(May 14, 2026) Yamaha is expanding its entry-level home theater lineup with two new AV receivers and a home-theater-in-a-box package aimed at buyers seeking a more traditional surround-sound experience without immediately stepping into premium AVR pricing. The new RX300A and RX500A receivers bring Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.1 gaming support, and updated streaming features to Yamaha’s lower-tier category, while the newly announced YHT-4970U bundles the RX300A with a complete 5.1 speaker system for buyers wanting a simpler all-in-one path into component-based home theater.
Leading the launch is the RX300A (Buy on Amazon), a new 5.2-channel receiver positioned as the successor to Yamaha’s long-running RX-V385. While the older model built a reputation as a dependable budget AVR, the RX300A arrives with a much more modern feature set aimed at today’s gaming, streaming, and immersive audio demands.
At its core, the RX300A supports Dolby Atmos playback in several flexible configurations, including virtualized height processing and compact 3.2.2-channel layouts using either in-ceiling or up-firing speakers. HDMI 2.1 support allows for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through (4 in, 1 out), while gaming-focused features like Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Media Switching are onboard for compatibility with current-generation consoles and PCs. HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma compatibility are also on the docket.
Power output is rated at 70 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 2ch driven, 0.09% THD), indicating that the RX300A is best paired with easy-to-drive speakers.
The RX300A also includes Yamaha’s onboard room correction system, which uses a supplied setup microphone to analyze speaker placement and room acoustics, automatically adjusting system performance for the listening environment. Additional features include dual sub outs, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, Zone B audio, a Pure Direct listening mode, and Yamaha’s programmable Scene buttons, which allow users to instantly recall complete system presets for movies, gaming, or music playback.
Stepping up, the RX500A expands the platform to 7.2 channels and introduces DTS:X and DTS Neural:X decoding alongside Dolby Atmos support. Like the RX300A, its overall power is specified at 70 watts per channel, but connectivity and streaming flexibility are expanded. Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet support open access to Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, internet radio, and podcast streaming.
One detail that stands out across both receivers is Yamaha’s inclusion of its Anti-Resonance Technology Wedge, or A.R.T. Wedge, inherited from the company’s higher-end AVENTAGE lineup. The centrally mounted fifth foot is designed to reduce vibration and chassis resonance during playback, an engineering carryover not commonly seen at these price points.
Rounding out the announcement is the YHT-4970U home-theater-in-a-box package. Scheduled to arrive in July for $699.95, the system bundles the RX300A receiver with a matched 5.1-channel speaker package that ships with a subwoofer, speaker wire, and cabling. Yamaha says the package is intended to offer a straightforward entry point into true AVR-based surround sound for buyers moving beyond TV speakers or soundbars.
The RX300A is scheduled to arrive in June at $399.95, while the RX500A follows in September at $599.95.
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