Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A3080 vs Yamaha RX-A880, 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 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A3080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 150/8, 230/4, 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-A3080 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-A3080 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-A3080 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-A3080 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-A3080 has 7/3, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A3080 and the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVENTAGE RX-A3080 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the RX-A880, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the AVENTAGE RX-A3080 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the RX-A880 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-A3080 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.