Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver vs Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
Buy the Yamaha RX500A if you want 8K/4K120 HDMI, built-in Wi-Fi and AirPlay, or room correction with two subwoofer outputs. Buy the Onkyo TXSR494 if you need 4-ohm speaker drive or a Zone B line-out and want to spend less. The Yamaha's lowest recorded price is $599.95 as of November 1, 2026; no current price was given for the Onkyo.
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Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver
Choose the Yamaha RX500A if you have a PS5, Xbox Series X or 8K TV, stream over Wi-Fi or AirPlay, or run two subwoofers.
Pros
- 8K60 and 4K120 HDMI with eARC for new consoles and TVs
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Google Cast and Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint built in
- Two subwoofer pre-outs and room correction
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with 5.2.2 speaker layout
Cons
- $599.95 is the only recorded price, as of November 1, 2026
- No 4-ohm drive rating published
- No second-zone output listed
- 8.0 kg unit with 260 W draw
What separates them
| Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver | Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver | |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI video | 4K120/8K60, 4 in / 1 out, eARC | 4K/60p, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Network streaming | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify/TIDAL/Qobuz Connect | Bluetooth only |
| Room correction | Yamaha room correction with two subwoofer pre-outs | AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex |
| Speaker drive | 70 W into 8 ohms; no 4-ohm rating given | 60 W per channel, high-current design rated for 4-ohm speakers |
| Height/immersive layout | 7.2 with 5.2.2, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X |
| Multi-room | No Zone B output listed | Zone B pre-/line-out |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant support |
Price history
$599.95$439.00
- Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver: lowest $599.95 on Nov 1 at Best Buy; $599.95 on Nov 2.
- Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver: lowest $439.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart.
Prices at every store
Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver
- AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Audio AdviceCheck price at Audio Advice
Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver | Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver |
|---|---|---|
| Number Of Channels | 7.2 Channel | — |
| Supported Sound Codec | DTS-HD Master Audio | — |
| 3D Ready | Yes | — |
| HDMI | Yes | — |
| Networking | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth | — |
| Surround Sound | Yes | — |
| Upscaling | Yes | — |
| Assistant Support | Google Assistant | — |
| Channels | 7.2 | — |
| Amp Channels | 7 | — |
What reviewers say
Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
Owner feedback on the TX-SR494 is generally positive, with a 4 out of 5 average from 25 ratings. Buyers tend to praise the sound and feature set for the price and note the setup is straightforward. Complaints center on power headroom and the limited connectivity.
Pros
- Good Atmos and surround sound for the price
- Easy setup and calibration
- Clean, simple menus
- Solid build for an entry-level unit
Cons
- Runs out of power with demanding speakers
- Limited inputs and no network streaming
- Remote and on-screen interface feel dated
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a PS5 or Xbox Series X?
- The Yamaha RX500A. Its HDMI handles 4K120 and 8K60, which the Onkyo's 4K/60p ports cannot pass. The Onkyo still handles 4K60 HDR fine.
- Which has better streaming built in?
- The Yamaha. It has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPlay, Google Cast and Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect. The Onkyo relies on Bluetooth.
- Which is better for 4-ohm speakers?
- The Onkyo TXSR494. Onkyo rates its high-current amp for 4-ohm drive; Yamaha publishes no 4-ohm rating for the RX500A.
- Do both support Dolby Atmos?
- Yes. Both are 7.2 units that run a 5.2.2 Atmos layout, and both decode DTS:X. The Onkyo adds Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X for rooms without height speakers.
- Is the Yamaha worth the extra money?
- If you need 8K/4K120 HDMI, Wi-Fi streaming or two subwoofer outputs, yes. If you only run a 4K60 TV and Bluetooth, the Onkyo covers it. The Yamaha's lowest recorded price is $599.95 as of November 1, 2026.
- Can either run a second zone?
- The Onkyo has a Zone B pre-/line-out that sends any source to a device with an RCA input. The Yamaha RX500A lists no second-zone output.
More comparisons
- Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver vs Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
- Yamaha RX500A 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver vs Denon AVR-S750H 7.2 Ch 165W 4K UHD AV Receiver Home Theater Surround
- Denon AVR-S750H 7.2 Ch 165W 4K UHD AV Receiver Home Theater Surround vs Onkyo TXSR494 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
