Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Yamaha RX-V385

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Let's make the Yamaha RX-V385BL versus Yamaha RX-V385 comparison. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385BL received 4.7 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V385 was rated 5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the RX-V385 is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Yamaha RX-V385

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 5, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

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-V385BL this value is 145/6 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-V385BL 5 out of 10, and the RX-V385 - 6.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Yamaha RX-V385 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-V385 scored 5 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-V385BL 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-V385BL got 7 points, but Yamaha RX-V385 received 6 points.

Competitors in our review have 4/1 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-V385BL in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Yamaha RX-V385 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

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 8 for the RX-V385.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385BL got 5 points, but the RX-V385 has 6.

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.