Yamaha’s main goal for the DSP-Z11 was to achieve the highest possible sound quality through loseless reproduction via HDMI signal transmission. We began with no preconceived notions, designing everything purely for the purpose of creating a new receiver standard for the HD audio era. We focused especially on the fact that not only analogue and digital signal transmission by coaxial or optical routes, but also transmission by the HDMI route will be a priority in the future.

Achieving our goal for the DSP-Z11 involved a huge number of design considerations, but five of the most important ones are as follows. We used the Pure Ground DAC concept to realise the best possible sound reproduction from HDMI transmitted signals. We employed two-stage jitter reduction, consisting of a low-jitter PLL circuit and VCXO processing that includes HDMI signal input for stable clock operation. An 11-channel current feedback circuit contributed to open and appealing sound quality. We opened a new era of sound field creation through the use of 7.2-channel plus 4-channel presence speaker setting and CINEMA DSP HD3. And we developed a New Pure Direct that controls the power supply and route according to the multi-channel and HD audio reproduction.

The result is a truly impressive reference receiver for realising all the possibilities of the HD audio era.

The DSP-Z11 delivers 240W x 7 channels plus 90W to the four presence and rear presence channels. It also allows the simultaneous use of two subwoofers (hence 11.2 channels). In addition to Yamaha’s latest CINEMA DSP HD3 technology for high density, incredibly detailed surround sound, it provides extensive zone customisation functions, enabling the 11 amp channels to be allocated to zones 2, 3 and 4 in various configurations.

Yamaha’s Digital ToPART design concept ensures that the receiver is fully capable of handling the transmission of high volume digital sound data at speeds up to 192kHz. The interior layout thoroughly isolates the digital, analogue and video sections and provides the shortest possible signal routes. To achieve the quality demanded by the latest lossless compression formats received via HDMI bitstream transmission, circuit board designs were radically revised and parts selection was reevaluated. The DSP-Z11’s superior parts include Burr-Brown DSD1796 DACs, an op amp, custom-made 27,000μF block capacitors and Schottky barrier diodes. A Variable Volume Control helps provide the best possible S/N ratio. High Current Amplification circuitry achieves high current power with low impedance for superior amplifier performance.

The DSP-Z11 is compatible with the newest version of the HDMI standard, 1.3a, providing the benefits of Deep Color (30/36bit) and the xvYCC colour standard. Digital video and audio signals can be transmitted via a single HDMI cable and it accepts the lossless audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. There are five HDMI inputs, one of which is on the front panel, as well as two HDMI outputs that allow images to be displayed on two devices, such as a flat panel monitor and a projector. HDMI 1.3a means the DSP-Z11 can handle the high 1080p/24Hz resolution of Blu-ray Discs, and also provides an Auto Lip-Sync function that automatically adjusts the lag between video and audio and a double speed Refresh Rate of 100Hz/120Hz.

Maximum Output Power per Channel [for Europe]
(4 ohms Load/8 ohms Position, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD)
Front Channels 240 W + 240 W
Centre Channel 240 W
Surround Channels 240 W + 240 W
Surround Back Channels 240 W + 240 W
Presence Channels 90 W + 90 W
Rear Presence Channels 90 W + 90 W
Min. RMS Output Power
(8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.04% THD)
Front Channels 140 W + 140 W
Centre Channel 140 W
Surround Channels 140 W + 140 W
Surround Back Channels 140 W + 140 W
Presence Channels 50 W + 50 W
Rear Presence Channels 50 W + 50 W
Dynamic Power (8/6/4/2 ohms) 185/230/290/385 W
Damping Factor (8 ohms) 150 (1 kHz, speaker A)
Total Harmonic Distortion (Sp out Front L/R)
(CD, etc.; 20 Hz–20 kHz) 0.02% (70 W/8 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD, etc.) 100 dB (250 mV)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 210 x 497 mm
Weight 34 kg