Comparison Yamaha RX-A2A vs Yamaha RX-V6A

In this case, the function of automatic adjustment of each individual sound channel in terms of level and delay is implied so that all of them together provide surround sound that best matches the intention of the creators of the film or musical composition. The need for such a setting is due to the fact that practically no room (neither residential, nor even specialized) is acoustically perfect: the sound propagation is affected by the wall material, floor covering, furniture (sofas, wardrobes, etc.) and other factors. Therefore, the technically correct arrangement of the speakers alone does not guarantee a full-fledged surround sound.

Typically, automatic tuning uses a microphone placed at the intended listening position. During the calibration process, the device outputs test sound signals through the acoustics and “listens” to the features of the sound through the microphone, if necessary, independently changing the audio parameters.

Such a function can greatly simplify the preparation for work — after all, the device will carry out the main part of the setup on its own. However, keep in mind that even in the most advanced receiver models, automatic calibration algorithms are not perfect. As a result, it is highly likely that the automatically set parameters will not meet the tastes of demanding audiophiles. In addition, the reliability of the calibration is also highly dependent on the characteristics of the microphone used — and options with high...sound quality can be quite expensive.

The ability of the receiver to output a video signal in 3D format — that is, a "volumetric" image that has three full dimensions (including depth). Since 3D uses the division of the “picture” of the image into two parts (for the left and right eyes), the format of such a signal differs from the usual two-dimensional one, and not every model is able to work with it. Also keep in mind that viewing 3D content requires not only a receiver, but also a TV (or other playback device) with the appropriate screen capabilities.

— AM/FM radio. The presence of a built-in tuner that allows you to receive AM and FM radio broadcasts without additional devices (except perhaps an antenna is required, and then not always). In FM, it is possible to realize the transmission of high-quality stereo sound, however, the waves propagate only within the line of sight (10-20 km); therefore, most of the stations in this range are classified as "urban music". In AM, the transmission range is already measured in hundreds of kilometers, but the sound quality is noticeably lower; therefore, such stations usually specialize in talk programs (particularly news).

— USB stick. The ability to connect a USB drive to the receiver — for example, a "flash drive" or an external hard drive — and play content from it directly. This requires a USB connector. Most often, in models with this function, it is located on the front panel (see below) — this provides ease of connection; at the same time, there are exceptions. Also note that the very presence of USB does not necessarily imply the possibility of playing from external media — this interface can be used for service purposes, for example, to update the firmware or play from a PC (see "Advanced (inputs) — USB Type B").

— Network audio streaming. The ability to play streaming audio over a local network or the Internet (including from services like Grooveshark o...r Last.Fm). The name "streaming" is due to the fact that each song is played directly from the network, without being written to the receiver's own permanent storage. This function, by definition, requires connection to computer networks; most often, a Wi-Fi module is used for this purpose (see "Interfaces") or a LAN connector.

— Internet radio. The ability to use the receiver to receive and play Internet radio broadcasts. This feature is similar in many ways to the network audio described above — in particular, it requires a network connection to work, and the data is streamed; however, in the case of network audio, the user himself chooses what and when to listen, here the broadcast is similar to conventional radio transmissions and is controlled from the radio station. Actually, many major stations broadcast their programs not only on the traditional air, but also via the Internet; There are also specialized projects broadcasting only on the Web. In general, the choice of programs is much more extensive than for conventional radio broadcasting — after all, Internet radio has no range restrictions. And the receivers themselves may provide additional tools for managing such broadcasting — for example, catalogs, search by genres, languages, etc.

A set of streaming services supported by the AV receiver.

Such services are designed for streaming audio content over the Internet. In this case, the files are not saved to the device, but are played directly from the corresponding resource on the global network. Streaming services allow you to access vast libraries of music without having to take up your device's internal storage. The key advantages of online streaming include a huge selection of content and almost instant access to the desired audio tracks. Popular ones include Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Spotify, TIDAL, YouTube Music.

Audio and video file formats that the receiver is capable of playing on its own. Models with player features generally support most popular media file types (particularly AVI, MPEG and MKV for video, MP3, WAV and WMA for audio), but the file set may have its own peculiarities. This item allows you to find out.

A decoder can be broadly described as a standard in which digital audio (often multi-channel) is recorded. For normal playback of such sound, it is necessary that the corresponding decoder is supported by the device. The first signs of multi-channel decoding were Dolby Digital and DTS, gradually improving and introducing new features. The final stage for 2020 is Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders. And the intermediate ones were Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-HD, DTS ES, DTS Neural: X, DTS Neo (6, X).

Dolby Atmos. A decoder that does not use a rigid distribution of sound across channels, but the processing of audio objects, due to which it can be used with almost any number of channels on a reproducing system — the sound will be divided between channels so that each audio object is heard as close as possible to its proper place. When using Dolby Atmos, in-ceiling speakers (or speakers facing the ceiling) are highly desirable. However, in extreme cases, you can do without them.

— DTS X . An analogue of the Dolby Atmos described above, when the sound is distributed not through individual channels, but through audio objects. The...digital signal contains information about where (according to the director's intention) the object audible to the user should be and how it should move, and the processor of the reproducing device processes this information and determines exactly how the sound should be distributed over the available channels in order to achieve the required localization. Thanks to this, DTS X is not tied to a specific number of audio channels — there can be as many as you like, the system will automatically divide the sound into them, achieving the desired sound. Also note that this decoder allows you to separately adjust the volume of dialogues.

— IMAX Enhanced. The IMAX Enhanced Mark of Conformity is awarded to equipment that meets the audio certification requirements of IMAX Corporation. Combined with DTS audio technology to deliver signature IMAX theater-like sound in the home. The most accurate reproduction of such audio is possible in systems with a large number of channels (5.1 or more). Note that for a fully immersive experience, IMAX Enhanced certification must also apply to video equipment for playing content (TV, projector, etc.).

The presence of a control input in the design of the AV receiver.

This input allows you to connect an external IR receiver for the remote control to the receiver. The role of such a receiver can be played either by a separate module or by another component of the audio system that has a control output - for example, an amplifier or a player (however, when building such systems, it's ok to clarify the compatibility of the components). Anyway, with the right placement, the external receiver will allow you to use the remote control even in those places where the signal from the remote control would not reach the receiver's built-in sensor - for example, in another room.

The number of analogue stereo RCA outputs provided in the design of the AV receiver.

By itself, the RCA connector (colloquially — "tulip") can be used in different interfaces. However, in this particular case, we are talking about a linear audio output that is responsible for an analogue audio signal. RCA is the most popular connector used in modern audio equipment for such outputs. In this case, we can talk about both standard outputs for connecting speakers, and about REC connectors designed to connect a recording device to the receiver and differ in a constant signal level. (however, there is rarely more than one such output). In addition, preamplifier outputs are also taken into account here.

Note that connectors of this type are usually counted in pairs; in other words, one output consists of two RCA connectors. This is due to the fact that in this case only one channel of analogue audio can be transmitted over one wire; accordingly, two RCA jacks are required for stereo transmission.

Several RCA outputs allow you to connect several sets of acoustics to the receiver at the same time — for example, to broadcast sound in several rooms at once or to record sound in parallel with listening to it.

The presence of a control output (IR) in the design of the AV receiver.

The control output provides control signals to the input of another component in the audio system, such as an amplifier. In fact, the receiver with the device connected to the control output turns into an external IR sensor for this device. This can be useful if the controlled component is installed in a hard-to-reach place where the signal from the remote control does not reach. However it must be borne in mind that the very presence of such inputs and outputs does not guarantee the compatibility of various devices, especially if they are released by different manufacturers; Sharing details should be clarified in the official documentation.