What is better - Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 vs Sony STR-DN1040?
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 115/8, 145/6, while the STR-DN1040 has a power of 100/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A680 it is 0.08%, but for the STR-DN1040 it is 0.09%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A680 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the STR-DN1040 is equipped with 96 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 and Sony STR-DN1040 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, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. The AVENTAGE RX-A680 has access to the Spotify service. 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-A680 and the STR-DN1040. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has 4/1, and the STR-DN1040 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A680. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVENTAGE RX-A680 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the STR-DN1040, which supports 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 AVENTAGE RX-A680. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 and the Sony STR-DN1040 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Only in the AVENTAGE RX-A680 realized a DTS:X surround technology.