Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-S960H vs Yamaha RX-A2060, 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 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S960H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/8, 125/6, while the RX-A2060 has a power of 140/8, 220/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-S960H it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A2060 it is 0.06%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha RX-A2060. Both Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-A2060 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-S960H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio, but the Yamaha RX-A2060 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, JUKE, Qobuz.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S960H and the RX-A2060. 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 AVR-S960H has 6/2, and the RX-A2060 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S960H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-S960H has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the RX-A2060, 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 AVR-S960H where 2 Multi zones is provided, the RX-A2060 works with 3 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-S960H and the Yamaha RX-A2060 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.