The Yamaha RX-V 685 looks like a dream come true. The AV receiver includes various features such as dynamic range control, YPAO sound optimization, and excellent build quality. However, do you need these features from an AV receiver, or are you just wasting money on this device? Our team has the answer as we reviewed Yamaha RX-V 685 here.
What We Like
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and DTS HD Master Audio
- Bluetooth wireless streaming options
- Comes with MusicCast
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Works with Apple Music with Apple Airplay 2
- Pandora Spotify, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Tidal, Deezer, Napster and Qobuz, and more
- 4K Ultra HD quality
- HDR10 Dolby Vision
- Hybrid log gamma
- HDMI inputs and eARC connection
- Alexa, Echo, or Echo Dot voice control
- Phono input terminal
- Virtual surround back speaker
- Compressed music enhancer
- Adaptive DRC
- Virtual presence speakers
- Bi-amp support
- Cinema DSP 3D
- Works with presence speaker
What We Don’t Like
- Some streaming functions require the mobile app
- Vague instruction manual
Design
Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-channel AV receiver looks nice with an organized exterior. Everything is clearly labeled with a contrast between the Plexiglass and matte finish. This Yamaha device comes with its own remote, and being a 7.2-channel A/V receiver, this model is your guy for connectivity options.
When our team looked at the back of the device during the Yamaha RX-V685 review, the audio input-output ports can be overwhelming. Still, again, everything is clearly labeled and color-coded. The overall feel and quality of the construction with rigid materials prove that Yamaha is a reliable brand.
Yamaha RX-V685 Features
Power
Before you select a receiver, the primary consideration is the output power. The rated output power of the Yamaha RX-V685 AV receiver is 90W per channel. Be sure to pair it accordingly with the rest of your system.
Sound Quality
Our experts always prefer equipment that supports advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos DTS:X and more, which the Yamaha RXV685 does. These AV receivers can fill medium to large-sized rooms with clear and detailed sound but fit well in smaller rooms too.
The receiver helps you reach true surround sound once it is integrated into your system. People used to pay a premium for advanced audio profiles in wireless surround speakers, but now you can get this effect from a receiver at a lesser price.
Other audio features included are a phono input taking an almost phased out phonograph and connecting it to the receiver for optimized sound.
There is also a multi-room Zone 2 function allowing you to project the sound to a different room. The Yamaha RX-V 685 uses the back channels to redirect the content to the speakers in the second room.
Our team recommends Mpeg-4 AAC up to 192 kHz 24-bit, ALAC up to 96 kHz 24 bit, FLAC up to 192 kHz 24 bit, WAV/AIFF up to 192 kHz/32 bit, DSD up to 11.2 mHz for audio resolution. You can pair the receiver with MusicCast speakers to create wireless surround sound. MusicCast speaker options are the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 speakers from the brand.
Video Processing
Our team was very impressed with the video quality the receiver supports. With various HDMI input options and component video inputs, you get Ultra HD, HDR10 Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma, and more. Most TV models offer high-quality 4K resolution, which is why these formats are so useful.
Ports and Connections: Yamaha RX-V685
To make sure it supports most connection methods, our experts looked for a headphone output option, a USB port, composite video input-output, and various HDMI connections such as eARC in these AV receivers.
Your home theater system will only require the Yamaha RX-V685 to drive your setup, decode the sound, enhance audio output, and more with many compatible connections.
Wireless Connectivity
The wireless connectivity presence on this device was very convenient. Our experts appreciate both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options for wireless connection, although you do have the choice to go with regular cables for your surround speakers. Usually, you would find both wireless options on pricier models, which is why our team appreciated this specific aspect of the product.
WiFi [1] does offer more stability and even stronger signal, but our experts say Bluetooth is a more ubiquitous option since it is present in almost all of your devices. Bluetooth will also limit your placement options because it has a shorter range.
WiFi is available throughout your home, and with signal boosters, you can often extend the reach. If you want to connect to multiple speakers, our team suggests using WiFi over Bluetooth.
Voice Control
Voice control can be achieved by connecting Amazon Alexa or Echo devices to the system. One other bonus about having a virtual assistant can provide is hands-free control. Not only is your receiver responsible for connecting passive speakers, but it also acts as a nerve center for your home system.
It can be tough to control all of the above, so our experts found voice commands very helpful. You can ask the unit to turn specific integrations on or off and play the content you want.
Setup: Yamaha RX-V685
Receivers usually go at the center of your setup. Our experts say to strategically place all your equipment and hook them up to the HDMI ports or opt for wireless streaming. This receiver ranks very high on the compatibility scale as it offers various forms of connection. Chances are, your device can connect to this unit no matter what type of connection you need.
Our team prefers wireless connection for the sake of tidiness, but wired HDMI connections prove to be stabler. If you have many devices, wireless connectivity is a better option to eliminate wires. However, our team reminds you not to exceed 33 feet when connecting via Bluetooth and make sure your WiFi signal is strong.
Price and Value for Money
From what you get with this product in terms of the construction quality, versatility, and features, our team feels every passive system owner should give it a chance. The multi-room Zone 2 capability increases the usage of the receiver.
The device is highly compatible with many audio and video formats and can give the user another convenience layer with voice assistants. Our team has done their fair share of assessments and many other models with the same features, which cost quite a bit more. Not to mention, the overall look of the machine is an appealing one.
That’s not to say the receiver is without flaws because our team members have a few improvements they would like to see in subsequent units. For example, the remote should have backlighting. It may not be a very important feature, but locating and reading the remote in low-light conditions was very difficult.
We understand why the device is heavy because it features many components. Our team would like to note that the Zone 2 multi-room function can only be achieved with Yamaha products. If you don’t have a system composed mostly of Yamaha devices, the Zone 2 option won’t work.
Our team didn’t really expect much for the price but was pleasantly surprised by what the receiver offered.
Yamaha is a top-quality brand that stands behind its products. For this product, you get a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Even for something that is known to be sturdy and robust, our team always suggests prioritizing a product that comes with a warranty instead of one that lacks.
(For other options, we also listed premium quality receviers for turntables here)
FAQ
How do I connect my Yamaha RX v685 to WIFI?
You can connect your Yamaha RXV685 to WiFi by connecting the antenna, ensuring your WiFi signal in the home is strong, and inputted the proper settings. On the receiver, head into the network settings through the menu and choose the connection method. We recommended the PIN code option.
How do I reset my Yamaha RX v685?
You can reset your Yamaha RX V685 by hitting the power button to put it into standby mode. Then, press both the “straight” and “power” buttons simultaneously. The turn to the “program selector” to locate “INIT Cancel” and then select all. Afterwhich, just turn off the device and then turn it on again.
Yamaha RX-V685 Review Conclusion
After consolidating the Yamaha RX-V685 reviews from various team members, one thing is obvious – the supported formats such as Dolby Atmos and connections make the receiver superior among many others. The brand offers plenty of capabilities such as hands-free control and streaming selections to improve your setup.
