EQUIPMENT HISTORY:
Everything I am describing below is IMPORTANT, read it please!
This amplifier is part of my “collection” of all things audio, both professional and consumer gear. I like to listen to all types of audio equipment, look inside and see the build quality and just appreciate the engineering skills (or lack of) in the early days of audio equipment.
Since around the mid 1990’s this amplifier has been sitting in the workshop area of my previous audio post production business, it’s purpose was a general “backup” amplifier for general listening although it didn’t get a lot of use as we had the pro gear (Alesis etc) providing most of our audio requirements but liked to evaluate “consumer level” equipment from time to time – such as classic gear from Yamaha, Rotel, Sansui, Marantz, Technics and many others.
Well, my now wife says “for goodness sake, get rid of that mountain of gear” so them’s my orders … out they all go.
This equipment is old/vintage, around 25 years but still a great little stereo receiver amplifier that produces a good sound for low bucks and most importantly, is reliable!

THE CONDITION OF THIS EQUIPMENT IS CLEARLY STATED BELOW, BOTH COSMETICALLY AND ELECTRICALLY
There is no warranty, there are no returns (unless it is not operating as indicated in this description) – but I am very thorough and do not “gloss over” any issues I might discover!

YAMAHA RX-385 Stereo Receiver/Amplifier
Made in Malaysia
In production 1993 ~ 1995
Natural Sound series
Model: RX-385
Australian release, 240V with a standard Australian power plug
One switched power socket at the rear, Australian standard (so that other auxiliary equipment can be turned on automatically when this receiver is turned on)
Yamaha is well known for their audio products, this particular equipment comes from the era when many of their competitors went “yeah, we love plastic!” but Yamaha resisted this move and this unit is solidly built with an all metal frame, including the front panel. Unfortunately they did use plastic knobs but you can’t have everything.
This amplifier particularly suits listening areas that are not too large, apartments are perfect. Nice clean sound, nothing fancy though. Simple to operate with two section tone controls (Bass & Treble) which respond well plus the usual Loudness control but this one is rotary, meaning you can vary the amount of Loudness applied (boost in the bass frequencies)
Remote control capable BUT THIS IS NOT SUPPLIED (missing, see notes below under TESTING)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
These specifications differ from many I have seen online, the information below is from the manufacturers manual (not fictional as seems to be often used by sellers)
Power output:
40 watts RMS per channel into 8
You can expect slightly higher power output capabilities if your system is 6 or even 4 Ohm, the user manual does have this information and various measurement systems used (see below, extracted from the manual)
Minimum RMS Output Power per Channel8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.04% THDAustralia model……………………..40W+40W6 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.06% THD…….48W+48WDynamic Power per ChannelAustralia model 8/6/4/2 ohms……………………..68/75/85/95W
Frequency response:
20Hz ~ 20KHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.04% (at full power)
Damping factor: 80 (8 Ohm impedance)
Input sensitivity:
Phono 2.5mV
Line 150mV
Signal to noise ratio:
82dB (Phono), 105dB (Line)
Channel separation: 60dB (Phono or Line)
Audio Connectors (rear):
Phono Input (non-selectable type or load) with signal ground post
Auxiliary Input
CD Input
Tape Input
Tape Output
Front panel sports a nice large display area (medium level Orange – brightness is not adjustable)
This display shows which input is selected and extensive information when the Tuner is being used, including up to 40 memories!
The remaining front panel controls are pretty “stock standard” tone, balance, volume