Yamaha RX-A3000 Aventage 11.2 Networking A/V Receiver Review
Channels: 7.2 RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 140W x 7 Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 980W Audio Dolby TrueHD Dolby Digital EX / Pro Logic IIx DTS-HD Master Audio DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6 Pure Direct D/A Conversion: 192 kHz / 24 bit Selectable Subwoofer Crossover (9-band)
Video Time Base Corrector HDMI 3D Capable Analog Video to HDMI Upconversion (up to 1080p) HDMI Video Adjustments (Adjustable) HDMI to HDMI Upscaling HDMI Video Processing (HQV Vida) Component Video Upconversion S-Video Upconversion 5th Foot w/ Anti-Resonance Technology Low Jitter PLL Circuitry (Ultra Low) H-shape Cross Member Frame Symmetrical Power Amplifier Layout
Connections HDMI 1.4a (In/Out): 8/2 Component Video (In/Out): (4/1) A/V Inputs (S-Video): 5 Optical Inputs: 4 Coaxial inputs: 3 Optical Outputs: 1 Front A/V with Digital Input (HDMI/S-Video/Optical0) Front USB Input For Flash Memory Drives RS-232C Interface 8-Channel Decoder Inputs |
Advanced Features Four SCENE Buttons HD Radio Tuner iPod Compatibility (With Optional YDS-11/12 or YID-W10) Bluetooth Compatibility Compressed Music Enhancer Network Receiver Functions (DLNA 1.5/Win 7/Rhapsody/SIRIUS/Internet Radio) SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) HDMI Standby-through (can change inputs) Dialogue Lift YPAO (w/Optimizer Microphone) On-Screen Display (also w/ Zone GUI) Auto Power Down Web Browser Control Learning Remote w/macro Capability DSP Programs: 17
Custom Features 12V Trigger Outputs (x 2) Assignable Power Amp Channel Expandability w/ Ext. Amp (Up to 11.2) Zone Speaker Terminals Zone 2 Output (Component / Composite) Zone 3 Output (Component / Composite) Zone 4 Output (Optical) Zone Power Switching Zone Remote Control IR Inputs/Outputs (x 2) Receiver Manager Software Pre-Out All Channels Dimensions: 17-1/8" W x 7-1/8" H x 16-7/8" D Weight: 37.5 lbs. |
Pros
- Tons of configurability options
- HDMI standby pass-through (can change inputs)
- Dual configurable subwoofer outputs
- Supports full 11.2 home theater use
- iPad and iPhone app controllable
Cons
- Over abundant configurable options can be confusing
- Not compatible with MusicCast Gen 1
- Bulky and poorly designed remote control
Yamaha RX-A3000 Introduction
AV receivers are constantly changing, constantly leap-frogging one another in features and capabilities. This year Yamaha announced its Aventage (RX-A) line and, in the process, jumped over a lot of the competition. And not a little jump, more like an Olympic gold medal long jump. Much of that jump is simply in the way of value - I mean the Aventage line in general has build quality and features that seem like it should cost a lot more than it does. The RX-A3000 takes that to the nth degree.
There are five receivers in the Aventage lineup and the RX-A3000 is the flagship. The line is a simplified high-end run at the AV receiver concept. As such, there is a very defined delineation between models, but a few specific break points define some key places where some users will seek to spend a little more and up the ante on the return for their investment. Let's take a quick look:
RX-A3000 | RX-A2000 | RX-A1000 | RX-A800 | RX-A700 | |
Price | $1800 | $1400 | $1000 | $750 | $600 |
Power (RMS) | 140Wx7 | 130Wx7 | 105Wx7 | 95Wx7 | 90Wx7 |
HDMI 1.4a (in/out) | 8/2 | 8/2 | 8/2 | 6/2 | 6/1 |
USB audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Network receiver | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
HD Radio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Sirius Internet | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Video Processing | HQV Vida | HQV Vida | Proprietary | Proprietary | None |
Analog to HDMI | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
H-shape cross member frame | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Symmetrical power amp layout | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Learning remote | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
HDMI standby-through | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
GUI | Yes (w/Zone) | Yes (w/Zone) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPhone App Control / Web browser control | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
12V Trigger output | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Channel expandability | 11.2 | 9.2 | None | None | None |
Zone 2/3 video | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Zone 4 output | Optical | No | No | No | No |
Zone remote | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
As we see it, there is a definite line in the sand drawn after the RX-A1000 which adds a significant amount of power, HQV Vida processing and Zone 2/3 video capabilities. If you want the high-end of what Yamaha is now offering, you're going to want to get into the RX-A2000 or RX-A3000. Take a look down the line, however, and it's remarkable what the first three of the line manage to cram in at much lower price points. Economy of scale has done much to bring down the price for features you would simply not have dreamed of just a few years ago. HDMI Standby-through mode in a $600 receiver with a motion GUI interface and 12V trigger outputs? 2011 is going to be a good year for upgraders.
Now for a trip back through memory lane. Back in 2008 Yamaha released its top of the line RX-Z7 AV receiver. It had 7 channels of amplification with 140 watts each. All manner of video upscaling (analogue and digital) was included and it had a whopping 5 HDMI inputs and even two paralleled outputs. For room correction, Yamaha pulled out the stops and debuted a new proprietary YPAO-based multi point room calibration system. For multi-room applications there was support for 4 Zones of audio (including a dedicated digital audio output for Zone 4) and networking features to stream online music and even allow the receiver to be controlled by an iPod Touch or iPhone. It weighed just over 40 pounds and cost $2700. It was pretty impressive to say the least.
Then, two years later, Yamaha released the RX-A3000 Aventage receiver. It too has 7 channels of 140Watts each, the same analogue and digital upconversion. But it has 8 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, all 3D compatible and supporting the latest features like Audio Return Channel. It also has even more impressive features, like the ability to bypass HDMI while in standby, so you can use your TV without having to turn on the receiver. It has close to the same advanced multi-zone YPAO room correction system and network features and the 4 Zones of audio. It adds another component video input, bringing the total to 4 - which is more than enough in our opinion, especially given the decline and phase-out of analogue outputs in favor of HDMI. It does remove one digital audio input and output. It also removed the two switched outlets on the back. But here's the kicker. It's nearly as hefty as the RX-Z7 and costs just $1700.
Now we're not going to say that the amplifier section is exactly the same as the RX-Z7, but given the feature set, weight and $800 cost savings, Yamaha's RX-A3000 just became the most modern "big man on campus" and it's going to take quite a bit to topple this goliath.
Here is the comparison of the RX-Z7 vs. the RX-A3000 side-by-side, check it out for yourself:
RX-Z7 | RX-A3000 |
5 HDMI 1.3a Inputs, 2 Outputs | 8 HDMI 1.4a Inputs, 2 Outputs |
3 component video inputs, 1 output | 4 component video inputs, 1 output |
Multi-point YPAO | Multi-point YPAO |
7 x 140 watts per channel | 7 x 140 watts per channel |
4 Zones | 4 Zones |
7 digital audio inputs, 2 outputs | 6 digital audio inputs, 1 output |
2 switched outlets | No switched outlets |
No HDMI pass-through in Standby | HDMI pass-through in Standby |
Dual sub outs (mono only) | Dual sub outs (stereo, mono, front/back) |
Compatible with MusicCast Gen 1 | Not compatible with MusicCast Gen 1 |
MSRP: $2699.95 | MSRP: $1799.95 |