Yamaha R-S202BL vs Denon DRA-800H

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Let's compare Yamaha R-S202BL versus Denon DRA-800H for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Yamaha R-S202BL received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Denon DRA-800H was rated 7 points. The release date of R-S202BL is 2016, and DRA-800H is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, DRA-800H seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than R-S202BL.

Main advantages Yamaha R-S202BL over Denon DRA-800H

Main advantages Denon DRA-800H over Yamaha R-S202BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 2.0-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 R-S202BL this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the DRA-800H it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the R-S202BL 5 out of 10, and the DRA-800H - 6.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon DRA-800H has Pure Direct mode.

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, Yamaha R-S202BL scored 4, and Denon DRA-800H scored 8 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Denon DRA-800H.

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

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the DRA-800H only.

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, Yamaha R-S202BL got 2 points, but Denon DRA-800H received 6 points.

Only Denon DRA-800H has 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

By using the HDMI ARC, we can get rid of additional audio cables for the forefront of high-quality sound, but also thanks to this technology, it becomes possible to use surround sound formats. The DRA-800H has HDMI ARC support.

HDMI-CEC helps gadgets attached to your TV to link back and forth with your TV via HDMI ports. It is become possible to control all linked devices with one remote. The DRA-800H features HDMI CEC.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the DRA-800H has a Phono interface.

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.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Denon DRA-800H.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. Only DRA-800H in our comparison can work with the 4K/60Hz video.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the R-S202BL got 5 points, but the DRA-800H has 10.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The DRA-800H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Denon DRA-800H has the ECO mode.

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