Yamaha vs Denon AV Receivers Comparison

Ready to choose an AV Receiver but can’t decide between Yamaha and Denon? Then, let’s look at the Denon vs Yamaha receiver comparison! Whether you’re looking for power, aesthetics, or sound quality, these brands offer top-notch products.

With so many AV receivers, choosing between Yamaha and Denon can be difficult. However, an in-depth comparison of these two popular brands reveals that both offer powerful features for optimal audio experiences – it just comes down to one’s personal preference! With detailed sound input/output options and intuitive user interfaces, there will surely be something perfect for everyone’s needs.

Basic information about Denon and Yamaha

Denon is a Japanese electronics company renowned for its high-end audio and video equipment. Founded in 1910, the company has produced many products, such as hi-fi systems, home cinema receivers, amplifiers, and speakers. Denon’s current lineup includes several AV receivers, a range of Blu-ray players, turntables, digital music systems, and headphones.

Yamaha is another Japanese electronics company that has been in business since 1887. The company produces a wide range of audio and video equipment, including home cinema receivers, soundbars, speakers, amplifiers, digital music systems, and headphones.

Yamaha’s current lineup includes professional audio equipment such as mixing consoles, PA systems, and studio monitors. In addition to traditional audio/video products, the company produces musical instruments and associated equipment for recording studios. Both Denon and Yamaha are industry leaders in their respective fields.

As well as being well-known for their quality products, both companies have gained a reputation for making innovative and reliable products. From home cinema systems to professional recording equipment, Denon and Yamaha continue producing high-end audio and video gear professionals use worldwide.

Mid-price Denon and Yamaha receivers comparison

Denon AVR-X4700H

Denon AVR-X4700H is a 9.2-channel AV receiver with an 8K HDMI OUTPUT, 125W per channel POWER CAPACITY, and native Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & DTS Virtual:X (DD only). Additional features include 4K/120Hz pass-through for viewing video in stunning clarity; VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to eliminate lag, latency and frame tearing; ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) that provides near instantaneous response time; Dynamic HDR to enhance contrast on large displays such as Samsung QLED TVs.

Design

The design of the Denon AVR-X4700H is fairly nice. It's sleek and comes in black. It's small but compact so it can sit nicely on your rack. The only downside is the weight, weighing in at 18 pounds so it would be best to have help putting this receiver on your rack but don't worry, you'll get used to taking care of it yourself.

Features and specs

The Denon AVR-X4700H's features make it one of the most feature-packed receivers on the market. It can deliver up to 165 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I tested the AVR-X4700H with a variety of speakers, and it had no trouble driving even the most demanding ones. Plus, the receiver's advanced 32-bit AKM DAC provides superb sound quality. And if I want to listen to music in another room, I can use the receiver's Zone 2 output to send audio to a second room.

I found it useful that the AVR-X4700H has eight HDMI inputs, three HDMI outputs, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so I easily connected all my devices, including a game console and a streaming device. Also, the AVR-X4700H supports Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, and even AirPlay 2 for Apple devices.

The thing I really love about the sound here is the built-in 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter. It is the sign you'll get the best possible sound quality from your Blu-ray discs and other high-resolution audio sources. Plus, "Denon Virtual Speaker Mode'' up-mixes stereo and 5.1 content to create a virtual 7.1.2 speaker setup.

The receiver also has IMAX Enhanced certification, so it’s able to decode IMAX Enhanced content and pass through IMAX Enhanced HDR signals. Used with the support of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and the latest 3D audio formats, it creates such a new sound dimension. The receiver passed all of my tests, and it handled HDR10 signals without any problems.

Setup

Setup of the Denon AVR-X4700H was a simple process. All I had to do was connect speaker wire from the speakers to the receiver and plug in all other wires. The Denon AVR-X4700H has an HDMI input, which is what we use for our inputs. It also has a variety of Digital Inputs, such as Optical and Coaxial, for people who still have Analog/Digital devices that they want to run through the system.

Sound quality

One of the Denon AVR-X4700H's specifications I was especially impressed with is the ability to reproduce delicate sounds. For example, in the movie "The Revenant," I could hear the subtle sound of leaves rustling in the wind. And in the song "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House, I could hear the delicate strumming of the acoustic guitar. The lows, mids and highs are all clear and crisp. AVR-X4700H handled loud and dynamic sounds that are neither too bright nor too dark.

Beyond that, the Audyssey setup was also flawless. Running this gave my system the tweaks it needed to sound powerful and provided enough power at low volumes.

Verdict about Denon AVR-X4700H

Yamaha RX-A6A

Are you in the market for an amplifier that can handle all your audio and video needs? If so, Yamaha has a model that may interest you – the RX-A6A. So far, I've been very impressed with its quality, whether I was watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. Keep reading this Yamaha RX-A6A review to find out why.

Build and design

The Yamaha RX-A6A is a beautiful amplifier. It has a sleek, modern design with a black finish. It's also quite large, measuring in at 17-1/8 x 7-1/2 x 17-3/8 inches and 41.2 lbs, so you'll need some space for it.

But it's not just about looks – the RX-A6A is also built to last. It has a robust construction with a metal chassis and thick, heavy-duty speaker terminals that will last for years and can handle even the most strenuous listening sessions.

The front panel of the RX-A6A is quite simple, with just a few buttons and an LCD display. The buttons allow you to control basic functions such as power, volume, input selection, and sound mode. The LCD display provides information about the current settings and status of the amplifier. The back panel features more HDMI inputs and outputs, as well as a variety of other audio and video connections.

Features and specs

The Yamaha RX-A6A is a comprehensive amplifier, with plenty of features to satisfy even the most demanding user. It's a 9.2 channel receiver that can handle up to 150 watts per channel. The RX-A6A also features Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer, which restores lost detail and dynamic range in compressed music files. Multi-room listening is available here, so you can listen to music in 4 different rooms of your house or even in the backyard.

Bi-amp capability is included too, which allows you to use two amplifiers to drive your front speaker set. If you're concerned about expensive power bills, there's an ECO mode that cuts electricity use by up to 20%.

RX-A6A has a wide range of inputs and outputs, like 7 Inputs and 3 Outputs for HDMI. As an example, you can use them to connect with a Blu-ray player, cable box, gaming console, and other devices. I like that this model supports probably all current connecting options, including wireless: analog and digital, coaxial, USB connections, composite video inputs/outputs, network port, front AV input, a headphone output, WiFi, Bluetooth, and more. In fact, you can connect just about anything to it. If you are a fan of radio, here is a built-in FM-tuner quality too.

Some other specifications of Yamaha RX-A6A in terms of video quality include 4K Ultra HD pass-through, HDR support, and Dolby Vision, near-4K quality. You are able to get the most out of your current video collection. It also supports 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. And if you're a gamer, the RX-A6A has you covered with its low latency mode and various gaming modes that optimize the sound for different types of games.

Sound

My experience with the sound quality of the Yamaha RX-A6A has been overwhelmingly positive. The amplifier is able to deliver clear, crisp audio with excellent dynamics. Whether I was watching a movie or listening to music, I was always impressed by the powerful sound that this receiver produces and particularly with how well it handled gaming audio – gunshots and explosions sounded realistic and immersive. And its low latency mode ensures that there is no delay between what you see on the screen and what you hear, so you won't miss a single beat.

A listening mode selector that allows you to choose from three different listening modes: music, movie, or game. These modes optimize the sound for different types of content. A custom mode that you can use to create your own personal listening settings. For films, the cinema DSP mode creates a truly cinematic experience. There's also a dialogue lift mode that raises the level of dialogue in movies and TV shows to make it easier to hear. For music, the stereo mode creates a wide, spacious soundstage. And for games, the game mode provides an extra level of immersion.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A6A

When it comes to personal preference, the Denon AVR-X4700H reigns supreme. Additionally, its support for video formats/functions like IMAX Enhanced and DTS Virtual:X outshines other models. On the flip side, Yamaha amps are more powerful yet still quite decent in their own right. Both pieces of equipment make worthy investments!

Premium Denon and Yamaha receivers comparison

Denon AVR-X6700H

If you can't decide if this receiver model is worth buying and there are some problems in making a choice, look through our Denon AVR-X6700H review. This model is really powerful and advanced. People choose it, because it includes many features that they cannot notice on other such devices.

You obviously should pay a lot of attention to its potent amplifier section. With its comprehensive range of connectors and ports, the model can accommodate virtually any type of both video and audio equipment. Moreover, the device is provided with different variants of connectivity. These features make it easier for connecting to a wide variety of the most popular streaming services. If you really want to buy a good Denon AV receiver, which is practical and powerful, the AVR-X6700H model is an ideal option to consider.

Design and built

I think most users will like this sleek and at the same time practical design. Its weight is 32 lbs. and its measures are 17.1 x 15.3 x 6.6 inches. First of all, let’s look at the front panel. It has a clean, minimalist interface that contains only a few regulation buttons and indicator lights. It includes the volume control, power and input selection buttons, etc. Besides, there you will find the display screen. It gives users a possibility to control the receiver's settings. As for other controls, they are located on remote control. You will find it also very sleek and straightforward. It’s easy to use because all buttons and controls are clearly labeled. Different color-coded connections make the rear side well-organized.

The Denon receiver isn’t difficult to set up. This model comes with a detailed instruction manual. It describes how to set up step-by-step. So even if you've never set up any devices for a home theater system, you will be able to do it with AVR-X6700H without any obstacles.

Features

Considering Denon AVR-X6700H specifications, let’s begin with the information that it is a popular 11.2 channel AV Receiver. People like its power output140 W(8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive). The model supports bi-amping. Here we speak about one of the needed features, especially if you are looking for high and better sound quality. When using a bi-amping, you are able to send different frequencies to each of your home speakers. It results in a more accurate and well balanced sound. In any case you should keep in mind that it requires access not only to one, but two speakers.

This device model supports even multi-room features. It means, you have a chance to enjoy listening to different sources in every, including the farthest room in your house. While someone is watching a movie in, for example, the living room, you will be able to listen to music in the bedroom or kitchen. The AVR-X6700H model can provide you with such a possibility because, as we have mentioned, it features enough for powering several rooms, 11 channels.

Looking at AVR-X6700H you can notice a lot of important ports, such as eight HDMI inputs and three outputs. Users will find three digital audio and component ports, composite one, and many other ports. All of them can be used for connecting your devices to a particular receiver. Besides, this receiver model has access to various popular streaming services, such as Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, and some others. Moreover, if you are a radio fan, it’s also for you.

There is a possibility to listen to any internet radio stations directly through your chosen receiver. In the case, if you are subscribed to some streaming services, you have a chance to use this model for listening to your favorite songs. Additionally, this device supports wide-spread AirPlay and, of course, Bluetooth. It’s not needed to explain that it’s a way how you can stream all music from a smartphone or other devices. Besides, it includes Wi-Fi. Here we speak about a popular and useful way that people use for streaming music, partfrom online music services just connecting to your home network.

The Denon AVR-X6700H includes a wide range of video features, including 4K Ultra HD60 Hz Pass-Through and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling. Besides, the model supports High Dynamic Range, known as HDR and BT.2020 pass-through, providing stunning video quality that provides enhanced details and all colors. Furthermore, the AVR-X6700H model has a 12V trigger output. It is useful for powering a motorized projector screen.

Sound

The AVR-X6700H model of Denon is a pacesetting model for most home theaters that provides high and clear sound quality. It supports wide-spread Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based and other popular audio formats. It also offers high-resolution audio support for lossless audio files, like FLAC. Additionally, it has modern HEOS wireless technology, which allows users to stream music from your favorite streaming services directly.

The Denon AVR-X6700H is a beautiful choice for anyone who wants to be the owner of a really powerful receiver for home theater. Whether you are watching your favorite films or listening to any kinds of music, the Denon model will deliver a top-notch audio experience.

There cannot be any doubt that the Denon AVR-X6700H will provide you with clear sound, whether it's during a favorite movie or music listening experience. This Denon model packs a lot of power and also built-in features which is evident in its ability to deliver crisp and distortion-free audio.

Verdict about Denon AVR-X6700H

Yamaha RX-A8A

If you're looking for a high-quality A/V receiver that will deliver the amazing audio experience you deserve? Well, Yamaha RX-A8A is worth considering.

With its comprehensive feature set and stellar sound quality, it is certain to exceed your expectations. In this Yamaha RX-A8A review, I'll explore some of the key features I personally tested and discuss how they can benefit you.

Build and design

First and foremost, Yamaha RX-A8A is a beautifully designed piece of hardware. It features a sleek and modern look that will complement any home theater setup. But looks aren't everything. It's also important that the receiver is solidly built and durable and made with high-quality components.

The front panel is packed with buttons and controls, so you'll have easy access to all the features. There's also a large display that provides information about the current status of the receiver. This is a great feature, especially for those who are new to A/V receivers. The back panel is loaded with ports and jacks, so you'll be able to connect all of your audio and video components.

Features and specs

In terms of specifications, Yamaha RX-A8A is one of the most powerful receivers on the market. It has 11 channels of amplification which means that you'll be able to connect up to 11 speakers all over your house. The receiver delivers 150 watts per channel, so it can easily handle even the most demanding home theater setups without any sound distortions or problems. In addition, High Slew Rate Amplifier, combined with Yamaha's own DSP processing, allows hearing every nuance of your favorite music tracks.

Yamaha RX-A8A is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options. It has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, so you'll be able to connect all of your high-definition devices. There is also built-in Wi-Fi and a network port, so you can easily stream content from the internet or from your local network. RX-A8A is also a great choice for those who are looking for a receiver that can be used for home automation. I managed to download apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone, and tablet. Actually, you are able to control your receiver with just a simple tap on your smartphone.

One of Yamaha RX-A8A's features is support for different video formats and high resolution. It can decode and playback videos in 4K Ultra HD resolution, so you'll be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies in stunning detail. There are also HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats included for the best possible viewing experience. Video Adjustment lets you automatically tune the image to match your specific preferences, for example, adjusting the contrast, brightness, and color saturation. VRR/ALLM/QMS/QFT support lets you enjoy smooth and lag-free gaming experiences, with no annoying image stuttering or tearing.

Sound quality

Of course, the most important thing about any A/V receiver is the sound quality. And the Yamaha RX-A8A doesn't disappoint. It has been designed with audiophiles in mind and delivers an amazing listening experience that will truly envelop you.

The receiver supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Yamaha's own CINEMA DSP 3D technology. It creates truly immersive and realistic sound both for movies and for music. Even if you have just a pair of speakers, MusicCast Surround mode will produce 3D sound. As for me, it feels like you are in a movie theater or a professional music studio. Moreover, with a calibration system set up, performance will be perfectly optimized for your room.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A8A

The Denon AVR-X6700H and Yamaha RX-A8A are the most premium receivers on the market today. However, subjectively speaking, Yamaha RX-A8A is undoubtedly the superior choice between both premium models.

Budget Denon and Yamaha receivers comparison

Denon AVR-S660H

The Denon AVR-S660H is an excellent unit for the price. It has nice sound quality and integrates well with other devices. In this Denon AVR-S660H review, we'll go over some of the main features and why it's a great choice for anyone looking for a good quality sound system.

Build and design

The front panel of the Denon AVR-S660H is designed with a sleek, black finish and a clear display. The buttons are easy to use, allowing you to control all the AVR features quickly. The front panel also includes a USB port, which allows you to connect a USB drive and play your music or videos directly on your TV. Additionally, the front panel includes an IR sensor, which allows you to control the AVR with your Denon remote.

The back panel of the AV receiver is designed with a variety of ports, which allow you to connect your devices. The ports on the back panel include multiple HDMI ports, that allow you to connect your TV and AV receiver; digital audio ports, which allow you to connect your Blu-ray player and other digital audio devices; an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect the AVR to your home network; and a power input.

Additionally, the back panel includes an antenna connector and four screw terminals, which allow you to easily install your speakers.

The size of the receiver is 17.08 x 13.34 x 8.46 inches with an antenna and it weighs 17.2 pounds, making it a compact receiver that can easily fit into any home theater setup.

Features and specs

The Denon AVR-S660H is a high-performance 8K ready 5.2 channel AVR. It supports the latest 3D audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Surround, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS Neo:6 and delivers the classic Denon sound for movies, games, and music.

In addition, it features three dedicated 8K inputs that support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, along with HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision & HLG for exceptional color and clarity.

The Denon AVR-S660H also features an advanced 8K HDMI section that allows you to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and games with the best picture quality available. Additionally, it has versatile connection options, including 6 HDMI in / 1 out, 2 digital, 2 analog, 1 coaxial, and 1 phono Input.

The AVR also has 2 pre-outs to connect subwoofers for additional bass. Lastly, it features the award-winning On-Screen Setup Guide that provides simple, intuitive instructions to connect your TV, specify EQ settings, and tune the AVR for an optimal listening experience.

You can use this receiver to stream music to different speakers in your house because of HEOS Multiroom integrated feature. The speakers don't have to be in the same room. You just need to connect them to the same wireless network.

Also, the Denon AVR-S660H product can be controlled by voice commands. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, and Apple Siri.

Sound quality

The receiver can handle high-resolution audio formats, so you'll be able to enjoy your music or movies in perfect clarity! In addition, the Denon has an immaculate sound throughout the hearing range and at high volumes. It will make even cheap speakers sound good!

The Denon AVR-S660H is a great choice for home theater systems because it produces clear and crisp sound with excellent bass response.

The high frequencies or the receiver are very detailed and accurate. You will be able to hear sounds that you never noticed before when watching movies or listening to music.

The midrange frequencies are well-balanced and provide a clear and natural sound. However, it is where most of the dialog in movies comes through, so these frequencies must be reproduced accurately.

The low frequencies are where the Denon AVR-S660H shines. The bass response is excellent, and you will be able to feel the power of your movie's soundtrack or enjoy your music with tight and accurate bass. The subwoofer output is also powerful, so you'll be able to add some severe thump to your system if you want.

The overall sound quality of the receiver is pretty well, and it will make any home theater system sound great. If you're looking for a receiver that can produce clear and powerful sound, the Denon AVR-S660H is a good option.

Verdict about Denon AVR-S660H

Yamaha RX-V4A

We have prepared a Yamaha RX-V4A review for you to make your choice easier. The most obvious thing differentiating it from others is the support of 8K HDMI and 4K Ultra HD video with full 60p resolution, allowing receiving and processing 4K content without compression.

The new RX-V4A is a universal receiver that supports almost any existing surround sound format. It provides a possibility to work with network sources or external speakers through its proprietary Yamaha system. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – two new surround sound formats. What is more, this model offers a possibility to work with network sources and external speakers through a proprietary Yamaha system.

Build and design

The Yamaha RX-V4A receiver has a sleek and modern look. It has a black finish and a brushed aluminum front panel. The Yamaha RX-V4A receiver weighs about 19.4 lbs and measures 17-1/8” x 6-3/4” x 14-7/8” inches.

The front panel includes a power button, volume and channel knobs, and buttons for managing the audio input and output. The receiver also includes an on-screen display that allows you to control all of its functions.

On the rear side of the Yamaha RX-V4A receiver, you can find all inputs and outputs. They allow you to connect the receiver to other devices, such as a TV or a computer. The ports are also used to power the receiver and to transfer audio and video signals.

The remote control for the Yamaha RX-V4A receiver is easy to use. It gives you complete control over the receiver’s settings and has more than enough buttons to make it easy to set up.

Features and specs

As for Yamaha RX-V4A specifications, it is a 5.2 channel AV receiver. This receiver has 80 W (6 ohms, 0.06% THD) per output channel when two speakers are driven. In addition, this receiver is equipped with bi-amp ability. Therefore, you can connect your speakers directly to it and use the receiver as a power amplifier for high-quality sound reproduction without losing the dynamics that often accompany passive loudspeakers.

Yamaha RX-V4A is an excellent home theater receiver for the newer AV formats. The Yamaha RX-V4A also has a variety of input jacks that allow for many different options for connecting external devices. In addition, this receiver comes with many features such as 4 HDMI inputs, network capabilities through RJ45 input, USB input and outputs, two digital optical audio output ports, and analog audio out port. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so that you can connect it in different ways.

The video quality of the Yamaha RX-V4A receiver is not bad. The picture is clear and with ample color depth. This receiver is equipped with HDR10+. A new standard for high dynamic range video offers improved contrast, excellent brightness, and enhanced color. In addition, Yamaha RX-V4A supports a 4K Ultra HD video passthrough, allowing you to watch your favorite movies and TV shows in stunning detail. The Yamaha RX-V4A receiver is also an 8K (up to 60p) capable device that delivers excellent video quality.

Sound

When it comes to sound quality, the receiver is clear and sounds great. In addition, the Yamaha is not distorted when you turn the volume up to its maximum setting.

The Yamaha RX-V4A is an excellent receiver for listening to music. The sound quality is excellent, and the surround sound effects are powerful. Additionally, it supports Dolby Digital Plus decoding. It provides an immersive opportunity for watching videos, TV shows, and games.

However, some people argue that it has a little bit of bad sound quality when watching movies, compared to the sound quality in music. The problem is that it does not have any preset modes for watching movies, so when you choose “Movie” mode, the only thing that would change is that dialog will be louder. Sometimes, that’s not enough.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-V4A receiver

Denon’s AVR-S660H and Yamaha’s RX-V4A are powerful receivers promising deep, immersive surround sound for excellent home audio experiences. The Denon model edges ahead with a few more features than the competitor without sacrificing quality – plus, it offers increased connectivity thanks to its impressive number of HDMI ports.

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