It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Yamaha RX-V485BL vs Yamaha RX-V481BL.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, the receivers have the same performance - 80/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.09%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V485BL received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-V481BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-V485BL and Yamaha RX-V481BL 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, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the RX-V485BL and the RX-V481BL. Video scaling is only possible with the RX-V485BL. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the RX-V485BL.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-V485BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. RX-V485BL and RX-V481BL support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Yamaha RX-V485BL and the Yamaha RX-V481BL can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.