It makes sense comparing Denon AVR-X8500HSP 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-X8500HSP has 13.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then AVR-X8500HSP has such a W/Ohm ratio - 150/8, 190/6 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVR-X8500HSP but 0.09% for the RX-V485.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X8500HSP and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the AVR-X8500HSP 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. 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-X8500HSP can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, and the RX-V485 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM. 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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP has 8/3 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. The AVR-X8500HSP supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-V485. The AVR-X8500HSP has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The AVR-X8500HSP supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the RX-V485. The AVR-X8500HSP 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-X8500HSP and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the AVR-X8500HSP has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-X8500HSP.