It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V479BL vs Yamaha RX-V485 because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 5.1. Regarding power, then RX-V479BL has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is the same and is 0.09%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for RX-V479BL and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Only the RX-V485 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Yamaha RX-V479BL has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Only the RX-V485 supports Spotify. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The RX-V485 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the RX-V479BL. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the RX-V485.
The Yamaha RX-V479BL has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V485. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The RX-V479BL supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-V485. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both RX-V479BL and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
None of the rivals equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.