Today we're comparing two popular AV receivers: the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) and Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($950). Both released in 2020-2021, these receivers represent different approaches to home theater, with distinct value propositions that I'll help you understand.
Modern AV receivers are the brains of your home theater system. They process audio signals, power your speakers, switch between video sources, and handle all the complex digital formats that make movies and games so immersive today. Think of them as traffic controllers for your entertainment system - managing everything from your gaming console's 4K video to your streaming device's Dolby Atmos sound.
Since these models' release, we've seen increasing demand for gaming-friendly features and better handling of streaming services. Both receivers address these needs, though in different ways.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 and Yamaha RX-A2A share several important features:
Both support HDMI 2.1, enabling:
Both receivers handle:
The Yamaha RX-A2A delivers 100 watts per channel versus the Onkyo's 80 watts. In real-world use, this difference matters most in larger rooms (over 300 square feet) or when using less efficient speakers. I've found the Yamaha's extra power provides more headroom for dynamic movie scenes, especially in larger spaces.
The Yamaha's AVENTAGE line represents their premium offering, with:
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 uses more standard construction but remains solid for its price point. The spring clip terminals are its main weakness - they're less convenient and don't grip speaker wire as securely.
Room calibration helps your receiver adjust its output to your specific room's acoustics. The Yamaha's YPAO with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) is more sophisticated than Onkyo's AccuEQ system. In practice, YPAO does a better job handling room reflections and setting proper speaker levels, especially in challenging rooms with irregular shapes or lots of hard surfaces.
Both receivers excel at movie playback, but there are differences:
For music lovers, the Yamaha edges ahead with:
The Onkyo still performs well, especially with streaming services, but can't quite match the Yamaha's musicality.
Both receivers handle gaming equally well, offering:
At $440, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers exceptional value, including:
The Yamaha RX-A2A at $950 justifies its premium with:
Both receivers are well-equipped for current and near-future needs. The HDMI 2.1 ports support all current gaming features, and both handle modern audio formats. However, the Yamaha's better build quality and more sophisticated processing might give it a longer useful life.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 represents excellent value, offering modern features and good performance at an accessible price point. It's perfect for most users building a home theater system on a reasonable budget.
The Yamaha RX-A2A delivers superior audio performance and build quality for those willing to invest more. Its better room correction and more powerful amplification make it ideal for serious home theater enthusiasts or music lovers.
Both receivers will serve well in their intended roles - the choice ultimately depends on your budget, room size, and how critical you are about audio performance. For most users, the Onkyo provides everything needed for an excellent home theater experience, while the Yamaha offers a step up in performance for those seeking the best possible sound.
| Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) | Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($950) |
|---|---|
| Power Output Per Channel - Determines how well it can drive speakers and fill larger rooms | |
| 80W (good for small/medium rooms) | 100W (better for larger rooms, more headroom) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimizing sound in your specific space | |
| Basic AccuEQ (handles basic room setup) | Advanced YPAO with R.S.C. (superior room correction, handles reflections better) |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and audio performance | |
| Standard construction, spring clips (functional but basic) | Premium AVENTAGE build, binding posts (better connectivity, reduced vibration) |
| Video Processing - Important for gaming and future-proofing | |
| HDMI 2.1, 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (fully current) | HDMI 2.1, 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (fully current) |
| Gaming Features - Essential for next-gen gaming consoles | |
| VRR, ALLM, QFT (all current features supported) | VRR, ALLM, QFT (all current features supported) |
| DAC Quality - Affects overall sound quality | |
| 24-bit/192kHz (good quality) | 384kHz/32-bit Burr-Brown (superior conversion) |
| Amplifier Design - Impacts sound clarity and control | |
| Standard Class AB (good performance) | High-slew rate design (better detail and control) |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 2 years (standard coverage) | 3-5 years (superior coverage with registration) |
The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($950) offers superior performance for dedicated home theaters with its better room calibration and higher power output. However, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) is still excellent for smaller home theaters and provides better value.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 costs $440, while the Yamaha RX-A2A is priced at $950, making the Yamaha about $510 more expensive.
The Yamaha RX-A2A with its 100W per channel output is better suited for larger rooms, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 at 80W per channel is ideal for small to medium-sized spaces.
Yes, both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 and Yamaha RX-A2A support 4K/120Hz gaming and include features like VRR and ALLM for optimal gaming performance.
The Yamaha RX-A2A features the more advanced YPAO with R.S.C. room correction, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 uses the simpler AccuEQ system.
Yes, both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 and Yamaha RX-A2A support 8K video, HDMI 2.1, and all current audio formats, making them future-proof for several years.
The Yamaha RX-A2A generally offers better music performance with its superior DAC and amplification, though the Onkyo TX-NR5100 still provides good music playback.
Yes, both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 and Yamaha RX-A2A support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound.
Both are relatively straightforward, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has a slightly simpler setup process, while the Yamaha RX-A2A offers more detailed calibration options.
Yes, both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 and Yamaha RX-A2A support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various streaming services.
The Yamaha RX-A2A features superior build quality with its AVENTAGE design and better components, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 uses more standard construction.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers better value with all essential features at $440, while the Yamaha RX-A2A justifies its higher price with superior performance and build quality.
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: crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - bestbuy.com - onkyo.com - audiolab.com - support.onkyousa.com - youtube.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
