Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Yamaha RX-A8A review

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It makes sense comparing Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Yamaha RX-A8A because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Yamaha RX-A8A. Regarding power, then AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 110/8, 170/4 when RX-A8A has a power of 150/8. The THD is the same and is 0.06%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit for AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-A8A. Both the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the RX-A8A support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, Qobuz, and the RX-A8A can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud.

Video features

HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/3 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-A8A. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-A8A. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the RX-A8A. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the RX-A8A - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and RX-A8A can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.