Comparison Denon vs Yamaha Receivers

The question of choosing the most suitable receiver arises for everyone who already has or wants to create a home theater. Therefore, I made a Denon vs Yamaha comparison by selecting the most interesting models from each manufacturer. Why these particular brands? Because they are recognized market leaders that please thousands of customers worldwide every year with their innovations in the world of advanced sound quality.

For testing, I selected models comparable in technical characteristics and main functions so that the results would be as honest and unbiased as possible. I pursued the goal to identify the strengths and weaknesses of models from entry-level to premium to determine which provides better performance.

Denon company history and overview

The Denon company was established at the beginning of the 20th century by Frederick Whitney Horn under Nippon “Denki Onkyo Kabushikigaisha.” In 1912, the Denon was purchased by Japan Recorders Corporation, a manufacturer of vinyl records and gramophones.

Almost two decades later, in 1928, the “Columbia” brand was added, and the company’s name changed to Japan Columbia Recorders. Eighteen years passed, and the company reorganized to Nippon Columbia. But in a year, a merger between Nippon Columbia and Denki Onkyo gave rise to DENON.

Since that time, Denon has specialized in domestic and pro audio and video devices and has earned numerous fans’ recognition for its products’ quality. Among Denon products, you can find receivers and electronic pianos, phono cartridges, amplifiers, tuners, speakers, turntables, professional CD players, and much more. Many audio enthusiasts know that Denon is always a great option!

Yamaha company history and overview

It was founded in 1887 as a piano and harmonium factory of Torakusu Yamaha as the Nippon Gakki Company, Limited in Hamamatsu. Over time, the production of musical instruments expanded and grew in quality. Initially, the company depended on the production and sale of pianos, but already at the beginning of the twentieth century, they tried pianos and organs.

By the 21st century, Yamaha began to produce a wide range of products, including pianos, drums, guitars, wind and brass instruments, symphonic percussion, violins, violas, cellos, and synthesizers and has also become a leader in the production of semiconductors and related products.

Now Yamaha is the largest manufacturer of musical instruments and equipment globally, with a brand that is the epitome of quality to fans. The same goes for the receivers. Yamaha is trying to surprise its fans and introduce something new and innovative.

How I tested receivers by Denon and Yamaha

Without comprehensive testing, it would be impossible to make the av receiver comparisons. My analysis included both the surround audio testing and the receivers` musical side.

For the comparison of Denon vs Yamaha sound quality, I chose the movie “Gravity.” It’s a great combination of special effects and dialogue. The perfect assistant for my analysis! And to test the musical side, I picked up a whole list of various artists and their hits:

• Led Zeppelin – Ramble On – SoundCloud
• Anne Sofie von Otter – Baby Plays Around – Deezer
• Steely Dan – Jack Of Speed – Spotify
• The Weeknd – The Hills (CD player)
• Winterplay – Billie Jean (CD player)
• Max Roach – Lonesome Lover (CD player)
• Daft Punk – Get Lucky (CD player)

And I conducted testing using the following devices:

• CD player SACD 30n
• Blu-ray player Sony UBP-X700
• Speaker wire – AudioQuest Type-9
• Speakers for movie – Klipsch RP-8060FA
• Stereo speakers:
  • Klipsch RP-8060FA
  • KEF Q350
  • DALI OBERON 5

Mid-price Denon and Yamaha Receivers Comparison

Denon AVR-X4700H vs Yamaha RX-A6A

Let’s dive into comparing two receiver models that have become a high-favored choice among many enthusiasts of hi-fi sound and quality videos. You’ll learn the difference between these two devices so you can decide which will fit your home theater system better.

So, both Denon AVR-X4700H and Yamaha RX-A6A are 9.2 channel receivers. They have internal amplifiers, which make it possible to convert them into 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 systems. What may immediately rivet your attention is the audio capabilities of these channels. Denon AVR-X4700H generates 125W of power at 8 Ohm, while its rival puts out 150W at the same impedance. So, for a larger room or when you want to extract more power, Yamaha is your option to go.

Denon AVR-X4700H and Yamaha RX-A6A have seven HDMI inputs (plus Denon has one dedicated 8K input) and three outputs; one input is located at the front panel. Also, there are analog outputs, a phono jack, analog multi-room outputs, USB audio ports, and more. They also have Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Both receivers support major streaming platforms like Spotify and Pandora. In addition, you can use AirPlay2 to stream audio or video, but keep in mind that only Yamaha has an in-built Chromecast.

The latest surround formats are available in both models. Either you opt for Denon AVR-X4700H or Yamaha RX-A6A, you will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the movie due to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual: XTM compatibility. The Denon has the IMAX Enhanced feature, making it slightly different from its rival.

Yamaha’s sound is crisp and clear, without distortions at any listening volume – from quiet to extremely loud. Denon AVR-X4700H is equally great at controlling the sound output, delivering decent stability and balance. However, the sound is warm and somewhat laid-back. So, it’s just a matter of your taste and preference for which model will better meet your audio quality expectations.

With Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR 10+, Dolby Vision, and other video standards, you will enjoy the realistic image on the screen with both Yamaha RX-A6A and Denon AVR-X4700H. These devices support video conversion from analog to HDMI, with 480i/576i up to 8K 60/50 at the Denon receiver. The HDMI to HDMI scaling goes up to 8K 60/50 in the AVR-X4700H model. The pass-through capability of the video signal in Denon and Yamaha is 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz. You may need to use an upgraded cable to get 8K at 60 Hz resolution with Yamaha. As far as video upscaling is concerned, these devices come with the ability to upscale to 8K UHD.

Denon AVR-X4700H pros and cons

Yamaha RX-A6A pros and cons

Denon AVR-X3700H vs Yamaha RX-A1080

And another comparison in the mid-price section. This time it is the Denon AVR-X3700H vs Yamaha RX-A1080.

The Yamaha RX-A1080 is a 7.2 channel unit that offers 150 W/8 Ohm superior to the competition. The AVC-X3700H operates with nine power amplifiers, delivering 180 watts per channel. Moreover, the A1080 has Dolby Surround and DTS Neural: X technologies on board. Unfortunately, Yamaha is still missing Auro 3D sound, and DTS Virtual: X is also losing.

Denon’s HDMI circuit is the crucial advance about durability: one HDMI of the seven inputs and two of the three outputs are 2.1 version, with compatibility for 8K at 60Hz and HDMI upscaling up to 8K. In addition, all HDMI interfaces are compatible with HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, and Quick Media Switching. Furthermore, the RX-A1080`s HDMI video circuit works with 4K resolution with 60 fps transmissions and HDCP 2.2 copy protection with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

In the Denon or Yamaha receiver testing, the X3700H’s aggressiveness piqued my interest during the test. The sounds were “elastic,” with decent detail accuracy. Furthermore, unique dynamic expressions that emphasize every on-screen action provide an even more immersive on-screen action.

Yamaha also showed a high class in the home cinema test. As I expected, the sound was dynamic and precisely matched what was happening on the screen. Sound objects moved very realistically from speaker to speaker. On the music test, I had a similar result. The sculpted, booming bass also astonished me. Yamaha isolated the individual instruments and orchestras from the vocalists and choruses, resulting in a clean, undisturbed sound stage that was incredibly expressive for instrumental music.

Denon AVR-X3700H pros and cons

Yamaha RX-A1080 pros and cons

Premium Denon and Yamaha Receivers

Yamaha CX-A5200 vs Denon AVR-X6700H

Well, I can’t do without comparing premium models – Yamaha CX-A5200 vs Denon AVR-X6700H.

The CX-A5200 provides up to 13 amplification channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding. And this is backed up by good performance – 170 W in the 6 Ohm mode. The CX-A5200’s AI intelligently optimizes home theater system sound in every scene of a movie or other entertainment.

In contrast, The AVC-X6700H was outfitted with an amplifier module with 11.2-channels. As a result, the power was 140 W/8 Ohm or 175 W in the 6 Ohm mode. As a result, the unit can work with Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Auro-3D, and even with DTS: X Pro.

The Denon AVR-X6700H`s HDMI section is built on a new circuit: one of the eight inputs and two of the three outputs of the AVC-X6700H are the modern generation’s HDMI, therefore fully supporting 8K at 60Hz.

Alternatively, the HDMI interface in Yamaha ports version 2.0a processes high-definition video in all current formats, including 4K with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. In addition, all these interfaces operate under the HDCP 2.3 data protection protocol.

Yamaha CX-A5200 pros and cons

Denon AVR-X6700H pros and cons

Budget Denon and Yamaha Receivers

Yamaha RX-V4A vs Denon AVR-S650H

Let’s move on to a more budget level and compare receivers here. The Yamaha RX-V4A works in the 5.1 mode with a power of 80 W at 6 Ohm per channel. Enhanced immersion and realism are achieved with support for most surround sound formats like Dolby and DTS. Furthermore, it is simple to incorporate into the MusicCast system. The rival is also a 5.2-channel device with 75 W/8 Ohm or 100 W/6 Ohm per channel. Again, the S650H has powerful DSPs, which support the more advanced Dolby and DTS formats in addition to basic multichannel formats. Concurrently, it provides pretty wide settings for filters and equalizers.

In addition to the specs mentioned above, the RX-V4A works with 4K resolution with 120Hz or even 8K with 60Hz. Alternatively, for example, the S650H’s HDMI switcher designed for five sources meets all modern 4K/3D/HDR/Dolby Vision standards and, importantly, is suitable for the most current video games. The latter means that it is made according to the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications and, possibly, passes 8K.

During testing, I fully understood how each of the receivers sounds. The Denon AVR-S650H had natural, clear dialogue and sound effects that felt real and spatial in the film. I did not experience any significant problems even at higher volumes. I could hear a balanced and rich sound. All the same, it has a specific deficit of fast dynamics and firmness in the bass band. But the RX-V4A, with a similar sound, has good dynamics and a more balanced bass.

In music testing, I felt that the Denon AVR-S650’s sound field was ahead. Instruments and voices stood out very well. However, the bass seems a little weaker than in the movies. The dynamics were not impressive either.

Yamaha RX-V4A pros and cons

Denon AVR-S650H pros and cons

Stereo Denon and Yamaha Receivers Comparison

Denon DRA-800H vs Yamaha R-N602

And finally, let’s take a look at two stereo receivers – Denon DRA-800H vs Yamaha R-N602.

Each of these two receivers has just two channels, but of course, they offer network functions and even voice control. Denon DRA-800H has 100 W/8 Ohm or 120 W/6 Ohm power per channel. However, Yamaha R-N602 loses in some moments and operates only 80 W/8 Ohm and 120 W/6 Ohm per channel.

Yamaha has endowed the R-N602 with Top Art architecture. This symmetrical channel design contributes to excellent and accurate reproduction. Denon engineers have also placed great emphasis on the best possible sound and have endowed the DRA-800H with all the standard Denon technologies and sonic characteristics. And on top of that, Denon has two preamps for the second zone and two subwoofers.

Moving on to online features, the Denon DRA-800H’s streaming features are based on the patented HEOS platform, which guarantees access to countless Internet radio stations as well as popular streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Tidal.

Its competitor, the Yamaha R-N602, has enormous networking capabilities, thanks in part to its MusicCast system, and there are so many ways to listen to music from the network.

When I started the Yamaha vs Denon testing, the Denon sounded fresh, dynamic, and determined, a little harsh in the mids and relatively soft in the lows, with open, expressive highs. The timbre here is not too rich and saturated, but thanks to this, the sound is distinguished by a great variety – it is easier to catch a change in timbre or intonation.

The sound of the Yamaha R-N602 is open and transparent but without dynamics and charge in any range. However, the three registers are well integrated, and my listening to music was satisfactory. I also found the R-N602 to be versatile and great for watching movies and TV shows.

Denon DRA-800H pros and cons

Yamaha R-N602 pros and cons

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