Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Yamaha RX-V685BL

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The Yamaha RX-V385BL versus Yamaha RX-V685BL comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385BL received 4.7 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V685BL was rated 7.4 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. Identified advantages have shown that RX-V685BL is better over RX-V385BL mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Yamaha RX-V685BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V685BL over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Yamaha RX-V385BL supports 5.1-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V685BL 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 RX-V685BL this value is 90/8 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-V685BL - 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-V685BL.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Yamaha RX-V685BL 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-V685BL 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, both receivers got 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Yamaha RX-V385BL is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V685BL has 5/2 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-V685BL has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the RX-V685BL 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 RX-V385BL were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-V685BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385BL got 5 points, but the RX-V685BL has 7.

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-V385BL got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V685BL 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-V685BL 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-V685BL.