April showers bring May flowers -- and a whole bunch of AV receivers, apparently. We just reported about Pioneer's new offerings. Now it seems that Yamaha also has two new AVRs to throw into the mix inside your AV cabinet.
Hot on the heels of last month's RX-V373 announcement, Yamaha just debuted the the 7.1-channel RX-V573 receiver and 5.1-channel RX-V473 receiver. Both models feature support for Apple AirPlay, so users can stream music directly to the receiver from an iPad, iPhone or iPod, as well as connected computers.
Another huge hook is that each model is built to be around for a while. Both of the new receivers boast 4K video pass-through from yet-to-be-introduced source components, as well as 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel (ARC).
The standout is the RX-V573, which promises seven discreet assignable amplifiers for one zone and the ability to bi-amp and double power to main speakers, or to provide audio to a second zone. The same model also has a Virtual Presence Speaker function that promises full CINEMA DSP 3D sound with front presence speakers.
Both models feature direct connectivity for iPods, iPhones, iPods or USB drives, as well as support for HD Audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. Other common features include YPAO system calibration. the energy-efficient ECO Mode, HDMI switching, four SCENE Mode buttons, and CINEMA DSP 3D with 17 DSP programs.
Each of the new AVRs also work with Yamaha's improved controller app. Designed for use with iOS and Android devices, the free app offers customized control and background wallpaper, in either portrait or landscape modes.
"Our new RX-V series models fully embrace the evolution of the AV receiver and reflect the consumers' expectations that they will work seamlessly with other components and portable devices in the home," said Tom Sumner, Yamaha's senior VP. "We've taken a sophisticated, yet simple-to-use design approach to enabling people to better enjoy movies, TV and music with the highest quality audio and video."
That's not quite all, folks; Yamaha says it will announce additional models to the RX-V series at some point later this month. In the meantime, the RX-V573 and RX-V473 are available now, with MSRPs of $549.95 and $449.95, respectively.
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