This is by far the best AV receiver I’ve ever used, setup was a breeze, and it sounds amazing. I’m using it in conjunction with a LG CX via eARC with a PS5 and Apple TV a plugged into the TV. I also have a Nintendo switch plugged into the receiver itself. HDMI CEC a works great for everything turning on with one button, ant turning off the TV air Apple TV shuts everything back down. I am using an external amplifier for my main left and right speakers and the RX A4A deliver plenty of output to drive the external amp. I was initially dubious of the YPAO room correction as I come from an audio production background and generally don’t like thing messing with the signals to my amp/speakers, but I’ve been won over as there is an option in the room correction to leave the main L and R channels EQ’d flat and it then adjusts the C SR and SL channels to match. I did pair the receiver with an IoT outlet that takes a 12v trigger so that the receiver can turn the main amp on an off, works great but would be concerned about initial current draw if I were using all external amps in this configuration. Finally, this receiver sounds amazing, it’s fast and detailed with almost no perception of coloring the sound when comparing to a passive signal chain.

This replaced my roughly 20 year old Yamaha RX-V630, which was state of the art at the time for having Dolby Pro Logic II…! Of course this RX-A4A sounds better in every conceivable way using roughly the same speaker set up. I’ve had a few issues with Atmos not working here and there, and passthrough audio from the Xbox can be a bit buggy at times. Yamaha support has been helpful, and were able to recreate a recurring issue with HBOMax audio dropping out for mysterious reasons which, to be fair, is more the app’s fault than the receiver’s. However, a ‘dumber’ amp wouldn’t/didn’t have this problem.
Pros:
– Exceptional sound
– No video issues whatsoever
– Little discernible difference between the Surround AI ‘upgrading’ the signal to Atmos and an actual Atmos signal
– Oodles of inputs
– YPAO is a good starting point and is oddly satisfying to sit through
– Sharp unit, if not big at 35 lbs
– Loads of options that are quality of life stuff, like starting volume level, separate zones + “party mode”, being able to turn off inputs so you don’t cycle through a bunch you don’t use, renaming inputs, etc.
– Music Cast + Enhancer ON = Streaming music not sounding like hot garbage through your home theater
– The various music scenes are actually cool, particularly the Bottom Line
– Passthrough mode enables you to route the video signal through the receiver while it’s in standby. Useful for playing a game late at night with headphones through your controller; no need for the amp to be on and muted, or have headphones through the amp.
– Yamaha support actually cares
Cons
– Can’t seem to find a (cheap) universal remote or way to actually turn the receiver on other than the included remote or the unit itself. Turning off and volume = no problem with just about anything
– The options menu sometimes won’t appear
– Initial HDCP delays with Google CCwGTV,
– Depending on the input, going into the receiver’s settings can essentially kick you out of the program
– Can take a few seconds for the audio signal to adjust and actually play (ymmv but I still haven’t gotten used to this)
– You’ll refer to this quite often when setting up: https://manual.yamaha.com/av/20/rxa4a/en-US/

So far so good. I purchased this receiver to replace a Denon receiver that failed after 1 year. Thus I perceive it’s a little premature to review this Yamaha receiver. I must admit I have not found an app that controls this receiver which I was able to easily do with my Denon.
The Denon I sent to the repair shop and sold thereafter. I don’t believe in product that fail especially premium priced products.
I hope this Yamaha provides reliable use for many years. If not I’ll update this review. So far the sound is beautiful.

So I have had this for receiver for three weeks now and it’s great. This is my second receiver from Yamaha. It’s a very nice builded to it works great for my Xbox series x and PS5. Just waiting for 4k 120 updates. Sounds absolutely amazing for movies, gaming, and music.