Yamaha RX-A840 Review

Modern AV receivers can handle far more than just surround sound. In particular, the latest models from Yamaha's Aventage series are packed with all sorts of technical finesses and features and promise high quality hi-fi sound and a diversity that was unthinkable only a short time ago. Here we focus on the higher end model RX-A840 and let you know why we give it both a Recommended and an Editor's Choice badge.

Very good sound is just as important as a large and crystal-clear image for a great movie experience, and in the best case you have a full-fledged multi-channel speaker setup. Now, to drive the speakers you also need an amplifier, preferably one that matches a modern home theater environment. And one that has enough in- and outputs and settings in order to be adapted to any individual needs. This is where the RX-A840 from Yamaha comes into play. A device which - as it turned out in our test - is offering flexibility and variety rarely seen in equipment like this. And the best part is, you don´t need an instruction manual as thick as the Bible to install it or setting it up, because the most important settings are done by Yamaha's AV magicians automatically!

Build Quality and Design

Do not be fooled by the rather simple and classic presentation of the new Yamaha Aventage series. For beneath the discreet black surface it hides a beast. The casing is trimmed to perfect functionality and therefore feels very solid and rigid. If you look closely, you´ll discovered a fifth 'foot' in the middle of the underside, which further underlines the strict procedure Yamaha implemented in terms of stability. However, this is by no means a fifth wheel on the wagon, but prevents the case from vibrating during operation, which in turn may adversely affect the sound.

Although equipped with all sorts of inputs and outputs on the front and rear, the RX-A840 is still visually unassuming. For example, all the front controls are recessed or cleverly integrated or hidden under a flap and don´t tarnish the tidy appearance at all. Only the two large, round control knobs for volume and source selection sticks out and immediately catches the eye and suggest that this is a multi-channel receiver.

Two subwoofers can be connected, so that a full 7.2 system is supplied with corresponding signals if that´s the case. If you only have a front system (Left-Center-Right) and use only three speakers you can create a virtual surround experience using the Virtual CINEMA FRONT feature. If this mode is selected the integrated digital signal processor, with the help of existing reflective surfaces in the room, simulate a credible soundscape at the rear. A great feature for the home theater lovers who still haven´t gotten around to install a complete multi-channel setup.

On the input side everything is available, from eight HDMI inputs, four digital inputs and six analog audio inputs, up to two component video inputs (YUV), whatever the heart desires of demanding home cinema fans. On the output side, almost the same variety as with the inputs is available.

If you have a large amount of equipment - everything from laser disc players, set-top boxes, game consoles, DVD players and Blu-ray players - you´ll easily find a port for it on the RX-A840, eliminating the constant need to connect and disconnect the devices because there´s not enough inputs. Even two playback devices, like a TV and a projector for example, can be operated in parallel on the RX-A840. Of course, all HDMI ports correspond to the latest standards. That is, they are fully 4K and 3D compatible. One of the two HDMI outputs also features an Audio Return Channel (ARC) so audio from the TV can be played back using the 840. Signals on all video inputs, including the analog, can be scaled up to full Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) to be able to fully exploit even the most modern high-resolution 4K displays.

Under the big front flap you´ll find a USB port which can be used to play video and audio files from Android or iOS devices, allowing you to watch and listen to the content on your phone and tablet using the Yamaha. Friends of the good old vinyl record will be pleased to know that the RX-A840 have a phono MM input. If you like listening to the radio, the Yamaha receiver have both a traditional AM / FM tuner, as well as full Internet Radio compatibility.

In addition, our test model also features the popular AirPlay feature that lets you play iTunes music wirelessly. As if that was not enough, the RX-A840 can, thanks to DLNA compatibility, also access the content that is stored on media servers directly. This means you can store your music library on a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a network hard drive, and access it through the receiver without the need to turn on any additional devices.

Setup and Calibration

The setup of the Yamaha receiver is very simple, because after all playback devices and speakers have been connected to the 840, the supplied measuring microphone just needs to be plugged in and placed at the listening position, and the YPAO starts automatically. Here, the receiver asks, at the beginning of the measurement process, whether to calibrate one or more (up to 8) listening positions. If you are mainly sit alone or with one other person close to each other while watching movies, then a single measurement position should be enough. If you´re watching in large groups however, then it is advisable to carry out several measurements to find the best compromise for all positions. When the measurement is started it´s best to leave the room in order to avoid disturbing noise or reflections that can lead to measurement errors. If you make a mistake when connecting the speakers (like reversing polarity), the YPAO registers this and alerts you to any possible inconsistencies. In addition, the system registers whether a subwoofer is connected or not and automatically decides how to deal with the bass frequencies.

The most important settings are easily done with the YPAO. Of course it is up to each owner of an Aventage receiver to adjust the settings ​​as they desire. In my experience, the setting ​​of the YPAO works really well and any further adjustments are in most cases not necessary.

Settings that go beyond the ones made by the YPAO still have to be made manually though. For example, all inputs can be freely configured and provided with their own labels and icons to customize the receiver to your individual preferences. Or, if you have only one TV and a Blu-ray player, all other inputs can disabled. This is more practical than you might think at first and has the consequence that unused inputs no longer appear in the menu, and you no longer have to browse through devices that aren´t available to find the desired source. To add more convenience, the Scene buttons can be found on the remote control and above the front panel flap. These can not only select the right inputs, but will also automatically turn on the corresponding device and load the sound settings. 

Surround Sorcery and Straight Sonics

Now we´re ready to test the sound of the RX-A840, but to give it the best chance possible to perform optimally we let it 'simmer', or 'break-in' as most people would call it, for about 100 hours before we indulge in an extensive listening test.

For the second part of the listening test, RX-A840's skills in music playback is put to the test, and we start with the high-fidelity "Straight" mode. When this is activated, all sound-altering circuits are turned off so that the incoming signal in the Yamaha is only amplified, nothing else. This mode should be used if you want to listen to your favorite songs as clean or "straight" as possible.

Going a step further is the mode "Pure Direct". This mode disables the LED panel and uses all available power for amplification of the signal, any additional functions not related to the reproduction and that is not required are switched off. This is, in other words, a mode for purists (hence the name, I guess) and provides an additional sound enhancement according to Yamaha. And here the Japanese have not promised too much, because the receiver sounds right from the first second, clean and just beautiful. Just the way it should be.

The selection of DSPs for movies are about as many as the music DSPs. Even video gamers are offered two modes (Action Game, Roleplaying Game). I would also like to mention a movie mode, Mono Movie, for old movies with only one sound channel. This mode process the sound so that it sounds "like in the atmosphere of a good old movie theater". A great feature that friends of old classic movies will appreciate.