What is better - Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 vs Denon HEOS AVR?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 115/8, 145/6, while the HEOS AVR has a power of 50/8, 65/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A680 it is 0.08%, but for the HEOS AVR it is 0.05%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680. Both Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 and Denon HEOS AVR can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Denon HEOS AVR works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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-A680 and the HEOS AVR. Video scaling is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A680. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVENTAGE RX-A680 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the HEOS AVR, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant in both models. There is an ECO mode in AVENTAGE RX-A680. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680 realized a DTS:X surround technology.