It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V385 vs Yamaha RX-V683BL because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V385 has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Yamaha RX-V683BL. Regarding power, then RX-V385 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/6 when RX-V683BL has a power of 90/8, 150/4. The THD is 0.09% for the RX-V385 but 0.06% for the RX-V683BL.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for RX-V385 and Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for the RX-V683BL. Only the RX-V683BL supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Yamaha RX-V683BL can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Only the RX-V683BL supports Spotify.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Yamaha RX-V385 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V683BL. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V385. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The RX-V683BL has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Yamaha RX-V683BL.
Only the RX-V683BL has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the RX-V683BL.