Choosing Between Modern AV Receivers: A Detailed Comparison

When setting up a home theater system, the AV receiver acts as the brain of your entertainment setup. Today, we'll compare two popular models - the Yamaha RX-V4A ($450) and the Sony STR-DH790 ($350) - to help you make an informed choice for your home entertainment needs.

Understanding AV Receivers in 2023

AV receivers have evolved significantly in recent years. They're no longer just amplifiers with inputs - they've become sophisticated entertainment hubs that handle everything from gaming to streaming music. The core function remains powering your speakers and managing audio/video signals, but modern receivers need to tackle new challenges like 8K video, gaming features, and wireless connectivity.

What Matters Most

When choosing an AV receiver, these are the key factors to consider:

• Speaker support (number of channels)
• Video capabilities (resolution and refresh rates)
• Audio processing (surround sound formats)
• Power output
• Future-proofing features
• Connectivity options

Deep Dive: The Key Differences

Channel Configuration and Speaker Setup

The Sony STR-DH790 offers 7.2 channels, meaning it can power seven speakers plus two subwoofers. This allows for true Dolby Atmos setups with height speakers, which create that immersive "sound from above" effect you might have experienced in modern movie theaters. You could set it up as a 5.1.2 system (five surround speakers, one subwoofer, two height speakers) for a full Atmos experience.

The Yamaha RX-V4A provides 5.2 channels, which limits you to traditional surround sound setups. While this is plenty for most rooms, you won't have the option to add height channels for Dolby Atmos without upgrading your receiver.

Video Processing and Gaming

This is where we see some significant differences. Released in 2020, the Yamaha includes future-proof features like:

• 8K/60Hz video pass-through
• 4K/120Hz support
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for gaming
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

These features matter if you're a gamer with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, or if you're planning to upgrade to an 8K TV in the next few years.

The Sony, while excellent for movies and music, sticks to 4K/60Hz, which is still perfectly fine for most current content but might feel limited in a few years.

Audio Processing and Sound Quality

Both receivers handle modern audio formats well, but they approach room calibration differently:

• The Yamaha uses YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer)
• The Sony employs D.C.A.C. (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)

In my experience, both systems work well, but Sony's calibration tends to be more straightforward and user-friendly. The Yamaha's YPAO offers more detailed adjustments if you're willing to dive into the settings.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Yamaha RX-V4A shines with its MusicCast system, which lets you:

• Stream music to multiple rooms
• Control everything from your phone
• Integrate with voice assistants
• Connect wirelessly to other MusicCast speakers

The Sony STR-DH790 takes a more traditional approach with basic Bluetooth streaming. It's simpler but more limited in terms of wireless capabilities.

Real-World Performance

Home Theater Experience

For movie watching, both receivers perform admirably. The Sony's extra channels give it an edge if you're building a full Atmos setup, while the Yamaha offers slightly better video processing for the latest content.

In my testing, both receivers handled standard surround sound content beautifully. The difference comes down to:

• Sony: Better suited for complex speaker setups
• Yamaha: Better for high-end video sources and gaming

Music Playback

Both receivers handle music well, but they have different strengths:

• The Yamaha's MusicCast system makes whole-home audio easy
• The Sony's additional power per channel can provide more headroom for demanding speakers

Gaming Performance

If gaming is important to you, the Yamaha has a clear advantage with its support for:

• 4K/120Hz gaming
• Variable refresh rates
• Auto low latency mode

Value Proposition

The $100 price difference between these receivers reflects their different priorities:

The Sony STR-DH790 at $350 offers:

• More speaker channels
• Solid current-gen performance
• Straightforward operation
• Better immediate value for home theater

The Yamaha RX-V4A at $450 provides:

• Future-proof video features
• Better gaming support
• More sophisticated streaming
• Superior multi-room capabilities

How to Decide

Consider your primary use case:

Choose the Yamaha if you:

• Game on next-gen consoles
• Plan to upgrade to 8K
• Want whole-home audio
• Value future-proofing

Choose the Sony if you:

• Want the most theater-like experience
• Need more speaker channels
• Prefer simpler operation
• Have a stricter budget

Looking to the Future

Both receivers were released around 2020, and while newer models exist, these remain solid choices. The Yamaha's 8K support and gaming features still feel cutting-edge, while the Sony's focus on core audio performance remains relevant.

Technology in this space moves slowly enough that either receiver should serve well for many years. The main consideration is whether you need the Yamaha's future-proof features or if the Sony's additional channels would better serve your needs.

Final Thoughts

For pure home theater use, especially if you want Atmos, the Sony STR-DH790 offers exceptional value. Its additional channels and straightforward setup make it an excellent choice for most users.

However, if you're building a system with an eye on the future, the Yamaha RX-V4A justifies its higher price with better gaming support and more sophisticated features.

Remember, the best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and future plans. Both receivers excel at their core functions - it's the extra features that should guide your decision.

Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2 Channel AV Receiver Deals and Prices

Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver Deals and Prices