Sony STR-DN1080 vs Yamaha RX-V385BL

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Let's compare Sony STR-DN1080 versus Yamaha RX-V385BL for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DN1080 received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V385BL was rated 4.7 points. The release date of STR-DN1080 is 2017, and RX-V385BL is 2018. And as a result of the comparison, STR-DN1080 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than RX-V385BL.

Main advantages Sony STR-DN1080 over Yamaha RX-V385BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385BL over Sony STR-DN1080

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-DN1080 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V385BL 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 RX-V385BL this value is 145/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DN1080 it is 120/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DN1080 7 out of 10, and the RX-V385BL - 5.

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 only on the STR-DN1080.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-DN1080 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, Sony STR-DN1080 scored 8, and Yamaha RX-V385BL scored 6 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Sony STR-DN1080.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-DN1080.

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.

Sony STR-DN1080 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V385BL has 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 Sony STR-DN1080 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-V385BL has the HDCP 2.3 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 STR-DN1080 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 9 for the RX-V385BL.

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 with Yamaha RX-V385BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DN1080 got 9 points, but the RX-V385BL has 5.

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 STR-DN1080 can be controlled by voice via Google assistant. 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

Sony STR-DN1080 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V385BL 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. Sony STR-DN1080 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 STR-DN1080.