Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Yamaha RX-S602

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The Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Yamaha RX-S602 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385BL received 4.7 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-S602 was rated 6.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. RX-S602 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - RX-V385BL.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Yamaha RX-S602

Main advantages Yamaha RX-S602 over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 RX-S602 this value is 80/8 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 RX-V385BL 5 out of 10, and the RX-S602 - 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-S602.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Yamaha RX-S602 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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Yamaha RX-V385BL scored 6, and Yamaha RX-S602 scored 8 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, Yamaha RX-V385BL got 7 points, but Yamaha RX-S602 received 6 points.

Competitors in our review have 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 only on Yamaha RX-V385BL.

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-V385BL were rated 9 out of 10 against the 6 for the RX-S602.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Yamaha RX-V385BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385BL got 5 points, but the RX-S602 has 8.

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-S602 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.