Yamaha RX-V6A AV Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V6A AV receiver is designed for a 7.2-channel home cinema system. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, network playback and audio in a second zone. Its rated output of 100 W per channel was measured with two channels driven under the following conditions: 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz and 0.06% THD.

Seven amplified channels provide the flexibility needed to include height channels in a surround sound layout. Two subwoofer outputs allow two powered subwoofers to be connected.

Surround sound and dialogue

Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Surround and DTS-HD Master Audio cover the principal audio formats used for films and home cinema. Cinema DSP provides 17 programmes for adapting the listening presentation to different content.

Dialogue Level Adjustment helps bring speech forward when it would otherwise be masked by music or sound effects. Dialogue Lift changes the perceived height of voices, which can help dialogue appear to come from the screen rather than from a lower centre speaker. Virtual front and rear surround speaker processing offers more layout flexibility when every physical channel cannot be installed.

SILENT Cinema applies surround processing when listening through headphones, while Virtual Cinema DSP is intended for a simpler speaker arrangement. Surround:AI and Auro-3D are not supported.

HDMI connections for picture and sound

Seven HDMI inputs make it possible to bring several video sources together in one system. A single HDMI output carries the picture to a television or projector. The HDMI connections support HDCP 2.3, Dolby Vision, HLG and BT.2020.

eARC and ARC return sound from a compatible television through the same HDMI cable used for the picture connection. HDMI CEC allows compatible connected devices to exchange basic control commands. Video resolution can be upscaled to 4K.

4K/60 signals can pass through without an additional update. The listed support for 4K/120AB, 8K/60B, HDR10+, VRR, ALLM, QMS and QFT is specified as requiring a future update. The same condition applies to Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. Buyers considering this receiver specifically for any of these functions should take that limitation into account.

Music sources and networking

Built-in Wi-Fi operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. AirPlay 2, Bluetooth with SBC and AAC, and Spotify Connect provide several ways to play music wirelessly from compatible sources.

MusicCast provides control for a multi-room audio system. Additional compatible MusicCast speakers can also serve as wireless rear speakers in a 5.1-channel system. These speakers are not included with the receiver and must be obtained separately.

Listed network services include Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer and Napster. Service availability and operation depend on the country, the user’s account and the individual service provider.

Digital files and analogue sources

The receiver plays MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 AAC files at up to 48 kHz and 16-bit resolution. It also supports ALAC up to 96 kHz/24-bit, FLAC up to 384 kHz/24-bit, WAV and AIFF up to 384 kHz/32-bit, and DSD up to 11.2 MHz.

The BB PCM5102A digital-to-analogue converter operates at up to 384 kHz and 32 bits. Pure Direct and Compressed Music Enhancer are supported. Four analogue inputs accommodate line-level sources, while a dedicated phono input allows a turntable to be connected. Optical and coaxial digital inputs are also provided.

Calibration and everyday control

YPAO automatically calibrates the system for the room using R.S.C. correction and measurements from multiple listening positions. YPAO Volume adjusts the frequency balance according to the listening level, while Adaptive DRC manages dynamic range.

Initial and maximum volume limits can be set, and audio delay can be adjusted from 0 to 500 ms. Eight SCENE presets store frequently used settings for convenient recall. The receiver can be operated through its graphical on-screen interface, a mobile app, a web browser or the supplied remote control.

Zone 2 and system expansion

Powered Zone 2 can drive speakers in another room directly. Alternatively, the Zone 2 pre-out can feed a separate power amplifier. Party Mode is provided for playing audio in the main room and the second zone. Zone 3, Zone 4 and Zone B outputs are not available.

Placement and connection

The enclosure measures 17 1/8 × 6 3/4 × 14 7/8 inches. With the antenna raised, its height increases to 9 5/8 inches. Installation space should therefore allow for the antenna, connected cables and adequate air circulation. If the speakers are moved or the room furnishings are changed, YPAO calibration should be performed again.

Technical specifications

FAQ

What type of home cinema system is this receiver designed for?

It is intended for a home cinema system requiring up to seven amplified channels, with connections available for two powered subwoofers.

What is the best way to connect a television?

Connect the television to the HDMI output with eARC. This allows sound from a compatible television to return to the receiver through the same HDMI cable.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. A dedicated phono input is provided for this purpose. A turntable with a line-level output can also be connected to an analogue input.

Can wireless rear speakers be used?

Yes. Additional compatible MusicCast speakers can be used as wireless rear channels in a 5.1-channel system. They are sold separately.

How should the sound be adjusted for a particular room?

First position the speakers and subwoofer. Then run YPAO measurements from several listening positions and check the resulting dialogue and bass balance.

Can music be played in a second room?

Yes. Zone 2 can power speakers directly or send a signal to a separate amplifier. MusicCast can also link compatible devices as part of a multi-room system.

Which video features should be considered with caution?

4K/120AB, 8K/60B, HDR10+, VRR, ALLM, QMS and QFT are listed as requiring a future update. The same condition applies to Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization.