Audio Video News

Yamaha today announced that it will ship its third-generation Aventage-series CX-A5200 AV preamplifier in September and follow up with the companion MX-A5200 amplifier in December.

Hailed as “no-compromise” designs, the 11.2-channel CX-A5200 ($2,700) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to “automatically optimize surround-sound performance for each scene in a movie or any piece of content,” while the 11-channel MX-A5200 ($2,900) delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms (0.06% THD, two channels driven) with a bridged mode that boosts front left- and right-channel output to 200 watts per channel.

To optimize home theater performance, Yamaha’s Surround:AI processing analyzes audio characteristics in real time and makes adjustments based on comparisons with a database of reference-quality movie scenes. The processing — which focus on soundtrack elements such as dynamic range, dialogue, sound effects, background music, and channel balance — is said to enhance dialogue intelligibility, deliver “full-bodied sound for scenes with immersive sound effects,” and deliver the “best possible experience” in scenes with big musical scores.

The CX-A5200 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa-equipped devices and is loaded with state-of-the-art features including seven 4K/Ultra HD HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection, three HDMI outputs, support for BT.2020 wide color gamut (WCG) video in three high dynamic range (HDR) formats — HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma — and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround-sound decoding with up to 7.2.4-channel processing. Yamaha has also updated its Cinema DSP HD algorithms to further enhance the sound field’s vertical dimension.

Other highlights and performance-enhancing features include Yamaha’s Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO), which uses precise 64-bit EQ calculations to analyze and compensate for a room’s acoustic imperfections, Reflected Sound Control (R.S.C.) processing to enhance audio clarity by controlling early sound reflections, two 32-bit ESS SABRE PRO Premier digital-to-analog converters (DACs), balanced XLR inputs and outputs, and compatibility with home-control systems from Control4, ELAN Home Systems, RTI, and others.

The preamp supports Bluetooth streaming, is compatible with Apple AirPlay and Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom wireless audio platform, and provides access to internet radio and a number of streaming services, including Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Deezer, Tidal, and Napster — all of which can be controlled via the Yamaha MusicCast app.

The MX-A5200 companion amplifier features a large high-output toroidal transformer and two specially developed high-capacity block capacitors to ensure power is delivered with generous headroom. The left and right sides of the amplifier are physically and electrically isolated to improve channel separation and boost signal-to-noise ratio, while a rigid-frame construction with a double bottom is designed to eliminate the transmission of sound-degrading vibrations.

With 11 channels, the amplifier can drive a home theater system while powering speakers in other rooms.

For more information on the CX-A5200, visit usa.yamaha.com. Click here for more information on the MX-A5200.