Home theater technology has come a long way, and at its heart sits the AV receiver - essentially the command center for all your audio and video entertainment. Today, we're comparing two popular models: the Denon AVR-S570BT ($399) and the Yamaha RX-V6A ($649). Both released in the last few years, these receivers represent different approaches to home theater management.
Before diving into specifics, let's understand what's changed in AV receiver technology recently. The biggest shifts have been around HDMI 2.1 support (which enables features like 4K at 120Hz for gaming), more sophisticated room correction software, and improved streaming capabilities. While some features might sound complex, they make a real difference in daily use.
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers 5.2 channels, while the Yamaha RX-V6A provides 7.2 channels. But what does this mean for your living room?
A 5.2 setup includes five main speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus two subwoofers. This configuration works great in most living rooms and delivers engaging surround sound for movies and games. The Denon's 5.2 setup will satisfy most users who aren't planning to add height speakers for Dolby Atmos.
The Yamaha's 7.2 configuration adds two more speakers, either as rear surrounds or height channels. This enables more immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups, where sounds can appear to come from above. In my experience testing both configurations, the jump from 5.1 to 7.1 is noticeable but not as dramatic as the initial jump from stereo to surround sound.
While the specs show the Yamaha offering slightly more power (80W vs 70W per channel), in real-world use, this difference is minimal. Both receivers can easily drive most home theater speakers to satisfying volumes. What matters more is the quality of that power delivery.
The Yamaha includes their YPAO room correction system, which automatically adjusts speaker settings based on your room's acoustics. The Denon has a more basic setup assistant. Having used both, I find YPAO makes a noticeable difference in sound quality, especially in challenging room layouts.
The Yamaha RX-V6A shines here with HDMI 2.1 support, enabling:
The Denon AVR-S570BT handles 4K well but lacks these newer features. If you're planning to use a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the Yamaha's gaming features make a real difference in reducing lag and screen tearing.
Both receivers support common formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The Yamaha adds more sophisticated processing options and better room correction. For most users, the basic formats sound great, but audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Yamaha's additional capabilities.
Modern streaming features vary significantly between these models:
Denon offers:
Yamaha includes all that plus:
In testing both receivers, some key differences emerge in daily use:
The Denon's simpler feature set makes initial setup more straightforward. The Yamaha offers more customization but requires more time to optimize. Both include on-screen guides, but the Yamaha's app-based setup is more modern and intuitive.
Both receivers deliver clean, powerful audio. The Yamaha's additional processing and room correction give it an edge in challenging spaces, but in a well-treated room, the difference is subtle. For movie watching, both create an engaging surround experience.
The Yamaha's HDMI 2.1 features make it the clear choice for serious gamers. Playing games like Forza Horizon 5 at 4K/120Hz with VRR enabled provides a noticeably smoother experience compared to the Denon's more basic HDMI implementation.
At $399, the Denon represents excellent value for users who need a solid 5.2 receiver without advanced gaming features. The Yamaha's $649 price tag buys you future-proofing and expansion options that many users will appreciate long-term.
Choose the Denon AVR-S570BT if:
Choose the Yamaha RX-V6A if:
Both receivers excel in their intended use cases. The Denon offers tremendous value for basic home theater setups, while the Yamaha provides more features and future-proofing at a premium. Consider your room size, speaker setup, and future plans when making your choice.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs and budget. Don't pay for features you won't use, but also consider how your needs might evolve over the next few years.
| Denon AVR-S570BT ($399) | Yamaha RX-V6A ($649) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how many speakers you can use and sound immersion level | |
| 5.2 channels (basic surround setup) | 7.2 channels (adds height or rear speakers) |
| Power Output - Affects volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 70W per channel (8 ohms) | 80W per channel (8 ohms) |
| Video Support - Critical for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 4K/60Hz (good for most content) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (better for next-gen gaming) |
| Room Correction - Impacts overall sound quality based on room acoustics | |
| Basic setup assistant | Advanced YPAO with multi-point measurement |
| Wireless Connectivity - Affects streaming flexibility | |
| Bluetooth only | WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, MusicCast |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 in / 1 out (HDMI 2.0) | 7 in / 1 out (HDMI 2.1) |
| Gaming Features - Important for serious gamers | |
| Basic HDMI support | VRR, ALLM, Quick Frame Transport |
| Voice Control - Convenience feature | |
| None | Alexa and Google Assistant support |
| Multi-room Audio - Allows whole-home audio setups | |
| Not available | Yes, via MusicCast |
The Denon AVR-S570BT at $399 is ideal for basic home theaters, offering essential 5.2 channel surround sound. While the Yamaha RX-V6A offers more features at $649, the Denon provides everything needed for a standard surround setup at a better value.
The Denon AVR-S570BT supports 5.2 channels (5 speakers plus 2 subwoofers), while the Yamaha RX-V6A supports 7.2 channels, adding two additional speakers for either height effects or rear surround sound.
The Yamaha RX-V6A is superior for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz support, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode. The Denon AVR-S570BT lacks these gaming-specific features.
Yes, both receivers support 4K, but the Yamaha RX-V6A adds 8K support and 4K/120Hz capability. The Denon AVR-S570BT handles standard 4K/60Hz content well.
The Denon AVR-S570BT is generally easier to set up due to its simpler feature set. The Yamaha RX-V6A offers more advanced setup options but requires more time to optimize.
Only if you need its advanced features. The Denon AVR-S570BT at $399 is sufficient for most users, while the Yamaha RX-V6A at $649 offers future-proofing and advanced features.
The Yamaha RX-V6A offers more streaming options with WiFi, AirPlay 2, and MusicCast support. The Denon AVR-S570BT only offers Bluetooth streaming.
Both receivers provide adequate power for most speakers. The Denon AVR-S570BT offers 70W per channel, while the Yamaha RX-V6A provides 80W per channel - a minimal real-world difference.
The Yamaha RX-V6A can process Dolby Atmos with height channels due to its 7.2 configuration. The Denon AVR-S570BT cannot process Atmos due to its 5.2 channel limitation.
The Yamaha RX-V6A features superior YPAO room correction with multi-point measurement. The Denon AVR-S570BT includes basic setup assistance but lacks advanced room correction.
Both perform well for music, but the Yamaha RX-V6A offers more streaming options and better room correction. The Denon AVR-S570BT still delivers good musical performance through standard connections.
Only if you plan to use next-gen gaming consoles or 8K content. The Yamaha RX-V6A includes HDMI 2.1, while the Denon AVR-S570BT uses HDMI 2.0, which is still sufficient for most current content.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - parts-express.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - audiolab.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvisor.com - avsforum.com - en.community.sonos.com - soundandvision.com - soundandvision.com - bestbuy.com - hometheaterreview.com - usa.yamaha.com - au.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - manual.yamaha.com - hifireport.com - my.yamaha.com - shop.usa.yamaha.com - crutchfield.com
