Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Yamaha RX-V485BL review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Yamaha RX-V485BL that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo TX-RZ820 has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485BL. Regarding power, then TX-RZ820 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 160/8 when RX-V485BL has a power of 80/6. The THD is 0.08% for the TX-RZ820 but 0.09% for the RX-V485BL.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for TX-RZ820 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485BL. Both the TX-RZ820 and the RX-V485BL support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Onkyo TX-RZ820 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver.

Video features

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. The RX-V485BL can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-RZ820. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Onkyo TX-RZ820 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485BL. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V485BL. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The TX-RZ820 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both TX-RZ820 and RX-V485BL can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the TX-RZ820 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the TX-RZ820.