Home theater enthusiasts face an interesting choice between the newer $509.95 JBL MA510 and the established $299.95 Yamaha RX-V385. Let's dive into what makes each receiver special and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Think of an AV receiver as the command center of your home theater. It's the box that takes all your video sources (like gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players) and audio inputs, processes them, and sends video to your TV while powering your speakers. Modern receivers need to handle everything from legacy devices to cutting-edge 8K video sources.
The tech has evolved significantly since the Yamaha RX-V385's 2018 release. When it launched, 4K was still cutting edge, and HDMI 2.1 (the latest connection standard that enables faster refresh rates and gaming features) wasn't even finalized. The JBL MA510 represents the newer generation, launched in 2023 with 8K support and modern gaming features.
The JBL MA510 supports 8K video at 60Hz (frames per second) and 4K at 120Hz. While 8K content is still rare, the 4K/120Hz support is crucial for latest-generation gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It also includes HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which make compatible content look more vibrant and realistic.
The Yamaha RX-V385 tops out at 4K/60Hz, which is still excellent for most users. It handles HDR10 and Dolby Vision, ensuring great picture quality with current content. Unless you're planning to buy an 8K TV soon or are serious about high-refresh-rate gaming, this capability level will serve you well.
Both receivers use a surround sound setup, but with a key difference. The JBL offers 5.2 channels, meaning it can power five main speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus two subwoofers. The Yamaha has a 5.1 setup, supporting the same speaker arrangement but with just one subwoofer output.
Having two subwoofers might sound like overkill, but in larger rooms, it can help distribute bass more evenly and reduce "dead spots" where bass seems weak. I've found dual subwoofers particularly effective in rectangular rooms longer than 20 feet.
Here's where the generational gap really shows. The MA510 includes:
The RX-V385 lacks these features, as they weren't standard when it was released. For casual gaming, this won't matter much, but competitive gamers will appreciate the MA510's capabilities.
Both receivers deliver excellent audio performance, but they approach it differently. The MA510 uses modern Class D amplification, which is more energy-efficient and runs cooler. The Yamaha uses a traditional Class AB amp design, which some audiophiles prefer for its warmth.
The Yamaha includes YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer), their room correction system that uses a microphone to measure your room's acoustics and adjust the sound accordingly. The JBL has its own EZ Set EQ system, which performs a similar function but is generally considered more basic.
In my experience testing both units, the Yamaha has a slightly warmer, more musical sound that works beautifully for both movies and music. The JBL feels more precise and clinical, which can be great for home theater use where accuracy is key.
The MA510 offers more modern connectivity:
The RX-V385 provides:
Both are relatively easy to set up, though the Yamaha's older interface feels dated compared to the JBL's modern menu system.
At $509.95, the JBL MA510 asks for a significant premium over the $299.95 Yamaha RX-V385. Is it worth the extra $210? That depends entirely on your needs:
If you:
However, if you:
Here's my straightforward advice: Buy the Yamaha RX-V385 if you want a reliable, great-sounding receiver for movies and music, and you're okay with 4K resolution. It's a proven performer that delivers exceptional value.
Choose the JBL MA510 if you want the latest features and future-proofing. Its gaming capabilities, dual subwoofer support, and 8K compatibility make it more versatile, though you'll pay more for these features.
Remember that most content is still 4K or lower resolution, and many of the MA510's advanced features won't be fully utilized for several years. The Yamaha RX-V385 remains a solid choice for most users, while the MA510 is ideal for enthusiasts who want to stay ahead of the technology curve.
Ultimately, both receivers will serve well in a home theater setup - it's just a matter of whether the MA510's advanced features justify its higher price for your specific needs.
| $509.95 JBL MA510 | $299.95 Yamaha RX-V385 |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution - Important for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz | 4K/60Hz |
| Channel Configuration - Affects bass distribution in room | |
| 5.2 (dual subwoofer outputs) | 5.1 (single subwoofer output) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for latest gaming consoles | |
| HDMI 2.1 with VRR, ALLM, QFT | Basic HDMI 2.0 features only |
| Power Output per Channel - Affects speaker compatibility and volume capability | |
| 75W (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz) | 70W (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Basic EZ Set EQ | Advanced YPAO with microphone |
| Wireless Connectivity - Important for streaming convenience | |
| WiFi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth only |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs (all HDMI 2.1), 1 output | 4 inputs (HDMI 2.0), 1 output |
| Audio Format Support - Affects compatibility with streaming/disc content | |
| Latest formats including high-res audio | Standard HD audio formats |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2023 (current gen) | 2018 (previous gen) |
The $509.95 JBL MA510 offers more advanced features like 8K support and dual subwoofers, making it better for larger home theaters. However, the $299.95 Yamaha RX-V385 provides excellent value and sufficient performance for most home theater setups under 300 square feet.
The JBL MA510 costs $509.95, while the Yamaha RX-V385 is priced at $299.95, making it $210 less expensive.
Yes, both can process 4K content, but the JBL MA510 supports higher refresh rates (4K/120Hz) compared to the Yamaha RX-V385 (4K/60Hz).
The JBL MA510 is significantly better for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and ALLM, while the Yamaha RX-V385 lacks these gaming-specific features.
While the JBL MA510 offers 8K support, most users won't need it for several years as 8K content is still rare. The Yamaha RX-V385's 4K capability is sufficient for current content.
The Yamaha RX-V385 features the more advanced YPAO room correction system, while the JBL MA510 uses a basic EZ Set EQ system.
Only the JBL MA510 supports dual subwoofers with its 5.2 configuration. The Yamaha RX-V385 is limited to one subwoofer (5.1).
The JBL MA510 offers more streaming options with WiFi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in, while the Yamaha RX-V385 only provides Bluetooth connectivity.
Both the JBL MA510 and Yamaha RX-V385 support 4 HDMI inputs, but the JBL's are newer HDMI 2.1 ports supporting higher bandwidth.
The Yamaha RX-V385 has a simpler setup process due to its more basic feature set, while the JBL MA510 offers more options but requires more configuration.
Both deliver excellent sound quality, with the Yamaha RX-V385 offering a warmer, more musical sound, while the JBL MA510 provides a more precise, home theater-focused sound signature.
Choose the JBL MA510 if you need gaming features, 8K support, or dual subwoofers. Otherwise, the Yamaha RX-V385 offers better value for typical home theater use.
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: trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.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
