Yamaha RX-A780 vs Onkyo TX-SR494 – that is a question.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-A780 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 95/8, 160/4, while the TX-SR494 has a power of 135/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-A780 it is 0.06%, but for the TX-SR494 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-A780 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-SR494 is equipped with AKM 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-A780 and Onkyo TX-SR494 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The RX-A780 has access to the Spotify service.
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-A780 and the TX-SR494. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A780. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the RX-A780.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-A780 has 7/2, and the TX-SR494 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A780. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-A780 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the TX-SR494, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha RX-A780.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in RX-A780. The Yamaha RX-A780 and the Onkyo TX-SR494 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.