YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth VS Pioneer VSX-532
YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth
  • Brand - YAMAHA
  • Manual - rx-v385bl.pdf
  • USB - 1
Pioneer VSX-532
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-532.pdf
  • USB - 1

Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Pioneer VSX-532 – get everything you need

Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Pioneer VSX-532

I had an opportunity to compare and test two 5.1 solutions – Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Pioneer VSX-532. This review will help people choose the right model for them.

Features & Performance

Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Pioneer VSX-532 back

Comparing Pioneer VSX-532 vs Yamaha RX-V385BL in terms of various features, we can see that both receivers use various audio- video-enhancement technologies. Yamaha is more powerful – 350 W versus Pioneer that outputs 210 W. Yamaha uses the exclusive cinema DSP. It also has the virtual cinema front technology and front speakers bi-amping. Pioneer uses the Advanced Sound Retriever technology to restore all details from compressed files. It uses the audio phase control technology to avoid the phase lag. Both models support the 4K standard and the HDR technology.

Connections & Setup

These two receivers have Bluetooth modules to stream content from compatible devices. These models do not support the multi-room technology.

Some customers experience certain difficulties with these receivers when it comes to ports – you may not get the video output, or get some noise.

Yamaha uses the YPAO technology, while Pioneer uses the MCACC feature. Both technologies are precise, but some customers still are not satisfied with the result and they tune the settings afterward using the according menu (some people may find the Yamaha menu a bit confusing). Both manufacturers provide you with the microphone required for this calibration.

Design

Yamaha has an LCD display, a large knob on the left side, and many round-shaped buttons of different sizes. The front panel also has additional ports.

Pioneer has a simple LCD display, two large knobs, a row of narrow buttons right under the display and some small round-shaped buttons. It also has extra ports.

Both models come with remote controllers, but some people may find the buttons on the Pioneer remote controller located too close to each other. The weight is 16.3 pounds versus 19.9 pounds respectively.

Pros & Cons

YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra

VS

Pros

    • It is compatible with modern devices, like a new TCL 4K TV (a 2018 year model).
    • Awesome quality and great premium quality sound, I approve.
    • The setup is very easy and simple.
    • You can stream content from a phone or a tablet via Bluetooth.

Cons

    • You cannot use the Bluetooth module with two different devices at the same time.
    • Some buyers have reported echoing issues.
    • The USB port does not work with the iPod.

Pioneer VSX-532

VS

Pros

    • I am glad that built-in decoders play almost all of my files properly. It is 100% worth of its price.
    • The total power output is 210 Watts, which is enough for enjoying proper sounding in my living room.
    • Not very important, but anyway, it can be both auto/manually switched on.

Cons

    • It does not have auto power off, so it bothers me each time to turn it off manually.
    • For me not so important, but note that it does not have networking capabilities.
    • The main disadvantage for me is that it cannot be controlled via a smartphone.

Specifications

Specification YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra Pioneer VSX-532
Additional Features
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Air Studios Monitor Certification -
Apple Air-play Support
X.v.color -
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Deep Color -
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
Mcacc Pro -
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Amplifier
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 70 W 150 W, 80 W
Total Output Power 350 W 210 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.09 % 0.08 %
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Dsp Preset Qty Virtual CINEMA DSP -
Surround System Class 5.1 channel 5.1 channel
Surround Sound Effects Cinema DSP, Virtual Cinema Front Front Stage Surround Advance. Headphone Surround (V.S.S.)
Audio D/a Converter 24 bit / 192 kHz 24bit / 192kHz
Digital Sound Processor (dsp) -
Sound Output Mode SURROUND -
Audio Formats
Flac
Dsd -
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Wav
Mp3
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Dts Neural:x -
Dts-hd Master Audio -
Signal Processing
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Connector Type
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 1 1
Hdmi Inputs 4 4
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 1
Optical Digital Inputs 1 1
Phones 1 1
Av Inputs has not 2
Usb 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 1 1
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Radio
Tuner Type digital digital
Preset Station Qty 40 -
Preset Station 40 30
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Functions
Amplifier Class -
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 12.4 x 17.1 x 6.3 inches 12.6 x 17.1 x 6.6 inches
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual rx-v385bl.pdf vsx-532.pdf
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.3 W 0.35 W
Operational Power Consumption 220 W 210 W
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
General
Item Color Black -
Brand YAMAHA Pioneer
Dimension
Item Dimension 12.4 x 17.13 x 6.34 inches -
Item Weight 16.3 pounds -

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