Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-V385 vs Denon AVR-A1H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 15.4, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V385 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 70/6, while the AVR-A1H has a power of 150/8, 190/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V385 it is 0.09%, but for the AVR-A1H it is 0,05%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V385 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-A1H is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Denon AVR-A1H. Both Yamaha RX-V385 and Denon AVR-A1H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. The AVR-A1H has access to the Spotify service.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the RX-V385 and the AVR-A1H. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-V385 has 4/1, and the AVR-A1H has 7/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the RX-V385 and the AVR-A1H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-V385 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVR-A1H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Denon AVR-A1H. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-A1H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the AVR-A1H. Only in the AVR-A1H realized a DTS:X surround technology.