Sony STR-DN1080 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL review

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Sony STR-DN1080 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL review

Sony STR-DN1080
vs
Yamaha RX-V481BL

It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Sony STR-DN1080 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-DN1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 120/6, while the RX-V481BL has a power of 80/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.09%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the STR-DN1080 received the model 96 KHz/24-bit, but the RX-V481BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-DN1080 and Yamaha RX-V481BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay. 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-V481BL works with Pandora, Qobuz, JUKE.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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-V481BL. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-DN1080 has 6/2, and the RX-V481BL has 4/1.Sony STR-DN1080 connectionsYamaha RX-V481BL connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-DN1080. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STR-DN1080 and RX-V481BL support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in RX-V481BL. The Sony STR-DN1080 and the Yamaha RX-V481BL can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the STR-DN1080. Only in the STR-DN1080 realized a DTS:X surround technology.

Add receiver to comparison
We didn't find anything to show here

General

Item

Sony STR-DN1080
Yamaha RX-V481BL

Model

STR-DN1080
RX-V481BL

Brand

Sony
Yamaha

Reviews

741
97

Amplifier

Channels

7.2
5.1

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

120/6
80/6

Output impedance, Ohm

6
6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.09
0.09

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

96 KHz/24-bit
Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

DCAC EX
YPAO

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Hi-Res audio, DSEE HX
CINEMA DSP 3D, Compressed Music Enhancer, Virtual CINEMA FRONT, Extra Bass

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay
AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

TIDAL, Pandora
Pandora, Qobuz, JUKE

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

6/2
4/1

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
1

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

1
1

Coaxial digital input

1
2

Composite input

2
3

Component input/output

0/0
0/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, phones, setup mic
USB, phones, setup mic, AUX

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

has not
DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control

Google assistant

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

fluorescent
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

NFC
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

2
has not

Zone audio output

speaker
has not

Zone HDMI output

has not

Multi-room control

Music Center
has not

RS-232

0
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/1
0/0

DC trigger output (12V)

0
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS-ES, DTS 96/24
DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS, DTS-Surround, DTS-Neo:6

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

240
260

Standby consumption, W

0.4
0.1

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43 x 15.6 x 33/17 x 6 x 13
43.5 x 16.1 x 32.7/17 x 6.3 x 12.6

Weight, kg/lbs

9.1/19.8
8.1/17.9

Other

Release year

2017
2016
Sony STR-DN1080
Yamaha RX-V481BL
Sony STR-DN1080
Yamaha RX-V481BL

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 7.3
  • 5.6
  • 7.3Sony STR-DN1080
  • 5.6Yamaha RX-V481BL