So the 2nd from the top now has the better DAC, but the top model's remained the same. Looks like a lot of the weight gain went to the "build" but
Looks like they basically eliminated a model similar to RX-A2080 which was sorta the sweet spot (cost-wise) if you only want 5.1.4. That tells me most people want 7.1.4.
If that is true, I think it is a wise choice because then people no longer have to spend so much more just to do 7.1.4, especially for those who don't intend to use the build in power amps. That 5.1.4 limit of the A2080 was a show stopper for me but the A6A now seems to be a great alternative to the X4700H (assuming Yamaha also upgraded the volume control IC. If not, then regardless of the DAC IC, the volume control IC would still be the limiting factor. I wonder if
@gene can find out for us (though it might be just me and a few others as most probably don't care) if they have done so. Again, that would be for bench performance, not for "better sound" depending on people's hearing, or ability to imagine things..
To a lesser extent, the use of the ES9026 Pro for the main 7 channels would also be a plus for those who want a better DAC IC regardless of the aspects of "audibility". The 2080 uses the ES9006 (they called it 9007) that gave the Denon/Marantz's a slight edge, technically speaking. All in all, I like the new Yamaha's but will wait for the CX-A5300 for sure.