It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Yamaha CX-A5200 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 11.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the CX-A5200 it is 0.06%, but for the RX-V481BL it is 0.09%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the CX-A5200 received the model ESS SABRE PRO (ES9026) 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-V481BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha RX-V481BL. Both Yamaha CX-A5200 and Yamaha RX-V481BL 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 Yamaha CX-A5200 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Yamaha RX-V481BL works with Pandora, Qobuz, JUKE. 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 CX-A5200 and the RX-V481BL. Video scaling is only possible with the CX-A5200. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the CX-A5200.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the CX-A5200 has 7/3, and the RX-V481BL has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the CX-A5200 and the RX-V481BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. CX-A5200 and RX-V481BL support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha CX-A5200. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha CX-A5200 and the Yamaha RX-V481BL can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the CX-A5200. Only in the CX-A5200 realized a DTS:X surround technology.