Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Onkyo TX-NR696

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Let's compare Yamaha RX-V385BL versus Onkyo TX-NR696 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V385BL received 4.7 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR696 was rated 7.6 points. The release date of RX-V385BL is 2018, and TX-NR696 is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, TX-NR696 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than RX-V385BL.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Onkyo TX-NR696

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR696 over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, 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 Onkyo TX-NR696 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 TX-NR696 this value is 165/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V385BL it is 145/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the RX-V385BL 5 out of 10, and the TX-NR696 - 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 TX-NR696.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Onkyo TX-NR696 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 Onkyo TX-NR696 scored 8 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Onkyo TX-NR696.

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 Onkyo TX-NR696 has 7/2 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.

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 Onkyo TX-NR696 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 TX-NR696 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 TX-NR696.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V385BL got 5 points, but the TX-NR696 has 9.

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 TX-NR696 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Only the Yamaha RX-V385BL 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-V385BL got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-NR696 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. Onkyo TX-NR696 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 TX-NR696.