It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DN1050 vs Yamaha RX-V485 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DN1050 has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then STR-DN1050 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is the same and is 0.09%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1050 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the STR-DN1050 and the RX-V485 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony STR-DN1050 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver.
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. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the RX-V485.
The Sony STR-DN1050 has 6/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the RX-V485. The STR-DN1050 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-V485. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. The STR-DN1050 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the RX-V485 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V485. Both STR-DN1050 and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the STR-DN1050 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the STR-DN1050.