Yamaha regularly updates its lineup of branded home theater receivers roughly every year, though these revisions rarely bring significant innovations. This is especially evident in the premium AVENTAGE series. The RX-A3080 model has replaced the RX-A3070 receiver and offers an even broader selection of features.
The Yamaha RX-A3080, like all premium AV receivers from the brand, exhibits a well-balanced design that integrates both digital and analog components. The digital capabilities of this model leverage cutting-edge technology, featuring ESS SABRE ES9026PRO chips with specifications of 32-bit / 768 kHz in the DAC section. In contrast, the power amplifier adheres to traditional standards of high-quality transistor devices, avoiding “highly efficient” integrated circuits and class D amplification. Instead, it employs a classic class AB circuit utilizing complementary pairs of transistors, supported by a robust power supply unit built around a substantial transformer. To manage the heat generated by its nine channels, the design incorporates two heat sinks positioned on either side of the power supply. The amplifier delivers an impressive 150 watts per channel at full load in stereo across a frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz (at 8 ohms), contributing to its substantial weight of 19.6 kilograms.
Another critical factor in its performance is the anti-resonance ART chassis, which features a fifth support that effectively decouples the transformer mechanically. The digital section of the receiver also includes innovative features, such as the Yamaha DOPG “ground,” which mitigates potential differences between various conversion stages, significantly reducing background noise levels.
The Yamaha RX-A3080 is equipped to handle all contemporary surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, in addition to featuring the proprietary MusicCast multi-room audio system. Its YPAO RSC automatic sound field adjustment technology effectively evaluates the room’s acoustic characteristics and fine-tunes the output using a multi-band equalizer, with all adjustments executed at 64-bit precision. For enthusiasts of stereo sound, the device includes balanced analog inputs via XLR, allowing for connection to preferred SACD or CD players. Additionally, it offers a balanced output from the preamp for the front channels, greatly enhancing compatibility with various power amplifiers.
This receiver is also equipped with the latest Surround AI decoder. Its primary function is to analyze a film’s audio track in real time, distinguishing various elements such as dialogue, ambient sounds, and music. The processor then intelligently allocates these elements across different audio channels. It remains unclear whether the operational mechanism of this decoder aligns with that of Dolby Surround or DTS Neural:X.
The entire RX-A 80 series is equipped with the MusicCast Surround feature, enabling the creation of a comprehensive wireless home theater system utilizing compatible wireless speakers and subwoofers, such as the Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100.
As the number of amplification channels increases, the importance of a robust power supply unit in any multi-channel AV receiver becomes more pronounced. Only a high-capacity power supply, typically found in the premium ranges of any manufacturer, can deliver the necessary energy to support nine amplifiers. Yamaha’s most advanced technologies and innovations are embodied in the elite AVENTAGE series, led by the RX-A3080 model. The series name stands for “AV entertainment of the new century,” aptly reflecting the essence of the devices within it. At the heart of the receiver is a substantial power transformer, instilling confidence that it will perform reliably during the most demanding cinematic moments.
Beneath it lies the fifth ART Wedge support, designed to mitigate vibrations from the transformer. The side walls house power amplifier boards equipped with heat sinks to cool the output stage transistors. The RX-A3080 employs traditional Class A/B amplification using complementary transistor pairs, resulting in a notably warm operating temperature. Sound decoding and proprietary audio processing are managed by three Cinema DSP processors from Texas Instruments. Yamaha is renowned for its unique algorithms for digital multi-channel audio processing, and the RX-A3080 continues this legacy. In addition to a standard suite of acoustic environment emulations, it features the proprietary CINEMA DSP HD3 technology, enhancing the audio experience for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats.
The Yamaha RX-A3080 boasts an impressive array of network capabilities that cannot be overlooked. To connect the receiver to a home network, users have the option of a wired setup via the Ethernet RJ-45 port or a wireless connection, thanks to the integrated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi adapter that supports standards up to IEEE 802.11n. This network connectivity enables access to audio files from DLNA servers and facilitates streaming from popular services like Deezer, which has gained a strong following in Russia. Furthermore, the RX-A3080 is compatible with Yamaha’s proprietary MusicCast technology, allowing for the creation of distributed audio systems. This feature enables the integration of over 30 different audio devices, including active wireless speakers, throughout various rooms in your home.
Integration into a computer network enables the use of your smartphone or tablet as an advanced remote control. Simply install the proprietary AV Controller or MusicCast Controller app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Additionally, the receiver can be managed through third-party protocols like RTI or Crestron, facilitating seamless integration into a smart home system. With the inclusion of a wireless Bluetooth interface adapter, you can stream music directly from portable devices and send audio to wireless headphones or compatible speakers, as the module supports both receiving and transmitting sound.
However, it is worth noting that the receiver does not support the aptX protocol, which would allow for minimal quality loss during streaming. When playing audio from DLNA servers and external USB storage, the Yamaha RX-A3080 is compatible with all major encoding formats, including WAV, FLAC, and AIFF at up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, ALAC (24 bit / 96 kHz), and DSD at frequencies of 2.8 and 5.6 MHz.
Yamaha’s premier AV receiver is equipped with the innovative YPAO-RSC automatic calibration system. Utilizing measurements taken with the provided microphone at multiple listening positions—complete with a rare installation bracket—the algorithm determines the necessary equalization to balance the frequency response across all channels. Additionally, this system adeptly addresses the room’s inherent resonances and mitigates standing waves.
The robust computing architecture of the Yamaha RX-A3080 AVENTAGE AV receiver not only supports the execution of sophisticated and demanding proprietary digital soundtrack processing but also ensures highly accurate decoding of audio tracks. Furthermore, when handling the advanced object-oriented formats of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the digital hardware requirements for the receiver become more rigorous. Throughout the listening experience, the receiver performed exceptionally well, delivering a rich sound with meticulous detail across the audio landscape, complemented by impressive scale and remarkable dynamic range—qualities that are hallmarks of Yamaha products.
Yamaha RX-A3080 Specifications
- Output power, W – 9 x 150 (at 8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, with two channels loaded, THD 0.06%)
- Frequency range, Hz – 10 – 100,000 (-3 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio, dB – 110
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 75 W / 8 Ohm), % – < 0.04
- Damping factor – 150 (1 kHz, 8 Ohm)
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding – yes
- Auto calibration system – yes, YPAO-RSC
- Switching HDMI v.2.1 with support for 4K 60p (4:4:4), HDCP v.2.2, HDR, BT.2020, inputs / outputs – 8 / 3
- Video scaler – up to Ultra HD
- Analog video signal converter in HDMI – yes
- Video inputs – composite (4), component (2)
- Audio inputs – Phono, XLR, RCA (7), digital optical (3), digital coaxial (3)
- Audio outputs – multichannel analog 11.2, stereo front XLR
- Additionally – 3D, CINEMA DSP HD3, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet RJ45, MusicCast, Airplay, Wireless Direct
- Power consumption (max), W – 1210
- Dimensions, cm – 43.5 x 19.2 x 47.4
- Weight, kg – 19.6
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