When it comes to choosing an AV receiver under $1200, most people often talk about two options, Denon AVR X2800H and Yamaha RX A2A. Which model offers the best return on investment? This study on Denon AVR-X2800H vs Yamaha RX-A2A provides the best answer to this question.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X2800H vs Yamaha RX-A2A Comparison:
Denon AVR-X2800H | Yamaha RX-A2A | |
Preview |   |   Best Choice |
Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 95 | 100 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 4K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 7 |
Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AirPlay 2, MusicCast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Design
The monochrome display of Denon AVR X2800H plays a prominent role in making the design attractive. There is nothing clumsy about the overall design. It comes with a clean and neat design with a clear focus on functional benefits. The LC display, knobs, headphone jacks, HDMI inputs, and other buttons are skillfully placed to make the device look sophisticated. The large remote with smaller buttons does not live up to the expectations of users in terms of user-friendliness.
The reflective front panel of Yamaha RX A2A is renowned for its stability and firmness. The inspiring design of this model creates a great first impression. The front panel is home to a vibrant LCD display, input select dial, and many other control buttons. The build quality of this home theater receiver is not the best in the industry. However, you can expect reasonable longevity when buying this model. The remote is renowned for its tactility and user-friendliness.
The build quality of the Denon model is certainly better than its Yamaha counterpart. However, the design elements of both these models leave a lasting impression on users.
Winner: Tie
Channels
AVR X2800H and RX A2A are equipped with a 7-channel amplifier. The Dolby Atmos and DTS: X configuration of these models is 5.2.2. You can do this process with internal amplifiers. They can be converted into a 5.2 or 7.2-speaker system without height channels using internal amplifiers.
These two home theater receivers offer you nothing to choose between them as far as channels and configuration possibilities are concerned.
Winner: Tie
Connectivity
The HDMI inputs available on the Denon model are 6. Three of these inputs support 8K or come with HDMI 2.1 ports. There are 2 HDMI outputs as well. The Yamaha version offers one more HDMI input (7). All of these inputs are equipped with HDMI 2.1 inputs. However, it features only 1 HDMI output.
These two AV receivers are compatible with AirPlay and AirPlay 2. RX A2A also supports MusicCast. On the other hand, X2800H is a Roon-Ready device that offers perfect compatibility with HEOS. Providing the best compatibility with Josh.ai, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, these two receivers are equipped with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters and Ethernet cables.
There is not much to choose between these two products when it comes to analyzing connectivity features. However, the Yamaha model comes with slightly better features than the Denon model.
Winner: Yamaha RX-A2A
Audio Capabilities
The power generation ratio (W/Ohm) of X2800H is 95/8. RX A2A produces 100 watts at 8 Ohms. So, the Yamaha receiver is the more efficient choice in terms of power generation.
You can find a 384 KHz/32-bit-DAC on the Yamaha device. The Denon model comes with a 192 KHz/32-bit DAC. Both models are compatible with the same Dolby Atmos and DTS surround formats.
Denon AVR X2800H meets the best standards in the industry when it comes to sound quality. This home theater receiver performs exceptionally well when handling intense as well as subtle sounds. With absolute clarity, superb control, and admirable balance, X2800H creates an engrossing listening environment. It offers a well-spread soundstage to produce authoritative sound. The responsive sound with immaculate coherence and spaciousness takes your viewing experience to unimaginable heights.
Many people are ardent fans of the immersive soundtrack of Yamaha RX A2A. This model is a perfect choice when it comes to handling sounds at lower levels. Don’t worry about sound distortion. It reproduces dialogues, music, and other sounds with unbeatable balance and clarity. You will never miss out on the drama and punch of action scenes. The vivacious rhythmic panache and refined bass play a vital role in optimizing sound quality.
An unbiased analysis always suggests that the Yamaha RX A2A comes with slightly better audio features and sound quality than Denon AVR X2800H.
Winner: Yamaha RX-A2A
Video Capabilities
These two devices work perfectly with the best HDR formats. However, the Denon receiver has a slight edge over the Yamaha version with its additional compatibility with Dynamic HDR. The 8K pass-through feature is available on both devices. When it comes to upscaling, AVR X2800H supports 8K upscaling, and RX A2A is compatible only with 4K upscaling.
These facts clearly assert that the Denon home theater receiver is a much better option than the Yamaha RX A2A.
Winner: Denon AVR-x2800h
Value for Money
Which AV receiver offers the best return on investment? You need to pay more than the Yamaha model for the Denon receiver. However, RX A2A comes with more refined capabilities and features to offer you better value for money.
Winner: Yamaha RX-A2A
Verdict
Both models offer excellent sound quality and connectivity features to keep users satisfied. Denon AVR X2800H comes with more sophisticated video features and better build quality than the Yamaha counterpart. However, this Denon AVR-X2800H vs Yamaha RX-A2A analysis finds that the Yamaha model is a better choice than the Denon version due to more enhanced audio capabilities, amplifier performance, and connectivity features.
Denon AVR-X2800H | Yamaha RX-A2A |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023