Yamaha RX-A8A vs Marantz CINEMA 50 review

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The Yamaha RX-A8A vs Marantz CINEMA 50 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-A8A has 11.2 versus 9.4 for Marantz CINEMA 50. Regarding power, then RX-A8A has such a W/Ohm ratio - 150/8 when CINEMA 50 has a power of 110/8, 150/6. The THD is 0.06% for the RX-A8A but 0.08% for the CINEMA 50.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 384 KHz/32-bit for RX-A8A and 192 KHz/32-bit for the CINEMA 50. Both the RX-A8A and the CINEMA 50 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The RX-A8A can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, and the CINEMA 50 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10+ technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/120Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Yamaha RX-A8A has 7/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz CINEMA 50. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The RX-A8A supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the CINEMA 50. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both RX-A8A and CINEMA 50 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.