Denon vs Yamaha
Which One Manufactures Better AV Receivers? (2023)

An AV receiver is the main hub of a home theater system, responsible for amplifying sound quality. Due to thousands of AV receivers in the market, searching for the best one can be challenging.

During our experts’ testing, two brands stood out — Denon vs Yamaha. We tried two of the most popular AV receivers from those brands, the Yamaha RX-V685 and the Denon AVR-S750H.

Denon or Yamaha?

Best for Wireless Option
Yamaha RX-V685
Best Overall AV Receiver
Denon AVR-S750H
Yamaha RX-V685
Denon AVR-S750H
This AV supports wireless connection via its unique MusicCast functionality and stream music over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on various streaming platforms.
This Denon AV receiver has all the features needed to have the best 4k viewing and listening. With its multiple HDMI ports, you can connect many devices to it and enjoy an immersive sound.
Best for Wireless Option
Yamaha RX-V685
Yamaha RX-V685
This AV supports wireless connection via its unique MusicCast functionality and stream music over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on various streaming platforms.
Best Overall AV Receiver
Denon AVR-S750H
Denon AVR-S750H
This Denon AV receiver has all the features needed to have the best 4k viewing and listening. With its multiple HDMI ports, you can connect many devices to it and enjoy an immersive sound.

Features Comparison:
Denon Versus Yamaha

Denon and Yamaha Build Quality

Denon AVR-S750H and Yamaha RX – V685 are solidly built to enhance durability, but the Yamaha has better build quality. They have clear onscreen menus and come with easy controls that maximize usability, convenience, and performance. 

Streaming Support

Many Denon and Yamaha AV receivers come with Bluetooth, Wi-FI, and a built-in connection for streaming audio from the internet. This allows you to stream music online from Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.

They also have support for wireless speakers where you connect the receivers easily. Denon uses the HEOS wireless system, while Yamaha uses the MusicCast system for a seamless connection. 

Sound Formats

There are several surround sound formats on connected devices, like the LPCM, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X sound formats, but the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are what’s supported on most AV receivers, including the Denon AVR-S750H and Yamaha RX – V685 [1].

You may need to check whether your AV receiver supports the sound formats on your sound system or not.

Denon vs Yamaha: Channel Support

AV receivers are designed to support different surround sound speaker layouts, so you need to buy a receiver with the speaker’s required configuration.

A stereo receiver will power two speakers like the top-rated Onyx Studio 4 and 3, and since it supports surround sounds, a standard 5.1-channel AV receiver can power two 5.1 speakers. Going higher, a 7.1-channel receiver allows you to add extra surround speakers. 

Both Denon and Yamaha 7.1-channel receivers have Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, meaning the soundtracks or the audio experience will be more immersive due to height speakers. The point “.1” and “.2” are subwoofers for delivering low-frequency bass.

Though they have the subwoofers and 7.1 Chanel receivers, Denon AVR-S750H delivers better sound quality due to better room correction software. 

Connections

Both Denon and Yamaha RX-V 685, as evident in this Denon vs. Yamaha review, come with six and five HDMI and non-HDMI ports for connection of external devices. It would be best to make sure the receiver comes with the right number of HDMI and non-HDMI connection ports according to the number of devices you want to connect.

More HDMI ports mean more connected devices, which makes the Denon receiver a better option in this regard. 

Both Denon and Yamaha RX-V 685, as evident in this Denon vs. Yamaha review, come with six and five HDMI and non-HDMI ports for connection of external devices. It would be best to make sure the receiver comes with the right number of HDMI and non-HDMI connection ports according to the number of devices you want to connect.

More HDMI ports mean more connected devices, which makes the Denon receiver a better option in this regard. 

Reliability of Denon and Yamaha

Both Denon and Yamaha products are reliable and durable, with support for a wide range of speakers so you will probably be okay with selecting any of their AV receivers. Both brands also provide customer support for their products. 

These receivers also support reasonably priced center channel speakers under 500 so that they can fully integrate into your home theater system. 

Price of Denon and Yamaha

Denon AVR-S750H and Yamaha RX – V685 are both top-performing AV receivers under 500, though they vary in prices. They tend to be less expensive than high-end models because they have less surround speaker support and streaming options. 

Comparing their prices, the Denon AV receiver is relatively cheaper than the Yamaha. Therefore, it’s the more affordable option. 

FAQ

Is Yamaha better than Denon?

Denon AV receivers are slightly better than Yamaha due to how easy it is to set up the devices. Additionally, they have better room correction software for crispier sounds.

Is Denon a good brand?

Denon is a good brand and one of the best in the industry. They are super reliable, durable, and come with outstanding features that will leave you impressed.

Which Yamaha receiver is best?

The Yamaha RX-V685 is the best Yamaha receiver. It’s a 7.1 channel wireless receiver that has support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

Overall Winner: Denon

Based on this Yamaha vs. Denon review, our experts conclude that the Denon is the best brand for manufacturing AV receivers.

Denon AV receivers are solidly built with well-defined controls and a crisp onscreen menu. Furthermore, they have streaming support on many platforms and support various sound formats for the best listening and watching experience. More importantly, they are easy to set up and use, further explaining why it’s the best brand for manufacturing AV receivers.

When it comes to 4K TVs, which brand should you trust more? Our experts have pitted Vizio vs Samsung so you don’t have to!

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.