Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 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 AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 110/8, 170/4, while the SR5012 has a power of 100/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 it is 0.06%, but for the SR5012 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 received the model ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit, but the SR5012 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and Marantz SR5012 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, Qobuz, but the Marantz SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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 AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the SR5012. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3, and the SR5012 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A1080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and SR5012 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, but in the SR5012 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 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.