Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Yamaha RX-A880, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 110/8, 170/4, while the RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 received the model ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-A880 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and Yamaha RX-A880 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, Qobuz, but the Yamaha RX-A880 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the RX-A880. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and RX-A880 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the Yamaha RX-A880 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.