Yamaha lines up new processor and power amp duo

CX-A5200 and MX-A5200 promise 11-channel home cinema heroics

Yamaha is unleashing two new AV separates this September. The CX-A5200 processor replaces the existing CX-A5100, while the MX-A5200 power amplifier (pictured above) upgrades the specification on the previous MX-A5000.

The power amplifier offers 11 channels of grunt with 'flexible configuration' allowing for multizone applications. As an Aventage class model, it sports the usual design principles including a central fifth foot, yet Yamaha is keen to stress its heavyweight construction and attention to detail. The MX-A5200's 'double-bottom' build sees it tipping the scales at 26.4kg, using 1.6mm steel vibration control plates that echo those 'of the legendary Z11 AV receiver', says the company. The chassis and internal construction have been designed to boost rigidity, lower vibration and optimise performance from its 11 x 150W power plant (into 8 ohm, 0.06%THD, 20Hz-20kHz rating). If all 11 channels aren't required, the amp offers Bridge Tied Load (BTL) configuration, allowing dual amplifier bridging of the front left/right channels.

Around the back, the MX-A5200 features unbalanced phono and balanced XLR inputs for all channels, generously spaced speaker wire terminals, and 12V trigger in/out.

The CX-A5200 processor, meanwhile, offers 11.2-channel output (over XLR or phono), decoding of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and 4K HDR passthrough over HDMI (including Dolby Vision and HLG HDR).

The product carries Yamaha's new Surround:AI processing, which offers real-time DSP optimisation: 'This AI instantaneously analyses scenes by focusing on distinct sound elements such as dialogue, background music, ambient sounds and sound effects, and automatically optimises [the] surround effect in real time.'

Additional features are Yamaha's 64-bit YPAO 3D auto-calibration (with supplied microphone); ESS SABRE PRO Premier DACs; Aventage-class construction; Amazon Alexa voice control support; hi-res audio playback including 32-bit/384kHz and DSD 11.2Mhz; Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet hookup; and MusicCast, meaning the CX-A5200 can integrate your home cinema into a Yamaha MusicCast multiroom setup, and deliver streaming services including Deezer, Tidal and Spotify.

AV connections include 7 x HDMI inputs and 3 x HDMI outputs, plus a forest of legacy analogue and digital ports.

Pricing for both the CX-A5200 and MX-A5200 is TBC. Visit Yamaha UK for more info.

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