It makes sense comparing Denon AVR-X1600H vs Yamaha RX-V485 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X1600H has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then AVR-X1600H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 120/6 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is 0.08% for the AVR-X1600H but 0.09% for the RX-V485.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 384 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X1600H and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the AVR-X1600H and the RX-V485 support Bi-amping. 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 AVR-X1600H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Mood Mix, and the RX-V485 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM.
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. The RX-V485 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-X1600H. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the RX-V485.
The Denon AVR-X1600H has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485. 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-X1600H 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 AVR-X1600H supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, and the RX-V485 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both AVR-X1600H and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the AVR-X1600H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-X1600H.