Trust me... it's quite a difference...
Notice that I copied the Denon volume over next to the Yamaha's volume. That is pretty significant IMO! I can hardly read the "-40" on the Yammie... while the Denny is very readable. Agree?
The Denon numbers also show up in the display area highlighted when changing volume...
I like the Yamaha sound best of all the setups. The Denon and the AudioControl/Cinenova setup both sound pretty neutral to me. Of course if you got some critical listeners in here to compare them all, they'd probably select the AudioControl/Cinenova setup.
I have to admit too... the Yammie is a better cosmetically looking receiver than the Denny... but.... I won't be watching the receivers, I'll be watching the screen.