Despite the influx of soundbars, AV receivers are irreplaceable, especially because brands like Yamaha and Sony have a lot to offer at an agreeable price. Both brands provide powerful receivers for covering large spaces while allowing you to adjust sound output based on your needs.
The Sony STR DN1080 is an affordable home theater receiver with advanced features that let you enjoy your movies. Furthermore, it covers surround sound better than any other model in its price category. Besides, it offers pretty much anything that you expect from an entry-level unit.
On the other hand, the Yamaha RX V685 offers an impressive amount of detail, making it a perfect home media center for music and movie lovers. With its good balance between music and movies, we can safely categorize this receiver as one of the best Yamaha home theater receivers overall.
Yamaha RX V685 vs Sony STR DN1080- Specs Compared
| Product Title | Sony STR DN1080 | Yamaha RX V685 |
| Number of Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Total Power Output Per Channel | 100 W at 6 Ohms / 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 90 W at 8 Ohms / 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, MusicCast |
| Surround Sound Formats | Dolby Atmos/ DTS | Dolby Atmos/ DTS |
| Sound Optimization | D.C.A.C. EX | YPAO(R.S.C) |
If you are looking for fantastic value from these top brands, then this is your opportunity. Please read the detailed reviews to the end to establish which of these 7.2 receivers is best for you.
Sony STR DN1080 Review
The Sony STR DN1080 is an outstanding surround sound receiver that perfectly ticks all the boxes for anyone looking for a feature-packed and decent-sounding AV receiver. It is an all-around performer that offers support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS, meaning it delivers a more immersive listening experience from any object-based audio file.
Sony STR DN1080 Highlights
Advanced sound formats
The STR DN1080 not only plays object-based surround sound but also supports newer versions of Dolby Atmos and DTS. The receiver has connections for up to nine speakers, but it can only power seven speakers simultaneously in a standard 7.2 surround sound setup.
It also gives you the option to repurpose the surround back speakers to simulate Dolby Atmos height channels for a life-like movie experience at home. Alternatively, you can use these channels to power speakers in the 2nd zone for a more powerful performance.
Enough space for various equipment
The STR DN1080 offers up to six HDMI inputs, including two HDMI outputs and a dedicated 2nd zone HDMI output to accommodate a variety of audio components. Besides, all its rear HDMI inputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant and fully support 4K HDR playback.
The BD/DVD and CD/SACD inputs are specially optimized to provide the best audio quality. You can use those two to play your favorite audio sources. Perhaps the only notable drawback is the lack of support for HDMI 2.1 on all its HDMI inputs.
Advanced auto speaker calibration
The STR DN1080 offers an advanced sound calibration system that takes note of your specific room acoustics to fine-tune the sound output. The receiver utilizes Sony’s proprietary DCAC EX calibration system to adjust your system to your space, hence allowing you to enjoy the best sound for your room’s acoustics.
Seamless music streaming
The STR DN1080’s wireless music streaming is well designed and easy to use. It offers handy wireless streaming options, including Bluetooth and Airplay, which lets you stream music from compatible sources and devices.
Other than Bluetooth and AirPlay, the STR DN1080 also offers inbuilt Chromecast and Spotify Connect, meaning you can use your smartphone, tablet, PC, or any other compatible device to stream music from countless sources to the receiver.
Hi-res audio
Another thing that is worth noting is the receiver’s compatibility with hi-res audio formats such as WAV/FLAC and DSD playback. The receiver sports DLNA certification meaning you can stream high-resolution audio files from connected devices. It also supports multiple audio formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, and AIFF.
What we like
- The receiver is fairly easy to set up
- Punchy performance
- Superb sound quality for movies
- Best in class sound calibration technology
- Simplified setup and usability thanks to the onscreen graphic user interface
- It includes in-ceiling speaker mode
What we don’t like
- The overall design could be better
Yamaha RX V685 Review
Yamaha never compromises when it comes to AV receivers. The Yamaha RX V685 delivers a punchy and lively performance that we haven’t heard from similarly-priced receivers. So if you’re looking for a unit that can deliver sound quality that matches its value, the RX V685 is a great budget-friendly receiver that’s worth your attention.
Yamaha RX V685 Highlights
Clutter-free setup thanks to MusicCast
One area that perhaps the Yamaha RX V685 shines over its Sony counterpart is the wireless multi-room audio capability. If you love a clutter-free appearance or looking for a way to use a few wires in your setup, then the RX V685 is a sure way to go.
The integrated Music Cast technology allows the user to add wireless surround speakers combined with traditional wired front speakers. The receiver is compatible with both MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 wireless speakers allowing you to fully enjoy a stunningly realistic sound for movies and music.
What’s more, you can use the MusicCast app or the controller app to stream music from online streaming options, personal library, or use internet radio. Furthermore, the apps let you control what music to play in the different zones.
Zone 2 Feature
The provision of a dedicated Zone 2 function allows you to repurpose the rear surround channels in another second room and enjoy stereo sound. With this feature, the user has the option of redirecting sound to a second room while enjoying full power in the main zone. Also, with this function, you’ll not need to switch speaker cables now and then.
Advanced multi-channel capability
The multi-channel performance of the receiver is simply impressive. This feature makes the RX V685 an ideal choice for watching movies in a medium-sized living room. Furthermore, the inclusion of two overhead channels allows you to bring Dolby Atmos and DTS music files to life. That’s not all. The receiver includes a phono input for anyone with a turntable or vinyl lovers.
Alexa voice control
Full compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa is yet another handy that makes this receiver stand out. The RX V685 allows you to use voice control using any Alexa-enabled device such as echo or even echo dot. With this feature, you only need to use your voice to play music, adjust the volume or even control the wireless MusicCast multi-room system.
What we like
- The design appeals to both audiophiles and newbies
- It includes an Ethernet port for connecting to the internet
- The one- touch start button is a great addition
- Intuitive operations thanks to the include remote control
- Three-dimension sound output
- Enhanced sound clarity
What we don’t like
- Minor HDMI connection issues
- Unlike the Sony STR DN1080, this receiver may not be the perfect choice for budget-conscious users
Sony STR DN1080 vs Yamaha RX V685—Is there a winner?
In terms of sound quality and features, the Yamaha RX V685 offers pretty much everything you need in a home theater receiver. Its MusicCast multi-room audio capability is a great accomplishment, making it a deserving winner of this closely contested competition. Additionally, the RX V685 is demonstrably more focused than its Sony counterpart, plus it provides a detailed sound with an outstanding low-end depth.
Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about the Sony STR-DN1080, from the advanced auto-calibration to ease of setup and music streaming options. Additionally, the receiver offers most of the features you could possibly want in a home cinema, which is why it attracted our attention. Perhaps the major drawback is limited multi-room capability, but overall the DN1080 is a good bargain, and you are unlikely to find a better option at this price range.
