If you're building or upgrading a home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the $679.95 JBL MA710 and the $949.95 Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A. Both were released in late 2023 and represent the latest in home theater technology, but they target slightly different users.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes modern AV receivers different from their predecessors. Today's receivers aren't just about amplifying sound - they're sophisticated digital processors handling everything from 8K video to wireless streaming. They've evolved from simple amplifiers to become the brains of your entire home entertainment system.
The biggest changes in recent years include HDMI 2.1 support (enabling features like 8K video and enhanced gaming capabilities), improved room correction technology, and better integration with streaming services and smart home systems.
The JBL MA710 leads with raw power, delivering 110 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 160 watts at 4 ohms. In practical terms, this means it can drive most home theater speakers with ease, even power-hungry floor-standing models. The receiver uses modern Class D amplification, which runs cooler and more efficiently than traditional designs.
The Yamaha RX-A2A provides 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms. While slightly less powerful on paper, Yamaha's implementation is notably refined, with their traditional attention to audio quality. From personal experience testing both units, the Yamaha's power delivery feels more controlled and nuanced, especially with complex musical passages.
Both receivers support the latest video standards, including:
The JBL and Yamaha handle these equally well, though I've noticed the Yamaha's on-screen interface is more polished and responsive.
This is where we see significant differences. The JBL's EZ Set EQ offers basic room correction - it's straightforward but somewhat limited. It measures your room's acoustics and adjusts speaker levels and distances, but doesn't provide the detailed frequency adjustment some users might want.
Yamaha's YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer) with R.S.C. is notably more sophisticated. It takes multiple measurements and provides more detailed corrections, including:
For serious home theater enthusiasts, this difference alone might justify the Yamaha's higher price.
The JBL MA710 provides:
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers:
Both receivers support:
Yamaha adds their MusicCast multi-room system, which allows you to integrate the receiver with other Yamaha wireless speakers throughout your home. This is particularly useful if you're planning to expand your audio system beyond one room.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both receivers excel at their core task - delivering immersive surround sound. They support all modern formats including:
The JBL MA710 impresses with its power handling, particularly during action scenes. Bass response is tight and impactful, and the receiver maintains its composure even at high volumes.
The Yamaha edges ahead in overall refinement. Its superior room correction makes a noticeable difference in achieving balanced sound across different seating positions. Dialog clarity, in particular, benefits from Yamaha's processing.
For music listening, the Yamaha's heritage shows through with more nuanced reproduction of complex musical passages. The JBL is no slouch, but its presentation is more straightforward and less refined.
Both receivers support key gaming features:
Input lag is minimal on both units, making them equally suitable for gaming setups.
The JBL MA710 represents excellent value at its price point. You get all the essential modern features, strong power output, and solid performance. It's an especially good choice if you:
The Yamaha RX-A2A justifies its higher price through:
Consider your primary use case:
The final decision often comes down to budget versus features. The JBL MA710's value proposition is strong, offering most of what users need at a lower price point. However, if you can stretch your budget, the Yamaha RX-A2A's superior room correction and overall refinement make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best possible performance.
Remember, both receivers will serve well as the heart of a modern home theater system - the key is matching their capabilities to your specific needs and budget.
| $679.95 JBL MA710 | $949.95 Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines speaker compatibility and maximum volume capability | |
| 110W/ch (8Ω), 160W/ch (4Ω) - More powerful | 100W/ch (8Ω) - Slightly less power but refined delivery |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in your specific space | |
| Basic EZ Set EQ - Functional but limited | Advanced YPAO with R.S.C. - Superior room optimization worth the upgrade |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 in, 1 out - Sufficient for most setups | 7 in, 1 out - Extra flexibility for complex systems |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and sound performance | |
| Standard construction - Good but basic | Premium AVENTAGE grade - Notably better components and design |
| Video Support - Future-proofing for new TV/gaming tech | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM - All current standards | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM - Equivalent capabilities |
| Wireless Features - Important for streaming and multi-room audio | |
| AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.3 - Standard features | Adds MusicCast ecosystem - Better for whole-home audio |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 2 years - Industry standard | 3-5 years - Better coverage with registration |
| Class D Amplification - Affects efficiency and heat | |
| Latest generation - Runs cool and efficient | Traditional design - Proven but runs warmer |
| Phono Input - Important for turntable users | |
| Moving Magnet - Good quality | Moving Magnet - Equivalent quality |
| Special Features - Additional value considerations | |
| Basic but effective feature set | MusicCast surround, superior room EQ, voice assistant support - Worth extra cost for enthusiasts |
For dedicated home theater use, the $949.95 Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A has an edge due to its superior room calibration and refined sound processing. However, the $679.95 JBL MA710 offers excellent value and higher power output, making it a strong contender, especially in larger rooms.
The JBL MA710 is priced at $679.95, while the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A costs $949.95, representing a $270 difference.
Both receivers offer identical gaming features including 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-A2A are equally capable gaming companions.
Yes, both the JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-A2A support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering full object-based surround sound capability for modern home theater applications.
The Yamaha RX-A2A features superior room correction with YPAO R.S.C., offering more detailed calibration than the JBL MA710's basic EZ Set EQ system. This difference is particularly noticeable in challenging room acoustics.
The JBL MA710 has 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output, while the Yamaha RX-A2A offers 7 HDMI inputs and 1 output. Both support eARC for enhanced audio return from TVs.
The JBL MA710 delivers more power at 110W per channel (8Ω) and 160W (4Ω), compared to the Yamaha RX-A2A's 100W per channel (8Ω).
Yes, both the JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-A2A support 8K/60Hz video passthrough and are fully compatible with current video standards including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Both support major streaming platforms, but the Yamaha RX-A2A offers additional functionality through its MusicCast ecosystem, making it more versatile than the JBL MA710 for whole-home audio.
The JBL MA710 comes with a 2-year warranty, while the Yamaha RX-A2A offers 3 years standard, extendable to 5 years with product registration.
Yes, both the JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-A2A include Moving Magnet phono inputs for direct turntable connection.
For a medium-sized living room, the JBL MA710 offers excellent value and sufficient power. However, if room acoustics are challenging, the Yamaha RX-A2A's superior room correction might be worth the extra investment.
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 - musicdirect.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - puretheatre.com - crutchfield.com - mm.jbl.com - av-connection.com - electronics.woot.com - worldwidestereo.com - th.jbl.com - skybygramophone.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
