Yamaha RX-A1080 AV Receiver Review & Comments

Thanks for the review Steve. Does this AVR allow for an independent volume and distance management of subs?
 
I had a Yamaha receiver (RX-A2010) and couldn't really see the point of the DSP modes at all.

I also hated the YPAO EQ as it gave different readings every time so I was never sure if it was accurate. And the remote was rubbish.

Apart from this, it sounded pretty good!
 
My last three amps have been Yamaha. Currently have a 3070. I absolutely love the warm musical sound these produce. YPAO is a bag of spanners though. I really wish they'd use something else. I find the DSP modes a waste of time too. Apart from that, built like tanks and sound wonderful.
 
So I have a RX-A3070, and like the way it sounds. ditto the comments about the YPAO, it sucks. What I don't understand is with these modern receivers being so computer controlled, why the makers continue to saddle us with 1960s front panel control. Give up the remote already, and the OSD... not everyone uses a TV in their setup, and lets get really progressive and think outside the box. I want a black box with no knobs or buttons, only connections for components, and the ability to control it fully via a web interface. Yeah, I know I can kind of do this now, but not everything, and the web UI leaves a LOT to be desired. Forget all the DSP crap, my guess is no one really uses it anyway, and having it in only confuses users... it just gets in the way. If you HAVE to have some kind of "auto-eq" program, that's fine, but then give me a 10 band graphic EQ on each amp/channel so I can tailor the sound like I like it, not what your idea of "good" is. Setting up, running, and making it sound like YOU like shouldn't be so damn hard!!!!
 
I agree with the YPAO comments. I had assumed I was suffering because my RX-V381 is very much entry level, but obviously not. It’s different every time I run it. In the end I kept running it until it sounded roughly right to my ears and then realised it sounded better with all eq turned off. All a bit pointless really.
It does sound really good though.
 
Does this AVR allow for an independent volume and distance management of subs?

That comes from A20X0 upwards. A1080 cost 980£, A3070 only few hundred more and there could be air in those prices still. Few weeks ago they had these going for 999£.
Yamaha RX-A3070 Aventage Black 9.2 Channel AV Receiver w/ MusicCast - AV Receivers / Amplifiers - AV Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

Refurbished A1070 with 3year warranty for 750£.
Manufacturer Refurbished Yamaha RX-A1070 - Black
 
I suppose the 7.2-channels limitation of processing is only really a problem depending how many speakers you want to run which is pretty obvious.

It would be interesting to see the true take up of immersive sound. Do 50% of the market use the full benefit of the AV receivers they buy? I dunno.
 
Glad it has those composite inputs - must be a deal breaker for most of us on the forums.
 
That comes from A20X0 upwards. A1080 cost 980£, A3070 only few hundred more and there could be air in those prices still. Few weeks ago they had these going for 999£.
Yamaha RX-A3070 Aventage Black 9.2 Channel AV Receiver w/ MusicCast - AV Receivers / Amplifiers - AV Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

Refurbished A1070 with 3year warranty for 750£.
Manufacturer Refurbished Yamaha RX-A1070 - Black
Yes I got my 3070 at AVOnline. Next day delivery £1200 - bargain (Well if you can call £1200 for an amp a bargain - me yes, my wife no lol). I suspect it's got very little different to the new 3080 and half the price!
 
Hi,
I got my 3070 on A.V.Forums classifieds and it's a very nice receiver (previously 3040).
For me though, they always seem to be more complex than they need to be.
DSP modes are an unnecessary luxury in my eyes. I have an antimode 8033 cinema that e.q.'s the SVS sub, but the YPAO always seems to do a reasonable job.
It's when I put on a bluray that my system starts to shine though.
 
I see the spec details show the amplification is Class D. Is that right? That is quite a radical change for Yamaha.
 
I see the spec details show the amplification is Class D. Is that right? That is quite a radical change for Yamaha.

No. All Yamaha AV receiver use Class A/B amplification.


Also note that the 135 watts quoted is in relation to the receiver's 2 channel dynamic power and not its 2 channels driven at 8ohms rating. The actual rated power output for 20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven is 110 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD).
 
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No. All Yamaha AV receiver use Calss A/B amplification.


Also note that the 135 watts quoted in relative to the receivers 2 channel dynamic power and not its 2 channels driven at 80hms rating.The actual rated power output for 20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven is 110 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD).
OK, just a misprint. I quite happy with Yamaha sticking with Class AB.
Looking to upgrade from my trusty AX863SE, but looks like the power output is only slightly higher. Anyway the 7 channel processing is a bit of a limitation as I already have a 7.1 setup and if I go to Atmos I'll need more channels. Will look at the 2080 or wait for the 2090 :smashin:
 
The DAC info is wrong also!

Same power specs for A1080 vs. A1010. :) Just new features each year. This applies to other brands aswell. People should look carefully what features they need, not blindly jumping to new model.

@Cliff i posted cheap A3070 if you didn´t notice, post #7. There isn`t much difference to `80 serie. A2090 comes next summer, but still likely misses 11.2 processing (7.2.4).

2018 updates vs 2017 Aventage Models:

  • Surround Artificial Intellegence
  • Wireless Multi-Cast Surround
  • 1-More HDMI Output (Zone 2) for 3 Total
  • 2-XLR Pre-Outs (Front L/R Speakers)
  • New Back-Lit remote, with 8 Scene buttons
  • Bluetooth version 4.2 (receiver only)
  • 5.8Ghz WiFi support added
  • Improved GUI (?)
 
OK, just a misprint. I quite happy with Yamaha sticking with Class AB.
Looking to upgrade from my trusty AX863SE, but looks like the power output is only slightly higher. Anyway the 7 channel processing is a bit of a limitation as I already have a 7.1 setup and if I go to Atmos I'll need more channels. Will look at the 2080 or wait for the 2090 :smashin:

You may have to wait until next year for the A2090 (A2100????)? Yamaha have already indicated that they wont be replacing their flagship A3080 model this year and will be waiting until next year to replace it. THis is due to the introoduction of HDMI version 2.1. Denon are doing something similar and will not be introducing new replacements for anything above their AVR-X3500 model this year. It may be that Yamaha also waits until next yeat t replace the A1080 and the A2080? Note that the A1080 isn't a new model and was introduced last year.

Also note that Yamaha's 2080 model includes 9 channels, but cannot be expanded beyond this. Only their flagship model allows you to add external amplification to facilitate 11 channel processing.
 
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I upgraded from a A2040 to a A3080 setup in a 7.1.4 configuration using a NAD C270, I had in storage, for the front channels. I was using a Yamaha A-S1100 but that has since been moved to another room I've dedicated to 2 channel audio.

Overall I like the 3080 although I do miss the line outs because I have a DAT recorder I use quite a lot so I've had to get a bit creative with the MusicCast feature of the amp using a Yamaha WXAD-10 connected to the DAT recorder's line in sockets.
 
I suppose the 7.2-channels limitation of processing is only really a problem depending how many speakers you want to run which is pretty obvious.

It would be interesting to see the true take up of immersive sound. Do 50% of the market use the full benefit of the AV receivers they buy? I dunno.
Fully agree with you. I tried an Atmos setup with four Kef upfirers and it added nothing to my system at all. So since I’m unable to install the preferred overhead speakers I’m happy with a simple 7.1 which in itself is probably more elaborate a setup than the average. I’ve had a 3080 since Xmas and it’s a fine sounding amp, really like this series.
 
I want to buy Yamaha RX-A1080 and I don't know how it would drive 8ohm vs. 6ohm vs. 4ohm speakers.

Specifications:

8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven - 110 W (0.06% THD)
6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven - 120 W (0.06% THD)

8ohm speakers are easier to drive than 6ohm and 6ohm are easier to drive than 4ohm.

So, if I connect two 8ohm speakers to the receiver, it would drive them with 110W per channel and if I connect 6ohm speakers it would drive them with 120W per channel?

And if I connect 4ohm speakers?
 
The impedance wouldn't make much difference to the audio, but the receiver may run hotter the lower the impedance gets. You will technically have more power per channel the lower the load you impose upon the receiver gets. The easiest way to indicate this would be to quote Yamaha's dynamic power ratings:

Front L/R (8/6/4/2 Ω) ............................................135/165/210/280 W


They do give other ratings relative to 8, 6 and 4ohms, but the criteria isn't always consistant between these other ratings. If wanting a more comprehensive secifications and ratings than what Yamaha quote on their web site then download the manual:

The issue with using low impedance speakers is one associated with exceeding the amplifiers operational temperature. This could result in the AV receiver triggering its protection mode and this is more likely to occur if running the receiver at high volume levels while powering low impedance speakers.

You may also find the following articles of interest:

 
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Thank you for the information.

So if I have 8ohm speakers, I leave as it is in the Yamaha receiver and if I have 6 or 4ohm speakers, I have to change the setting to 6ohm min. in the receiver?

The speakers will be Elipson Prestige Facet in a 5.2 configuration.

14F or 24F for the front. I can't decide yet.

Maybe better to choose Yamaha RX-A2080 or is the 1080 enough?

There is also the Denon AVR-X4500H and Marantz SR7013 but both run very hot and don't last so long. So I was told by the salesman.
 
No, the impedance switch is set to 8ohm by default and it is recommended you not change this irrespective of the impedance of the speakers.

How big is your room? The issue you'll have is how much power will be required to attain reference given the distance between the receiver and your primary listening location? The greater this distance then the more powrr is needed to attain reference. THe more power then the higher the operational temperature and the greater chance of the receiver either going into protection mode or you experiencing audible distortion.

Yamaha do have a very good reputation for both build and reliability. You would however get more power and the ability to drive more speakers if going with a DEnon AVRX4500 or the Marantz SR7013. THey do run hot as you suggest.

TheA2080 will have more power and a few additional features. THere's also an opportunity to buy an older A3070 if willing to sacrifice some of the AI DSP features associated with the most current Yamaha top tier models? You can get one for £1,200:


The advantages would be even more power and the ability to run a 7.1.4 Atmos setup if you add an additional 2 channels of external amplification. The A2080 and 70 are limited to no more than 9 channels and the 1080 7.


There's no issue with powering your proposed speakers. They have a nominal impedance of 6ohm and a very good sensitivity in excess of 90db. They are easy to drive and will not cause difficulty to any AV receiver currently on the market.
 
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Thank you for the information.

My room is 30m2.

Distance between the receiver and my primary listening location is 3m.

Is 14F enough or is it better to go with the 24F?

I will also use dual subwoofer in the front.

The Yamaha RX-A1080 is also enough for the 24F version?

It is interesting that I should leave the receiver at default 8ohm setting even if running 6ohm speakers.

Why is that?

Yamaha says this about speaker impedance:

Under its default settings, the unit is configured for 8-ohm speakers. When using a 6-ohm speaker for any channel, set the speaker impedance to “6 Ω MIN”. In this case, you can also use 4-ohm speakers as the front speakers.
 
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In a AV setup, the sub deals with the lower end frequencies so there's little if any reason to go for bigger speakers.

The A1080 will power either the 14F or the 24F speakers without issue.

Impedance switching doesn't optimise the receiver for use with lower impedance loads and simply starves those speakers by reducing the rail voltage. You are recommended to not starve the speakers of power and to run the amp at its default 8ohm setting irresspective of the impedance of the speakers. See the aforementioned article as to the resoning behind this:

Ignore what Yamaha or any other manufacturer says or suggests relative to impedance switching. Impedance switching is utterly and totally pointless.
 
Thank you very much for the information.

I learned something new.

So I will run the receiver at default 8ohm configuration irresspective of the impedance of the speakers.

Thank you :thumbsup:
 

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