EXCLUSIVE: Yamaha launches first 2012 AV receivers
Yamaha has launched three new AV receivers for 2012, with key features including AirPlay, 4k2K support, WiFi and of course quality sound.
The V73 range starts features the entry-level RX-V373, £250, the network-enabled RX-V473, £340, and the 7.1-channel RX-V573, £440.
As well being the first Yamaha AVR products with AirPlay, there's also DLNA, Yamaha's own MusicPlay streaming app, which allows you to stream from any smartphone, and a new AV Controller app for smartphones and tablets (Android and Apple).
Elsewhere a new ECO mode promises 20% reduced power with minimal loss of audio quality, while Yamaha's YPAO sound optimization feature has also been improved and there's support for 4k2k content.
The entry-level Yamaha RX-V373 (above) is a 5.1-channel AV receiver, claiming 100w of power per channel. There's support for all HD audio format decoding, 4k video pass-through and 4 HDMI in and 1 out.
There's a front panel digital USB connection for iPod and iPhone, FM/AM radio, low standby power consumption of 0.3w and the new ECO mode. The Yamaha RX-V373 is due out later this month and costs £250.
The step-up model, the Yamaha RX-V473 (above), is the first 2012 Yamaha AV receiver with network capabilities, as well as all the features in the entry-level model.
Network support brings AirPlay, DLNA, vTuner internet radio and compatability with the new AV Controller app.
Power is increased to a claimed 115w per channel - it's still a 5.1-channel amp - and the front panel digital USB connection officially supports iPad on this model as well as iPod and iPhone.
The Yamaha RX-V473, which has sockets for banana plugs on all the speaker terminals (see above), unlike the entry model, is due out in May at a price of £340.
The top model in the 2012 range for now is the RX-V573, which takes the leap to 7.1 channels of sound, each offerering the same 115w of power.
The extra channels can also be used to drive a 'Zone B' 2-channel set-up in a second room, working distinctly from the 5.1-channel set-up. Assignable amplifiers also allow for bi-amping.
4k pass-through support is still here, as are 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output, the YPAO sound optimization and ECO mode, plus all the network features including AirPlay.
The Yamaha RX-V573 is due out in May/June for £440.
We will be bringing you more exclusive news on the Yamaha 2012 product line-up as we get it, plus the first reviews.
Comments
You and me both. When's your guess? Stocks are running low in a few places. I'm thining begining of June, and there might be a 2030 with my name on it. (Onkyo 876 just exploded - literally)
I have a Blu-Ray, DVD player, a Western Digital Media Hub, Plasma TV and a SKY box.
Fortunately I have the 'old' style xbox 360 which uses component.
I know could possibly drop the DVD player and solely use the Blu-Ray player to recoup a HDMI socket but unfortunately my ageing Panasonic Blu-Ray player is extremely slow on load-up.
Admittedly I'm reluctant to spend £100 plus on a speedier BluRay player
Didn't most of the other company's have these specs and more last year, is 4k useable yet ?
Pioneer all the way me thinks, but what do I know.
I think 5 sources is quite possible. DVD, Sat box, Media box (local hard drive), X-box or similar - and finally a fifth for laptop for iPlayer etc.
Sure, iPlayer is appearing on many devices now but I am sure many punters have not renewed all their kit just for this yet.
I would agree that 6 HDMI inputs should be a standard offering.
Really? Just how many sources do you have?!?
Most people would have a max of Blu-ray or DVD player, digital TV box, and a games console or two.....
Why only a paltry count of four 'in' HDMI connections? I hope Yamaha issue a model having at least six HDMI connections.
I hope to see AirPlay and DLNA support in stereo systems as well!!!
Yes, it's great that Airplay has been added. Will be interesting to see what the app is like - whether it's as good as the Pioneer app.
Very nice they added airplay, it worked pretty good previously but I reckon we'll be able to fully use iTunes match with these. Can't wait for the new Aventage recievers.