When setting up a home theater system, selecting the right AV receiver might seem overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949.95) and the Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00). Let's break down everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
Think of an AV receiver as the brain of your home theater system. It takes all your video sources (like gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players) and audio inputs, processes them, and sends the video to your TV while powering your speakers. Modern receivers need to handle everything from basic stereo to complex surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to create a more immersive experience.
The Sony STR-DH790 was released in 2018, while the Yamaha RX-A2A came out in 2021. This three-year gap represents significant technological advancement, particularly in HDMI standards and gaming features. The Yamaha supports HDMI 2.1 features (through firmware updates), enabling gaming features like 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, while the Sony is limited to HDMI 2.0b specifications.
Both receivers support 7.2 channels, meaning seven main speakers and two subwoofers. However, the Yamaha's audio processing is more sophisticated, using a higher-quality DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that can handle 384kHz/32-bit audio compared to Sony's 192kHz/24-bit capability. In practical terms, this means the Yamaha can reproduce more subtle details in high-resolution music.
The Yamaha delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, while the Sony provides 90 watts per channel at 6 ohms. While these numbers might seem similar, the Yamaha's power rating at a higher impedance suggests better overall amplifier quality and headroom for demanding speakers.
This is where we see a significant difference. Yamaha's YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer) with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) is more advanced than Sony's DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration). YPAO can measure multiple points in your room and make more precise adjustments to optimize sound for your specific space.
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers seven HDMI inputs and one output, while the Sony STR-DH790 provides four inputs and one output. In a modern setup with multiple devices (gaming consoles, streaming boxes, Blu-ray players), those extra inputs on the Yamaha could be crucial.
This is perhaps the biggest differentiator. The Yamaha includes:
The Sony only offers Bluetooth connectivity, which limits its streaming capabilities and multi-room potential.
For gamers, the Yamaha supports:
The Sony, being older, doesn't support these gaming-specific features, though it handles 4K at 60Hz perfectly well.
The price difference is substantial - about $600. The Sony STR-DH790 at $348 represents excellent value for basic home theater needs. It handles all the essential surround sound formats and 4K video, making it a solid choice for movies and TV.
The Yamaha RX-A2A at $949.95 offers significant advantages:
In practical use, both receivers perform well for their intended purposes. The Sony handles movie soundtracks admirably, creating an immersive surround sound experience. The Yamaha takes things further with more refined sound processing and better handling of subtle audio details.
For music listening, the Yamaha's superior DAC and processing make a noticeable difference, especially with high-resolution audio sources. The network streaming features also make it more convenient for playing music from various sources.
Consider your priorities:
Choose the Yamaha if:
Choose the Sony if:
Both receivers will serve well in their intended roles, but they target different users. The Sony focuses on core home theater functionality at an attractive price point, while the Yamaha offers a more complete and future-proof solution for enthusiasts willing to invest more.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the receiver. Consider your current setup and future plans when making your decision.
| Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949.95) | Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines speaker driving capability and headroom | |
| 100W/channel @ 8Ω (more headroom, better stability) | 90W/channel @ 6Ω (adequate for most speakers) |
| HDMI Ports - Critical for connecting modern devices | |
| 7 in / 1 out (excellent for complex setups) | 4 in / 1 out (sufficient for basic needs) |
| Video Support - Important for future-proofing | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (latest gaming features) | 4K/60Hz (good for current content) |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and detail | |
| 384kHz/32-bit DAC (audiophile-grade) | 192kHz/24-bit DAC (good for most content) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| YPAO with multi-point measurement (superior accuracy) | Basic DCAC (adequate for simple setups) |
| Network Features - Enables streaming and control options | |
| WiFi, MusicCast, AirPlay 2, voice control | Bluetooth only (basic wireless audio) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen consoles | |
| VRR, ALLM, QFT supported (fully gaming-ready) | Basic gaming support (no advanced features) |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity and performance | |
| Premium components, 5-year warranty | Standard components, 2-year warranty |
The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($949.95) offers superior home theater performance with better room calibration and more powerful processing. However, the Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00) provides good basic home theater performance at a much lower price point.
The Yamaha RX-A2A costs $949.95, while the Sony STR-DH790 is priced at $348.00, making it $601.95 less expensive.
The Yamaha RX-A2A is significantly better for gaming, supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. The Sony STR-DH790 only supports basic 4K/60Hz gaming features.
Yes, both receivers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound, though the Yamaha's processing is more sophisticated.
The Yamaha RX-A2A has 7 HDMI inputs and 1 output, while the Sony STR-DH790 has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output.
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers comprehensive streaming with WiFi, AirPlay 2, and MusicCast, while the Sony STR-DH790 only supports Bluetooth streaming.
The Yamaha RX-A2A with 100W per channel at 8 ohms provides more power and stability for larger speakers compared to the Sony's 90W at 6 ohms.
Only the Yamaha RX-A2A supports 8K video passthrough. The Sony STR-DH790 is limited to 4K resolution.
Both are relatively straightforward, but the Sony's simpler feature set makes it slightly easier for beginners. The Yamaha offers more precise room calibration but requires more setup time.
The Yamaha RX-A2A supports multi-room audio through MusicCast, while the Sony STR-DH790 only offers basic Zone 2 audio.
The Yamaha RX-A2A offers superior sound quality with better processing and room calibration, though the Sony STR-DH790 still provides good audio performance for its price.
If you're serious about home theater and want the best performance, the Yamaha RX-A2A's additional features and quality justify its higher price. However, the Sony STR-DH790 provides excellent value for basic home theater needs.
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 - safeandsoundhq.com - crutchfield.com - crutchfield.com - usa.yamaha.com - hifimart.com - ca.yamaha.com - usa.yamaha.com - adorama.com - avsforum.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - ynetnews.com - walts.com - sony.ca - walmart.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - abcwarehouse.com - crutchfield.com - sony.co.uk - sony.ie - youtube.com
