Audio Video News

Yamaha today unveiled a 5.1-channel AV receiver offering Alexa voice control and wireless surround capability in a space-saving “slimline” design.

Slated for delivery in August, the RX-S602 ($650) is less than 5 inches high yet supports the latest HDMI standards, 4K video passthrough at 60 frames/second, and three types of high-dynamic range (HDR) content: HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG).

Key features include Yamaha’s new MusicCast Surround technology, which in addition to Wi-Fi-based multiroom audio, supports the use of wireless rear surround speakers. The receiver can also be controlled by spoken commands when used with Alexa-equipped devices such as Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers; voice operation requires use of the MusicCast skill available in the Alexa Skills Store.

In addition to Wi-Fi, the RX-S602 supports streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect and offers quick access to internet radio and Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Tidal, Deezer, and Napster streaming services — all accessible via Yamaha’s free MusicCast app.

Yamaha’s proprietary YPAO auto-calibration system and Cinema DSP 3D sound presets are also on tap along with Zone 2 capability for sending audio from a second source to a pair of speakers in a remote room.

For more information, visit usa.yamaha.com.