Having had an opportunity to test Onkyo TX-NR555 vs Yamaha RX-A850, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the TX-NR555 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 130/6, while the RX-A850 has a power of 110/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the TX-NR555 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A850 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-NR555 received the model Hi-Grade 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-A850 is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Onkyo TX-NR555 and Yamaha RX-A850 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 Onkyo TX-NR555 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Yamaha RX-A850 works with Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, JUKE, Rhapsody.
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 TX-NR555 and the RX-A850. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-A850. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the TX-NR555 has 6/1, and the RX-A850 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-NR555 and the RX-A850. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-NR555 and RX-A850 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha RX-A850 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. Only in the TX-NR555 realized a DTS:X surround technology.