Onkyo TX-NR838 vs Yamaha RX-A1040: Comprehensive Comparison

1. Overview

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR838 to Yamaha RX-A1040 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers with Onkyo TX-NR838's being more powerful.

Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Onkyo TX-NR838 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.	Yamaha RX-A1040 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.

We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR838 and Yamaha RX-A1040 and gave them scores of 85 and 82 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

Amplifier

93

Amplifier

91

Audio Features

84

Audio Features

69

Video Features

71

Video Features

73

Connectivity

87

Connectivity

90

Zones

88

Zones

86

Radio

90

Radio

89

OVERALL

85

OVERALL

82

For more details about the ranking please go to Evaluations section.

2. Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR838 and Yamaha RX-A1040.

PROS

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

High Power Output - 130 W
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Dolby Atmos
DSD via HDMI
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
New HDCP Version
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
7 HDMI Inputs
USB Input
Many RCA Line Inputs
Phono Input
RCA Pre-Outs
Composite Video Inputs
Component Video Inputs
Ethernet
3 Zones
Analog Tuner
Pandora
Spotify
Independent Power Supply

High Power Output - 110 W
DSD via HDMI
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
New HDCP Version
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
8 HDMI Inputs
USB Input
Many RCA Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs
Composite Video Inputs
Component Video Inputs
Ethernet
Analog Tuner
Spotify

CONS

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
0 8K Input
No Digital Radio
No Tidal
Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

No Front Wide Channel Support
No Dolby Atmos
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
0 8K Input
No Digital Radio
No Pandora
No Tidal

And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

AVERAGE

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

7.2 Channels
7.1 Channel Processing
3 HDMI Outputs

7.2 Channels
7.1 Channel Processing
3 HDMI Outputs
2 Zones

3. Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR838

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR838 over Yamaha RX-A1040.

Check the Price

Onkyo TX-NR838

	Onkyo TX-NR838	vs	Yamaha RX-A1040
Higher Power Output	130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
THX™ Certification	Select™2 Plus	vs
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC	vs	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
Bluetooth		vs	via YBA-11 adapter (included)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue		vs
More Zones	3	vs	2
Pandora		vs
More Speaker Terminals	11	vs	9
More Large Speaker Terminals	11	vs	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals		vs
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)	vs	110 W (0.06% THD)
Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 4 Ω, Front)	250 W	vs	210 W
Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 8 Ω, Front)	150 W	vs	135 W
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via HDMI	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz
Wider AM Frequency Range	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	vs	531 MHz - 1611 MHz

4. Advantage of Yamaha RX-A1040

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Yamaha RX-A1040 over Onkyo TX-NR838.

Check the Price

Yamaha RX-A1040

	Onkyo TX-NR838	vs	Yamaha RX-A1040
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIx
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	up to 96 kHz	vs	up to 192 kHz
Dialog Level Adjustment		vs
Dialogue Lift		vs	no presence speakers required
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	vs	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
AirPlay	AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)	vs	AirPlay
More HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	8 (1 front)
USB DC Out Port		vs	(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
More Optical Inputs	2	vs	3
More Optical Outputs		vs	1
More RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	9 (1 front)
More RCA Line Outputs		vs	1
Multi-Channel Input		vs	7.1
More Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)	vs	5 (1 front)
More Composite Video Outputs	1	vs	2
More Component Video Inputs	1	vs	3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	HDMI, Component, Composite, Line Out
+12V Trigger Output	1 (Zone2)	vs	(2)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0	vs	1 / 1
Napster		vs
Lower THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)	vs	0.04% (MULTI CH INPUT to Speaker Out, Pure Direct, 70 W, 8 Ω)
Higher Damping Factor	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	vs	150 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Higher Rated Preout Level	200 mV/470 Ω	vs	1.0 V/1.2 kΩ
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	vs	110 dB
Higher S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB	vs	95 dB
Longer Warranty	2 Years	vs	3 Years

5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

STRENGTHS	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
High Power Output	130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ	YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	Component****, Composite
Wi-Fi		with Wireless Direct
Bluetooth		via YBA-11 adapter (included)
Many HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	8 (1 front)
USB Input	1 (Front)	iPod^® / iPhone^® / iPad^®, USB memory, portable audio player
Many RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	9 (1 front)
Phono Input
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2	7.2
Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Component Video Inputs	1	3
Ethernet
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM/AM
Spotify

WEAKNESSES	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few 8K Inputs
No Digital Radio
No Tidal

6. Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
7 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR838 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.	7 channel Amplifier: Yamaha RX-A1040 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR838 features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.

THX™ Select™2 Plus certification

Onkyo TX-NR838 is THX™ Select™2 Plus certified. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification	Select™2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

7. Speaker Configurations

Onkyo TX-NR838's and Yamaha RX-A1040's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:

Onkyo TX-NR838: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.

Yamaha RX-A1040: Not supported.

Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:

Onkyo TX-NR838: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.

Yamaha RX-A1040: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.

Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:

Onkyo TX-NR838: 7.2.

Yamaha RX-A1040: Does not support.

2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

8. Immersive Audio Formats

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-NR838 supports Dolby Atmos.

Dolby Surround Upmixer: Onkyo TX-NR838 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

AUDIO DECODING	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

9. HDMI

Onkyo TX-NR838 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

Yamaha RX-A1040 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 for MAIN and 1 for Sub/Zone2.

4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) video signal.
4K Upscaling on Onkyo TX-NR838: It can upscale up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
4K Upscaling on Yamaha RX-A1040: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) from HDMI and analog sources.
Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)

10. Inputs and Outputs

Audio

Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Onkyo TX-NR838 and Yamaha RX-A1040 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of Yamaha RX-A1040 and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the receiver.
Analog Pre-Outs: Onkyo TX-NR838 and Yamaha RX-A1040 have 7.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the receivers to the external power amplifiers. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, both receivers have 7 channel processing but have only 7 channel amplifiers, so they need external amplifiers connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach their maximum speaker configurations.
Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 7 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR838 and 9 pair of line inputs on Yamaha RX-A1040 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Yamaha RX-A1040.
Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 3 coaxial inputs are available on Onkyo TX-NR838 and 3 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 3 coaxial inputs are available on Yamaha RX-A1040 for digital audio connections.
Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

Video

HDMI:

Onkyo TX-NR838
Inputs: 7 (1 front) Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs: 0.

Yamaha RX-A1040
Inputs: 8 (1 front) Outputs: 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs: 0.

Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.

Onkyo TX-NR838
Inputs: 4 Outputs: 1.

Yamaha RX-A1040
Inputs: 5 Outputs: 2.

Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Both receivers support up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.

Onkyo TX-NR838
Inputs: 1 Outputs: 1.

Yamaha RX-A1040
Inputs: 3 Outputs: 1.

Front A/V Inputs

Onkyo TX-NR838: HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
Yamaha RX-A1040: HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, composite

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front)	iPod^® / iPhone^® / iPad^®, USB memory, portable audio player
USB DC Out Port		(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Optical Inputs	2	3
Optical Outputs		1
Coaxial Inputs	3	3
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	9 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs		1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input		7.1
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1	2
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1	3
Component Video Outputs	1	1

11. Evaluations

We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR838 and Yamaha RX-A1040 and gave them scores of 85 and 82 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

OVERALL

85

OVERALL

82

Amplifier

EXCELLENT

93

7.2 Channels
High Power Output - 130 W
THX™ Certification
Independent Power Supply

EXCELLENT

91

7.2 Channels
High Power Output - 110 W

Audio Features

GOOD

84

7.2 Channels
Front Wide Channel Support
7.1 Channel Processing
Dolby Atmos
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
DSD via HDMI

AVERAGE

69

7.2 Channels
No Front Wide Channel Support
7.1 Channel Processing
No Dolby Atmos
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
DSD via HDMI

Video Features

GOOD

71

No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No 8K Passthrough
Analog To HDMI Upconversion

GOOD

73

No HDR10
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No 8K Passthrough
Analog To HDMI Upconversion

Connectivity

EXCELLENT

87

No eARC
New HDCP Version
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
7 HDMI Inputs
3 HDMI Outputs
0 8K Input
USB Input
Many RCA Line Inputs
Phono Input
RCA Pre-Outs
Composite Video Inputs
Component Video Inputs
Ethernet
Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

EXCELLENT

90

No eARC
New HDCP Version
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
8 HDMI Inputs
3 HDMI Outputs
0 8K Input
USB Input
Many RCA Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs
Composite Video Inputs
Component Video Inputs
Ethernet

Zones

EXCELLENT

88

3 Zones

EXCELLENT

86

2 Zones

Radio

EXCELLENT

90

Analog Tuner
Pandora
Spotify
No Tidal

EXCELLENT

89

Analog Tuner
No Pandora
Spotify
No Tidal

12. Specifications

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Brand	Onkyo	Yamaha
Series		Aventage
Model	TX-NR838	RX-A1040
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	USA	Australia
Release Year	2014	2014
Predecessor	Onkyo TX-NR828	Yamaha RX-A1030
Successor	Onkyo TX-RZ800	Yamaha RX-A1050

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Channels	7.2	7.2
Power Output	130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification	Select™2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry	All Channels
PUSH-PULL Design
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Dual 32-bit DSP for Powerful Advanced Processing
Surround:AI™
DAC	Burr-Brown	ESS SABRE™Premier (ES9006)
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic		PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX	also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 96 kHz	up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio	Ultra low jitter PLL circuitry
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		no presence speakers required
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included)
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting
THX Processing Mode
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Phase-Matching Bass Boost	for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range
Direct Mode
Pure Audio Mode
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
Straight Decoding Mode
Pure Direct Mode		with Video On mode
CINEMA DSP		3D
DSP Programs		17
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	AccuEQ	YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
YPAO Volume
PEQ for SUB		Down to 31 Hz

VIDEO FEATURES	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	Component****, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i	1080p
Video Parameter Adjustments
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Wi-Fi		with Wireless Direct
Bluetooth		via YBA-11 adapter (included)
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input	Front HDMI
DLNA 1.5
MusicCast
AirPlay	AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod and iPhone via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)	iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
Remote App	Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices	(iPhone / iPad, Android™ phone / tablet, Kindle Fire™)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front)	iPod^® / iPhone^® / iPad^®, USB memory, portable audio player
USB DC Out Port		(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Optical Inputs	2	3
Optical Outputs		1
Coaxial Inputs	3	3
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	9 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs		1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input		7.1
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1	2
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1	3
Component Video Outputs	1	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio	HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, composite
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport
dockport

ZONES	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Number of Zones	3	2
Powered Zones	2	Zone 2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	HDMI, Component, Composite, Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone B Video Output		HDMI
Zone GUI
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	1 (Zone2)	(2)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0	1 / 1
Party Mode

MISCELLANEOUS	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
On-Screen Display	Advanced "Home" GUI	Graphical user interface
SCENE		SCENE PLUS (12 sets)
Web Control
PreAmp Mode
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote	/
On Screen Remote Programming
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI
Activity Based Remote
Smart Grid-Ready

RADIO	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	FM/AM
Presets	40	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn	vTuner
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Solid Aluminum Front
A.R.T. Wedge
Speaker Terminals	11	9
Large Speaker Terminals	11	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 240 V, 50 Hz
Independent Power Supply	2
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	8.1 A	420 W
No Sound Power	90 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.1 W
Capacitor Bank	15,000 µF
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power Standby

PHYSICAL	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 198.5 mm x 400 mm 17-1/8" x 7-13/16" x 15-3/4"	435 mm x 182 mm x 432 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 242 mm x 439 mm) 17-1/8" x 7-1/8" x 17" (with antenna: 17-1/8" x 9-1/2" x 17-1/4")
Weight	15.5 kg (34.2 lbs)	14.9 kg (32.8 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS	Onkyo TX-NR838	Yamaha RX-A1040
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)	110 W (0.06% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		120 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)		135 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)		165 W (10% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	145 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	160 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	215 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	180 W (1% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)		170 W (0.9% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (2 Ω, Front)		280 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	300 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	250 W	210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (6 Ω, Front)		165 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	150 W	135 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)	0.04% (MULTI CH INPUT to Speaker Out, Pure Direct, 70 W, 8 Ω)
THD (Phono)		0.02% (Phono to AV OUT)
Damping Factor	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	150 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	2.5 mV/47 kΩ	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)		2.4 V
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)		60 mV
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	200 mV/470 Ω	1.0 V/1.2 kΩ
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance		200 mV/1.2 kΩ (AV OUT)
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	4.6 V/470 Ω
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1kHz, 0.5% Direct)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB	95 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode)	+0/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Residual noise (IHF-A Network)		150 µV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)		75 dB/60 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (Phono)		75 dB/60 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Maximum Input		1.5 Vp-p
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)	5 Hz to 100 MHz, ±3 dB (Component)
Video S/N Ratio		60 dB
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
HDMI Input/MHL Terminal		5 V, 1 A
USB Terminal		USB2.0 5 V, 2.1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz	87.50 MHz - 108.00 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)		Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio		Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/ 70 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)		Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	531 MHz - 1611 MHz
Warranty	2 Years	3 Years

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted

Onkyo TX-NR838 vs Yamaha RX-A1040

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

Highlights

Highlights

1. Overview

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

2. Pros and Cons

PROS

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

CONS

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

AVERAGE

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

3. Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR838

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4. Advantage of Yamaha RX-A1040

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5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

6. Amplifier

THX™ Select™2 Plus certification

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7. Speaker Configurations

8. Immersive Audio Formats

Dolby Atmos

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9. HDMI

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10. Inputs and Outputs

Audio

Video

Front A/V Inputs

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

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11. Evaluations

Onkyo TX-NR838

Yamaha RX-A1040

Amplifier

Audio Features

Video Features

Connectivity

Zones

Radio

12. Specifications

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