The Search for a Home Theater A/V Receiver: Part I

Each input has a dedicated button on the front of each receiver. To change inputs on the Pioneer, you need to turn a big knob on the front, whereas Yamaha cycles through inputs with up and down buttons. However, the Yamaha conveniently offers four pre-set “scene” buttons that function as macros, defining an input with a particular set of settings. The Onkyo’s green LED display is more subtle than the white text on the other two (I do like how the large Dolby symbol is displayed on the Pioneer). And, finally, the Onkyo’s illuminated volume control just doesn’t look cool–but it is handy in the dark (there’s an option to disable this).

Both the Yamaha and Pioneer units have long candy bar shaped remotes with lots of buttons. The crammed layouts takes some getting used to, and, after setting things up, it’s best to make the switch to your universal remote. Onkyo took a more minimalist approach: there are fewer buttons on a shorter and wider case that comfortably fits your hand. Of the three, it’s the remote I preferred to use.

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Pioneer, Onkyo and Yamaha remote controls

Remote Apps

Pioneer has the strongest showing when it comes to apps. Their iControlAV app is available on both iOS and Android and is preferable to use over their remote control. iControlAV lets you control all aspects of the receiver with a stunning interface.

For iOS, Pioneer also has an app called AirJam. Using the optional Bluetooth adapter, AirJam allows up to four people to create playlists and stream music to the receiver from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Seems like it would be fun at a party.

Onkyo also takes a minimalist approach to its app–and it works. Their app, for iOS and Android, provides an easy interface for navigating all of the streaming services as well as mimicking the functionality of the Onkyo remote.

The Yamaha remote app appears to be a work in progress. We tested the iOS app but there’s also one for Android. While you can do things like change inputs or volume, some of the regular remote’s basic navigation features are missing.

Pioneer’s iControlAV iPad app

Onkyo’s remote app browsing streaming services

The Onkyo and Yamaha both had polished looking on-screen displays. The Yamaha was stronger when it came to informational displays describing content. The Onkyo interface was more functional and easier to use when navigating its various streaming services. The setup screens on the Onkyo were a little nicer wheras parts of the Yamaha interface have a file manager type look. Both receivers had easy-to-use set up screens.

Yamaha’s on-screen informational display. Notice how it takes advantage of the the unused letterbox space.

One nice touch from the Yamaha: When there’s nothing to display on the screen, the Yamaha shows a picture of a musical instrument as opposed to a bland one-color screen. Hitting the “Display” button on the remote shows a well-placed summary of the content playing.

The Pioneer’s OSD was disappointing. The user interface appears dated. While there are screens for system setup, iPod, Internet Radio, and network streaming, there’s no OSD for HDMI-delivered content. For example, when you change the volume on the Onkyo or Yamaha, the volume level is displayed on the screen. One way to address this deficiency is to use Pioneer’s iControlAV app on the iPad.

The Onkyo receiver has the widest range of audio streaming services, including Pandora, Slacker, Last.fm, Rhapsody, Slacker, Mediafly, Aupeo, Napster, Spotify, and Internet Radio. The Yamaha supports Pandora, Napster, Rhapsody, and Internet radio. Streaming services were easier to access on the Onkyo. While Pandora on the Onkyo did not require you to sign in, the Yamaha requires a Pandora username and password.

The Pioneer doesn’t support any paid audio steaming services. It can stream Internet radio.

All three receivers have the ability to interface with an external SirrusXM player.

Lots of streaming choices on the Onkyo

Browsing streaming services on the Yamaha

Local Streaming
All three receivers have the ability to stream from DLNA sources. The Pioneer has the added bonus of supporting Airplay streaming. Airplay allows you to stream music from iTunes, an iPhone, or an iPad. Tech of the Hub already did a deep dive on the Pioneer’s solid and convenient Airplay abilities.

Functionally, all three receivers have similar DLNA (or Windows Media) streaming abilities. None of the receivers were able to read playlists from our TVMOBili DLNA server so it’s probably a problem with the server. When streaming music, all three were able to pull across cover art. The Pioneer also displays the bit-rate of the song playing.

Pioneer DLNA streaming

iPod Interface

With all three receivers, you can directly connect an iPod or iPhone using the white Apple cable you use to sync and charge the device. In addition, the Pioneer includes a iPod cable with an attached RCA video cable. Simply plug it into the front USB port and you’re ready to go. The Yamaha did not support our early generation iPod Touch but had no problem with the new iPhone 4S. The Pioneer and Onkyo were able to support both our old iPod Touch and new iPhone. All three display cover art on the screen and give you access to audio (but not video without additional cabling).

Pioneer iPod interface

Browsing iPod playlist on the Onkyo

Onkyo playing a song from the iPod

Yamaha playing a song from the iPhone

That’s it for this part of the bake-off. But hang on–we still have a lot to cover. In the next post, I will be looking at audio set up, multi-zone support, video support and switching, warranty, and the most important question: “How does it sound?“

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Related Posts:
The Search for a Home Theater A/V Receiver: Part 2
Why You Will Need to Buy a New A/V Receiver
Why You Need A New A/V Receiver Part II