Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Onkyo TX-NR787 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Onkyo TX-NR787 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Onkyo TX-NR787. Regarding power, then AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 110/8, 170/4 when TX-NR787 has a power of 100/8, 220/6. The THD is 0.06% for the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 but 0.08% for the TX-NR787.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit for AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the TX-NR787. Both the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the TX-NR787 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 Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. 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 TX-NR787 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-NR787. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-NR787. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. 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 TX-NR787. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the TX-NR787 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is only available for the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. Both AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and TX-NR787 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.