When building a home theater system, the AV receiver acts as the brains of your entire setup. Today we're comparing two popular models: the Denon AVR-S970H ($599) and the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949). Both were released in 2021-2022 and represent the current state of home theater technology.
Modern AV receivers do much more than just amplify sound. They process surround sound formats, switch between video sources, stream music, and even calibrate themselves to your room's acoustics. Think of them as the command center of your entertainment system.
The biggest changes in recent years have been the addition of 8K video support, HDMI 2.1 gaming features, and more sophisticated room correction software. Both of our contenders include these modern necessities, but with some important differences.
Both receivers offer 7.2 channel configurations, meaning they can power seven speakers and two subwoofers. The Denon AVR-S970H provides 90 watts per channel, while the Yamaha RX-A2A offers 100 watts. In real-world use, this difference is barely noticeable – both have plenty of power for most home theaters.
The Yamaha edges ahead in audio processing, with a more advanced digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that handles music at up to 384kHz/32-bit resolution, compared to the Denon's 192kHz/32-bit capability. For most listeners using streaming services or Blu-ray discs, this difference won't be significant, but serious audiophiles might appreciate the Yamaha's extra headroom.
Each receiver takes a different approach to room calibration – the process of adjusting sound output to match your specific room's acoustics:
I've used both systems extensively, and while YPAO can achieve slightly better results with careful tweaking, Audyssey typically delivers excellent sound with less effort.
The Denon AVR-S970H has a slight edge in video capabilities, with more robust 8K support and superior upscaling. Both receivers handle 4K/120Hz gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which help deliver smoother, more responsive gaming experiences.
Denon's HEOS system makes it easy to stream music throughout your home and integrate with other HEOS-compatible speakers. Yamaha's MusicCast system is capable but generally offers fewer features and compatible devices.
Both receivers support:
The Denon's implementation feels more polished, with better app interfaces and more reliable connectivity in my testing.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both receivers excel. The Yamaha's slightly more refined sound might appeal to critical listeners, while the Denon's easier setup and operation make it more approachable for casual users.
For movie watching, both support all major surround formats:
The Denon adds DTS Virtual:X, which can create a more immersive sound field without height speakers – useful if you're not ready to install ceiling speakers.
For pure music listening, the Yamaha's superior DAC and audio processing can produce slightly more detailed sound. However, the Denon's HEOS system makes it easier to integrate into a whole-home music setup.
The Denon AVR-S970H at $599 represents exceptional value, offering nearly all the features of the $949 Yamaha RX-A2A. The $350 price difference is significant and hard to justify for most users, especially considering the Denon's comparable performance in most areas.
Both receivers are relatively future-proof with their HDMI 2.1 support and 8K capabilities. However, the Denon's more comprehensive 8K features might give it a slight edge for longevity.
While newer models have been released since these came out, the improvements have been minimal – mostly focusing on software refinements rather than major hardware changes. This makes both receivers solid choices even in 2024.
For most users, I recommend the Denon AVR-S970H. It offers better value, easier operation, and virtually all the features most people need. The Yamaha RX-A2A is an excellent receiver with slightly better sound quality, but its premium price makes it harder to justify unless you specifically need its advanced audio capabilities or prefer its more detailed customization options.
Remember that either receiver will serve as an excellent heart of your home theater system for years to come. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs, budget, and how much you value the extra refinements the Yamaha offers.
| Denon AVR-S970H ($599) | Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949) |
|---|---|
| Price Point - Sets expectations for feature set and build quality | |
| Excellent value with modern features | Premium pricing for audiophile components |
| Power Output - Determines speaker compatibility and room size capability | |
| 90W per channel (8 ohms) - sufficient for most rooms | 100W per channel (8 ohms) - marginally more headroom |
| DAC Quality - Impacts overall sound clarity and detail | |
| 192kHz/32-bit - Good for most content | 384kHz/32-bit - Better for high-res audio |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ - Easier to use, good results | YPAO with R.S.C. - More adjustable, requires expertise |
| 8K Video Support - Future proofing for next-gen displays | |
| Full 8K/60Hz support on multiple inputs | Limited 8K support, focuses on 4K/120Hz |
| Multi-room Audio - Important for whole-home audio | |
| HEOS system - More mature ecosystem | MusicCast - Fewer compatible devices |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity and sound stability | |
| Standard construction - Reliable but basic | Premium construction with better vibration control |
| Setup Experience - Impacts initial satisfaction and usage | |
| Streamlined setup wizard, intuitive app | More complex setup, deeper customization |
| Gaming Features - Crucial for next-gen console gaming | |
| Full HDMI 2.1 feature set, VRR, ALLM | Basic HDMI 2.1 support, some features via updates |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 3 years standard | 3 years (extends to 5 with registration) |
For home theater use, the Denon AVR-S970H ($599) offers better value with similar performance to the Yamaha RX-A2A ($949). The Denon has more comprehensive 8K support and an easier setup process, making it the better choice for most home theater enthusiasts.
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers superior audio components and build quality, but for most users, the Denon AVR-S970H provides better value with nearly identical core features at $350 less.
Both support HDMI 2.1 gaming features, but the Denon AVR-S970H has more comprehensive implementation of gaming features like VRR and ALLM out of the box, while the Yamaha RX-A2A required some features to be added via updates.
The Yamaha RX-A2A has a superior DAC and slightly better audio processing, while the Denon AVR-S970H offers better streaming integration through HEOS. For pure audio quality, the Yamaha has a slight edge.
The Denon AVR-S970H is generally easier to set up with its intuitive interface and Audyssey room correction system. The Yamaha RX-A2A offers more customization options but requires more technical knowledge.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S970H and Yamaha RX-A2A support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other modern surround formats for immersive home theater audio.
The Denon AVR-S970H has superior multi-room capabilities through its HEOS system, which is more developed than the Yamaha RX-A2A's MusicCast system and has more compatible devices.
The Denon AVR-S970H has better 8K support with multiple 8K-capable inputs, while the Yamaha RX-A2A has more limited 8K capabilities but handles 4K/120Hz well.
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers 100W per channel compared to the Denon AVR-S970H's 90W, but this difference is minimal in real-world use and won't be noticeable in most setups.
Both receivers support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and major streaming services, but the Denon AVR-S970H generally offers a more reliable wireless experience than the Yamaha RX-A2A.
The Denon AVR-S970H uses Audyssey MultEQ, which is more user-friendly, while the Yamaha RX-A2A uses YPAO with R.S.C., offering more detailed adjustments for advanced users.
Both the Denon AVR-S970H and Yamaha RX-A2A support modern features like HDMI 2.1 and 8K, but the Denon's more comprehensive 8K support might make it slightly more future-proof.
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: audioadvisor.com - listenup.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - adorama.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca - skybygramophone.com - denon.com - manuals.denon.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - crutchfield.com - crutchfield.com - usa.yamaha.com - hifimart.com - ca.yamaha.com - usa.yamaha.com - adorama.com - avsforum.com - bestbuy.com
