Sony STR-DH790 vs Yamaha CX-A5200

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Sony STR-DH790 and Yamaha CX-A5200 takes place. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH790 received 5.3 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha CX-A5200 was rated 8.7 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that CX-A5200 has better performance than STR-DH790.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH790 over Yamaha CX-A5200

Main advantages Yamaha CX-A5200 over Sony STR-DH790

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-DH790 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha CX-A5200 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.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 8 of 10 for both receivers.

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 STR-DH790.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Sony STR-DH790 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-DH790 scored 6, and Yamaha CX-A5200 scored 8 out of 10.

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 CX-A5200 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, Sony STR-DH790 got 7 points, but Yamaha CX-A5200 received 9 points.

Sony STR-DH790 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha CX-A5200 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 only on Sony STR-DH790.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the CX-A5200 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 the STR-DH790 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 10 for the CX-A5200.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Yamaha CX-A5200.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH790 got 6 points, but the CX-A5200 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 CX-A5200 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Yamaha CX-A5200 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.