Daniel J SaitA brand that perhaps deserves a bigger footnote in the history of custom installation that is receivers – after all Yamaha was doing multi-room music systems way before it was a ‘thing’ – has just released its latest family of AVRs, the RX-V83.
This group looks to carry on the work it has done in recent years with its MusicCast platform which links all of Yamaha’s products together over a home network. The new family also offers some additions to underline the brand’s commitment to delivering AV versatility and compatibility.
The new range consists of the RX-V683, RX-V583, RX-V683, RX-V383 and RX-V483, created to deliver entry level to mid-range solutions.
The whole RX-V83 series includes Dolby Vision, 4k Ultra HD and HDR compatibility. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported on the RX-V583 and RX-V683 with the RX-V383 and RX-V483 supporting Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio.
Bluetooth is included across the range with the RX-V483 and above featuring Bluetooth transmission as part of MusicCast, allowing users to connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Each model also includes the maker’s YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Optimiser) technology for auto calibration of speakers using a parametric equaliser, with the RX-V683 featuring the upgraded YPAO-RSC (Reflected Sound Control), which is set up to cope with reflective or awkward surfaces and furniture in a room.
For home theatres Yamaha is promising to keep the quality coming via its own CinemaDSP technology. From the choices available in the feature, Yamaha recommends Sci-Fi mode for home cinema sound or for more straight-forward TV sound or two-channel, the 5 or 7ch stereo modes are a good choice. For music, music modes like Roxy Theatre can be fun too.
As vinyl continues to fight its corner with fans old and new, Yamaha has included on the RX-V683 an MM phono stage inside which allows end users to play records through their full home cinema system.
The vinyl collection can also get a new lease of life throughout the property via the MusicCast functionality which can connect with other MusicCast compatible products (numbering 50 and rising) around the home. Traffic can be two way, with the AVR receiving or sending out content to be played back where appropriate on the system. The MusicCast family consists offers choices such as a soundbar, speakers, soundbase, micro systems, Hi-Fi components and active speakers.
Included with every MusicCast product is Bluetooth input, Bluetooth transmission, network radio, streaming services (with more to be added in 2017), multi-room functionality, link control, hi-res audio streaming capability up to 192/24 WAV/FLAC/AIFF, 96/24 ALAC and some supporting DSD 5.6MHz.
This range also adds compatibility with TIDAL and Deezer digital music platforms. Both services will be available on all 2017 released Yamaha network AV receivers from the RX-V83 series, alongside other MusicCast wireless multiroom audio products via a future firmware update.
All of the functionality for the platform and for the new AVRs can also be accessed and controlled via the dedicated App.
The RX-V383 and RX-V483 (both 5.1) will be available in May and the 7.2ch compatible RX-V583 and RX-V683 will be available in June.