When building a home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial - it's essentially the brain of your entire setup. Today, we're comparing two popular options at different price points: the Denon AVR-S760H ($549) and the Yamaha RX-V385 ($299).
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what an AV receiver actually does. Think of it as a powerful hub that connects all your entertainment devices (gaming consoles, streaming boxes, Blu-ray players) to your TV and speakers. It processes both video and audio signals, powers your speakers, and handles format decoding - basically everything needed to create that immersive home theater experience.
Key features to consider include:
The Denon AVR-S760H was released in 2021 and represents the current generation of receivers, while the Yamaha RX-V385 came out in 2018. This three-year gap shows in their features and capabilities.
The Denon offers a 7.2 channel configuration, meaning it can power seven main speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for a traditional 5.1 surround setup (front left/right, center, two surrounds, and a subwoofer) plus two additional speakers. These extra speakers can be used for either rear surround or height channels for Dolby Atmos, which creates a three-dimensional sound field - imagine hearing a helicopter actually moving overhead in a movie.
The Yamaha, being a 5.1 system, handles the basic surround setup but can't expand beyond that. For many rooms, especially smaller spaces, 5.1 is perfectly adequate and can create an engaging surround experience.
Both receivers offer similar power per channel (Denon at 75W, Yamaha at 70W), which is plenty for most home theaters. In real-world use, this 5W difference is negligible - you'd hardly notice it unless you're running very power-hungry speakers in a large room.
This is where we see the biggest technological leap between these generations. The Denon supports:
The Yamaha handles:
For current 4K TV owners who aren't planning to upgrade soon, the Yamaha's video capabilities are sufficient. However, if you're a gamer with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, or planning to get an 8K TV in the next few years, the Denon's additional capabilities become more valuable.
The Denon AVR-S760H supports all the latest audio formats:
The Yamaha RX-V385 handles traditional surround formats:
Modern connectivity is another area where the generational gap shows:
Denon offers:
Yamaha provides:
In practical use, both receivers perform their core functions well. The Yamaha, despite being older, still delivers clean, powerful sound for movies and music. Its YPAO room correction system (which automatically adjusts speaker levels based on your room's acoustics) works effectively, though it's not as sophisticated as Denon's Audyssey system.
The Denon's additional features and processing power provide more flexibility and better performance, particularly with height channels and newer audio formats. Its room correction is more advanced, and the networking features make it more convenient to use.
Choose the Denon AVR-S760H if:
Choose the Yamaha RX-V385 if:
The Denon AVR-S760H at $549 offers significantly more features and future-proofing than the Yamaha RX-V385 at $299, but at nearly double the price. For many users, especially those with simpler needs or smaller spaces, the Yamaha provides excellent value and performance. However, if you're serious about home theater or want to ensure your system stays current for years to come, the Denon's additional investment is worthwhile.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and how you plan to use your home theater system. Either receiver can serve as the foundation for an enjoyable home theater experience - it's just a matter of matching the features to your requirements and budget.
| Denon AVR-S760H ($549) | Yamaha RX-V385 ($299) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum speaker setup and audio immersion potential | |
| 7.2 channels (supports height speakers for Dolby Atmos) | 5.1 channels (standard surround only) |
| Power Per Channel - Impacts speaker compatibility and maximum volume | |
| 75W @ 8 ohms (slightly more headroom) | 70W @ 8 ohms (adequate for most speakers) |
| Video Resolution Support - Critical for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (latest gaming/TV ready) | 4K/60Hz (current standard but aging) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects surround sound capabilities | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, plus all legacy formats | Standard formats only, no 3D audio |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 in/1 out (HDMI 2.1) | 4 in/1 out (HDMI 2.0b) |
| Smart Features - Impacts convenience and streaming options | |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Voice Control, HEOS streaming | Bluetooth only |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Audyssey MultEQ (advanced, multiple positions) | YPAO (basic, single position) |
| HDR Support - Affects picture quality with compatible TVs | |
| All formats (HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG) | Basic HDR10 only |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2021 (current gen features) | 2018 (previous gen) |
For a basic 5.1 home theater setup, both the Yamaha RX-V385 ($299) and Denon AVR-S760H ($549) will perform well. The Yamaha offers better value if you don't need advanced features, while the Denon provides room to expand.
The biggest difference is that the Denon AVR-S760H supports 7.2 channels with Dolby Atmos and has the latest HDMI 2.1 features, while the Yamaha RX-V385 is a basic 5.1 channel receiver with HDMI 2.0.
The Denon AVR-S760H is significantly better for current-gen gaming, supporting 4K/120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). The Yamaha RX-V385 is limited to 4K/60Hz, which doesn't take full advantage of PS5 and Xbox Series X capabilities.
No, a 5.1 system like the Yamaha RX-V385 can provide excellent surround sound. However, the 7.2 channels of the Denon AVR-S760H allow for height speakers (Dolby Atmos) or rear surrounds, creating a more immersive experience.
Both work well in small rooms, but the Yamaha RX-V385 might be more appropriate since small rooms rarely benefit from extra channels. The money saved versus the Denon AVR-S760H could be better spent on speakers.
If you're serious about home theater, the Dolby Atmos capability of the Denon AVR-S760H provides noticeably more immersive sound than the standard surround of the Yamaha RX-V385. However, you'll need ceiling or upward-firing speakers to benefit.
The Denon AVR-S760H is more future-proof with 8K support, HDMI 2.1, and Dolby Atmos capabilities. The Yamaha RX-V385 uses older technology but remains capable for current 4K content.
The Denon AVR-S760H offers comprehensive streaming with Wi-Fi, HEOS, and voice control. The Yamaha RX-V385 only offers Bluetooth streaming, making it more limited for music streaming.
Both receivers offer automatic room calibration, but the Yamaha RX-V385 is simpler to set up due to fewer features. The Denon AVR-S760H has more options but includes a guided setup process.
Not necessarily. While the Denon AVR-S760H offers more features, both receivers provide similar core sound quality. The Yamaha RX-V385 performs admirably for traditional 5.1 surround sound.
Both receivers handle 4K well, but the Denon AVR-S760H supports more HDR formats and higher refresh rates than the Yamaha RX-V385. For basic 4K TV viewing, either will perform well.
The $250 price difference between the Yamaha RX-V385 and Denon AVR-S760H is worth it if you need Dolby Atmos, plan to use next-gen gaming consoles, or want more expansion options. For basic home theater use, the Yamaha provides excellent value.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - smarthomescope.com - bestbuy.com - bombayaudio.com - manuals.denon.com - cocoontech.com - zkelectronics.com - usa.yamaha.com - usa.yamaha.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - europe.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - hifiengine.com - abt.com - abcwarehouse.com
