Having had an opportunity to test Marantz SR5012 vs Yamaha RX-A880, 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 SR5012 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, while the RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SR5012 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A880 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the SR5012 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the RX-A880 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz SR5012 and Yamaha RX-A880 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 Marantz SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Yamaha RX-A880 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. 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 SR5012 and the RX-A880. 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 SR5012 has 8/2, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SR5012 and RX-A880 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha RX-A880.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the SR5012 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the RX-A880 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz SR5012 and the Yamaha RX-A880 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.