Onkyo TX-SR494 vs Yamaha RX-V781
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Choosing between the Onkyo TX-SR494 and Yamaha RX-V781? Both compete in the AVR / Receiver segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Onkyo TX-SR494 scores higher in value, form factor, room fit. The Yamaha RX-V781 leads in audio quality, volume/SPL. They score similarly in gaming performance, ease of use, future-proofing.
For audio processing, these receivers feature different room correction systems (AccuEQ Advance vs YPAO (Yes (R.S.C))). Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
These two AVR / Receiver options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Onkyo TX-SR494 is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 8 scored dimensions. The Yamaha RX-V781 makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Channel Count | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Powered Channels | 7 | 7 |
| Max Processing Ch | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Amplifier Class | — | — |
| Watts/Ch (8Ω) | 80W | 95W |
| Watts/Ch (6Ω) | — | — |
| Min Impedance | 4-16 ohm | — |
| HDMI Inputs | 4 | 6 |
| HDMI Outputs | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0b | 2.0a |
| 4K/120Hz | No | No |
| 8K/60Hz | No | No |
| eARC | No | Yes |
| ALLM | No | No |
| VRR | No | No |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | No |
| HDR10 | No | Yes |
| HDR10+ | No | No |
| HLG | No | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Atmos Height Virt. | No | No |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| DTS Virtual:X | No | No |
| DTS-HD Master | Yes | Yes |
| Auro-3D | No | No |
| Room Correction | AccuEQ Advance | YPAO (Yes (R.S.C)) |
| Room Corr. Tier | BASIC | BASIC |
| Dirac Live | No | No |
| Dirac Bass Control | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| BT Transmit | No | No |
| AirPlay 2 | No | Yes |
| Google Cast | Yes | No |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | No |
| Roon Tested | No | No |
| HEOS | No | No |
| MusicCast | No | Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi | Yes | No |
| BluOS | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Built-in | No | No |
| Google Assistant | No | No |
| Siri/HomeKit | No | No |
| Works with Sonos | No | No |
| Wireless Rears | No | No |
| Zone 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Zone 3 | Yes | No |
| Zone 4 | No | No |
| Coax Digital In | 1 | 2 |
| Optical Digital In | 1 | 2 |
| Phono Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| Sub Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Pre-Out Channels | 7 | 7 |
| Headphone Out | No | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| Speaker Terminals | — | — |
| Remote App | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Tuner | — | — |
Key Differences
- Room Correction: Onkyo TX-SR494 at AccuEQ Advance vs Yamaha RX-V781 at YPAO (Yes (R.S.C)). Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
- HDMI Outputs: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 1 vs Yamaha RX-V781 at 2
- Coax Digital In: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 1 vs Yamaha RX-V781 at 2
- Optical Digital In: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 1 vs Yamaha RX-V781 at 2
- HDMI Inputs: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 4 vs Yamaha RX-V781 at 6
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Yamaha RX-V781 if you want:
- + better watts/ch (8ω) — real-world power matters for dynamic headroom
- + better hdmi inputs
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Onkyo TX-SR494 and Yamaha RX-V781 compare to the rest of the field.
Best AVR / Receiver RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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