Yamaha is ushering in a new generation of AV receivers with the RX300A and RX500A. Both models support Dolby Atmos as well as HDMI signals at 8K at 60 hertz or 4K at 120 hertz. While the RX300A, with five power amplifiers, serves as the entry-level model starting at 399 euros, the RX500A offers seven amplified channels and additional network streaming capabilities. It is priced at 699 euros.
Dolby Atmos with five or seven power amplifiers
The Yamaha RX300A powers up to five speakers. This allows you to set up a classic 5.2 system with front, center, and surround speakers, as well as up to two subwoofers. Virtual height effects are designed to create a more spacious soundstage even without additional ceiling speakers.
Alternatively, two of the five power amplifiers can be used for a 3.2.2 setup with ceiling-mounted or up-firing speakers. In this case, the sound actually comes from above, but the two surround channels are omitted. In addition to Dolby Atmos, the RX300A also supports DTS Virtual:X.
The Yamaha RX500A has seven power amplifiers. It therefore supports either a classic 7.2 setup with additional surround-back speakers or a 5.2.2 system with two dedicated height channels. In addition to Dolby Atmos, this larger model can also decode DTS:X.
70 watts and a fifth leg
Yamaha specifies an output power of 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms for both AV receivers. This is measured across the entire audio range from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz with two channels driven simultaneously and a total harmonic distortion of 0.09 percent. The figure often cited in marketing—with only one channel active—is 145 watts into 6 ohms with 10 percent total harmonic distortion.
In designing this product, Yamaha draws on four decades of home theater experience. The signal paths and component layout are designed to consistently deliver high sound quality. A large heat sink above the HDMI section is intended to keep heat away from the sensitive DSP and HDMI components.
Yamaha has also adopted the Anti-Resonance Technology Wedge—or A.R.T. Wedge for short—from its higher-end AV receivers. This fifth foot, positioned in the center beneath the chassis, is designed to reduce mechanical vibrations and provide a more stable foundation for the electronics.
The sound modes include Pure Direct and Stereo for music playback, a Movie mode for movies, and a Night mode that reduces the dynamic range for nighttime listening.
HDMI 2.1 for 8K and Gaming
Four HDMI inputs accept signals at up to 8K and 60 hertz or 4K and 120 hertz. The HDMI output supports eARC, allowing high-resolution audio formats to be transmitted from the TV to the AV receiver.
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Hybrid Log-Gamma provide an expanded dynamic range. For the latest game consoles, both receivers also support VRR to prevent screen tearing, ALLM for automatic activation of low-latency mode, and QMS for faster switching between different frame rates.
It’s the network that makes the difference
Standard features include two analog RCA inputs, as well as one optical and one coaxial digital input. Audio files can also be played back via the front-panel USB port. Additional features include a headphone output, two subwoofer outputs, and an FM tuner.
Bluetooth 5.3 allows you to stream music and other audio content wirelessly. Thanks to Bluetooth Multipoint, you can pair two smartphones, tablets, or computers at the same time and switch between them.
The RX500A adds Ethernet and Wi-Fi to this feature set. This allows it to access Spotify Connect, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect without the need for an additional playback device. Internet radio and podcasts are also part of the network offerings. The more affordable RX300A, on the other hand, is limited to Bluetooth and USB.
Automatically adjusted to the room
A measurement microphone included with the unit supports automatic room correction. It analyzes the speakers and the acoustic conditions at the listening position. The receiver then adjusts its settings to suit the specific room.
On-screen instructions guide first-time users through connecting the speakers, TV, and source devices. Four Scene buttons allow you to save your preferred combinations of input and sound settings and access them later directly on the device or via the remote control.
Prices and availability
Yamaha says the models will become available in August 2026. This means that both models should already be available in stores by the time of their official unveiling.
The Yamaha RX300A costs 399 euros. The network-enabled Yamaha RX500A, which features seven power amplifiers, is priced at 699 euros.
