Looking for a perfect AV receiver for your home theater but could not figure out which could be better? Or confuse between Sony VS Yamaha Receiver? This is obvious because there are a ton of different models from different manufacturers in the marketplace.
Sony offers impressive sound quality with many advanced features. Another hand Yamaha Receiver gives excellent surround sound with ease of use.
So, if you are planning on having a receiver but confuse between Sony VS Yamaha Receiver which is best. Or just wants a perfect receiver for the immersive home theater experience. Then keep a close eye through this article.
Here you will get all the possible info about a perfect receiver and all differences between Sony VS Yamaha Receiver. By the end, you will definitely find the right one.
Why Need A Receiver?
Having an amp, pre-amp or tuner separately costs quite a good amount of money. And still may not fulfill your requirement with the best home theater experience.
But what if you get all this in a package and don’t need to spend those extra expenses. This package is called the receiver.
Yes, a receiver contains all of these things and now modern receivers offer much more than these. They now even support 4K to 8K content with great sound formats like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or others.
A receiver mainly decodes the sound signal and makes them so incredible so you can hear a beautiful and powerful sound. Modern receivers can handle now up to 11.1ch speakers. There are also lots of budget-friendly home theater receivers.
So, not wasting time anymore let’s see the latest receivers from Sony VS Yamaha for you to choose as early as possible.
Sony Receiver
Sony receivers provide high-definition sound with modern technology and features. Like other speaker brands, Sony also has different channel receivers and they work efficiently.
For you 2ch speaker or even 9.2ch speaker, you can find from Sony what you need. Though Sony has stopped launched newer receivers for quite a long time. But all the receivers are capable of giving tough competition to other brands easily.
- Sony STR-DH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
- Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver
Yamaha Receivers
Yamaha receivers are mostly popular for they are easy to set up, great efficiency in performance. Also, there are plenty of features, and the build quality good too.
You can find from 2ch to 11.1ch receiver. So, it will be easier to find the right one that is best suited for your home theater.
- Yamaha R-N602 Networked Receiver
- YAMAHA R-S202BL Receiver
Sony VS Yamaha Receiver: Quick Comparison
Let’s have a quick look at the difference between Sony VS Yamaha so it becomes easy for you to choose.
Sony
- Sound quality: premium sound quality.
- Build quality: Good
- Reliability: Average
- Supports: 4k, HDR, HDR10
- Supported music streaming services: Few
- Cost: Both budget-friendly and expensive.
Yamaha
- Sound quality: Great with some advanced tech.
- Build quality: Good
- Reliability: Great
- Supports: 4K, 8K, HDR, HDR10
- Supported music streaming services: Many
- CostBoth budget-friendly and expensive: Both budget-friendly and expensive high-quality receiver.
Sony VS Yamaha Receiver: Different Types
Basically, receivers are of two types wired and wireless. And with the type name, you can understand what is the difference.
The wired receivers stay connected with wire and thus give powerful and efficient performance than others.
Other hand wireless receivers don’t need any kind of cable you can use them without wires. They also work great and today almost all receivers are wireless because of the ease of use.
But besides these two types receivers are different according to channel handling capacity and input. And you can choose according to your need like 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, 11.1 or even 2ch receivers.
Also read about Yamaha VS Denon Receiver’s full comparison in detail.
9.2 Channel
YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A3080 9.2-Channel
- Channel: 9.2
- Output Power: 150 watts
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay, HDMI
- Total HDMI Ports: 10
- Supported Internet Services: TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, Spotify
- Dolby/DTS: Yes
- DA Converter: ESS 384 kHz / 32-bit SABRE PRO Premier DAC ES9026PRO (for main 7 channels)
- Dimension: 17-1/8″ x 7-1/2″ x 18-5/8″ (with antenna up: 17-1/8″ x 10-5/8″ x 18-5/8″)
Yamaha Aventage RX-A3080 4K HD AV receiver is incredible and perfect for home theater and music. Al technology, ESS Sabre DACs, Dolby Atmos, DTS, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and many more excellent features it contains.
Also, lots of internet services it supports like Spotify, Pandora, Napster so you can listen to countless music. Moreover, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection makes it easier to use.
This receiver gives high-definition sound quality both for movie and music. Every word of dialogue you can hear is detailed, subtle, and clear. It can handle 7.2ch to 9.2ch speakers.
With the high tech, this Yamaha receiver is absolutely perfect for home theater.
7.2 Channel
Sony STRZA1100ES AV Receiver 7.2
- Channel: 7.2
- Output Power: 100 watts
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI
- Total HDMI Ports: 5
- Supports: Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- Dimension: 17.1” x 6” x 13.3”
Take advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS X for getting the more immense audio in your home theater system. The 7.2ch receiver provides a good number of features for the audioholic to have a dynamic home theater.
The 100-watt power for each speaker gives the detailed and clear audio ever. And the 4K HDR compatibility is best for the great video quality.
Get a room-filling multidimensional surround sound experience on a great budget if you choose this Sony STR-ZA1100ES.
Sony STR-ZA3100ES 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Channel: 7.2
- Output Power: 110 watts
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI, USB, Ethernet
- HDMI Connectivity: 6/2
- Total HDMI Ports: 5
- Supports: Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- Dimension: 24 x 20 x 3 inches
A premium quality sound is expected from this receiver as it offers lots of excellent technologies. Like the 110W @ 8 ohms, 1KHz, 0.9%, 2CH, 4K HDR compatible, and great battery.
This turns the audio so crisp, clear, and powerful. The whole room fills with surround sound and when you connect with the home theater then surely hope for the incredible music and movie.
Also, the ES-grade multichannel system is the latest for streaming over wireless music as much as you want and what you want.
Also the sufficient input and output for a 7.2ch speaker connection. The build quality and the design with black color make a good combination for any home theater system.
Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 7.2-Channel
This RX-A108 has all the same features as the AX-3080. But the only difference in this model is for the 7.2 channel set up.
The sound is premium quality abounds with the latest sound format. Which turn the sound more immersive and breathtaking.
The music-to-movie dialogue whether it is a romantic or action movie you will get the full experience. In a word, this won’t take time to turn your home theater into a movie theater.
Yamaha RX-A880 Receiver
- Number Of Channel: 7.2
- File Format: MP3 / WMA / MPEG-4 AAC: up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, ALAC: up to 96 kHz / 24-bit,DSD: up to 11.2 MHz, FLAC: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
- Output Power: 100W
- Connectivity Tech: Airplay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Supported Internet Service: Internet radio, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Spotify
- Dimension: 14.96 x 17.13 x 6.73 inches
Like all the premium quality Yamaha receivers this RX-A880 also offers all the impressive features. The 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Phono, Wi-fi, Bluetooth with many pieces of music streaming services.
Besides these excellent features, you can expect a premium quality sound fills your whole room. It is the complete solution to your 7.2ch speaker setup.
With a projector or TV, you can enjoy a full movie night like the movie theater. The massive and wider sound range, powerful punch in the ear can make the room into a live concert.
- YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A780 7.2-Channel
- Yamaha TSR-700 7.1 Channel AV Receiver with 8K HDMI
5.1 Channel
Sony Str-k502 Digital Home Theater 5.1 Stereo Receiver
- Channel: 5.1
- Power: 220 watts
- Supports: Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS-HD, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital
- Inputs: Digital Coaxial RCA, Coaxial Digital, Multi-Channel RCA, Optical Digital (Toslink), Component, AM, AUX, Digital Optical TOSLINK, Coaxial RF/F-type, Two-Channel RCA
- Dimension: 18 x 14 x 7 inches
For a budget-friendly receiver with a 5.1ch speaker set up this Sony, Str-k02 model can work perfectly. The digital formats it supported to make the audio great. So, even for your home theater, this receiver can give a good experience.
Moreover, the silver color and the build quality are also good. Not like the high-end receiver but on a good budget this receiver offers everything that you need for a 5.1ch setup.
Sony STR-DE675 Surround Sound Receiver
- Channel: 5.1
- Output Power: 500 watts
- Power: 100 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD, 100 watts x 5 in surround mode
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Supports: Dolby Digital, DTS, Pro Logic, 32-bit DSP for 15 modes, 3 Digital Cinema Sound modes
- Total HDMI Ports: 4
- Input/ Output: 3 optical digital input, 1 S-video output, 1 coaxial digital input, 3 S-video inputs
For a complete 5.1ch home theater set up, you can surely have this receiver as it offers a wider range of impressive features and the sound quality is also as you expected like dynamic.
You can switch two modes one for home theater at 100w x 5ch and for stereo 100 x 2. This helps you to choose what you want. And the power switching feature helps to get the right sound for the specific home theater or stereo purpose.
Moreover, the plenty option for input and output connection with compatibility of Dolby Digital, DTS, and others makes it way too good in this price range.
2 Channel
YAMAHA R-N303BL Stereo Receiver
- Number Of Channel: 2
- Frequency Response-0 ± 0.5dB / 0 ± 3.0dB
- Minimum RMS Output Power: 100W + 100W (8ohms, 40Hz-20kHz, 0.2 percentage THD)
- Output Power: 100W
- Connectivity Tech: Airplay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Supported Internet Service: SiriusXM internet radio, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Spotify
- Dimension: 13.38 x 17.18 x 5.5 inches
This would be good for those who don’t have or don’t want a big home theater set up instead want to enjoy a 2ch speaker or listen to music. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection help to stream over favorite music or content.
Besides some other music features, it supports Spotify, Pandora, etc. You can even control with Alexa.
See your favorite movie on TV or enjoy music with your phone connecting to the receiver. Every sound will hear so defined and beautiful. All these happen because of the high power amp and sufficient power supply.
This receiver has the capability of turning your room into a concert environment. So, it is best for any small speaker widely.
Sony VS Yamaha Receiver: Model By Model Difference
Sony STR-DN1080 VS Yamaha RX-V685
Sony STR-DN1080 VS Yamaha RX-V685 two incredible receivers containing all the latest and advanced features. Both offer from 4K/60 fps, HDR, Dolby Atmos to multiple HDMI, hi-res music and so much.
The Dolby Atmos and DTS X help to get the surround sound and HDR 4K Dolby Vision content makes your video more detailed and realistic.
Both also have various music streaming options like Spotify, Bluetooth, Airplay, Wi-Fi with a built-in streaming device. But the Sony gives you access over Chromecast which the Yamaha model doesn’t instead support built-in Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer.
Coming to the design there is no exceptionality in the design. Both have the traditional receiver design have a black finish. A boxy shape with all kinds of required controls and inputs with them.
While Sony STR-DN1050 wins awards a few years back for the great sound quality this STR-DN1080 offers much more than that. So, you can imagine how fantastic sound quality it offers.
Other hand Yamaha is no less than it. It also offers powerful and clear sound quality best for home theater.
Sony STR-DN1080 Cons
No phono input option.
Yamaha RX-V685 Cons
No built-in Chromecast.
Winner: Both
Sony STR-DH590 VS Yamaha RX-V485
Here Yamaha RX-V485 is better suitable for home theater than the Sony STR-DH590. They have some same features but for Yamaha, it offers a little bit more like the automatically calibrate sound. So, it fills your entire room with immersive sound.
But if you have a 5.2 channel speaker home theater then go with Sony. Otherwise, for a 5.1ch the Yamaha is perfect.
Besides both incredible receiver gives some high-end sound and video on the screen. With some advantages of streaming music with a phone or laptop. You can use both Wi-fi and Bluetooth with the Yamaha receiver but for Sony here only it is compatible with Bluetooth.
Hence Sony STR-DH590 gives 90 watts per channel, 6 ohms impedance, DCAC, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10. And plenty of input option Optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, 4 analog stereo audio inputs, HDMI 2.0 audio/video switching: 4 in, 1 out.
Whereas RX-V485 supports 4K UHD, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, input connection HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4 in/1 out), etc.
So, a perfect home theater incredible experience you can expect with these two receivers. Every movie action or emotional you can enjoy like you are there in the scene.
Also, the surround sound absolutely creates a 3D surround environment which is praise-worthy in one word.
Sony STR-DH590 Cons
Some issue with the connectivity.
No wifi connection.
Yamaha RX-V485
Not so noticeable.
Winner: Yamaha RX-V485
Sony STR-ZA2100ES VS Yamaha RX-A2080 AVENTAGE 9.2 Channel
These two receivers are great in their ways but often they are being compared. If you are willing to have a 7.2ch connection then the Sony STR-ZA2100ES.
Otherwise for exploring a newer world in the home theater then the Yamaha RX-A2080 AVENTAGE is the only here that can serve you fully.
Both of them support some amazing features like Dolby Atmos, DTS X, HDR 10, 4K upscaling. So, you can get the super audio as well video quality which makes your movie experience outstanding as for an amazing movie both the sound and video quality needed.
But the Yamaha here offers more power 140w which Sony doesn’t. Also, the musical streaming app like Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Napster Yamaha gives not Sony. This makes Yamaha more incredible for music lovers.
Moreover, the lack of Wi-fi or Bluetooth in Sony STR-ZA2100ES and insufficient inputs makes the winner RX-A2080 anyway.
But one important thing for sure is both these receivers are high quality. High-defined dynamic sound is expected and they are well done as per expectation.
Sony STR-ZA2100ES Cons
Lack of wifi, Bluetooth.
Also fewer music streaming services.
Yamaha RX-A2080 Cons
Nothing special.
Sony VS Yamaha Receiver: Main Difference
Sound Quality
Comparing the sound quality of Sony VS Yamaha receiver is a bit tough as both give outstanding receivers with high-end sound quality. But Sony is loved more by the users than Yamaha.
But here my perspective is different. As the music taste differs from person to person you may not be similar to mine. So, it is best to experience by own than listening to others.
For your easy way to choose let me point out something. The Sony gives a dynamic and powerful sound quality. The music or movie sound is good enough for any kind of content.
The latest Sony receivers give more realistic sound and detailed. The crispness and beautiful sound they can produce suitable for home theater.
But Yamaha receivers features some more advanced tech so the sound becomes robust and that what the user wants for their home theater. Also, the setup is easy, and using is not problematic at all.
But in the end, it will be only your decision.
Great Reliability Makes The Receiver More Efficient
Reliability having a wireless connection through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If your receiver has the ability to be connected with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth then you have a reliable receiver.
But if not, then this is a problem as you cannot be able to stream with your phone, laptop, or tab. Or with other streaming devices. So, before having receivers make sure they are reliable.
Modern every receiver is good reliable but comparing Sony VS Yamaha; Yamaha is more reliable than Sony. Because in some Sony receivers there is no Wi-Fi connection.
But this problem does not seem with Yamaha receivers a lot.
Streaming Support
Today a wider range of usage of streaming music or other content. These 100 plus streaming devices or software are there. You can easily stream through your phone or tab if your receiver having a wireless connection.
Here both Sony VS Yamaha won the race as they offer a great range with streaming support. The Spotify, Airplay, Tidal, Dolby Atmos, HDR 10 support all these supports both the brand receivers.
So, whatever you are buying see the streaming services first if you are an audiophilic and want thousands of music to stream.
Sony VS Yamaha Receiver |Excellent Features
Modern receivers are day by day becoming updated and thus consuming more and more newest features. And in the competition field manufacturers are racing who can give more latest feature to the users.
Sony and Yamaha receivers featured excellent features. Some of their receivers support 8K also. Along with the latest video format Dolby Vision, HLG, HD10, UHD. And the audio format like Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS X, Dolby Digital, or many others.
Also, wireless connection and plenty amount of input connection is there. But here is also the winner is Yamaha as they try to feature the high tech in every receiver which the Sony is a little bit backward.
Sony vS Yamaha Receiver: Which Is Best For Home Theater Or Music
We have seen all the possible differences between these fantastic brands Sony VS Yamaha. And by now you may already make an imagination about which is appropriate for your home theater or music.
Shortly I would say that if you are searching for a receiver only for music or normally want to upgrade your home theater then go for Sony receivers. Though Sony is a powerful brand past few years it is not making newer receivers.
On the contrary, Yamaha is trying to getting newer tech as much as possible. Yamaha receivers are best for setting up a whole new home theater world.
Even you will find the 11.1ch receiver if you are intending of setting up 11 channel speaker.
But one thing really matters is the price range. If you want some advanced tech but on a little budget under 1000$ then there are plenty of options. But if you can spend a big amount then nothing to worry about at all. Choose one from my list you won’t regret your whole life for sure.
Best Alternative Receivers From Other Manufacture
Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2-Channel
11.2ch with 8K /60 Hz or 4k/120 Hz should be the ultimate choice for any home theater setup. This Denon receiver is just a beast that contains all kinds of high tech in it for giving the breathtaking home theater experience.
HEOS multi-room wireless speaker with wifi, Bluetooth, Airplay, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and lots of features.
The purest form of sound quality and realistic video this receiver gives is undeniable.
Marantz NR1711
This is a super 7.2ch receiver for those who want 8K content. The compatibility of 8K pass through HDR1, HLG, Dolby Vision everything is there for giving the best video on the screen.
Even the sound is also premium quality gives a full room-filling surround sound. Also is on a great budget so you can get a great package within a little budget.
Pyle Wireless Karaoke Bluetooth Stereo Receiver Budget-friendly
For a simple 4 channel speaker setup with great power and on a little budget this model of Pyle is absolutely perfect. You can stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth, WIFI.
And for high-end sound quality, the 500w peak power, and 8 ohms impedance work altogether. A clear and superb sound you can hear with your favorite music. Also, as a receiver for home theater, it is no less than others in this price range.
- Denon AVR- S750H
- Yamaha TSR- 7850
- Marantz 4K UHD Receiver SR5014
- Onkyo TX-NR676 7.2 Channel
- Pyle Bluetooth Hybrid Amplifier Receiver – Home Theater
Wrap Up
A good quality receiver is a prerequisite for getting the full home theater experience. And here these two incredible brands Sony VS Yamaha offers many amazing receivers.
As both have superb receivers it is sometimes become difficult to choose the right one. But if you come this far you already find out what you actually need and know all kinds of differences between them.
So, now make your wisely because an immersive home theater experience is waiting for you ahead.
FAQ
This part is going to answer some of your questions that might arise while walking in the pavement of these type of receiver.
Do receivers contain pre-amp and amp?
Yes, you can get the amp, pre-amp also another tech in one single package with the receiver. Modern receivers offer so much more than only pre-amp and amp. As a result, is become the most important part of home theater.
Can the only amplifier make the audio and video quality great?
An amplifier can only make the lower signals into high-level ones. But with a receiver, this does not stay in this limitation. High tech like Dolby Atmos, DTS, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and so many things you can get through a receiver.
So, it is wise to choose a receiver instead of an amp.

Student of Computer Science and Tech Journalist. Read More