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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | - |