Having had an opportunity to test Onkyo TX-RZ710 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-RZ710 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 175/6, while the RX-A850 has a power of 110/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the TX-RZ710 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A850 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the TX-RZ710 received the model AK4458 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-RZ710 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-RZ710 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Tunein Radio, 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-RZ710 and the RX-A850. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the TX-RZ710 and the RX-A850. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. TX-RZ710 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-RZ710 realized a DTS:X surround technology.