After years of struggling with lousy stereo receivers, Yamaha decided to improve your music listening experience by upgrading its AV receivers. I know you may not have realized how poor basic stereos sounded back in the day. But, with the current features invested in the AV receivers, thoughts of going back seem like an insult to an audiophile.
The Yamaha RX V385 AV receiver tops our list of the best entry-level receivers. While the prices it offers are budget-friendly, RX V385 never compromises on the sound quality. So, if you’re new to home theater sound systems, perhaps you can start by having a plan to have the Yamaha RX-V385.
But first, let’s have a glimpse at the specs of this home theater AV receiver.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 17.125 x 6.375 x 12.375 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
- 5.1 surround speaker channel
- Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, and MPEG-4 AAC up to 48kHz per 16 bit
- Surround sound features: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, and Dolby Digital Plus
- Video support features: HD video signals to 4K Video Ultra HD, 4K/60 Hz, HDMI upscaling, HDMI 3D passthrough, HDMI eARC, HDMI Audio Return Channel
- FM/AM tuner present
- Power output: 70 watts/8 Ohm
- Bluetooth connectivity present
Specs may lie! But thanks to our Yamaha RX-V385 review team that went ahead to test this receiver to prove the truth behind the indicated specs.
Yamaha RX-V385 Review
Yamaha RX V385 was released in 2019 and has established itself as one of the best receivers. Although it’s not packed with some of the latest features, V385 continues to be the best entry-level receiver from Yamaha.
The Yamaha RX-V385 is a 5.1 surround speaker channel with power output of 70 watts (8 ohms) per channel. Additionally, RX V385 offers several surround sound features such as DTS-HD Master, YPAO, and Dolby TrueHD, which give you a cinematic experience.
So, which features do you benefit from once you buy the Yamaha RX V385?
Design
Like most Yamaha AV receivers’ designs, the front side of the Yamaha RX V385 retains a glossy finish on the upper part and a brushed-metal aluminum finish on the bottom part. This design gives the RX V385 a premium touch despite its reasonably affordable price.
Need a receiver that offers you a blend of easy placement and portability? The RX-V385 receiver weighs 17 pounds, thus eliminating the challenges of working with a weighty unit. In addition, the slim profile allows you to place the RX V385 in tight spaces.
Tuning the receiver is effortless; thanks to the setup guide that leads you all the way. Also, you can control the Yamaha RX V385 right from your Android or iOs smart devices. So, whether you need to access additional settings or just regulate the amplifier’s power, the AV controller app has got you covered.
Sound Quality
Being an entry-level AV receiver doesn’t limit the sound quality of the V385 receiver. Firstly, the receiver features a low-range enhancement tech that allows the receiver to deliver rich and deep lows. Using a subwoofer in your home theater setup enhances the punchy lows of the speaker system while improving the overall bass coming from the added sub.
Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) feature allows the receiver to scan your room’s acoustics and adjust different audio parameters to deliver the dynamic sound quality in your room. Just place the provided mic in your preferred listening area and switch YPAO on. The rest of the tuning process will get done by Yamaha RX V385.
Lastly, the RX-V385 features a low-jitter PLL circuit and a discrete amplifier configuration that gives you exceptional and crisp-clear sounds.
Multiple Connectivity Interfaces
The Yamaha RX-V385 is well equipped with numerous inputs. For instance, it has two coaxial inputs, dual analog audio input inputs, and a single optical input. Additionally, the receiver is well equipped with an HDMI HDCP 2.3 output to complement its HDMI inputs.
A USB port allows you to connect a USB flash drive and play your music right from it. The receiver has built-in Bluetooth for wireless capabilities that enable you to stream music wirelessly. Users of Apple devices are also not left out. The RX-V385 features Airplay that perfectly handles your devices.
Most amplifiers and AV receivers prefer using cheap spring clips for speaker terminals. However, this receiver breaks this norm and goes for binding posts, making speaker connection more straightforward.
Video Support Features
The Yamaha RX V385 gives you tons of features when handling video content. For instance, it allows you to watch different 4K videos at the speed of 60 frames per second.
In addition, updating this device’s HDMI features allows you to enjoy HDR video by providing Dolby vision video technology.
Pros
- Impeccable sound performance for affordable prices
- YPAO calibration allows you to tune your receiver as per the room’s acoustics.
- Includes power-saving features such as eco mode and standby power consumption
- Binding posts make speaker connection easy.
- The setup guide simplifies the process of setting up V385.
- Cinema DSP technology provides support for playback of High Definition Audio.
- Enhanced audio return channel helps you achieve realistic sound reproduction to give an immersive experience.
Cons
- It doesn’t support a Wi-Fi connection
- The power and performance tends to decline as the room size reduces. But, the YPAO calibration saves you from this issue.
Yamaha RX V385 Review – Final Verdict
Should you own a lousy AV receiver just because you’re facing a financial setback? Not really; you deserve better. And Yamaha decided it’s time to bring a glow in your living room by creating this entry-level receiver.
The size of your living room may be a challenge, but it can work out in your favor. The Yamaha RX V385 slim profile allows it to fit in small spaces without compromising performance. Connect the receiver to premium speakers and let your home theater entertainment system have a superb performance.
Although the receiver misses out on some of the latest surround features, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoding, Yamaha RX-V385 has a virtual cinema front feature that still does the trick.
We hope this review helps you make up your mind and place your order for Yamaha RX-V385 today.
