Onkyo TX-SR393 vs Yamaha RX-V485BL

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Let's make the Onkyo TX-SR393 versus Yamaha RX-V485BL comparison. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-SR393 received 5.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V485BL was rated 6.6 points. The release date of TX-SR393 is 2019, and RX-V485BL is 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the RX-V485BL is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR393 over Yamaha RX-V485BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V485BL over Onkyo TX-SR393

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. The Onkyo TX-SR393 supports 5.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V485BL 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 TX-SR393 this value is 155/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V485BL it is 80/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-SR393 6 out of 10, and the RX-V485BL - 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-V485BL.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Yamaha RX-V485BL 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, Onkyo TX-SR393 scored 6, and Yamaha RX-V485BL scored 8 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-V485BL 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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

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 on Yamaha RX-V485BL.

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 TX-SR393 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-V485BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-SR393 got 6 points, but the RX-V485BL 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-V485BL can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-V485BL 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

Onkyo TX-SR393 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V485BL 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. Onkyo TX-SR393 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 TX-SR393.