It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Pioneer VSX-S520 vs Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-S520 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/4, while the AVENTAGE RX-A680 has a power of 115/8, 145/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the VSX-S520 it is 0.09%, but for the AVENTAGE RX-A680 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-S520 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the AVENTAGE RX-A680 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680. Both Pioneer VSX-S520 and Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. 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 Pioneer VSX-S520 works with Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, but the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 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 VSX-S520 and the AVENTAGE RX-A680. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A680. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The VSX-S520 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVENTAGE RX-A680, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-S520. There is an ECO mode in AVENTAGE RX-A680. The Pioneer VSX-S520 and the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 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.