Yamaha RX A2A vs RX V6A; In-depth Analysis of Features

Yamaha is one of the most trusted AV receiver brands for good reasons. Yamaha receivers are incredibly high-quality, and most provide a mind-blowing sound performance. Whatever you’re looking for in the world of home theaters, Yamaha is likely to deliver for you.

Yamaha RX A2A and RX V6A are some of the best 7.2 AV receiver for just about any application. And at the price point, we can confidently recommend both receivers as one of the best budget receivers, plus very few devices can match their flexibility. So between Yamaha Aventage RX A2A vs RX V6A, which unit offers superb value money? Let’s learn more!

Yamaha RX-V6A vs RX-A2A Specifications

Product TitleYamaha RX A2AYamaha RX V6A
Number of channels7.27.2
Total output power per channel100 W at 8 Ohms / 20 Hz to 20 kHz100 W at 8 Ohms / 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Dolby CompatibilityDolby AtmosDolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus
DTS CompatibilityDTS:X, DTS Neural : XDTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio
Video Pass-through4K60p4K60p
HDCP Version2.32.3
TunerAM/FMAM/FM
Power ConsumptionStandby: 0.1 WStandby: 0.1 W
Supported Audio CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC

If you’ve been looking to buy a Yamaha receiver but don’t know where to start your search, this Yamaha RX-A2A vs RX-V6A review will come in handy. Our team has tested each receiver’s capability to provide you with an honest and unbiased review.

Yamaha RX A2A Review

Yamaha RX A2A is a revolutionary 7.2 receiver capable of satisfying the needs of average users. It comes in a sleek design that complements its solid and flawless performance. The best part is that it does not tire you with complicated controls thanks to the simplified AV setup. Generally, it is a feature-packed receiver, and we liked how the model is constructed both externally and internally.

Product Features

Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Compatibility

The RX A2A is fully compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, which means it is designed to reproduce object-based sound. These technologies position sound at nearly every point in your living room, including over your head. This interaction offers a realistic and more natural surround sound experience that’s also less obtrusive.

Support for CINEMA DSP 3D

Much like other Yamaha receivers, the RX A2A is equipped with CINEMA DSP to let you enjoy reverberations and reflections of typical cinema spaces. This surround sound technology aims to recreate a cinematic experience that can only be equated to that of a concert hall. Basically, the idea behind CINEMA DSP is to recreate a more realistic cinema soundstage but much in smaller spaces.

Multi-room audio via MusicCast

If you are a fan of wireless music systems, then this is the receiver for you. The free MusicCast app connects all your components wirelessly while allowing you to control your entire system from the palm of your hand. The app also allows you to access your music sources, including personal music library, streaming services, and internet radio. Besides, the inbuilt Wi-Fi compatibility allows your receiver to access music from multiple sources.

Voice control

With the full support of Amazon Alexa, the RX A2A is designed with convenience in mind. You can use the voice assistant to switch between tracks, adjust volume, or even control what music plays in each room. However, you’ll need to get an Alexa-enabled device such as Echo dot to incorporate voice control into your system, including the multi-room setup.

YPAO speaker calibration

The RX A2A features the company’s proprietary YPAO acoustic optimizer to help examine the room acoustics. The included microphone helps to calculate the EQ settings of your specific room thereby allowing you to enjoy an optimal sound with any room acoustics. In addition, the inclusion of RSC in the YPAO system helps to further optimize sound in your room.

What we like

  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections are flawless and fast
  • YPAO works pretty well
  • The design incorporates anti-resonance wedge technology to help dampen vibrations and other interferences
  • Support for Zone 2 connections
  • It includes a phono input for hooking up a turntable
  • Simplified AV setup
  • Enhanced gaming features

What we don’t like

  • You may need a subscription fee to access some internet-based services

Yamaha RX V6A Review

If you’re looking to enjoy quality sound while listening to music or watching movies, the RX V6A from Yamaha is the one for you. The unit is ideal for multi-purpose use, and it easily competes with high-end models from Yamaha and other brands. So if you’re into movies and don’t want to drain your resources, the RX V6A is worth your consideration.

Product Features

Wireless connectivity

Yamaha RX V6A comes with inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to let you connect with multiple compatible devices wirelessly. Additionally, the receiver is fully compatible with most online music streaming services for convenient music streaming. Furthermore, you can work with Amazon Alexa, Siri, or even Google Assistant to control your system remotely.

Dedicated Zone 2 terminals

One feature that you’ll perhaps like most in this Yamaha receiver is the inclusion of Zone 2 terminals. This feature allows the receiver to send signals from the main home theater to another area, preferably a second room.

So instead of having all your speakers in the main room, you can repurpose them in another area for playback. The best part yet, Zone 2 configuration gives you the option of playing the same audio in both areas and a different playback for each room.

MusicCast multi-room audio

Like the RX A2A above, this receiver allows you to add both MusicCast 20 speakers and MusicCast 50 Speakers and enjoy a wireless surround sound setup throughout your home. MusicCast operation is especially helpful when you need to play hi-res forms, including ALAC (Apple Lossless), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and more.

Dolby Atmos with height virtualization

If you’re not planning to add in-celling speakers, you can still enjoy better overhead sound effects by adding two up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers. Additionally, the included Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization is a handy feature that lets the receiver simulate height channels for an even more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

Support for DTS: X and DTS Neural: X

These DTS sound formatting technologies are yet another area that will make you fall in love with this receiver. Like Dolby Atmos, these technologies help to place sound exactly where it would occur naturally like it is happening right inside your house. They also add realism and enhanced immersion in your music and all your favorite movies.

Convenient Compressed Music Enhancer

The Enhanced Music Enhancer utilizes a digital signal processor to help restore any data that may have been lost or compromised during compression. With this feature, your compressed files will resemble the original recording while making your music sound fuller. When it comes to video quality, this receiver is compatible with HDR10 and HDR10+ through future firmware updates.

What we like

  • Praise-worthy design details
  • Supports AM/FM radio
  • Instant setup and speaker calibration
  • Let’s you stream and enjoy music from Pandora, Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL SiriusXM, and more
  • The receiver includes a dedicated phono input
  • Convenient dual-band Wi-Fi
  • MusicCast provides a clutter-free setup
  • The AV setup guide works like a charm

What we don’t like

  • You’ll need extra amplification in Zone 2
  • Some users have reported minor HDMI issues

Yamaha RX A2A vs RX V6A—Our Verdict

Whether you’re looking for high-quality audio or like clear dialogues in movies these two models from Yamaha will undoubtedly satisfy your needs. We consider both models ideal for average users, as it didn’t take us a lot of time to get used to the models.

However, RX V6A comes out as a great budget unit, ideal for anyone who wants a simple setup without frills. It also comes with a user-friendly interface and offers basic features and controls for filling your living room with great sound.

On the other hand, the RX A2A is a premium receiver with all the major features you may want in a high-end receiver. The most notable features are MusicCast and YPAO, which guarantee incredible sound quality during playback.

That’s bring us to the end of the insightful analysis of these Yamaha receivers. If you have any questions or queries, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section.

Avatar for Jamie K. Martin

Jamie K. Martin holds a degree in Audio engineering from Husson University, Bangor. Martin spends most of his time testing and trying the technology he writes about to ensure that he provides first-hand information to our customers from all walks of life.

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