Denon AVR-X1800H vs. Yamaha RX-V6A: Specs Comparison

Feature	Denon AVR-X1800H	Yamaha RX-V6A
Design
Current Price	Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com	Find on Amazon B&HPhotoVideo
Number of Channels	7	7
Stereo RMS Power (watts)	80W	100W
THD in Stereo	0.08%	0.06%
Minimum Impedance (L/R)	4 ohms	4 ohms
Minimum Impedance (Center/Surround)	4 ohms	6 ohms
Inside view
Amplifier Class	AB	AB
Bluetooth	Built-in (Receiver & Transmitter)	Built-in (Receiver & Transmitter)
AAC / aptX / aptX-HD / LDAC	No / No / No / No	Yes / No / No / No
Apple AirPlay	AirPlay 2	AirPlay 2
Room Correction	Audyssey MultEQ XT	YPAO RSC
Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
DTS:X	Yes	Yes
DTS Virtual:X	Yes	No
Connections
Number of HDMI Inputs	6	7
Number of HDMI Outputs	1	1
4K/120Hz Support	Yes	Yes
HDR Support	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
DAC Bit Depth / Sample Rate	32-bit / 192 kHz	32-bit / 384 kHz
Supports Wireless Rear Speakers	No	Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D)	17.19″ x 5.94″ x 14.69″	17.13″ x 6.69″ x 14.94″
Weight	19 lbs	21.6 lbs
Warranty	3 Years	2 Years

Number of Channels

The number of channels in an AV receiver determines how many speakers can be connected and driven by the built-in amplifier. It directly influences the surround sound capabilities and overall audio experience.

• 2-channel (stereo) receivers are mainly used for music and simple audio setups.
• 5.1-channel setups add surround sound with a center speaker and a subwoofer.
• 7.1 and above provide additional surround and height speakers for a more immersive experience.

In our comparison, the number of channels affects compatibility with advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which utilize height or overhead speakers for a 3D sound experience.

Stereo RMS Power (watts)

The Root Mean Square (RMS) power per channel indicates the continuous power output an amplifier can deliver without distortion. Higher RMS power allows speakers to produce louder and clearer sound.

For AV receivers, this rating is typically measured with an 8-ohm impedance and at a specific Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) level. It is crucial for determining whether the receiver can effectively drive high-power speakers without strain.

THD in Stereo

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures how much distortion is introduced by the amplifier when reproducing sound. A lower THD value means cleaner and more accurate audio.

• THD < 0.1% is considered excellent for home theater and hi-fi listening.
• Higher THD (> 1%) can result in noticeable distortion, especially at higher volumes.

When comparing receivers, a lower THD rating is preferable for audiophiles and those looking for high-fidelity sound.

Minimum Impedance (L/R & Center/Surround)

The impedance (measured in ohms) determines the electrical resistance the amplifier can handle from connected speakers. AV receivers specify a minimum impedance to ensure compatibility with speakers without risking overheating or damage.

• 4-ohm speakers require more current and are more challenging for some amplifiers.
• 6-ohm or 8-ohm speakers are standard and compatible with most receivers.

For home theater setups, it’s essential to check whether a receiver supports different impedances for the left/right, center, and surround channels, as some models may have limitations on lower-impedance speakers.

Inside View

Some AV receivers have modular or discrete amplifier sections, while others use integrated circuits. A well-designed internal layout impacts:

• Heat dissipation and cooling efficiency
• Power supply stability
• Component quality (e.g., high-end capacitors, transformers)

An inside view gives insight into the receiver’s build quality, which can influence audio performance and durability.

Amplifier Class

The amplifier class refers to how efficiently power is delivered to the speakers. Common amplifier classes in AV receivers include:

• Class A – High sound fidelity but inefficient and runs hot.
• Class AB – A balance between efficiency and sound quality (most common in high-end receivers).
• Class D – Highly efficient and compact but may have slightly different sound characteristics.

Class AB is preferred for audiophile-grade receivers, while Class D is used for efficiency-focused models with compact designs.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows wireless audio streaming from mobile devices, tablets, and computers. Some AV receivers offer standard Bluetooth, while others include advanced codecs for better audio quality.

• AAC – Optimized for Apple devices, offers better quality than standard SBC.
• aptX / aptX-HD – Delivers near-CD or high-resolution audio (useful for Android users).
• LDAC – Sony’s high-resolution Bluetooth codec, superior to aptX-HD.

When comparing receivers, Bluetooth codec support can significantly impact audio quality when streaming music wirelessly.

Apple AirPlay

Apple AirPlay allows streaming audio (and sometimes video) from Apple devices without Bluetooth compression. AirPlay 2 improves on this by enabling multi-room audio and better synchronization.

• If an AV receiver supports AirPlay, it integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, making it an essential feature for iPhone, iPad, or Mac users.

Room Correction

Room correction technology adjusts the speaker output to compensate for room acoustics, ensuring balanced sound. Popular systems include:

• YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) – Used in Yamaha receivers.
• Audyssey (various levels) – Found in Denon & Marantz receivers.
• Dirac Live – Advanced room correction used in high-end receivers.

This feature is essential for optimizing audio performance in different room sizes and layouts.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height speakers or up-firing drivers to create a 3D audio effect. Unlike traditional surround sound, Atmos treats sounds as objects, allowing for precise placement in a three-dimensional space.

• True Dolby Atmos setups require in-ceiling or height speakers.
• Some receivers offer virtual Atmos processing, which simulates height effects without physical overhead speakers.

DTS:X

DTS:X is similar to Dolby Atmos, using object-based audio processing for immersive surround sound. The key differences include:

• DTS:X does not require specific speaker configurations (works with standard 5.1 or 7.1 setups).
• Offers more flexibility in speaker placement than Dolby Atmos.

Most AV receivers that support Dolby Atmos also support DTS:X, making them versatile for different surround sound formats.

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Virtual:X is a software-based solution that simulates a 3D surround experience without requiring height speakers. It can:

• Enhance 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 systems by adding virtual height and surround effects.
• Improve dialogue clarity and spatial awareness.

This is useful for users who don’t have dedicated overhead speakers but still want an immersive experience.

Connections

The number and type of input/output ports determine the receiver’s flexibility.

• HDMI (with eARC/ARC) – Essential for high-quality audio from TVs and external devices.
• Analog RCA, Optical, and Coaxial inputs – Useful for legacy audio equipment.
• USB ports – Allow playback from flash drives.
• Preamp outputs – Needed if using external amplifiers.

A well-equipped receiver should have enough HDMI inputs for all devices (gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes) and support future expansion.

Number of HDMI Inputs / Outputs

• More HDMI inputs allow multiple devices to be connected at once.
• HDMI outputs determine how many displays (TVs, projectors) can be connected.

Higher-end receivers often have multiple HDMI outputs for dual-room setups or multi-screen configurations.

4K/120Hz Support

Modern AV receivers need to support 4K at 120Hz for next-gen gaming (PS5, Xbox Series X) and smooth video playback. Features to look for:

• HDMI 2.1 support for higher bandwidth.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming.

Not all receivers with HDMI 2.1 fully support 4K/120Hz, so checking the specifications is crucial.

HDR Support

HDR (High Dynamic Range) improves contrast, brightness, and color depth. Common formats include:

• HDR10 – Standard HDR format.
• Dolby Vision – Dynamic HDR with superior color grading.
• HDR10+ – Competitor to Dolby Vision with similar features.

For the best video quality, an AV receiver should support multiple HDR formats to ensure compatibility with streaming services and UHD Blu-ray players.

DAC Bit Depth / Sample Rate

The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) inside the receiver affects audio resolution.

• 24-bit / 192kHz is the standard for high-resolution audio.
• 32-bit DACs offer superior dynamic range and noise reduction.

A high-quality DAC improves clarity and detail, especially for lossless audio formats (FLAC, WAV, DSD).