Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A2080 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 - 9.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A2080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 140/8, 220/4, 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-A2080 it is 0.06%, but for the RX-S602 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A2080 received the model ESS SABRE ( ES9007S) 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-A2080 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-A2080 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-A2080 and the RX-S602. Video scaling is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A2080. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A2080.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A2080 has 7/3, 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-A2080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVENTAGE RX-A2080 and RX-S602 support the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A2080.
Unlike the AVENTAGE RX-A2080 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the RX-S602 works with 2 Multi zones. 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-A2080 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-A2080. Only in the AVENTAGE RX-A2080 realized a DTS:X surround technology.