Yamaha RX-V685 (USA version)

Yamaha RX-V685 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing.

We evaluated the Receiver and gave 60 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and video signal passthrough and upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha RX-V685.

Here we are comparing Yamaha RX-V685 to its predecessor RX-V683 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Yamaha RX-V685	Yamaha RX-V683
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 192 kHz/32 Bit	✔ up to 192 kHz
Works with Amazon Alexa	✔	✖
AirPlay	✔ AirPlay 2 via firmware update	✔ AirPlay
More HDMI Outputs	2	1
More Analog Pre-Outs	2.2	0.2
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version	4.2	2.1 + EDR

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha RX-V685	Yamaha RX-V683
Less HDMI Inputs	5	6 (1 front)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha RX-V685 vs Yamaha RX-V683.

Amplifier

Yamaha RX-V685 has 7 channel amplifier and delivers 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

The Receiver has 4K passthrough up to 60p and 4K upscaling up to 60p. It can bypass HDR10, Dolby Vision.

HDR10

High-dynamic-range (HDR) video has greater dynamic range than standard-dynamic-range (SDR) video with brigter whites and deeper blacks. HDR10 was announced on August 27, 2015, by the Consumer Technology Association and uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness and 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors.

Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision is an update to HDR10 by adding dynamic metadata that can be used to more accurately adjust brightness levels up to 10,000 nits maximum brightness on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis and supports up to 12-bit color depth (4096 shades of RGB) and 8K resolution.

Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround upmixer

Yamaha RX-V685 supports Dolby Atmos with its Dolby Surround upmixer. It can be configured upto 5.1.2 channels using internal amplifiers.

Dolby Atmos is the first cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound - the helicopter, a car screeching around a corner, a melodic bird call - can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. You'll feel like you're inside the action, in ways you've never experienced before.

Dolby Atmos for the home represents every sound in the original cinema mix as an audio object. Extensions to the Dolby Audio™ codecs, along with an advanced scalable algorithm, allow Dolby Atmos to be delivered via Blu-ray Disc and streaming media. A spatially-coded substream is added to Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus. A Dolby Atmos audio/video receiver (AVR) adapts the cinema experience to your home theater from seven speakers to as many as 34 in 24.1.10 configuration, recreating the original artistic concept. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X and Neural:X upmixer

Yamaha RX-V685 supports DTS:X with its Neural:X upmixer. It can be configured upto 5.1.2 channels using internal amplifiers.

A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

DTS Neural:X is a new upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

Adaptive DRC

Yamaha RX-V685 features Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) which automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume level. This ensures that you hear clear dialog and vocals, and all sound effects at comfortable levels. There is no need to adjust the volume level as you listen; everything from whispers to big explosions will be heard clearly and comfortably at the same volume setting. It also tones down loud TV commercials, and is ideal for low-volume, late-night listening, when you do not want to disturb others.

Room Correction

Yamaha RX-V685 comes with YPAO (R.S.C.) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

Connectivity

Yamaha RX-V685 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or built-in wi-fi adapter. It can also connect to bluetooth devices via built-in bluetooth adapter. The Receiver works with Amazon Alexa and supports AirPlay 2 via firmware update. It has 5 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.3 copy protection. There is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver. There are 2.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has USB and mini-jack Audio inputs.

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Yamaha RX-V685.

BASICS
Brand	Yamaha
Model	RX-V685
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2018

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✖
THX™ Certification	✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✔

AUDIO
Surround:AI™	✖
DAC	Burr-Brown DAC x 4 for main zone
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖
Dolby Atmos	✔
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✔
Dolby Pro Logic	✖
Dolby Digital EX	✖
DTS:X	✔
DTS Neural:X	✔
DTS Virtual:X	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio	✔
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio	✔
DTS 96/24	✔
DTS Express	✖
DTS-ES	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced	✖
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖
PCM	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 192 kHz/32 Bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖
Gapless Playback	✔
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✔ 2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✖
USB DAC	✖
DTS Dialogue Control	✔
Dialog Level Adjustment	✔
Dialog Normalization	✔
Dialogue Lift	✔ no presence speakers required
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔ including enhancer for Bluetooth®
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)	✔
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting	✔
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖
Audyssey LFC	✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖
Audyssey DSX	✖
Straight Decoding Mode	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✔ with Video On mode
CINEMA DSP	✔ 3D
DSP Programs	17
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP	✔ Virtual CINEMA FRONT
Virtual Speakers	✔ including surround back
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔ YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C.)
YPAO Volume	✔
PEQ for SUB	Down to 15.6 Hz

VIDEO
Video Signal Type	NTSC/PAL/SECAM
HDR10	✔
HDR10+	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔
Dolby Vision	✔
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✔
Quick Media Switching (QMS)	✖
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)	✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)	✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)	✖
3-D Ready	✔
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input	✖
FireConnect	✖
FlareConnect	✖
MusicCast	✔
Chromecast Built-In	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✔
Google assistant	✔
Works with SONOS	✖
AirPlay	✔ AirPlay 2 via firmware update
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	✔ (iPhone® / iPad® / Android™ phone / tablet)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖
Ethernet	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖
Wi-Fi	✔
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC (compatible with SCMS-T.)
HDBaseT Compatible	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✔ via firmware update
HDCP Version	2.3
HDMI Inputs	5
HDMI Outputs	2
USB Input	USB memory, Portable Audio Player
USB DC Out Port	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	4 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖
Phono Input	✔
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	1
Composite Video Outputs	✖
S-Video Inputs	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs	✖
PC In	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	2.2
XLR Inputs	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB, mini-jack Audio
Speaker A/B	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES
Zones	2
Powered Zones	Zone 2
Zone 2 Outs	Preout
Zone B Video Output	✖
Zone GUI	✖
RS-232 Interface	✖
+12V Trigger Output	1
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1
Party Mode	✔

MISC
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface
SCENE	SCENE (8 sets)
Web Control	✔
PreAmp Mode	✖
Remote Controller	✔
Detachable Power Cord	✖
dockport	✖

RADIO
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio	✖
Internet Radio	✔
Pandora	✔
Spotify	✔
Tidal	✔
Deezer	✔
Napster	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✔

CONSTRUCTION
A.R.T. Wedge	✖
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	400 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function	✔
Auto Power Standby	✔
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 171 mm x 378 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 248 mm x 378 mm) 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-7/8" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 9-3/4" x 14-7/8")
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	21" x 18" x 10"
Weight	10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
Weight of Package	27 lbs
Warranty	2 Years

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.06% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	105 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	125 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	150 W (10% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	130 W (10% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (2 Ω, Front)	235 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	190 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (6 Ω, Front)	165 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	125 W
THD	0.06% (AV 2 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
THD (Phono)	0.02% (PHONO to Front, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 10 V)
Damping Factor	100 (Front, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	2.3 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)	60 mV (1 kHz, 0.1% THD)
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1.0 V/2.7 kΩ (Front) 1.0 V/1.2 kΩ (Subwoofer)
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	1.6 V
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	100 mV/560 Ω (1 kHz, 50 mV, 8 Ω)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	96 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation	±0.5 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+0/-3 dB (AV 2 etc. to Front, 10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Residual Noise (IHF-A Network)	150 µV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)	70 dB/50 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (PHONO)	60 dB/55 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Maximum Input	1.5 Vp-p
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted