming through because it simply does not work all the time when streaming, terrible, wish I kept the Dennon.
I have been thinking of getting a Yamaha 1840b as a first step of going into 5.1. I tried some soundbars Q700 and some low cost ones, but have been really disappointed. Do you have any suggestions for proper surround setup around $1-1.5k or would it be better to go with something like Samsung q950a or something of that sort?
You can easily get the Q950A under 1k. I have 4 of them. They are Fantastic. As long as you set it up via the smart things app and add bass enhancements, it sounds fantastic. Highly recommended. IMO unless your going to spend a lot more money. Lower end receivers aren’t worth it. You gotta spend on speakers, sub and all that stuff. Q950A is the best $ for $ value. It’s as good as you can get before you move into separates and receiver territory.
I’m looking at this amp, I’ve always loved Yamaha all my life, these gremlins you are kind enough to let us know about are disappointing, but sounding like the updates are slowly fixing, I would like to run my PC through this amp to my tv as it will be 98” 😎 I’m into gaming to but mainly using this install for home cinema, if I may ask how is the atmos separation and sound on the Yamaha? Thank you I have liked and subscribed.
Hey man, I do intended on reviewing this again once the update for VRR arrives. That’s all I’m waiting for. If your TV doesn’t support 120Hz. Then it’s good to go. Great music and home theatre amp. I have my fronts paired with a separate amp. Atmos is solid. I find I’m always looking for blu-rays with good Atmos to get the most out of it. 98”. That will be a beast!! Haha. That sounds like a Samsung QN90A. Which does have HDMI. (Correct me if I’m wrong) Other than the VRR. I’m very happy since the past few firmware updates have dropped. I think if you can pick one up for a good price. It’s well worth it.
@@ILT_AU Thank you for the reply man, 😎 Yes the TV will be a beast in the size room I’m building into a cinema, my 98” is the new TCL C735 they’re pushing into the market hard, it started at $10,000 can purchase them now for $7,995, I wasn’t prepared to pay a stupid amount for a 100” Qled UHD so I’m prepared to give this a go for the price, I’ve seen a lot of reviews on this screen and all are quite good, apparently TCL have lifted their game on these new models, it does have 120hz refresh rate 👍 I’ve also picked up the Klipsch 820H 5.1 speaker package today, along with yet to arrive four Klipsch ceiling speakers for Atmos looking forward to running those on the A6A 😎 thank you again for taking time to reply, I look forward to your thoughts when next firmware drops hopefully fixing the gaming issues.
@@ILT_AU Excellent Combination . I have it for 10 Years. First a 5.1 Speaker System from B&W with RX A860. Today a 9.2.4 Speaker System from B&W with RX A6A.
Im buying Oberon 9 fronts Oberon vokal and oberon on the wall x4 for atmos. You got any idea is a4a enough at 110w to run these or do i need a6a? 50%music 50% movies. I allready got yamaha ns-sw700 subwoofer.
@@ILT_AU aha, I see. If you need all 7 to be 2.1 then no, Denon is not an option since they have only 1 or 3 if you don't mind to buy another switch from them.
Yeah got it last night. Not much to report. Just a few minor bug fixes for music apps I don’t use. All I’m waiting for is the addition of VRR/FreeSync Then I’ll do a re-review
They have slowly started to work out some of the bugs. I received an update just last night. It’s getting better. Once the enable VRR + 120. I’ll do a re-review!
It’s a top receiver. The sound out of this thing is crisp. Because I’m very gaming focused. I really want all the gaming features. If your not a gamer or don’t have a TV with VRR. It’s a non issue. It does support 4K 120 now but without VRR
@@ILT_AU I’m looking at this amp, I’ve always loved Yamaha all my life, these gremlins you are kind enough to let us know about are disappointing, but sounding like the updates are slowly fixing, I would like to run my PC through this amp to my tv as it will be 98” 😎 I’m into gaming to but mainly using this install for home cinema, if I may ask how is the atmos separation and sound on the Yamaha? Thank you I have liked and subscribed.
QMS is the only feature that has not been delivered yet. However, it wouldn’t matter anyway, all my modern hdmi 2.1 TVs don’t have QMS. So for me, i have all the features possible
@@ILT_AU I'm planning to get the A6A for my double height living room that will have a 5.2.2 setup. I want a mix of hifi sound and movies. Is there a significant difference between A8A and A6A?
I can’t speak for the A8A. From memory I think it packs a bit more power?? I know the A8A has more channels. For me, I have a 5.1.4. So I only needed 9 channels which is the max the A6A offers. I also have an external Amplifier for the fronts, so that could be a difference. I personally think the A6A is the sweet spot. You will be happy with it
The issue is. I am connected directly to my TV. My TV supports 4K120 with VRR and my OLED supports 4K120 + VRR + Dolby Vision. So if I connect my console via my receiver, I will effectively lose VRR and DV. So it’s a useless update unfortunately, until they include those extra features it doesn’t make sense. Do you get what I mean?
Yes. It currently is for me. All my devices go to the TV first. Then the TV passes audio back to the receiver. When the A6A is finally updated with all the features I’ll plug everything directly into the receiver and it will pass video to the TV
@@ILT_AU what is the pros and cons of doing them all through TV and then pass audio to reciever? Why not keep it like that? Is there a benefit of running everything through the reciever instead of way you have it?
The reason there is 7 HDMI inputs on the receiver is so you can plug everything into the receiver and your TV is always on the same HDMI input. You then only need to use 1 remote (or not at all via hdmi-cec) to change inputs through the receiver. Because I have so many input devices, when I’m using my xbox. I have to change the input on my TV to the xbox. Then eARC the audio back to my receiver. Then when I need to use a device that’s connected to my receiver. I have to change the input on my TV to the receiver. Then change the receiver to the correct hdmi input. I find there are a lot of bugs with eARC. Often audio lag, drop outs, pops etc. also compatibility isssue, eARC doesn’t always pass the correct sound through if it’s atmos etc. so if I run everything through my receiver, then the audio will be functioning correctly and it can pass the video signal to the TV for the picture. It’s just more simple in my case. If you only have 1 device then sure, just go direct into the TV and use eARC for sound.
I had this and returned it - BTW - the A6A is not part of the Aventage line. VRR still non functional - look at Techno Dad recent video. I bought an Onkyo TX NR6050 - exactly like the NR6100 except for 2 features - 90 wpc vs 100 wpc for the 6100, and no THX certification. But all the 4K/120 and 8K/ 60 Hz functions right out of the box. As well as VRR, QFT, and ALLM. And the 6050 I got from Costco for $439.00 / the 6100 is $799.00. Did I mention you have two eARC outs - and the first 3 HDMI inputs handle 40 gps. So running Playstation 5 is smooth. Dump that Yamaha - that new line is a dog. the display you can barely see cause its so small.
It is important to me personally. 2.1 is a major component of my setup but you are correct it’s not the only thing it’s got however I did choose it for that reason.
Im buying Oberon 9 fronts Oberon vokal and oberon on the wall x4 for atmos. You got any idea is a4a enough at 110w to run these or do i need a6a? 50%music 50% movies. I allready got yamaha ns-sw700 subwoofer.
You can never have enough power IMO. You can worse speakers but enough power to make them sound good. Having great speakers with less power won’t sound that good. I think if you can splash out for an A6A, do it. Otherwise you will still be happy with an A4A. This series Yamaha has done a great job power/amplification wise.
