Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Yamaha RX-S602 review

vs

Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Yamaha RX-S602, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 13.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-X8500HSP has such a ratio W/Ohm - 150/8, 190/6, while the RX-S602 has a power of 80/8, 125/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-X8500HSP it is 0.05%, but for the RX-S602 it is 0.08%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X8500HSP received the model AK4490 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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP and Yamaha RX-S602 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Yamaha RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. 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 AVR-X8500HSP and the RX-S602. Video scaling is only possible with the AVR-X8500HSP. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVR-X8500HSP.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-X8500HSP 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 AVR-X8500HSP. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-X8500HSP 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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP.

Additional features

Unlike the AVR-X8500HSP where 3 Multi zones is provided, the RX-S602 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the AVR-X8500HSP is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the RX-S602 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-X8500HSP and the Yamaha RX-S602 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-X8500HSP. Only in the AVR-X8500HSP realized a DTS:X surround technology.