Want a first receiver that just works? RX-V385 keeps dialogue clear, makes movie nights lively in small-to-mid rooms, pairs quickly over Bluetooth, and is painless to set up. It skips higher-end extras (no Atmos, no network streaming, ARC not eARC), but for the money it nails the basics.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clean, engaging 5.1 movie sound for the price; dialogue stays intelligible. | • No Dolby Atmos/DTS:X (5.1 only). |
| • 4 HDMI inputs / 1 output with 4K/60 passthrough; HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG compatible. | • ARC only (not eARC). |
| • YPAO auto-calibration simplifies setup and gets you balanced sound fast. | • Limited fine-tuning vs higher-tier models. |
| • Bluetooth built-in for easy music streaming from phones/tablets. | • No Wi-Fi / AirPlay / Chromecast / MusicCast. |
| • Solid value as a “first AVR” or for secondary rooms. |
Yamaha RX-V385 Review
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the world of home theater without breaking the bank, the YAMAHA RX-V385 is an enticing option. Combining modern technology like Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD, and HDR10 with a robust surround sound system, this AV receiver promises to elevate your audio-visual setup. With a competitive price, it targets those wanting premium features at a mid-range price point. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its capabilities, user experiences, and whether it’s the right fit for your home theater needs.
Key Features: What Makes the YAMAHA RX-V385 Stand Out?
| Channels | 5.1 |
| Power (8Ω, 20–20kHz, 2ch) | 70 W/ch (0.09% THD) |
| Power (8Ω, 1kHz, 1ch) | 100 W/ch (0.9% THD) |
| Max | 145 W/ch (6Ω, 1kHz, 10% THD) |
| HDMI | 4 in / 1 out |
| HDR passthrough | HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HLG; 4K/60 (4:4:4) |
| TV audio | ARC on HDMI OUT (no eARC) |
| Digital audio | 2 × optical (TOSLINK), 1 × coaxial |
| Analog audio | 3 × stereo RCA |
| Subwoofer out | 1 pre-out |
| Tuner | AM/FM |
| Auto-calibration | YPAO |
| Wireless | Bluetooth (receive) |
| Standby | ≤ 0.2 W |
- 5.1-Channel Surround with YPAO
Designed for five speakers plus a subwoofer. YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Optimizer) measures your room to set levels, distance, and basic EQ—great for first-time setups. - 4K Ultra HD + HDR Support
Passes 4K/60 video and supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG so modern sources and TVs play nicely together. Connect streaming boxes, consoles, and players to the AVR for the best results. - Bluetooth Connectivity
Built-in Bluetooth makes casual streaming easy from phones and tablets. It’s perfect for background music and quick listening without extra gear. - Cinema DSP & Everyday Features
Yamaha’s Cinema DSP widens the soundstage for films and TV. Night/Dynamic Range modes help with late-night viewing, and the on-screen Setup Guide keeps installation simple. - Energy-Efficient Standby
Standby power consumption is rated at ≤ 0.2 W.
Related: Review of the Onkyo TX-NR7100
Sound Quality
Many users praise the RX-V385 for delivering clear, dynamic, and immersive sound, especially in 5.1 surround setups. Equipped with Yamaha’s YPAO room calibration and Cinema DSP, it offers a surprisingly wide soundstage that enhances movie audio and game soundtracks with lifelike spatial effects and tight bass. Reviewers consistently mention its capability to fill medium-sized rooms with clean audio at moderate volumes, and many highlight its strong value-for-money as an entry-level receiver that outperforms budget expectations. Bluetooth streaming is frequently praised for reliable connectivity and good audio fidelity for casual listening.
However, several limitations also come up in user reports. At higher volume levels, users note that sound may begin to distort or lose clarity, suggesting limited headroom. The amp is rated at about 70 W per channel into 8 ohm, which some users say isn’t powerful enough to drive less efficient or higher-demand speakers.
Who Is the YAMAHA RX-V385 Best For?
- Entry-Level Enthusiasts: Want to experience true surround sound and 4K video without the learning curve.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for reliable basics and modern HDMI/HDR support at a fair price.
- Small to Medium Living Rooms: Power and channel count suit typical spaces and speakers.
- Simple Setup Fans: YPAO and on-screen guidance remove much of the guesswork.
If you want Dolby Atmos, multi-room streaming, Wi-Fi/app control, or next-gen gaming features like 4K/120 and VRR, consider a higher-tier model.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the YAMAHA RX-V385?
Overall, the RX-V385 impresses as an affordable, feature-rich device that can genuinely enhance your home entertainment experience. The ability to enjoy Dolby Vision and HDR10 video formats along with immersive surround sound makes it a compelling buy for anyone interested in upgrading their setup.
While there are some concerns about Bluetooth inconsistencies and durability in a minority of reviews, the overwhelming majority of customers rate this AV receiver highly for sound quality, ease of installation, and value. It strikes a fine balance between performance and price, positioning itself as one of the best entry-level 5.1 AV receivers available.
If you want to take your home theater sound and picture quality to new heights without a complicated installation or premium price, the YAMAHA RX-V385 is well worth considering.
Purchase the Yamaha RX-V385 on Amazon
FAQ
Q. Does the RX-V385 support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?
A. No. It’s a 5.1 receiver that decodes up to Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio for traditional surround.
Q. Is there eARC?
A. No. The HDMI output supports ARC. For lossless TV-app audio you would need eARC on both TV and AVR, which this model doesn’t provide.
Q. What HDR formats and resolutions does it pass?
A. Up to 4K/60 with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG passthrough on its HDMI connections.
Q. How many HDMI ports are there?
A. Four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.
Q. Does it have Wi-Fi or MusicCast?
A. No network features. Wireless audio is via Bluetooth (receive) only.
Q. Can I hook up a turntable?
A. There’s no phono input. Use a turntable with a built-in preamp, or add an external phono preamp into a line-level input.
Q. AM/FM tuner?
A. Yes—AM and FM are supported.
Q. How many digital audio inputs?
A. Three total: two optical (TOSLINK) and one coaxial.
Q. Can it power two subwoofers?
A. It includes a single subwoofer pre-out. You can use a Y-splitter if you want to feed two subs.
Q. Any tips for the best setup?
A. Use the on-screen Setup Guide, run YPAO with the mic at ear height, set your speakers to “Small” with sensible crossover points (e.g., 80–100 Hz), and place the sub carefully to avoid boomy bass.
Purchase the Yamaha RX-V385 on Amazon
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