Yamaha unveils flagship CX-A5100 surround sound processor

The CX-A5100 replaces 2013’s CX-A5000, offering 11 discrete channels for surround speakers and two subwoofer outs, all available via XLR ports.

Inputs are suitably numerous at this level, including 8 HDMIs ins (and two out), three each of composite video (one out), coaxial and optical, five composite video inputs (one out), a single balanced XLR, and nine analogue ins. There’s also a front-mounted USB output and a 6.3mm headphone jack.

Support for Dolby Atmos is on board, as well as DTS:X via a forthcoming firmware update, but Yamaha’s YPAO 3D automatic system calibration will help set up your room for whatever configuration you decide.

As with all of Yamaha’s 2015 products, the CX-A5100 will come with Yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room technology. Other currently available AV kit, such as the RX-V79 and RX-A50 series, will receive it via a firmware update.

The CX-A5100 will be available in September for £2499.95.

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Verity Burns

Verity is a freelance technology journalist and former Multimedia Editor at What Hi-Fi?. 


Having chalked up more than 15 years in the industry, she has covered the highs and lows across the breadth of consumer tech, sometimes travelling to the other side of the world to do so. With a specialism in audio and TV, however, it means she's managed to spend a lot of time watching films and listening to music in the name of "work".


You'll occasionally catch her on BBC Radio commenting on the latest tech news stories, and always find her in the living room, tweaking terrible TV settings at parties.