Home theater enthusiasts face an interesting choice between two compelling AV receivers: the JBL MA710 ($679.95) and the Yamaha RX-V4A ($451.20). Let's explore what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
AV receivers are the brains of your home theater system. They take various audio and video sources (like streaming devices, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players), process these signals, and distribute them to your speakers and TV. Modern receivers have evolved significantly, now handling complex tasks like 8K video processing, gaming features, and immersive audio formats.
The landscape of home theater has changed dramatically in recent years. While basic audio processing remains important, new technologies like HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rates for gaming, and advanced room correction have become crucial considerations. Both the JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-V4A reflect these modern needs, though they approach them differently.
The JBL MA710 offers a 7.2-channel configuration, meaning it can power seven speakers and two subwoofers. This enables true Dolby Atmos setups with height channels (those speakers that create sound from above). With 110 watts per channel at 8 ohms, it's got plenty of power for most rooms.
The Yamaha RX-V4A, meanwhile, provides 5.2 channels with 80 watts per channel. While this means no height channels for Atmos, it's still plenty for a traditional surround sound setup in medium-sized rooms. The power difference might seem significant on paper, but in real-world usage, both receivers can drive most speakers effectively.
Here's where we see a major differentiation. The JBL supports full 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, making it more future-proof. It handles all modern HDR formats (HDR10+, Dolby Vision) and includes gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing in games) and Auto Low Latency Mode (which reduces input lag).
The Yamaha tops out at 4K/120Hz, which is honestly plenty for most users today given the scarcity of 8K content. It still supports major HDR formats and gaming features, just without 8K capability.
Both receivers support modern audio formats, but they handle room correction differently. The JBL uses EZ Set EQ, which is straightforward but effective. The Yamaha employs YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer), a more established system that's known for reliable results.
The JBL MA710 offers more physical connections, with 6 HDMI inputs versus the Yamaha's 4. Both include modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though the JBL includes newer Bluetooth 5.3 with better codecs for higher quality wireless audio.
At $679.95, the JBL costs about $230 more than the Yamaha at $451.20. This price difference reflects the additional channels, power, and features, but whether it's worth it depends entirely on your needs.
In practical use, both receivers perform admirably in their intended scenarios. The JBL excels in larger rooms and more complex setups, particularly when using height channels for Atmos. Its extra power becomes noticeable during dynamic movie scenes, especially in rooms larger than 350 square feet.
The Yamaha, while more modest in specifications, delivers clean, balanced sound that will satisfy most users. Its YPAO room correction is particularly effective at dealing with common acoustic problems, often producing more immediately satisfying results than the JBL's EZ Set EQ.
For gamers, both receivers support key HDMI 2.1 gaming features, but the JBL's extra HDMI ports might be valuable if you own multiple gaming consoles. The higher power rating could also be beneficial for gaming sessions where sustained high volume is desired.
Choose the JBL MA710 if:
Choose the Yamaha RX-V4A if:
The JBL's 8K capability and extra channels provide more room for future expansion, but the Yamaha's core features will remain relevant for years to come. Both receivers receive regular firmware updates to maintain compatibility with new formats and fix bugs.
Remember that while features and specifications are important, the real goal is enjoying your content. Either receiver, when properly set up, can deliver an engaging home theater experience. The key is matching the receiver to your specific needs and budget.
| JBL MA710 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver ($679.95) | Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2 Channel AV Receiver ($451.20) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and Dolby Atmos capability | |
| 7.2 channels (enables full Atmos with height speakers) | 5.2 channels (standard surround, no height channels) |
| Power Per Channel - Affects speaker compatibility and maximum volume in larger rooms | |
| 110W @ 8Ω (robust power for larger rooms) | 80W @ 8Ω (sufficient for small/medium rooms) |
| Video Resolution - Important for future-proofing your system | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (complete future-proofing) | 4K/120Hz only (current standard) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs, 1 output (generous connectivity) | 4 inputs, 1 output (adequate for most setups) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| EZ Set EQ (basic but effective) | YPAO (proven, more sophisticated) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz (complete gaming package) | VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz (same core gaming features) |
| Wireless Audio - Affects streaming quality and range | |
| Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD (superior wireless audio) | Standard Bluetooth (basic wireless audio) |
| Multi-room Capabilities - Important for whole-home audio | |
| AirPlay 2 + Chromecast built-in | MusicCast ecosystem (Yamaha's proprietary system) |
The JBL MA710 ($679.95) is better for Dolby Atmos because it's a 7.2 channel receiver that supports height channels. The Yamaha RX-V4A ($451.20) is limited to 5.2 channels, which doesn't support true Dolby Atmos height speakers.
The JBL MA710 is better for large rooms with its 110W per channel power output. The Yamaha's 80W per channel is more suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
While 8K content is limited now, the JBL MA710 offers future-proofing with 8K/60Hz support. The Yamaha RX-V4A maxes out at 4K/120Hz, which is sufficient for current needs.
Both receivers support gaming features like VRR and ALLM, but the JBL MA710 has more HDMI inputs and higher power output, making it slightly better for serious gamers.
The JBL MA710 supports up to 7 speakers plus 2 subwoofers, while the Yamaha RX-V4A handles 5 speakers plus 2 subwoofers.
The Yamaha RX-V4A features the more sophisticated YPAO room correction system, while the JBL MA710 uses the simpler EZ Set EQ system.
There's about a $230 difference - the JBL MA710 costs $679.95, while the Yamaha RX-V4A is $451.20.
Both support wireless streaming, but the JBL MA710 has newer Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD, offering better wireless audio quality than the Yamaha's standard Bluetooth.
The JBL MA710 has 6 HDMI inputs, while the Yamaha RX-V4A has 4 HDMI inputs. Both have one HDMI output.
If you want height channels for Dolby Atmos or plan to use more than 5 speakers, choose the JBL MA710. For basic surround sound, the Yamaha RX-V4A is sufficient.
Both handle movies well, but the JBL MA710 offers more immersive sound with its 7.2 channels and higher power output, especially for action movies and complex soundtracks.
Yes, both the JBL MA710 and Yamaha RX-V4A fully support 4K resolution with HDR, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
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 - europe.yamaha.com - audioadvice.com - crutchfield.com - usa.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - proaudiobrands.com - justanswer.com - avstore.in
