Now in their eighth iteration of the Aventage (RXA) range of class-leading AV receivers, Yamaha have introduced the RXA-7 series.
We take the Yamaha RXA870 to task to see what it’s made of.
In the process of ‘seeing what it’s made of’, the first thing noticeable out of the box, is build quality. Taking note from their HiFi, not strictly AV background, Yamaha employ a construction grade more similar to a HiFi component than your average AV unit. The brushed metal panel on the front of the unit is a reassuring marker of quality in itself, and the rest of the external view of the unit feels robust and high-grade.
Take a deeper look however and you find Yamaha’s proprietary A.R.T (Anti Resonance Technology) Wedge, which is used to dampen vibrations which would ordinarily allow for mechanical distortion to potentially colour your sound. In addition to this, the feet have been reinforced and strengthened to keep the internal components stable, meaning you can turn it up without fear.
The unit is well-equipped to deal with most home set ups, containing 8 HDMI Inputs and 2 HDMI Outputs that are all HDCP 2.2 compliant, even allowing for the second HDMI to be totally independent on a stereo Zone B output, you could even run a JVC DLA-X500 with a Monitor Audio Bronze 5.1 in one room, with a TV and two floorstanders in another.
The RXA-870 has been upgraded over its predecessor – the RXA-860 – notably in terms of its video processing. This year’s version is capable of not only full 4K but allows for HDR10 and HLG processing as well as Dolby Vision pass-through and support for BT.2020.
Top quality Aventage sound meets class-leading networking, with the Yamaha RXA870.
In terms of audio, Yamaha are as versatile and as full of tricks as ever. The award-winning YPAO calibration is as effortless as ever, and on this higher model in their range, allows for YPAO R.S.C (Reflected Sound Control) so that even in less than ideal rooms (the vast majority of home cinema settings if we’re honest) the amplifier will compensate. It also adds the ability to have Virtual Surround Back, so that even if you’re using a 5.1. system, Yamaha will make it feel like a 7.1. by processing the sound so that it adds a pair of ‘phantom’ speakers to the rear for an even more immersive experience.
Equalisation and fine-tuning of the rooms is a breeze with a simple and clear menu and interface on the screen, and quick fixes changes are easy to accomplish with the MusicCast app. MusicCast is of course built into the receiver, which will allow you to take advantage of this hugely agile multi-room system should you wish. Via MusicCast you can also transmit Bluetooth signals from the receiver, a rarity on any system, meaning that even for listening in the dead of night, the receiver has you covered, perfect for late night series binging.
Tech specs aside, however, how does it sound?
We linked up the receiver to mixed Monitor Audio system comprised of the gorgeous W380IDC In-Wall Speakers, Radius 200 Centre Speaker, Silver FX with a REL T7I Sub.
Wanting to immediately test the receiver, we hooked it straight into the Oppo UDP-203 and put it straight into the first chase scene from Mad Max: Fury Road.
Immediately it gripped us, the sound of sand whipping around the desert could well have been in the room for the accuracy the RXA-870 supplied. Revs, gunshots, screams (‘WITNESS!!!’) were all clear and precise amidst the roar of battle and Junkie XL’s soundtrack, the receiver kept us tense and ready the whole way through. With the aid of the YPAO calibration, of course, quieter scenes such as the night run through the marshes, even whispered and quiet scenes were audible without needing to crank it up and retained the air of menace and suspense.
Musically, the receiver performs well as expected for the Aventage series. It includes chipsets for Spotify, Tidal, Pandora and even Hi-Res royalty Qobuz, amongst more so the vast majority of streaming is covered. For those more inclined to physical sources, there are analogue and digital inputs for CD players and an excellent DAC on the inside waiting for them. The icing on the cake is a built-in phono stage, for those using vinyl to create a true combination of audio and visuals. The receiver is at home whether playing Rubinstein Chopin Nocturnes, lending subtlety yet gravitas to the intimate classical piece or blasting out post-rock from If Trees Could Talk – Roots and Needles. The latter piece filled the room and each complex instrumental section was distinguishable as the RXA-870 put the set up to work.
If you’re looking for 7.2 channel amp below the £1000 price point, this is definitely the one to go for if you’re both audio/cinephile. The amp is agile but punchy and copes well with demand.
To hear it yourself, book a demo at your local Richer Sounds.
Click to find out more about the Yamaha RXA870 Atmos AV Receiver.
Author: Steve, Southgate Store
