Choosing Between Today's Best Mid-Range AV Receivers: A Complete Guide

When setting up a home theater system, few choices matter more than your AV receiver. It acts as both the brain and muscle of your entertainment setup, handling everything from processing surround sound to powering your speakers. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Denon AVR-S760H ($569.99) and the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949.95).

Understanding AV Receivers in 2023

Modern AV receivers have evolved significantly from the simple amplifiers of the past. They now manage complex audio processing, high-resolution video switching, streaming services, and even voice control integration. When choosing between receivers, you'll want to consider several key factors:

Audio Performance

At their core, receivers need to deliver clean, powerful sound. This means having enough watts per channel to drive your speakers without distortion. But raw power isn't everything - the quality of the amplification and digital processing matter just as much.

Video Capabilities

With 4K and even 8K TVs becoming common, modern receivers need to handle high-resolution video, various HDR formats, and gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM).

Room Correction

Every room affects sound differently, and modern receivers use sophisticated microphone measurements and digital processing to optimize audio for your specific space.

Comparing Our Contenders

The Denon AVR-S760H was released in late 2021, while the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A arrived in 2020. Both represent their manufacturers' mid-range offerings, though there's a significant price difference.

Power and Audio Performance

The Yamaha delivers 100 watts per channel compared to Denon's 75 watts. While this might seem like a huge difference, in practice, it's less significant than you might think. The logarithmic nature of sound means you'd need double the power for a noticeable volume increase. However, the extra headroom can be valuable in larger rooms or with less efficient speakers.

Both receivers support modern surround formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which add height channels to create a more immersive sound field. They can process signals for up to 7.2 channels (seven speakers plus two subwoofers).

Room Correction Technology

This is where we see a meaningful difference. Denon uses Audyssey MultEQ, which measures sound from multiple positions in your room and applies sophisticated corrections. Yamaha's YPAO system is competent but generally considered less advanced. In my experience setting up numerous systems, Audyssey typically achieves better results, especially in challenging rooms.

Video Processing

Both receivers are well-equipped for modern video needs:

• 8K/60Hz pass-through
• 4K/120Hz support
• HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility
• Gaming features like VRR and ALLM

The main difference is in HDMI connectivity - the Yamaha offers seven inputs versus Denon's six. Both have one output, though the Denon includes eARC support for sending high-quality audio back from your TV.

Streaming and Connectivity

Both receivers offer robust wireless streaming options including:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• AirPlay 2 support
• Spotify Connect
• Voice assistant compatibility

Denon uses the HEOS ecosystem for multi-room audio, while Yamaha employs MusicCast. Both work well, though HEOS tends to have better third-party support.

Build Quality and Design

The Yamaha Aventage line is known for superior build quality, with better internal components and additional bracing to reduce vibration. The Denon is well-built but doesn't quite match the Yamaha's premium construction.

Real-World Performance

In practice, both receivers deliver excellent performance for most home theater applications. The Denon's easier setup process and superior room correction make it more likely to sound great in typical rooms. The Yamaha's extra power and premium components might give it an edge in more demanding setups.

Value Proposition

At nearly $400 less, the Denon AVR-S760H represents exceptional value. It matches or exceeds the Yamaha in most practical aspects while costing significantly less. The Yamaha RX-A2A justifies its premium with better build quality and more power, but these advantages may not matter to many users.

How to Decide

Choose the Denon if:

• You want the best value for money
• You're setting up in a typical living room or medium-sized theater room
• You want the best automatic room correction
• You're new to home theater and want an easier setup

Choose the Yamaha if:

• You have a larger room or less efficient speakers
• You want premium build quality
• You need the extra HDMI input
• You're already invested in the MusicCast ecosystem

Future-Proofing Considerations

Both receivers support the latest video standards and audio formats, making them solid choices for the next several years. They both handle 8K video (though 8K content remains rare) and all current gaming features.

The biggest potential future concern might be HDMI 2.1 support, which both receivers implement well for current needs but might not support all future features due to their hardware capabilities.

Conclusion

For most users, the Denon AVR-S760H represents the better choice, offering tremendous value and easier setup while matching the Yamaha in most practical aspects. However, the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A's premium build quality and extra power make it worth considering for more demanding setups or those seeking the absolute best performance regardless of cost.

Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, room, and budget. Either of these options will serve well as the heart of a high-quality home theater system for years to come.

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Deals and Prices