It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Sony STR-DN1080 vs Yamaha RX-A780.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DN1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 120/6, while the RX-A780 has a power of 95/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 0.09%, but for the RX-A780 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DN1080 received the model 96 KHz/24-bit, but the RX-A780 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-DN1080 and Yamaha RX-A780 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 versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Sony STR-DN1080 works with TIDAL, Pandora, but the Yamaha RX-A780 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 STR-DN1080 and the RX-A780. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A780. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the RX-A780.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DN1080 has 6/2, and the RX-A780 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the STR-DN1080 and the RX-A780. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The STR-DN1080 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the RX-A780, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Yamaha RX-A780.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the STR-DN1080 is used Google assistant, but in the RX-A780 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in RX-A780. The Sony STR-DN1080 and the Yamaha RX-A780 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.