Dateline: 06/17/2015
UPDATE: 09/27/2015
Pricing Info Added, as well as the announcement that all AVENTAGE line home theater receivers are compatible with Yamaha's MusicCast System

Following their recent release of their entry-level and mid-range RX-V379 and RX-V479, RX-V579, RX-V679, and RX-V779 home theater receivers, Yamaha has finally come forth with six mid and high-end receivers that comprise their AVENTAGE product line for 2015.

All receivers in the 2015 Yamaha AVENTAGE line have the following core features:

-HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0a compatible connections. All receivers have both 1080p and 4K pass-through capability.

- On-board decoding for most Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats included Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as additional audio post-processing.

- Built-in Bluetooth with Compressed Music Enhancer (cleans up and brings out more detail in streamed audio content).

- Support for Hi-Res audio playback - including DSD (Direct Stream Digital; 2.6 MHz / 5.6 MHz) and AIFF content in addition to playback of encoded files in WAV, FLAC and Apple® Lossless audio.

- Built-in Ethernet and Wifi for access to internet radio and music streaming services, including vTuner, Spotify Connect, Pandora® music.

- Built-in Apple Airplay.

- Front panel USB connection for compatible USB devices, including iPods and iPhones.

- In addition to provided remote control, all receivers are compatible with Yamaha's AV Controller App and AV Setup Guide for Apple® iOS and Android™ devices via Wireless Direct.

- Inclusion of Yamaha's YPAO™ automatic speaker calibration system.

- Virtual Cinema Front. This feature allows you to place all five satellite speakers and subwoofer in the front of the room, but still get an approximate side and rear surround sound listening experience via a variation of Air Surround Xtreme technology that Yamaha incorporates in it sound bar product line.

-4 Preset SCENE Modes (can also be customized to user preferences).

- Silent Cinema - Allows you to listen to surround sound using any set of headphones.

- Anti-vibration 5th Foot located on the bottom center of the unit.

- Aluminum Front Panel.

Now that I have summarized the main features all the receivers have in common (which, as you see, is quite-a-bit), listed below are the additional features that each receiver has to offer.

RX-A550

The RX-A550 starts off the line with up to a 5.1 channel speaker configuration. Stated power output rating is 80 wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.09% THD).

The RX-A550 provides 6 HDMI inputs and on 1 HDMI output.

Official Product Page - $549.95 (Available on Amazon).

RX-A750

The RX-A750 is the immediate step-up from the RX-A550 and provides up to a 7.2 channel configuration. Stated power output rating is 90 wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06% THD).

In addition to the 7.2 channel upgrade, additional features includes support for HDR-encoded video signals (via forthcoming firmware update), as well as the addition of Sirius/XM Internet Radio and Rhapsody to its internet streaming content selection.

Also, the RX-A750 adds Zone 2 operation with both powered and preamp line output options.

Another addition is the inclusion of Reflected Sound Control (R.S.C.) within the YPAO automatic speaker setup system.

Lastly, for added control flexibility, the RX-A750 includes both a 12 volt trigger and wired IR remote sensor input and output.

Official Product Page - $699.95 (Available on Amazon

RX-A850

The next step up, the RX-A850 has everything that the RX-A750 offers, but adds some key upgrades, including onboard 1080p and 4K ultra HD video upscaling, a set of analog 7.2 channel preamp outputs, a dedicated phono input for vinyl record fans, and a total of 8 HDMI inputs and 2 parallel HDMI outputs. Also, in the audio decoding feature set, on-board Dolby Atmos decoding is added.

Also, a RS-232C port is provided for easy integration into a custom-controlled home theater setup.

Also the RX-A850 also includes either a traditional 7.2 channel configuration, but for Dolby Atmos, a 5.1.2 channel configuration option is provided. However, the Zone 2 capabilities are the same as those on the RX-A750. The RX-850 has slightly elevated state power output of 100 wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06% THD).

Official Product Page - $999.95 (Available on Amazon).

RX-A1050

The RX-A1050 marks the starting point for the high-end portion of Yamaha's 2015 AVENTAGE Home Theater Receivers.

While retaining the same 7.2 channel configuration as the RX-A750 and 850, this receiver elevates the stated power output to 110 Wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06% THD).

However that isn't all, as the RX-A1050 provides both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoding as switchable HDMI outputs, which means you can send one source to HDMI output and eitehr the same or different HDMI source to another Zone (That means the RX-A1050 offers 2 additional zones in addition the main zone).

Also, for enhanced audio performance, the RX-A1050 also includes ESS SABRE™ 9006A Digital-to-Analog Audio Converters for two channels.

Official Product Page - $1,299.95 (Available on Amazon).

RX-A2050

Here is where Yamaha ups the game again. First, the RX-A2050 provides for up a 9.2 channel configuration (5.1.4 or 7/1/2 for Dolby Atmos), as well as increased multi-zone capability with a total of four.

Stated power output also makes a significant jump at 140 Wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06% THD).

Official Product Page - $1,699.95 (Available on Amazon).

RX-A3050

Yamaha tops out its 2015 AVENTAGE Home Theater Receiver line with RX-A3050. The RX-A3050 offers everything that the rest of the receivers in the line offer, but adds some additional upgrades.

First off, although it has the same built-in 9.2 channel configuration as the RX-A2050, it is also expandable to a total of 11.2 channels with the addition of either two external mono amplifiers, or a single two-channel amplifier. The added channel configuration not only provides for a traditional 11.2 channel speaker setup, but can also accommodate up to a 7.1.4 speaker setup for Dolby Atmos.

The built-in amplifiers have a stated power output of 150 Wpc (measured with 2 channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohms, 0.06% THD).

Also, to elevate audio performance further, the RX-A3050 not only retains the ESS Technology ES9006A SABRE™ digital-to-analog converters for two channels, but also adds the ESS Technology ES9016S SABRE32™ Ultra Digital-to-Analog converters to the rest of the seven channels.

Official Product Page - $2,199.95 (Available on Amazon).

As you can see, Yamaha has really packed in the features across its entire 2015 AVENTAGE home theater receiver line-up for 2015. Combined with their previous RX-Vx79 receiver line, Yamaha definitely offers the most option of any manufacturer currently - so there are plenty of options to choose from both a feature and price standpoint - and, if past performance is any indications, Yamaha's product line should be well received...but definitely stay tuned for more info on that as it becomes available.