Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-V479BL vs Yamaha RX-A880, 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 - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V479BL has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, while the RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V479BL it is 0.09%, but for the RX-A880 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V479BL received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the RX-A880 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha RX-A880. Both Yamaha RX-V479BL and Yamaha RX-A880 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 versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. The RX-A880 has access to the Spotify service. 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-V479BL and the RX-A880. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A880. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the RX-A880.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-V479BL has 6/1, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. RX-V479BL and RX-A880 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha RX-A880. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha RX-V479BL and the Yamaha RX-A880 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the RX-A880. Only in the RX-A880 realized a DTS:X surround technology.