Yamaha RX-V4A vs Yamaha RX-A8A review
It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V4A vs Yamaha RX-A8A because they both are able to give some premium features.
Amplifier
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V4A has 5.2 versus 11.2 for Yamaha RX-A8A. Regarding power, then RX-V4A has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/6 when RX-A8A has a power of 150/8. The THD is the same and is 0.06%. Both the RX-V4A and the RX-A8A support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Connectivity
WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. 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-V4A can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, and the RX-A8A can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud.
Video features
Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/120Hz 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-V4A has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/3 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-A8A.
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 RX-A8A has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. The RX-V4A supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and the RX-A8A - 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-V4A and RX-A8A can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Multichannel surround
Only the RX-A8A has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the RX-A8A.