Smart RX-V475 and RX-V575 AV receivers launched

Simply Smart.

Adopting ‘Simply Smart’ as its motto, the recently launched ’75 Series from Yamaha promises user-friendly innovation when it comes to entertainment in the home.

The RX-V475 and RX-V575 are the second and third receiver models in the series, following on from the entry-level RX-V375. Both are network models that deliver on ‘smart’ functionality including app control, network streaming and now Pandora® internet radio, which is featured on all network models in the series via a firmware update.

The popularity of music streaming services is indicative of the changing ways we listen to and discover new music. With Pandora, users are able to create their own personalised stations based on a favourite artist, song or genre and access these playlists from a computer, device, and now the AV receiver itself. The ability to log in directly from the RX-V475 or RX-V575 provides users with quick and convenient access to their favourite music on what is often the best audio system in the home.

The ability to integrate seamlessly with devices too, is a key theme for both models. iDevice integration via a conveniently located USB port on the fascia of the receiver accepts metadata, showing artist and song information on the receiver’s On Screen Display (OSD) while also charging connected devices even when the receiver is off.

Utilising a wireless home network, Yamaha’s intuitive AV Controller app provides seamless control of receiver functions including streaming of music from network sources (able to now stream ‘ultra’ high-resolution 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC and WAV files) as well as directly from the device itself via AirPlay or Yamaha’s cross-platform Music Play feature.

For Android users, the RX-V475 and RX-V575 feature a new MHL-capable (Mobile High-Definition Link) HDMI port bringing added versatility in being able to access Full HD content directly from compatible devices. Using a MHL cable, the connection provides the same convenience enjoyed previously by iDevice users being able to connect directly to the AV receiver for audio playback and charging with the added advantage of carrying a Full HD video signal.

Both receivers boast added connectivity when compared to their equivalent models from a year ago. An additional HDMI input brings the tally to five in total with a single HDMI out, providing an adequate amount of simultaneous HD device connections to satisfy most Australian homes.

Performance-wise, the RX-V475 and RX-V575 don’t disappoint. Each possesses high-end audio features such as a discrete amplifier configuration and 192 kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs for superior audio performance. The 5 channel RX-V475 is rated at 115W for each channel while the RX-V575 boasts an additional two channels for 7 x 115W of output power (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD). In addition to a normal 7.1ch system, these channels allow Speaker B operation, whereby the same audio content is able to be simultaneously enjoyed in a second area of the home, or alternatively users are able to utilise these additional channels to bi-amp the main speakers.

For video, support for Ultra HD future-proofs customers eyeing Ultra HD televisions with pass-through of the signal when content eventually becomes available in the new format. Complementing some of these new model televisions, the RX-V475 and matching BD-S473 Blu-ray player are available in a new Titanium finish in addition to the customary Black.

The RX-V475 and RX-V575 are available now with a recommended retail price (RRP) of $699 and $899 respectively. The RX-V475 is also available with satellite speakers in the YHT-399AU ($849 RRP) and YHT-499AU ($999 RRP) home theatre packages, and with floor-standing front speakers in the YHT-799AU ($1,399 RRP) home theatre package. The RX-V575 is available in the YHT-899AU ($1,799 RRP) with a full-size speaker package.

For more information on Yamaha’s range of AV receivers, call 1300 739 411.