Yamaha RX-V385 vs Yamaha RX-A880

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The Yamaha RX-V385 vs Yamaha RX-A880 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A880 was rated 8.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. RX-A880 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - RX-V385.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Yamaha RX-A880

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A880 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-A880 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-A880 - 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-A880.

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-A880 scored 8 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-A880 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-A880 received 9 points.

Yamaha RX-V385 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A880 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-A880 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.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385 got 6 points, but the RX-A880 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-A880 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.

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-A880 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-A880 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-A880.