Yamaha's new budget AV receivers mean you can build a Dolby Atmos system with 4K 120 Hz passthrough for the price of a decent soundbar setup — and it's even offering a bundle with a 5.1 surround setup to prove it | Tech Radar
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Yamaha's new budget AV receivers mean you can build a Dolby Atmos system with 4K 120 Hz passthrough for the price of a decent soundbar setup — and it's even offering a bundle with a 5.1 surround setup to prove it
Yamaha's latest AV receivers are simpler, smarter and eminently affordable
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Yamaha launches the RX300A and RX500A AV receivers, priced at
Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and HDMI 2.1 support in both models
Yamaha has unveiled two new Dolby Atmos AV receivers with very competitive price tags. The RX300A has a list price of just
The specs of the two AVRs are broadly similar, and the main difference is the amount of available channels. On the RX300A, you've got 5.2-channel surround, with optional 3.1.2-channel capability if you prefer.
The RX500A has 7.2 channels, again with the option to go all surround, or to go with a 5.1.2-channel Atmos setup.
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Both models have Dolby Atmos, with the RX300A also getting DTS Virtual X while the RX500A has DTS: X.
It's fun to compare the elegant looks of these new AVRs with a relatively recent predecessor such as the RX-485, which we reviewed (and rated highly) way back in 2018. It sounded pretty great but it wasn't exactly a looker, whereas these new AVRs look really classy.
Simplicity is the name of the game with these new AVRs, which promise speedy setup (Image credit: Yamaha)
Yamaha RX300A and RX500A: key features and pricing
Designed for home theater beginners as well as AV enthusiasts, the new receivers share a clean, streamlined design with fewer buttons and simpler labelling than previous models.
They have inherited the anti-resonance wedge "fifth foot" of Yamaha's flagship AVENTAGE models, which reduces vibration and improves stability. And the software setup has been simplified for faster, easier configuration.
Both AV receivers have 4K 120 Hz / 8K 60 Hz HDMI (4-in/1-out) and HDMI e ARC, and they support HLG, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. For gamers there's ALLM and VRR.
There's Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint for easy switching between streaming devices, and scene buttons for instant access to specific listening modes. In addition to Bluetooth, the RX500A adds Wi-Fi streaming including Spotify Connect, Google Cast, Air Play, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect. Both models include room correction for correct calibration.
Yamaha has also announced a home theater bundle that combines the new RX300A AVR with a 5.1 speaker system. That has a list price of $699.95 and it'll be available in July 2026 — that's quite the bargain, given that it's less than a Samsung HW-Q800F soundbar will cost you, and there's no rear speakers on that.
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The RX300A will be available in June 2026 for
If you were looking for something with more channels and connections than these, then Denon's new AV receivers might be what you need — they're still really well-priced, but have more features for those looking to step up their game a little.
Try our TV size and model finder! You tell it how far you sit from your TV, we'll tell you what size to buy based on viewing angle advice from image quality experts, and we'll recommend our three top TVs at that size for different prices.
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Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than twenty books. Her latest, a love letter to music titled Small Town Joy, is on sale now. She is the singer in spectacularly obscure Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind.
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