It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V485 vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V485 has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then RX-V485 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 145/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the RX-V485 but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for RX-V485 and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. Only the RX-V485 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. 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-V485 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, and the AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix.
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.
The Yamaha RX-V485 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. 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. The AVR-S950H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. The RX-V485 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and the AVR-S950H - 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-V485 and AVR-S950H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the AVR-S950H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-S950H.