Onkyo vs Yamaha AV Receivers Comparison

With Onkyo and Yamaha AV receivers dominating the market, sorting out which is better for your needs can be challenging. Discover how these two top-notch pieces of equipment stack up against each other – from sound quality to user features! Let’s compare both Yamaha vs Onkyo on features such as Bluetooth connectivity, streaming capabilities, and customization options – all to find the best match for any audiophile’s needs!

Basic information about Yamaha and Onkyo

Yamaha is one of the most trusted names in the AV receiver market, with its products have been around since 1967 and gaining a loyal customer base over the years. Its latest line of receivers offers a powerful set of features, from digital signal processing (DSP) to 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Yamaha also offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth models, making it easy to stream music from services like Spotify or Apple Music.

Onkyo is another leading AV receiver brand that has been around since 1946. Its receivers feature HDMI for 4K UHD video playback and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats. Onkyo also offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth models, allowing users to stream music from various services or play their content. Additionally, many Onkyo receivers offer multiroom audio capabilities for listening to different devices in various locations around your home.

Mid-price Yamaha and Onkyo receivers comparison

Yamaha RX-A4A

This Yamaha RX-A4A review will take an in-depth look at one of the best AV receivers available on the market today. Previous models in the RX-A series have been very popular, and this one is sure to continue that trend. We'll go over the features, specs, design, and performance of this AV receiver to help you determine if it's the right model for your home theater setup.

Build and design

The Yamaha RX-A4A measures 17.1 x 6.8 x 14.6 inches and weighs just over 20 pounds, so it's not too big or too heavy to be inconvenient to move around. It's made to be placed in a standard AV rack and has plenty of ventilation to keep it cool during operation.

The front panel is fairly straightforward, with the power button, volume control, and input selection buttons located near the top. There are also indicator lights for power, input, and surround mode. The receiver has a clear glass finish and houses all the buttons and controls, while the back panel is packed with ports and connections.

Features and specs

The Yamaha RX-A4A's specifications are next. It is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with a maximum power output of 100 watts per channel. The receiver has 2 Multi-room zones and ESS SABRE DACs for superior sound quality. There is also a Music Enhancer included to improve the frequency response of compressed audio files.

The RX-A4A has a total of 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, which is more than enough for most home theater setups. It also features advanced voice recognition and control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can use your voice to control various functions of the receiver, such as power, volume, input selection, and surround mode.

Also, this AV receiver comes with a remote control and an iOS/Android app for controlling it remotely. So you can stream music from Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services using the built-in app.

The only drawback that happened to me while using the receiver was that it can take a few seconds for the audio signal to adjust and actually play.

This model is able to decode high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz and has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. Also, the receiver supports 4K Ultra HD, 3D, and Dolby Atmos and also includes Yamaha's Cinema DSP 3D technology, which creates a virtual surround sound environment that is faithful to the original soundtrack. This is a fantastic feature for action and sound-based movies or TV shows.

Another characteristic I find very special is Surround:AI that automatically adjusts the sound field to match the content you're watching. When I was watching a concert, the sound was focused on the center of the room, but after I switched it to a football game, the sound was more evenly distributed around the room.

Sound quality

I do video games, music, movies, and TV as well as my 4k HDR Blu-rays and MKV files on my computer hooked up to the receiver. The YAMAHA RX-A4A's features have so far handled everything just fine. The highs are crisp and detailed, the mids are well-balanced, and the lows are deep and authoritative. Besides, the receiver does a great job with all the different audio formats. I don't have Atmos speakers, but even without them, the receiver still creates a realistic soundscape.

Also, I think passthrough mode is worth mentioning here. Shortly, this feature enables you to route the video signal through the receiver while it's on standby. I found it useful for playing a game late at night with headphones through your controller; no need for the amp to be on and muted, or have headphones through the amp. Overall, I'm very pleased with this receiver.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A4A

Onkyo TX-RZ50

Are you searching for a powerful yet affordable home audio system and want to know if the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is right for you? Well, we've done all the hard work for you by testing this powerful amplifier and speakers, so let us tell you what we found. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV receiver has proven to be an excellent pick for adding quality sound to your home.

Build and design

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has a front panel with buttons and knobs. It is designed to look nice and has simple controls for adjusting the sound. The main power button is at the panel's top, with volume and input selection buttons below. The Tone Control knobs are on either side of the center display, allowing quick sound adjustments. Finally, a headphone jack is located at the bottom for private listening. These controls can customize your home theater experience quickly and easily.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also features a sleek and modern look with black accents and silver trim. This combination of colors helps it stand out while still providing an elegant look.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has dimensions of 17 1/8˝ x 7 15/16˝ x 15 11/16˝ (435 x 201.5 x 398 mm), making it a relatively small and portable device. Its weight also reflects this as it weighs only 30.9 lbs. (14.0 kg), making it light enough to be carried around easily.

Features and specs

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a unique audio amplifier that offers superior sound quality and performance. It boasts 250 W/Ch of THX® Certified Select RZ Series Dynamic Audio Amplification, meaning it can provide a powerful and crisp sound to any home entertainment system. It is also IMAX® Enhanced certified for an immersive signature sound by DTS:X®, providing a true cinematic experience.

The device features 11.2-ch processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 layouts, allowing you to get the most out of your surround sound system at home. In addition, it can be controlled with Hey Google or Alexa, making it easy to use.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is also equipped with a range of HDMI® inputs. Inputs 1-3 and the Main/Sub out support 8K/60AB and 4K/120AB, while inputs 4-6 support 8K/60B and 4K/120AB. The front HDMI input supports up to 4K/60 (HDMI 2.0). There's also an HDMI Sub/Zone 2 Out that can transmit media to a second display.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports Bluetooth® wireless technology, allowing you to send or receive audio easily. In addition, it features RX mode (SBC/AAC) and TX mode (SBC/Qualcomm® aptX™/aptX HD), providing superior sound quality when streaming music or other audio content.

In addition, the AVR is compatible with 4K/120, giving gamers an ultimate gaming experience. With this level of resolution, you'll enjoy the most stunning visuals and smooth gameplay from the comfort of your home.

For music lovers, the receiver is also Sonos Certified, meaning it can easily integrate into existing Sonos audio systems for expanded sound options. So whether streaming music or playing it through a CD player, you can experience your favorite tunes in crystal clear sound.

Sound quality

The sound from the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is really good. It makes everything you hear sound clear and crisp. The soundstage is wide and detailed, making it easy to pick out individual sounds in the mix. The bass response is tight and precise, giving plenty of power when needed without being too overpowering. Voices are natural and clear, while the highs have good sparkle without sounding harsh or grating. It also has a lot of dynamic range, allowing a wide range of music types to be enjoyed.

All in all, this receiver's sound quality is excellent, something that both seasoned audiophiles and novices alike can appreciate.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 truly shines after being calibrated with DIRAC, making movie watching an unparalleled experience! It not only adds clarity and precision to sound across the frequency range but also offers features such as adjustable dialogue enhancement, bass management, and subwoofer equalization. In addition, with DIRAC's unparalleled acoustic manipulation capabilities, your Onkyo TX-RZ50 will become a truly immersive home theater experience!

Verdict about Onkyo TX-RZ50

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an impressive receiver that offers a wide range of features and options for both audio enthusiasts and casual listeners.

This product is truly outstanding - it was effortless to get up and run, and the audio quality is incredibly clear. It's of note that this item outperforms many others in its price range!

The Yamaha RX-A4A and Onkyo TX-RZ50 are the market’s most popular mid-priced AV receivers. Both models offer fantastic sound quality, with the Yamaha offering a more neutral sound profile and the Onkyo providing a warmer, richer bass response. When comparing the Onkyo TX-RZ50 and Yamaha RX-A4A, both of which are priced similarly, I would recommend the former because it is a 9-channel receiver while Yamaha’s only has 7. However, the other features found in both models remain fairly equal.

Onkyo TX-NR6100

With these features, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an ideal choice for a powerful home theater receiver with superior audio quality and performance. Whether it’s used for movies or music, this receiver will provide an immersive sound experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Build and design

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a well-constructed device with an impressive build that makes it stand out in the audio receiver market. Its dimensions are 17 1/8˝ x 6 13/16˝ x 14 15/16˝ (435 x 173.5 x 379.5 mm), providing a solid foundation for the unit and making it easy to fit in any setup. The 21.7 lb (9.8 kg) weight might not be light, but its size is still manageable and should work well even with limited space.

The design of the Onkyo TX-NR6100 looks sleek, with a brushed aluminum front panel and a black finish. The front panel houses various buttons, dials, and other controls, along with an intuitive LCD display that provides quick access to the menu settings. At the back of the unit are ports for connecting audio devices, including HDMI inputs/outputs, digital optical/coaxial inputs/outputs, Zone 2 line-level outputs, and speaker terminals.

Features and specs

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an advanced 5.2.2-channel home theater receiver that offers a wide range of features and specs to provide an immersive movie and music listening experience. It boasts 210 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1-ch driven) power output and 100 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-ch driven) for a powerful sound system. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback for an immersive surround sound experience like no other.

In addition, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 also works with popular streaming services such as Sonos, Chromecast built-in™, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi®. It also supports Spotify®, Amazon Music HD, Pandora®, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn so that you can listen to your favorite music in high-definition audio quality.

Furthermore, the receiver is equipped with HDMI 2.1 features that make it compatible with a range of devices and provide smooth frame-by-frame performance on TV via VRR, ALLM, QFT (Quick Frame Transport), DSC (Display Stream Compression), QMS (Quick Media Switching) and eARC (Main Out). Additionally, it features Bluetooth® wireless technology RX mode with SBC/AAC and TX mode with SBC/Qualcomm® aptX™ /aptX HD for easy streaming.

With these features, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is an ideal choice for a powerful home theater receiver with superior audio quality and performance. Whether it’s used for movies or music, this receiver will provide an immersive sound experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Sound quality

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 provides an immersive and dynamic sound experience. Its 100 watts per channel output creates a vibrant and detailed soundstage with tight highs and powerful lows that stand out from the rest. The receiver utilizes THX certification to ensure crystal clear sound without any signs of artifacts, further enhanced by its compatibility with all major audio formats, such as Atmos, DTS X and Dolby True HD.

Thanks to its advanced calibration system, it can upmix any stereo sound to all your speakers for a more immersive experience. Whether watching an action movie or playing the latest video game, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 delivers a captivating audio experience with you on the edge of your seat.

The frequencies can be easily adjusted with its Graphical User Interface, allowing you to customize the sound according to your taste. The lows and mids are especially adjustable, giving you the power to fine-tune your sound with smooth bass and crisp highs, and the highs can be pushed even further with the help of its Room Acoustic Calibration system.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and use. With the Onkyo TX-NR6100, you can easily customize your audio setup for the perfect listening experience. All in all, it is an entry to the mid-range receiver with high-end sound quality.

Verdict about Onkyo TX-NR6100

Yamaha RX-V6A

In our Yamaha RX-V6A review you can get to know a few things, which make it stand out from others. First, it has a really powerful amplifier. This feature makes the device perfect for both larger rooms and home theaters.

The device’s advanced features and functionality make it a suitable option for those who want more control over their audio experience. This model also includes features like Yamaha's Own CINEMA DSP processing, which provides an unforgettable sound experience. Finally, the RX-V6A model has different built-in ways of connectivity that makes the device really easy for connecting to your favorite streaming services.

Design and its built

Let’s begin with the design of the model, which is relatively straightforward. For instance, when you are looking at the front side, we can notice a clean and minimalist design, with only a few buttons and regulation knobs. Generally speaking, its build quality is also fine, with a solid feel.

Let’s consider some more Yamaha RX-V6A specifications. As for dimensions, they are 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-7/8" inches. The model also weighs about 21.6 lbs., which gives it a premium feel. As for the back panel, it is where all the action is, with many ports and connections.

Overall, this design is elegant and practical. It should be more than enough to satisfy most users' needs and desires.

Moreover, it’s really easy to set up the Yamaha RX-V6A model, even if you haven’t done it before. The Yamaha model has a clear interface, so it will be easy for you to to control and operate it. The setup process does not require special knowledge or expertise. The receiver can be configured to work with most varieties of home theater systems and different audio components that you use.

Features

The Yamaha RX-V6A model is a popular 7.2-channel device, which produces deep, realistic sound and supports advanced streaming services for ultimate flexibility and convenience. I think practicality and power are two main things, which are worth our attention. With 100 W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch driven), the model has a lot of power in order to drive your speakers and also provide an unforgettable sound experience. It is a possibility to feel deep and clear sounds. This model supports bi-ampinng.

Owners of the device can use two amplifiers at the same time, if they want to power each of the left and right speakers, providing greater power and improved sound quality. Bi-amp capable models typically have special speaker terminals. Users are allowed to connect the two amplifiers and switches or menus in order to enable or disable the bi-amp function.

Besides, it includes a multi-room mode. Here we speak about one more interesting feature. You just need to download the MusicCast app if you want to control which room the sound is playing in. People can also use it to stream different sources to any of your rooms. It’s really comfortable, because it doesn’t require any additional remote control, only your smartphone.

The Yamaha RX-V6A includes a wide variety of ports for connecting a lot of types of devices, such as audio and video. It’s also important to check before buying, in order not to buy something else later. On this device you can notice seven HDMI inputs, two RCA stereo inputs, one optical digital input, and a subwoofer output.

In addition, this model includes a USB port that gives a possibility to connect a USB drive or a digital audio player. For radio fans, the RX-V6A includes a built-in AM and FM tuner. Besides, there are some other connectivities, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Such availability is really comfortable, because they are like alternative options, in the case of any problem. It provides an easy way of connection, giving you the maximum flexibility in usage. The AirPlay2 and Yamaha AirPlay app allows you to stream your favorite music directly from your personal Apple devices. The RX-V6A model is ideal for almost any home theater setup with all these great features.

This model provides an excellent video experience. Yamaha RX-V6A also has several audio features that will improve watching experience. It supports 4K Ultra HD video, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. People like and prefer this device for its 4K120AB, 8K60B, 4K60, and 24GBPS HDMI1-3 pass-through.

Sound

The Yamaha RX-V6A is an excellent option for people, who are looking for quality sound. It has many great features that will make your listening experience better. The receiver has a built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoder, ensuring that you'll get the best possible sound quality from your movies and music. It supports a wide variety of audio formats. It also features six channels of amplification to enjoy stereo sound even in large rooms. So, one of the best things about this receiver is the sound quality. It provides a clear and powerful sound that will make you feel right in the middle of the action.

The Yamaha RX-V6A also includes the YPAO Volume feature. It is a feature that automatically adjusts the receiver's volume to suit your preference.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-V6A

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Yamaha RX-V6A are excellent AV receivers with many features. Both feature high-quality audio, extensive connectivity options, and powerful amplifiers.

Although the functions are practically similar between Yamaha RX-V6A and Onkyo TX-NR6100, when it comes to subjective feelings such as sound quality, design aesthetics, and user experience, Yamaha RX-V6A surpasses its competition.

Budget Yamaha and Onkyo receivers comparison

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

Onkyo TX-SR393

We have prepared an Onkyo TX-SR393 review. The TX-SR393 is an excellent receiver that offers excellent value. It has many features not found on other receivers in its price range.

For example, it has built-in Bluetooth that allows you to stream music from your phone or tablet. It also has an HDMI port with a 4K passthrough and HDCP 2.2 support, which allows you to take full advantage of the latest high-resolution video formats. Finally, it has a built-in FM tuner, which you will not find in many other receivers.

Build and design

Let's begin with Onkyo TX-SR393 features. The receiver's dimensions are 17 1/8"" x 6 5/8"" x 12 15/16"" inches, and it is 18.1 lbs in weight. The front panel has a clean and clear design. The front panel has a power button, input selector, volume knob, and headphone jack. The back panel has speaker terminals, an antenna connector, different inputs, a USB port, and HDMI ports.

A small display in the middle of the front panel shows the current input and volume level. Around the display, four LED indicators show which input is selected: Analog, Optical/Coaxial, and two HDMI inputs.

There is also a remote control. It is essential, but it gets the job done. It has all the standard buttons you would need, such as power, volume up/down, input, and surround mode. Plus, it's backlit, making it easy to see in the dark.

Features and specs

Onkyo TX-SR393 is a 5.2 channel A/V Receiver with 80 Watts, 0.08% THD of audio output when 2 channels driven. TX-SR393 is a receiver that allows you to enjoy many features. For example, it supports Zone B line-out. In addition, it allows users to send audio from the receiver to a second location, typically in another room.

Onkyo TX-SR393 has HDMI, Optical, and AUX inputs, a USB input that you can play music directly from your mp3 player or phone, a headphone output, and coaxial input. The rear panel of Onkyo TX-SR393 has several audio output ports. It also houses an antenna port for picking up FM broadcast signals. In addition, there are two RCA connectors for the analog input source, along with a dedicated digital coaxial connector. The speaker terminals are similar to the ones on the front. This model doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, but you can connect your mobile phone, TV, DVD player to it via Bluetooth.

As Onkyo TX-SR393 video specifications, have Ultra HD Pass that supports 4K (up to 60p) video signals. It makes your movies come alive. It plays all types of media files, including high-definition blu-ray discs, making it worth buying for movie buffs. A high-quality video processor guarantees the highest image quality by minimizing noise and improving color gradation. In addition, the upscaling function converts standard definition material to Full HD for an improved picture, even on large screens.

Sound

It has an excellent sound quality, and it can easily play almost all types of file formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and DSD. In addition, the TX-SR393 also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are two of the latest audio formats. As a result, it allows you to experience a more immersive sound with better quality.

The sound of the Onkyo TX-SR393 is perfect for watching movies. This receiver brings the movies to life and makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. The low, mid, and high frequencies are well balanced, but it lacks some power in the bass frequencies. When watching an action movie, you will notice this effect with explosions or car chases. This aspect can be compensated by adding a subwoofer to the system.

Verdict about Onkyo TX-SR393

The Yamaha RX-V4A and Onkyo TX-SR393 are high-end receivers with great sound quality. Both models come with 4 HDMI ports, support 4K HDR, and have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. But only Onkyo AVR has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and more. Despite all the options available, I still stand by my decision to choose Yamaha RX-V4A.

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