Onkyo TX-SR494 vs Yamaha RX-V385
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Choosing between the Onkyo TX-SR494 and Yamaha RX-V385? Both compete in the AVR / Receiver segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Onkyo TX-SR494 scores higher in volume/SPL, future-proofing. The Yamaha RX-V385 leads in value, form factor, room fit, ease of use. They score similarly in audio quality, gaming performance.
For audio processing, these receivers feature channel configurations of 7.2 vs 5.1 and different room correction systems (AccuEQ Advance vs YPAO). More channels enable immersive Atmos layouts. A 9-channel receiver can drive a 5.1.4 layout (5 ear-level, 1 sub, 4 height speakers) for overhead sound effects. Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
The Yamaha RX-V385 holds an advantage across more performance dimensions, but the Onkyo TX-SR494 may still be the better pick depending on which specs matter most to your setup. See the detailed comparison table below for the full breakdown.
For most home theaters, the Yamaha RX-V385 is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 8 scored dimensions. The Onkyo TX-SR494 makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Channel Count | 7.2 | 5.1 |
| Powered Channels | 7 | 5 |
| Max Processing Ch | 7.2 | — |
| Amplifier Class | — | AB |
| Watts/Ch (8Ω) | 80W | 70W |
| Watts/Ch (6Ω) | — | — |
| Min Impedance | 4-16 ohm | 6-ohm |
| HDMI Inputs | 4 | 4 |
| HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0b | 2.1 |
| 4K/120Hz | No | No |
| 8K/60Hz | No | No |
| eARC | No | Yes |
| ALLM | No | No |
| VRR | No | No |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| HDR10 | No | Yes |
| HDR10+ | No | No |
| HLG | No | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | No |
| Atmos Height Virt. | No | No |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | No |
| DTS Virtual:X | No | No |
| DTS-HD Master | Yes | Yes |
| Auro-3D | No | No |
| Room Correction | AccuEQ Advance | YPAO |
| Room Corr. Tier | BASIC | — |
| Dirac Live | No | No |
| Dirac Bass Control | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| BT Transmit | No | No |
| AirPlay 2 | No | No |
| Google Cast | Yes | No |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | No |
| Roon Tested | No | No |
| HEOS | No | No |
| MusicCast | No | Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi | Yes | No |
| BluOS | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | No |
| Alexa Built-in | No | No |
| Google Assistant | No | No |
| Siri/HomeKit | No | No |
| Works with Sonos | No | No |
| Wireless Rears | No | No |
| Zone 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Zone 3 | Yes | No |
| Zone 4 | No | No |
| Coax Digital In | 1 | 2 |
| Optical Digital In | 1 | 1 |
| Phono Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| Sub Outputs | 2 | 1 |
| Pre-Out Channels | 7 | 0 |
| Headphone Out | No | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| Speaker Terminals | — | Binding Posts |
| Remote App | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Tuner | — | AM/FM |
Key Differences
- Room Correction: Onkyo TX-SR494 at AccuEQ Advance vs Yamaha RX-V385 at YPAO. Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
- Coax Digital In: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 1 vs Yamaha RX-V385 at 2
- Sub Outputs: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 2 vs Yamaha RX-V385 at 1
- Min Impedance: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 4-16 ohm vs Yamaha RX-V385 at 6-ohm
- Channel Count: Onkyo TX-SR494 at 7.2 vs Yamaha RX-V385 at 5.1. More channels enable immersive Atmos layouts. A 9-channel receiver can drive a 5.1.4 layout (5 ear-level, 1 sub, 4 height speakers) for overhead sound effects.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Onkyo TX-SR494 if you want:
- + 7.2 channel layout for more immersive Atmos configurations
- + better watts/ch (8ω) — real-world power matters for dynamic headroom
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Onkyo TX-SR494 and Yamaha RX-V385 compare to the rest of the field.
Best AVR / Receiver RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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