Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-V581 vs Marantz SR5012, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V581 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 115/6, while the SR5012 has a power of 100/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V581 it is 0.09%, but for the SR5012 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V581 received the model Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit, but the SR5012 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-V581 and Marantz SR5012 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha RX-V581 works with Pandora, JUKE, but the Marantz SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the RX-V581 and the SR5012. Video scaling is only possible with the SR5012. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SR5012.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-V581 has 4/1, and the SR5012 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the RX-V581 and the SR5012. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. RX-V581 and SR5012 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha RX-V581 and the Marantz SR5012 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.