Denon AVR-X3500H vs Yamaha RX-V385BL

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Let's compare Denon AVR-X3500H versus Yamaha RX-V385BL for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X3500H received 8.4 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V385BL was rated 4.7 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. And as a result of the comparison, AVR-X3500H seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than RX-V385BL.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X3500H over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Denon AVR-X3500H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X3500H supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V385BL supports a 5.1-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 AVR-X3500H this value is 105/8 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V385BL it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X3500H 8 out of 10, and the RX-V385BL - 5.

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 only on the AVR-X3500H.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon AVR-X3500H has Pure Direct mode.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X3500H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-X3500H scored 8, and Yamaha RX-V385BL scored 6 out of 10.

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

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, Denon AVR-X3500H got 8 points, but Yamaha RX-V385BL received 7 points.

Denon AVR-X3500H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V385BL has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Yamaha RX-V385BL.

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 Denon AVR-X3500H in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-V385BL 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 AVR-X3500H 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 the AVR-X3500H were rated 10 out of 10 against the 9 for the RX-V385BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X3500H got 10 points, but the RX-V385BL has 5.

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 AVR-X3500H 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

Denon AVR-X3500H got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V385BL got 5.

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. Denon AVR-X3500H 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 only on the AVR-X3500H.