When comparing Yamaha RX-V481BL vs Yamaha RX-V379BL, the Slant community recommends Yamaha RX-V481BL for most people. In the question“What are the best A/V receivers under $400?” Yamaha RX-V481BL is ranked 2nd while Yamaha RX-V379BL is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Yamaha RX-V481BL is:
All five speaker inputs employ binding posts instead of spring clips which makes it easier to set up speakers. Binding posts provide better contact between the wire and the receiver than spring clips making it a safer choice. In addition, banana plugs can be used with binding posts to allow for very quick swapping of speaker wires.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Easy speaker setup
All five speaker inputs employ binding posts instead of spring clips which makes it easier to set up speakers. Binding posts provide better contact between the wire and the receiver than spring clips making it a safer choice. In addition, banana plugs can be used with binding posts to allow for very quick swapping of speaker wires.
Pro Remarkable picture fidelity
It has higher picture accuracy than other receivers at this price range. To achieve this, it uses the High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology for a higher range of contrast and colors. In addition, the BT.2020 option is employed which expands the range of colors. Together, they create a much more natural and more pronounced picture.
Pro Fantastic sound for the price
This Yamaha receiver has better sound than most of the receivers in this price range. The bass is definite and the depth of the sound is quite noteworthy. The sound as a whole has good clarity.
Pro Extensive music playback options
There are extensive music playback options through Bluetooth, USB and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pro Offers control from your phone
It is possible to control the receiver through your mobile application. The MusicCast application is simple, visually pleasing, and even has several options to customize its look.
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 Looks cluttered
The main box is filled with buttons. While they all have a purpose, the options might seem overwhelming. To help with this, scene shortcuts are available to make switching scenes as easy as possible.
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.