Yamaha RX-V383 – top entry level amplifier

For many technology fanatics an entry level amplifier is the best way to start a home theatre kit to help them make the most of entertainment at home. One of the best entry level amplifiers in South Africa, the Yamaha RX-V383 is now available at Audio Corporation.
“People expect an entry level amplifier to be bare bones and have a moderate sound quality, but after spending some time with the RX-V383, it is safe to say that it sounds just as good as last year’s model, the RX-V381 and has received a couple notable upgrades. The 383 includes a USB input on the front panel and is better equipped to handle 4K video,” says Christiaan van Schalkwyk, owner of Audio Corporation and expert when it comes to sound equipment.
Van Schalkwyk explains that the RX-V383 is a typical boxy audio visual (AV) receiver. The front has the normal array of buttons and knobs for volume, input select, and quick selection pre-set buttons that automatically select the correct input and digital signal processor (DSP) setting with one click. The remote is well laid out and simple to use. AV remote controls are notorious for being over complicated, however, the 383 remote is intuitive and free of button clutter.
This amplifier has a couple of analog connections as well as a row of four High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs as well as one output. It supports both High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. Because there are different HDR standards throughout the world, Yamaha has created the RX-V383 with built-in support for HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG.
“Getting the Yamaha RX-V383 up and running is straightforward. Unfortunately, when first booting up the unit the user is not greeted by a set-up wizard. Yamaha does include a quick start manual that will help with the initial set-up. It can also be downloaded as an application for Android of iOS. This app will take you through the setup process from start to finish,” says Van Schalkwyk.
At this price point, the Yamaha RX-V383 doesn’t include ethernet or WiFi connections. However, Bluetooth is built-in to easily stream music wirelessly to the amplifier from various streaming services installed on any smart device.
The front of the unit has a headphone and 3,5 mm auxiliary input. The USB port can be used to play music from a portable storage device or, more importantly, to install future firmware updates, according to Van Schalkwyk.
He says he used the amplifier while playing a video game and the sound was clean, clear and powerful as the active surround channels sent bullets whizzing around the room. “I also played a variety of music and the little amplifier’s soundstage was full of depth and body, showing that it is an energetic music performer.”

Story: MARKI FRANKEN
>>[email protected]