Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-S602 vs Denon AVR-X2500H, 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 - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-S602 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 125/6, while the AVR-X2500H has a power of 95/8, 125/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-S602 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-X2500H is equipped with AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-S602 and Denon AVR-X2500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
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 RX-S602 and the AVR-X2500H. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVR-X2500H.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-S602 has 4/1, and the AVR-X2500H has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the RX-S602 and the AVR-X2500H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-S602 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the AVR-X2500H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon AVR-X2500H.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the RX-S602 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, but in the AVR-X2500H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha RX-S602 and the Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-X2500H. Only in the AVR-X2500H realized a DTS:X surround technology.