Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Yamaha RX-V385

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Let's make the Onkyo TX-RZ820 versus Yamaha RX-V385 comparison. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ820 received 7.7 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V385 was rated 5 points. The release date of TX-RZ820 is 2017, and RX-V385 is 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the TX-RZ820 is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ820 over Yamaha RX-V385

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Onkyo TX-RZ820

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 5, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ820 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V385 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.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-RZ820 8 out of 10, and the RX-V385 - 6.

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 TX-RZ820.

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-RZ820 scored 8, 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 TX-RZ820 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, Onkyo TX-RZ820 got 8 points, but Yamaha RX-V385 received 6 points.

Onkyo TX-RZ820 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V385 has 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-V385.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-RZ820 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 TX-RZ820 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-V385.

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-V385.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ820 got 8 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

Onkyo TX-RZ820 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V385 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-RZ820 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-RZ820.