Sony STR-DH790 vs Yamaha RX-V485BL review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Sony STR-DH790 vs Yamaha RX-V485BL that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DH790 has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485BL. Regarding power, then STR-DH790 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 90/6 when RX-V485BL has a power of 80/6. The THD is the same and is 0.09%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for STR-DH790 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485BL. Both the STR-DH790 and the RX-V485BL 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. Only the RX-V485BL supports Spotify.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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. The RX-V485BL can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DH790. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

Each receiver has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. 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 2.2. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V485BL. Both STR-DH790 and RX-V485BL can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the STR-DH790 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the STR-DH790.