Yamaha RX-V385 vs Yamaha RX-A4A

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Yamaha RX-V385 and Yamaha RX-A4A review. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A4A was rated 8.7 points. The release date of RX-V385 is 2018, and RX-A4A is 2021. This review shows us that the RX-A4A is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the RX-V385.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Yamaha RX-A4A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A4A over Yamaha RX-V385

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 5 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Yamaha RX-V385 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-A4A supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the RX-V385 6 out of 10, and the RX-A4A - 9.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the RX-A4A.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Yamaha RX-V385 scored 5, and Yamaha RX-A4A scored 9 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the RX-A4A only.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Yamaha RX-V385 got 6 points, but Yamaha RX-A4A received 8 points.

Yamaha RX-V385 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A4A has 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Yamaha RX-V385 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-A4A has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-A4A has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 8 out of 10.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The RX-V385 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-A4A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-A4A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385 got 6 points, but the RX-A4A has 10.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The RX-A4A can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Yamaha RX-V385 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-A4A got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Yamaha RX-A4A can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the RX-A4A.