
Yamaha RX-V6A
Score: 79/100
Denon AVR-S970H Black
Score: 78/100Rankings

The Yamaha RX-V6A is a 7.2-channel network AV receiver delivering 100 W per channel, advanced 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video support, and immersive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X sound. Its drawbacks include occasional HDMI audio glitches, a less-than-stellar DAC, and a confusing remote interface. Best suited for home-theater enthusiasts who prioritize future-proof video and multi-room streaming over audiophile-grade source listening.

The Denon AVR-S970H is a 7.2-channel receiver offering 90 W per channel, 8K video and robust gaming features. Its size and limited pre-amp channels are trade-offs for the higher performance. Ideal for medium-sized rooms and gamers who want HEOS streaming and Audyssey calibration.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
7best | 6 | |
1 | 2best | |
100 Wbest | 90 W | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.5 Wbest |
3 yearsbest | 2 years | |
| ↓ lower better | 457 mm | 429.26 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 279 mm | 243.84 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 508 mmbest | 520.7 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Ports(2) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 7 | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 2 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, PCM, DSD, Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby TrueHD; Dolby Atmos; Dolby Atmos Music; DTS:X; DTS HD Master; DTS Neural:X; DTS Virtual:X; Multichannel Stereo |
Power(1) | ||
Power Output (per channel, 8 Ω) (W) | 100 W | 90 W |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | unknown | unspecified |
Features(1) | ||
Video Support (e.g., 4K/8K) | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, ARC/eARC, ALLM, VRR, QMS, QFT | 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; HDR |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 2 years |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Width (mm) | 457 mm | 429.26 mm |
Height (mm) | 279 mm | 243.84 mm |
Depth (mm) | 508 mm | 520.7 mm |
Weight (kg) | 4.5 kg | 9.48 kg |


Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers commend the RX-V6A for its clean, high-headroom amplification, extensive 8K/4K video capabilities, and Yamaha-specific features such as MusicCast and YPAO. However, they consistently note the under-whelming DAC performance and occasional HDMI reliability issues, suggesting it excels as a power-focused home-theater unit but falls short for audiophile-level source listening.
Everyday owners praise the receiver's powerful sound, easy app-driven setup, and future-proof video support, especially for gaming and streaming. Recurring complaints focus on HDMI audio glitches, slow input switching, and a confusing remote/manual, indicating solid overall satisfaction tempered by usability hiccups.

Professional reviewers commend the AVR-S970H for its robust Class AB amplification, comprehensive 8K video handling, and effective Audyssey room correction, positioning it as a refined choice for medium-sized rooms. However, they note the absence of DTS:X Pro and the 7-channel processing limit as drawbacks compared to higher-end competitors.
Everyday users generally praise the receiver's sound quality, especially the "nice sound" comment, and value the easy HEOS streaming and intuitive app setup. Recurring concerns focus on the heavy packaging and the unit's bulkier footprint when antennas are raised.
“nice sound”
