Yamaha RX-V385 vs Sony STRZA1100ES

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Review of Yamaha RX-V385 versus Sony STRZA1100ES will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STRZA1100ES was rated 6.6 points. The release date of RX-V385 is 2018, and STRZA1100ES is 2017. STRZA1100ES is better suited for home theater use than the RX-V385. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Sony STRZA1100ES

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES over Yamaha RX-V385

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 5 and 7, 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 Sony STRZA1100ES 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. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the STRZA1100ES this value is 90/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V385 it is 70/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the RX-V385 6 out of 10, and the STRZA1100ES - 7.

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 STRZA1100ES.

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 equal and was rated 5 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Yamaha RX-V385 has a built-in Bluetooth.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the STRZA1100ES 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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Yamaha RX-V385 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STRZA1100ES has 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 the RX-V385 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 7 for the STRZA1100ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385 got 6 points, but the STRZA1100ES has 7.

Only the Yamaha RX-V385 has the ECO mode.

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 Sony STRZA1100ES 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. Sony STRZA1100ES 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 STRZA1100ES.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The STRZA1100ES licensed by IMAX.