• Yamaha Aventage Series 10

Yamaha has finally released information on four new models for its 10th generation of Aventage premium AV receivers. The RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A offer 11, 9 and 7 channels respectively, joining the 7-channel RX-A2A which we have reviewed in this issue. That RX-A2A model is available now, with the RX-A8A available in Australia from June. Release dates for the RX-A6A and RX-A4A are yet to be confirmed.

They represent the biggest change in external design since Aventage made its debut in 2010, with a simplified modern design moving the main volume knob to the centre, a new high-resolution LCD display to the right with a rotary jog dial and touch-sensitive buttons. The sound quality is also enhanced, says the company.

“We broke the mould when we premiered our flagship Aventage series in 2010,” says Yoshi Tsugawa, Senior Gen. Manager of Yamaha Japan’s Home Audio Division. “Now we’ve re-engineered it from the ground up, shattering expectations for what’s possible for an AV receiver to reproduce True Sound. Not only do these new Aventage AV receivers stay in lockstep with emerging tech — such as the latest gaming consoles and rising resolution of TV screens — but they also stay one step ahead in anticipating customers’ future needs.”

The key power specs through the range run from 150W × 11 channels on the RX-A8A, 150W × 9 from the RX-A6A, then 110W × 7 and 100W × 7 for the A4A and A2A models, with high slew-rate amplifiers claiming to more than double the performance of the previous generation. All feature HDMI 2.1 inputs (three on the A2A, all seven on the others) and outputs (one one the A2A, three on the others). Currently the inputs on the released RX-A2A are good to 4K/60, but a future update will see all models able to pass 8K/60 and 4K/120, including gaming features such as ALLM, VRR, QFT and QMS.

The issue with non-standard 4K/120 output from Microsoft Xbox and Nvidia RTX 30 graphics cards, for which some companies are now issuing HDMI adaptors, will be addressed with a hardware HDMI board update for the RX-A2A and for RX-V models affected, “ensuring any customers wishing to utilise this specific feature are looked after” , we’re told by Yamaha in Australia.

We gather the RX-A4A, RX-A6A and RX-A8A are all unaffected by the early HDMI issue.

Meanwhile the receiver’s audio benefits from premier SABRE DACs from ESS Technology and quad-core audio processing supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with Auro-3D to come on the top two models. All Aventage models feature Surround:AI, a proprietary Yamaha technology that aims to optimise the sound quality of dialogue, background music and sound effects in real time. All also include Yamaha’s room acoustics optimizer (YPAO) that optimises the performance of your speakers to your room.

There is also the significant bonus of Yamaha’s streaming and multi-room MusicCast platform delivering key streaming services, AirPlay 2, multi-room audio and voice control via Alexa, Google and Siri-enabled devices.

The Yamaha RX-A8A comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, while the RX-A6A, RX-A4A and RX-A2A each have a five-year warranty. Prices are $1599 for the RX-A2A, then $2399, $3699 and finally $6299 for the RX-A8A. More information: au.yamaha.com

If you’re seeking a solid studio-like sound without the overtly ‘Classic’ overtones of JBL’s L100 reboot, the company will soon be releasing these new JBL 4309 Studio Monitor compact two-way speakers, which combine a certain pro-heritage-style aesthetic with the latest technologies, packaged together in a relatively small form factor, just 42cm high.

The 4309s are equipped with a 2410H-2 Teonex 25mm compression driver mated to JBL’s latest HighDefinition Imaging (HDI) horn, and a 165mm (6.5-inch) pure-pulp cone bass/ midrange driver. The 2410H-2 has a lightweight polymer annular diaphragm that improves high-frequency extension by reducing diaphragm mass, and a V-shaped geometry that reduces break-up modes, aiming to eliminate time smear and reduce distortion. The long-throw bass/ midrange driver has a cast frame and 39mm diameter voice coil within JBL’s symmetrical field motor design, which includes both flux stabilisation and copper-shorting rings to reduce distortion.

Crossover between the two drivers is managed by a network that uses air-cored inductors, cast wire-wound resistors and low-ESR metallised film capacitors. JBL rates the 4309 with a frequency response of 42Hz– 30kHz –6dB, a sensitivity of 87dBSPL (2.83V/1m) and a nominal impedance of four ohms.

The finish follows classic JBL monitor design livery, with the iconic blue baffle and a choice of furniture-grade satin wood veneers in walnut with dark blue grilles or black walnut with black grilles (pictured above).

Dual sets of gold-plated binding posts enable your choice of single- or bi-wire/ bi-amplified connection.

Availability is slated for September, with a retail price of $3999 per pair. More info: www.convoy.com.au/jblsynthesis