Yamaha RX-V485, 5.1 AV receiver with 4K and Dolby Vision support

Yamaha RX-V485, 5.1 AV receiver with MusicCast system

Your Expert RecommendedYamaha has renewed its range of AV receivers for 2018 and one of the cheaper models is the Yamaha RX-V485 . It is an AV receiver with 5.1 channels and a power of 115W per channel.

Despite being an entry-level model, the Yamaha RX-V485 incorporates CINEMA DSP sound field reproduction technology and Yamaha's YPAO calibration system . Its HDMI inputs are compatible with 4K and HDR Dolby Vision signals. In addition, it is equipped with the MusicCast network music system and is compatible with Amazon's Alexa. We are going to thoroughly review its characteristics.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET YAMAHA RX-V485

TypeMultichannel receiver
Channels5.1
Maximum power115W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD, 1 channel)

80W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.09% THD, 2ch)

Sound processingCINEMA DSP, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio
HDMI4 HDMI inputs supporting HDR10, Dolby Vision and 4K / 60p 4: 4: 4
TicketsOptical Digital, 2 Coaxial Digital, 4 Analog, 3 Composite Video, Headphones
BluetoothYes
WifiYes
AirplayYes
DLNAYes
Remote controlYes
Release dateIn Spain soon
Price450 dollars

A simple but well-equipped team

If we want to mount a home theater system we must choose a good AV receiver . However, many times we tend to buy equipment that includes some functionalities that we will never use.

The Yamaha RX-V485 has 5.1 channels , so it is ready to mount the most common equipment in a home. It offers a power of 115W per channel at 6 ohms and complete connectivity.

launch Yamaha RX-V485 CINEMA

It also includes all the Yamaha audio technology. It is equipped with CINEMA DSP , a sound field reproduction technology that offers a series of programs to adapt the sound field.

It is also equipped with the YPAO acoustic calibration system . This allows you to customize the sound of the room by analyzing the acoustics of the space and our speakers. After analysis, the receiver will automatically adjust various audio parameters to achieve the best sound.

launch Yamaha RX-V485 DAC

In addition, the YPAO RSC (Reflected Sound Control) system suppresses and corrects unwanted sounds that bounce off walls, floors or furniture.

On the other hand, the Yamaha RX-V485 features fully discrete power amplifiers to minimize distortion . In addition, it offers pure and independent power supplies for digital and analog circuitry.

Its 384 kHz / 32-bit DAC , also with a separate power supply, reproduces all audio in high-resolution sound sources without generating noise. In addition, it uses a new high-quality IC for volume control.

Classic design

The Yamaha RX-V485 maintains a design very similar to that of other proposals from the manufacturer. The front part is divided into two sections. In the lower area we have a brushed metal finish. This is where the vast majority of buttons and controls are located, including the volume wheel.

At the bottom we have four large round legs, which will allow us to place it on any surface. As is usual in this type of equipment, the upper part has openings to dissipate heat.

Not being an overly complete receiver, the Yamaha RX-V485 sports a fairly clean rear end. We have the HDMI ports located in the upper area. The terminals for the speakers are placed in the lower area and are correctly labeled . On your left we have the analog connections and just above the network connector. There is even space for a small diagram that tells us where to connect each speaker. As we said, a simple but very complete receiver.

State-of-the-art connectivity

launch Yamaha RX-V485 connectivity

The Yamaha RX-V485 is equipped with 4 HDMI inputs that support 4K 60p 4: 4: 4 / BT.2020 signals . In addition, it also allows the playback of HDR images (Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10) .

The set is completed by an optical digital input, two coaxial, three composite video and four analog . The network connection is not missing.

At a wireless level, it has both Bluetooth and WiFi . And is that the Yamaha RX-V485 incorporates the MusicCast system , unlike its older brother, the Yamaha RX-V385. This network audio system allows us to control all compatible devices from the same application.

Additionally, MusicCast supports the playback of high-resolution 192 kHz / 24-bit audio sources . It will even allow us to use the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers to complete our home theater system.

Price and availability

Yamaha RX-V485 final release

In short, we are facing a simple receiver, but that will allow us to mount a basic home theater system with the best Yamaha sound . We have 5.1 channels with enough power for most rooms. Plus we have Yamaha's superb YPAO calibration system.

Even with the CINEMA DSP 3D system, which provides a wider sound field. In addition, it has a virtual presence speaker function that offers three-dimensional sound without the actual use of presence speakers. Thus, we will be able to achieve a sound field practically equivalent to 7.1 channel surround sound with a 5.1 speaker configuration . Of course, being a 5.1 receiver it does not support Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound, something to keep in mind.

To all this we must add the possibility of playing audio through the main streaming services . And also to send that audio to any other MusicCast speaker that we have at home. Even when it is available, we will have the option to control the receiver with Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant.

The Yamaha RX-V485 is now available in the United States at a price of $ 450 . The characteristics discussed are those of the American model. Upon arrival in Europe, both the specifications and the final price may vary, although the vast majority are usually maintained.