Having had an opportunity to test Onkyo TX-SR494 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, 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 - 7.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-SR494 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 135/6, while the R-N602BL has a power of 115/8, 105/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the TX-SR494 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N602BL it is 0.01%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-SR494 received the model AKM 384 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-SR494. Both Onkyo TX-SR494 and Yamaha R-N602BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Wireless Internet connection via WIFI is only possible with R-N602BL. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The R-N602BL has access to the Spotify service. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the TX-SR494. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Onkyo TX-SR494. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-SR494 and the R-N602BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Onkyo TX-SR494 has HDMI CEC. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha R-N602BL. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in R-N602BL. The Onkyo TX-SR494 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the TX-SR494. Only in the TX-SR494 realized a DTS:X surround technology.