Overview

The RX-V385 is a 5.1-channel receiver introduced in 2018. Yamaha specifies 70 W per channel into 8Ω (20Hz–20kHz, 0.09% THD, two channels driven) with 4K/60p (4:4:4) HDR passthrough, YPAO auto calibration, and Bluetooth playback. Yamaha’s product page also details eARC support provided via firmware[1][2].

Scientific Validity

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Comprehensive third-party bench tests specific to this model are not widely published. Per “unknown measurement” policy we anchor at 0.5 and document manufacturer figures: 70 W/8Ω (20Hz–20kHz, 0.09% THD, 2ch) and JEITA 145 W/6Ω (1kHz, 10% THD, 1ch)[1]. These are reasonable catalog specs; the score will be revised if reliable independent measurements emerge.

Technology Level

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The design is competent for its era: discrete amplification, Burr-Brown 32-bit/384 kHz DACs, YPAO, and modern HDR passthrough. It omits Atmos/DTS:X and the broader HDMI 2.1 feature set, but adds eARC via firmware for high-bandwidth TV app audio return[1][2].

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: Denon AVR-S570BT (5.2ch, eARC, 4K/120 & 8K/60 passthrough)[4]. Using current US market prices, 399.00 ÷ 399.95 = 0.997, which rounds to 1.0 at one decimal.

• Equivalence note: adds dual sub outs and newer HDMI features while maintaining comparable 5-channel power/class functions for typical 5.1 use[4].

Reliability & Support

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In the US, Yamaha lists a 2-year parts and labor warranty (confirmed by major retailer pages)[3]. Firmware updates have continued in recent years[7]. As an entry model without network streaming modules, long-term complexity is modest, but extensibility is limited.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A conservative, function-focused package: practical I/O, auto calibration, and now eARC address core living-room needs. The trade-off is limited forward-looking features versus similarly priced rivals that include newer HDMI gaming features or extra channels.

Advice

For a compact, straightforward 5.1 setup—especially when relying on TV streaming apps via eARC—the RX-V385 remains a sensible choice. If you value 4K/120 gaming paths or dual subwoofer outs, Denon AVR-S570BT is a strong alternative at essentially the same US street price[4].

References

[1] Yamaha (US) “RX-V385 — Specs” https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v385_u/specs.html (accessed 2025-08-31)
[2] Yamaha (US) “RX-V385 — Overview (eARC section)” https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v385_u/index.html (accessed 2025-08-31)
[3] Crutchfield “Yamaha RX-V385 (warranty: Parts/Labor 2 years)” https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXV385/Yamaha-RX-V385.html (accessed 2025-08-31)
[4] B&H “Denon AVR-S570BT (price 399.00 USD)” https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1723530-REG/denon_avr_s570bt_5_2_channel_a_v_receiver.html (accessed 2025-08-31)
[5] Yodobashi Camera “RX-V385(B) (price 40,050円)” https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001003867674/ (accessed 2025-08-31)
[6] Rakuten Bic “AVR-X580BTK (price 37,580円)” https://biccamera.rakuten.co.jp/item/0747192138561 (accessed 2025-08-31)
[7] Yamaha (US) “RX-V385/HTR-3072 Firmware Update” https://usa.yamaha.com/support/updates/rx-v385_htr-3072.html (accessed 2025-08-31)

(2025.9.2)