Yamaha RX-V485BL vs Denon AVR-S950H

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An overview of Yamaha RX-V485BL and Denon AVR-S950H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V485BL received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S950H was rated 7.3 points. The release date of RX-V485BL is 2018, and AVR-S950H is 2019. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that RX-V485BL is inferior in audio processing features to AVR-S950H.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V485BL over Denon AVR-S950H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S950H over Yamaha RX-V485BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 5 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Yamaha RX-V485BL supports 5.1-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S950H supports a 7.2-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 AVR-S950H this value is 125/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V485BL it is 80/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the RX-V485BL 9 out of 10, and the AVR-S950H - 6.

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 only on the RX-V485BL.

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 RX-V485BL scored 8, and Denon AVR-S950H scored 7 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, Yamaha RX-V485BL got 6 points, but Denon AVR-S950H received 8 points.

Yamaha RX-V485BL is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 Yamaha RX-V485BL in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Denon AVR-S950H has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-S950H 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. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 8 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V485BL got 8 points, but the AVR-S950H has 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

Yamaha RX-V485BL got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S950H got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Denon AVR-S950H can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the AVR-S950H.