Choosing Between Yamaha's Popular AV Receivers: A Detailed Comparison

Looking to power your home theater system? Let's compare two popular Yamaha receivers: the entry-level RX-V385 ($299.95) and the more advanced RX-V6A ($649.95). I'll help you understand exactly what you're getting at each price point and which might be right for your setup.

Understanding AV Receivers: The Basics

An AV receiver serves as the command center of your home theater, handling everything from switching between devices (like gaming consoles and streaming boxes) to processing audio and powering your speakers. Think of it as both the brain and the muscle of your entertainment system.

The RX-V385 was released in early 2018, while the RX-V6A came out in late 2020. This timing difference is important because we've seen significant advances in both gaming and home theater technology during those years.

Channel Configurations and Room Considerations

The most obvious difference between these receivers is their channel count. The RX-V385's 5.1 configuration means it can power five speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus a subwoofer. This setup is perfect for most movies and TV shows, which are still primarily mixed in 5.1.

The RX-V6A's 7.2 configuration adds two more speakers and an additional subwoofer output. These extra channels can be used for:

• Rear surround speakers for a more enveloping sound
• Height channels for Dolby Atmos (those overhead sounds like helicopters or rain)
• Bi-amping your front speakers for better performance
• Powering speakers in another room

For room size, here's a practical guide:

• RX-V385: Best for rooms up to 300 square feet
• RX-V6A: Comfortable in rooms up to 450 square feet

The extra power of the RX-V6A (100W vs 70W per channel) makes a real difference in larger spaces, giving you more headroom before the sound starts to strain.

Audio Capabilities and Format Support

Both receivers handle standard surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, but the RX-V6A adds support for more advanced formats:

• Dolby Atmos: Creates a 3D bubble of sound with height effects
• DTS:X: Similar to Atmos but processes sound objects differently
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Simulates height effects without ceiling speakers

The RX-V6A also includes a more advanced version of Yamaha's YPAO room correction system. While both receivers can automatically adjust speaker levels and distances, the RX-V6A can measure from multiple listening positions for more balanced sound throughout your room.

Video Features and Gaming Support

Both receivers handle 4K video with HDR (High Dynamic Range), but there are important differences:

RX-V385:

• 4K/60Hz pass-through
• Basic HDR support
• 4 HDMI inputs

RX-V6A:

• 8K-ready
• Advanced gaming features (Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode)
• 7 HDMI inputs
• Better HDR support including HDR10+

For gamers, the RX-V6A's HDMI 2.1 features are significant, reducing lag and screen tearing. However, it's worth noting that some early units needed a hardware update to fully support 4K/120Hz gaming - something to check if buying used.

Connectivity and Streaming

Here's where we see the biggest technological leap between these models:

The RX-V385 offers basic Bluetooth connectivity - perfect for casual music streaming from your phone. It's simple and gets the job done.

The RX-V6A adds:

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• AirPlay 2 support
• Yamaha's MusicCast multi-room system
• Voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant)
• Spotify Connect
• High-resolution audio support

These additions make the RX-V6A much more capable as a music streaming device, especially if you're interested in high-resolution audio or want to set up whole-home audio.

Value Proposition and Future-Proofing

The RX-V385 represents excellent value for a basic home theater setup. It handles the essentials well and doesn't waste money on features you might not need. If you're primarily watching movies and TV shows, and don't need height channels or streaming features, it's a solid choice that will serve you well.

The RX-V6A costs more but offers significant upgrades:

• Better room correction
• More expansion options
• Advanced gaming features
• Streaming capabilities
• Future-proof connections

Think of the price difference as buying flexibility and future-proofing. The RX-V6A gives you room to grow into more advanced setups and supports features you might want later.

How to Decide

Consider these questions:

1. What's your room size?
2. Do you game on next-gen consoles?
3. Do you want height effects for movies?
4. How important is music streaming?
5. What's your upgrade path?

Choose the RX-V385 if:

• You're building your first home theater
• Your room is smaller
• You're happy with 5.1 surround
• Gaming features aren't important
• Budget is a primary concern

Choose the RX-V6A if:

• You want Dolby Atmos
• You game on PS5 or Xbox Series X
• You stream lots of music
• You have a larger room
• You might expand your system later

Both receivers deliver excellent performance for their price points. The RX-V385 focuses on the fundamentals and does them well, while the RX-V6A adds modern features that many users will appreciate. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use your home theater system.

Remember, while future-proofing is nice, don't pay for features you'll never use. The best receiver is the one that matches your actual needs and budget, not necessarily the one with the most features.

Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Channel 4K AV Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Deals and Prices