Yamaha RX-V483BL vs Denon AVR-S950H review

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It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V483BL vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V483BL has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then RX-V483BL has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the RX-V483BL but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for RX-V483BL and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the RX-V483BL supports Bi-amping feature. The Denon AVR-S950H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Yamaha RX-V483BL has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The RX-V483BL can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, JUKE, Qobuz, and the AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz 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-V483BL has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-S950H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The RX-V483BL supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. The AVR-S950H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Denon AVR-S950H.

Multichannel surround

Only the AVR-S950H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-S950H.