The biggest difference between the Yamaha TSR-700 and RX-V6A receivers is their pricing. They do very well at the price range. These Yamaha receivers are the best because they can connect to a lot of different things, are easy to use, and work well overall. If you want to play music from your turntable or CD player, you can connect it to the speaker. You can also play music from your computer or TV.
You can choose from the TSR-700 or the RX-V6A because they both have the same main features. These speakers can also be used to stream.
Let’s get into more specifics.
Yamaha TSR-700 vs RX-V6A review:
This detailed review of Yamaha receivers will help you choose the best one for your setup.
Table: Comparison table of Yamaha TSR-700 vs RX-V6A
Ease of use
The ease of use of a receiver depends on how it is built with ports and knobs, and the way of controlling it. If you compare the Yamaha TSR-700 vs RX-V6A dimension, you will see they come exactly in same size with two large knobs on the glossy front panel. Buttons and ports on the front side are also similar. The large knob is easy to rotate.
The front display shows input name and several other information. Remote control is available with both these receivers. The remote has several buttons including preset, tuning, mode, etc. you can also use voice commands as control option. Connect Alexa or Google Home as they will work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
Along with user-friendly remote control, you can control the unit with web browser and mobile app. Both the receivers have Eco mode and Auto power mode. Download the AV setup guide and follow the instructions that makes the setup easier. In terms of build quality, you will see that the shiny gloss front panel is made of plastic.
We take this positively because Yamaha focuses on high-end internal equipment rather than spending more on outer surface. Just because it is plastic doesn’t mean the build quality is bad, it is quite well built. The table above shows a comparison of Yamaha RX-V6A vs TSR-700 specs. Most of the features are similar. If so, then why do you need comparison? Let’s find out.
Features
You can create a 7.1 or 5.1.2 speaker configuration with these receivers. Although the Yamaha RX-V6A has 9 amplified channels, you can go up to 5.1.2 and not as 5.1.4 because 2 channels are dedicated for zone 2. You can connect this receiver to TV, turntable, PC/NAS, other media player, gaming console, CD/DVD player etc. Multiple HDMI ports are quite useful.
Or you can listen to Internet radio, stream wirelessly via Bluetooth, Airplay or others. Along with streaming wirelessly, you can connect speakers without wires as well. For this you need to use the MusicCast Surround feature, compatible speakers like MusicCast 50, MusicCast 20 and MusicCast Sub100. Use the MusicCast Controller to control with app. You can connect external amplifier to use in Zone 2.
An external power amplifier can be connected into the Front ports under Pre out label. This can be used to power stereo speakers ensuring clean and powerful audio instead of relying on built-in amplifier of the receiver. Connect two subwoofers with the receivers but make sure they have built-in amplifier. These receivers support Zone 2.
Yamaha TSR-700 zone 2 works in the same way as the RX-V6A. You can either connect two speakers or even include an additional amplifier, then connect speakers to the amp. You can create 7.1 as main zone as have two speakers as zone 2, or 5.1.2 as main and 2.0 as zone 2. You can also connect speakers through bi-amp. For front speakers, the impedance should be 4 ohms and for other speaker 6 ohms.
We recommend connecting to TV via HDMI but you also have the option to use optical. The Yamaha receiver user manual helps to set up and run the YPAO. Upscaling contents to 4k resolution by these receivers are outstanding. The images displayed in TV are crisp and clear. The support for 4k 120Hz and 8k 60Hz (firmware update) ensures optimum image or video quality.
Connecting Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 is much easier with these receivers. LCD display on the front panel can be difficult to comprehend from your seating place but we like the Dimmer with which you can increase or decrease the brightness. Yamaha TSR-700 and RX-V6A receivers use YPAO room calibration system.
There is a front port to connect the microphone that comes with the receivers which is needed for room calibration. YPAO is fairly easy and works quite well to improve sound regardless room acoustics. Use the party mode to if you want to play the same music in all zones as the Main zone. Use Sleep timer to set the time (120, 90, 60, 30 minutes) after which the device will enter standby mode. Lastly, we always emphasize on speaker placement and for that you can check the image below.
Performance
Yamaha uses DSP technology to deliver multi-dimensional 3D sound which is same as concert halls. These receivers have several sound programs which you will find under Program settings. You can choose one under Movie or Music based on your listening content. Under Movie option, you can choose Sports or Games.
When surround speakers are not connected, the Virtual Cinema DSP will mimic the surround sound and try to deliver the audio as if it is coming from surround speakers. When you select Pure Direct, you will receive high quality music. It ensures elimination of any kind of noise. With support for Atmos and DTS: X, movies become engaging.
You will experience explosions and blasts with height effects. With surround speakers, the surround sound will be powerful and immersive. Gaming features available with a firmware update, will improve audio and video of games. Use Compressed Music Enhancer to enjoy added dynamics and certain depth in the sound. This will improve the overall sound maintaining clarity and richness.
Vocals are clear which is a must while watching movies. With or without a subwoofer, you can enjoy tight and punchier bass with Extra bass feature. Comparing Yamaha vs Denon, while Denon excels with outstanding features, Yamaha receivers sounds thrilling. If you go through online customer reviews, you will feel bashed with HDMI bugs and several other bugs in these devices.
At the same time, you will see several consumers claim they don’t face any problem. With the firmware update ver. 1.48, you will get 4K/120Hz, HDR10+ support, bug issues are fixed for DV playback and stability is improved. Comparing Yamaha vs Sony STR-DN1080, these Yamaha receivers have a neutral profile whereas the STR 1080 has a punch. Yamaha RX-V6A doesn’t support Chromecast but you can easily stream in other ways.
Inputs and outputs
The receivers have 7 HDMI in and 1 HDMI out that supports HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG and BT.2020. They also have HDMI CEC, USB, Network port, USB as AV input, optical in, coax in, 4 analog audio inputs, phono in, 2.2 ch pre out and headphone out. For wireless connectivity it has W-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2. The rear panel has several speaker terminals as well.
Cost
Comparing Yamaha TSR-700 vs RX-V6A price, RX-V6A 7.2 receiver costs higher than TSR-700. While the difference isn’t dramatic but still, the TSR-700 is a more affordable option between these two. If you can grab a discount, the cost will reduce further.
Conclusion
In this comparison of Yamaha TSR-700 vs RX-V6A, there are more similarities than differences. You can choose TSR-700 if you have tight budget. Both these receivers sound musical no matter the type of music content. Movies shine with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility. The soundstage is broad, and it has excellent dynamics.
To achieve the best sound possible, along with having one of the best Yamaha receivers, make sure you choose quality speakers and subwoofers. Follow Yamaha RX-V6A and Yamaha TSR-700 manual for speaker position and run the YPAO for optimum results. The out of the box accuracy of Yamaha TSR-700 is outstanding. We loved every bit of it even without running YPAO.
TSR-700 is one of the best Yamaha receivers for money. The fact that these receivers can support 8k with firmware update makes them future proof as well. Performance is satisfying and exceeds our expectation in many cases. We love the fact that the receivers are packed with numerous features, sound profiles, DSP mode and what not, which you can use to tweak the audio.
FAQs
This FAQ is here to solve some of your problems that may arise while waling in the pavement of these best receivers.
Are Yamaha receivers reliable?
Yamaha receivers are quite reliable. The performance is stable and very good compared to the price range. YPAO calibration works pretty good as well.
Do Yamaha receivers have complex setup?
Adding a receiver into your home theater system is the start of having a bit complicated setup. This is if you compare with Bluetooth speaker that has no wires. Receiver means you will have several wires in the system. Then setting up the receiver will take some time as well. Calibration via YPAO will take some time too.
Network Engineer and Tech Journalist. Read More…
