Denon AVR-S940H vs Yamaha RX-A8A

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An overview of Denon AVR-S940H and Yamaha RX-A8A will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S940H received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A8A was rated 9.4 points. The release date of AVR-S940H is 2018, and RX-A8A is 2021. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-S940H is inferior in audio processing features to RX-A8A.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S940H over Yamaha RX-A8A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A8A over Denon AVR-S940H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 10, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S940H supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-A8A supports a 11.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the RX-A8A this value is 150/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S940H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S940H 7 out of 10, and the RX-A8A - 9.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the RX-A8A.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S940H scored 7, and Yamaha RX-A8A scored 9 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-S940H got 9 points, but Yamaha RX-A8A received 10 points.

Denon AVR-S940H is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A8A has 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Yamaha RX-A8A.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-S940H in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-A8A has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-S940H were rated 6 out of 10 against the 9 for the RX-A8A.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The AVR-S940H works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-A8A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-A8A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVR-S940H got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-A8A got 8.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Yamaha RX-A8A has Auro-3D on its feature list.