Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Yamaha RX-S602, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 110/8, 170/4, while the RX-S602 has a power of 80/8, 125/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 it is 0.06%, but for the RX-S602 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 received the model ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-S602 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-S602 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-S602 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-S602. Video scaling is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A1080.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3, and the RX-S602 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the RX-S602, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080.
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-S602 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. Only in the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 realized a DTS:X surround technology.