When comparing Sony STR-DN850 vs Yamaha RX-V379BL, the Slant community recommends Yamaha RX-V379BL for most people. In the question“What are the best A/V receivers under $400?” Yamaha RX-V379BL is ranked 3rd while Sony STR-DN850 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Yamaha RX-V379BL is:
Has very convenient shortcut buttons that switch to your favorite source and its audio settings with a single button press.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro An increased depth of sound
Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.
Pro Good interface
It has a simple and easy to understand interface that shows all the necessary information while still making it pleasant to look at. This can be applied to the remote as well. It isn’t cluttered with buttons but still offers the same functionality.
Pro Access to multiple streaming services
Can access some of the regularly used streaming services through its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. These streaming services are Spotify, TuneIn and Apple’s Airplay.
Pro An extra option for control
The application SongPal is being used as an another controller to manipulate the receiver. It provides the very basic options, such as, source selection, playback of music, volume settings but even includes adding different types of effects to the audio.
Pro Additional music playback
Has a USB port at the front and Bluetooth connectivity with NFC support to give you additional music playback choices.
Pro Supports 4K resolution
For its 5 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output it has 4K pass-through and can even upscale video to a 4K resolution.
Pro Simplifies the changing of settings
Has very convenient shortcut buttons that switch to your favorite source and its audio settings with a single button press.
Pro Improves its sound based on the area and equipment
With Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) it can automatically adjust its audio settings. The included microphone picks up the unique sounds your room emits when it plays a specific sound and fine-tunes the settings accordingly.
Pro Can imitate surround sound
With Virtual Cinema Front it can imitate surround sound even when all five speakers are placed in the front. While it is useful, be aware that it can’t fully replace a proper placement of speakers.
Pro Partially future-proofed
One of the 4 HDMI inputs is HDCP 2.2 compatible which is able to play copyrighted 4K resolution content.
Cons
Con Not future-proof
None of the HDMI ports have HDCP 2.2 support which will prevent the user from experiencing copyrighted 4K quality content. Additionally, it doesn’t employ Dolby Atmos technology which is used to create an extra immersive sound. Currently these technologies are not widespread but will probably become more prevalent as time goes on.
Con Unreliable sound setup
The sound calibration can be a hit or miss. It will either perform accurately and set up your system to a good standard or widely misrepresent the sound. Not suited for people who don’t like to rely on their ears for sound modification.
Con Limited music playback options
It lacks several different music playback options like the USB port, music streaming and Bluetooth. Although there is Bluetooth connectivity, it is only used for wireless speakers and not as an additional input.
Con Uses lesser quality connectors
Three out of five speakers use spring clips which are not as convenient as a binding post and can cause problems when paired with a thicker gauge wire. Can also lead to wire fraying.
Con Primarily entry level
With its limited features it seems like it’s primarily an entry level receiver which won’t suffice if you would choose to expand your home theater.