Best Budget AV Receiver Reviews Sony STR-DH790 - best overall receiver with Dolby Atmos This receiver boasts not only plenty of features but also a very reasonable price. Other upgrades over the AVR-X3700H include analog-video-to-HDMI upscaling and support for Auro-3D (an immersive audio format similar to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though not as common). As you move up in price, you can expect a receiver to be able to connect to a home network (check for a wired or wireless network connection, if you have a preference) and to have built-in support for services like Spotify (so you dont have to cast the audio from your phone), as well as built-in streaming protocols such as Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. You can also find AVRs with seven channels of amplification, microphone-based auto calibration, adjustable crossover frequencies and even HDMI switching for well under $1,000. Yes, this 7.1-channel receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (in a 5.1.2-channel configuration--which, if you'll remember, means 5.1 plus two overhead speakers), but . Soundbar vs. Surround-Sound System | Wirecutter - New York Times Its also a snap to exit out of the wizard and configure things at your own pace, in the order you prefer. The contestants were systems composed mostly of recent Wirecutter picks: the Vizio SB46514-F6 from our best soundbar guide versus a full 5.1.4-channel system comprising the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, B5 . It has enough inputs for all of your source devicesfrom your 4K Blu-ray player to your streaming media device to your turntableand its much easier to install and operate than similarly priced competitors. If you dont need HDMI 2.1 support, you may find some 2020 models cheaper. The Denon AVR-X1700H is our top choice because its a great-sounding receiver that holds your hand through the setup process and delivers excellent value. Looking at all the features on offer here, you might notice fewer bells and whistles than on other brands. Features multiple input and output ports, including RCA audio, USB, SD card, aux, and more. Well, youve come to the right place! This unit has dual 32-bit ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DACS for delivering high-quality sound that should satisfy all but the most demanding audiophile. In this price range, you are looking at 5.1 or 5.2 ch. The best AV receivers tested for power, sound and connectivity these amps deliver on movie night Comments (4) Included in this guide: 1 Denon AVR-X4700H Check Price 2 Denon AVR-X2700H Check. For example, it will allow for separate connections to a main TV screen and projector and you can still send additional video content to another screen elsewhere. As you would expect for a high-end unit like this, there is a complete set of pre-outs for powering external power amps instead of using the built-in channels. The 11 channels of amplification mean you can install an impressive 7.2.4 speaker system without needing extra amplifiers. You can find out morehere. The .1 stands for the subwoofer, which usually has its own amplifier built in so your receiver wont need to provide it with power. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. Harmony Companion Universal Remote. The Denon AVR-X3700H has just about every feature in a receiver, including seven HDMI inputs and three outputs and a dedicated port that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling. Good budget AV receivers can start at $250 if you catch sales but usually sit at $280-$300. Therefore the complete range was upgraded in 2022, so all HDMI inputs allowed for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video plus the other features of HDMI 2.1 like VRR, QMS and ALLM. If you watch movies alone or arent especially concerned about the listening experience of anyone else in the room, having four subs is probably overkill. The new models include: We hope to bring in at least the STR-AN1000 and STR-AZ3000ES for our next round of testing. Over the years, I have auditioned more receivers, preamps, and amplifiers than I care to count, and in recent years I have devoted an inordinate amount of time to learning about and testing room-correction systems of all varieties. DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround modes are available if you want to upmix stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 soundtracks to your 5.2.4/7.2.4 speaker system. It also offers better multiroom audio and video support than the AVR-X1700H. Anthem doesnt have a long list of AV receivers to choose from. This is as good as it gets in AV receivers and places this receiver firmly in audiophile territory. The Arcam AVR31 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with Class G amplification, which is one of the main differences between this receiver and the competition. Even better is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. So, you need to decide what is more important to you. Plug your source componentsyour media streamer, gaming console, cable or satellite receiver, or disc playerinto its inputs and then connect its outputs to your display and speakers, and the AV receiver will direct all of the AV signals to the right places and in the right formats. The only reason for this update is the introduction of HDMI 2.1 ports with HDCP2.3 and support for 8K video passthrough. AV Receivers: How Many Watts Per Channel Do You Need? You should also consider how many non-HDMI-equipped sources you want to connect and make sure the receiver has enough digital or analog inputs to accept them. One of the rear inputs is HDMI 2.1 and supports uncompressed 8K/60p and 4K/120p. This receiver is part of the Arcam HAD (High Definition Audio) range, andArcam released its top-end products under the FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) banner in the early years. The MRX 1140 was initially released in 2020, along with the cheaper 740 and 540 models, and didnt support HDMI 2.1 and 8K video passthrough. Many mid- and higher-priced receivers are labeled as .2 instead of .1, which means they have two subwoofer outputs that you may or may not be able to set up and adjust independently. The downside of the Arcam is it is costly, and you will only get an incremental sound improvement over some of the cheaper receivers for all that extra money. With each receiver, we spent at least a day on testing with and without room correction and enjoying a variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos, as well as some action-oriented video games, at volume levels ranging from casual to extreme. *At the time of publishing, the price was $599. The first thing that takes the eye on the Denon AVR-X8500HA is the remarkable 13.2 channels. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. These are the most expensive amps ever made, with one model around 2m / $2m - roughly 10,000 times more expensive than the cheapest amp we'd recommend someone (the Onkyo A-9010 ). Indeed, in most cases, an AV Receiver is significantly cheaper than a more specialized AV Processor. Read a review of the Onkyo TX-NR708 7,2 channel receiver that can pass 3D HDMI 1.4. Other noteworthy enhancements include automatic low-latency mode (which allows devices to automatically detect and switch to the best mode for gaming), eARC (which allows for higher-quality lossless audio over the HDMI Audio Return Channel instead of only compressed formats), variable refresh rate, and quick media switching. It works well, but it could be time for an update with a slicker interface. With support for Yamahas MusicCast system, you can use the app to stream music wirelessly around your home and you can have MusicCast speakers in up to 9 rooms around the house. The upmixing modes of Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X are particularly effective in extending standard 5.1 soundtracks into your height speakers. The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Stereo Receivers of 2023 - Lifewire One interesting feature is the addition of XLR balanced audio inputs, which allows for receiving signals from professional audio hardware or any device with XLR audio outputs. Price? Heres how. Don't worry if your budget doesn't stretch that far, we've selected an amp that can be yours for just a couple of hundred thousand. Its a big unit, so make sure you have the space to install it. One significant new feature in the latest AVENTAGE receivers is support for 8K/60 Hz video or 4K at 120 Hz. There is also support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). HDMI 2.1 support is slowly appearing in new AV receivers. If you have a turntable that lacks a phono preamp, you may want a receiver with a phono input. Best AV receivers 2023: the top home cinema amplifiers we've - whathifi Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Receiver Review. 13.2 channel receivers. If you want to assemble a basic 5.1-channel surround-sound system and you dont have much (or any) experience setting one up, we recommend the Denon AVR-S570BT. Todays soundbars offer a level of audio performance that would have been unimaginable 10 years ago, but they still have limitations in performance and flexibility: The speaker drivers have to be relatively small to fit inside a soundbar, youre usually limited to one subwoofer, and soundbars typically offer only a couple of connection options, to name a few. The AVR-X1700H is also a great choice for gamers who want their system to have full compatibility with all the latest advanced gaming features found on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles, including the ability to pass through a 4K 120 Hz signal. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. And the new MRX 1140 also adds DTS:X Pro support, allowing upmixing for speaker layouts over 11.2 channels. But you may have specific needs that make one of the companys other models a better pick for you. But if you watch movies with large groups of people, this is a pretty meaningful feature that we dont see on cheaper AV receivers. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 4K UHD TV - At 140W per channel, the Denon AVR-S540BT receiver delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, and supports HLG, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling for realistic display and immersive sound Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks include overhead or height effects to make the audio experience even more immersive. This receiver also has 3 helpful HDMI outputs. The Sony STR-DH790 offers excellent value for the price. Thats because our hands-on testing has shown that the brands lineup consistently offers the best bang for the buck in performance and features, and that it does a better job of simplifying the potentially complicated process of setting up a home theater system. We independently review everything we recommend. Its power is enough for both small and medium-sized rooms. If you need a new home theater receiver, check out these top-rated 5 best high-end AV receivers. As you would expect, there is a host of other input types from component and composite video to optical and coaxial digital audio. Anthem is a Canadian company that has been making high-quality audio products for 20+ years. Yamaha is one of the best receiver manufacturers around, and they make excellent AV receivers at all price points. Best AV receivers 2022: which home cinema receiver should you buy The SR range of Marantz receivers is their top-end model and the SR8015 is the flagship receiver. Budget-friendly. The company now offers free HDMI board replacements for anyone with an afflicted receiverincluding the RX-A2A, RX-V4A, RX-V6A, and TSR-700but it took a long time to do so, and the company was not as transparent or communicative about the delays as we wouldve liked. It is an exceptional choice for watching movies and TV, but it also sounds great as an amplifier for stereo music with its Class G amplification. The AVR-S570BT provides fewer inputs than our other picks and has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet support, but the essentials are present. Both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 and the Pioneer VSX-935 had some concerning issues, though. The Arcam AVR31 has 16 pre-out channels (17 with the second subwoofer out) that you can connect to external power amps, so you can use this AV receiver to run a 9.2.6 surround sound speaker system. Add any HEOS-compatible speakers, and you can enjoy wireless audio in every room in your house. However, I assume you are here to understand more about your options at this high-end level, so lets compare the receivers here in a little more detail and give you an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, eARC will allow you to pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio streams from your TV and back into the receiver. The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Multi-Channe l 4K Receiver delivers a stellar sound and loads of additional features and is ideal for a home theater setup. Experience the bigger, clearer picture when you upgrade your home theater setup with the STR-DH590. In fact, the MRX 1140 also has processing for 15.2 channels, whereas the 1120 only had 11.2 pre-outs so it provides a significant upgrade over the older model. A single HDMI 2.1 input supporting 8K/60AB and 4K/120AB, DTS:X Pro (available as a firmware update in the AVR-X8500H), Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (available as a firmware update in the AVR-X8500H), front wide speaker support on Dolby Surround (available as a firmware update in the AVR-X8500H), Will upgrade one HDMI channel on your AVR-X8500H, Adds an HDMI 2.1 port for 8K/60p and 4K/120p video, Ideal for gamers with the latest consoles, Your unit will need to be shipped to a service center, Order on denon.com and receive a shipping box, High-quality DACs Dual ESS SABRE ES9026PRO, Surround:AI technology with 64-bit processing, Support for HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG, MusicCast wireless streaming / MusicCast Surround, Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant/Siri voice control. If youre trying to get as close as possible to re-creating a genuine movie-theater experience at home, theres no replacement for a good AV receiver. If you need the flexibility of sending some or all channels to an external power amp, then you will have no problems with this model, as it has a complete set of 13.2 pre-outs. Best AV receivers 2023: top sound for your home theater Flat-panel TVs are too thin to house good speakers. The AVR31 is the top model in the HDA range of integrated AV receivers. No pain, no gain! The AVR-X3800H also has a good bit more power than our more affordable picks. In Standard mode, all of your subwoofers are monophonic and receive the same low-frequency information, even if theyre configured differently in terms of level, delay, and the like. Room correction adjusts your speakers performance to suit your room. Even music fans with extensive physical music collections stream much of their music from the internet, so a receiver needs some way of supporting streaming audio apps like Amazon Music and Spotify. It tells me that Anthem is more interested in getting the fundamentals just right than trying to cram in every little new feature under the sun. Lots of receivers offer basic room correction, but at the more affordable end of the spectrum, the processing can do more harm than gooddulling the sound without really fixing the most egregious problems with bass frequencies. Even if you have only a 5.1-channel speaker system right now, its nice to have the two extra amp channels to add more speakers or a second audio zone down the road. We also tested midpriced receivers from sibling brands Onkyo and Pioneer, with the intention of requesting some of their higher-end offerings if the less-expensive models proved promising. Best High-End AV Receiver Arcam AVR31 7.2-Ch AV Receiver What Is It: An exceptional AV receiver with best-in-class sound quality and outstanding performance. Most people dont need to spend more than $1,700 for an AV receiver, as you reach a point of diminishing performance returns. Of course, you dont have to use Dirac Live and can make manual measurements and adjustments yourself. Top 5 Best High-End AV Receivers [2023] - Home Cinema Guide Was $599.95. Thats impressive. As well as an Ethernet connection found on the older 2016 receivers, the AVR31 adds support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2 and Chromecast. Bargain. There isnt anything earth-shattering about the look of this receiver, so just expect a standard front panel with a primary volume control knob, a few connectors, and a small display panel. In Directional mode, each subwoofer receives low-frequency sounds from the main speaker nearest to it, along with the .1 (or LFE) channel from the surround soundtrack being decoded. The Good, Better, and Best AV Receivers on the Market Today However, it is also a very efficient way of driving your speakers and provides very low levels of distortion, which is perfect for delivering high-end audiophile sound. Plus, in my experience, they are reliable. Just be aware that you will need an Internet connection for this to work because the measurements are sent online to the Dirac servers to make the complex calculations and number-crunching. HDMI 2.1 is the newest version of the digital connection that all modern video-based components use. Top 10 Most Expensive Stereo Receivers | See 2022's Top Picks . It does an exceptional job of producing a balanced and immersive surround sound experience. Best Budget AV Receiver: Sony STR-DH590 Best Receiver for Wireless Surround : Yamaha RX-V4A Best AV Receiver for Dolby Atmos: Denon AVR-X3700H Best AV Receiver for Audiophiles: NAD T 778 A Great AV Receiver for Music : Denon AVR-S750H Best AV Receiver With Sonos : Integra DRX-3.3 Best Overall AV Receiver 1. The AVR-X1700H is a great-sounding, easy-to-use, 7.1-channel receiver that has all the needed features to satisfy movie fans, music lovers, and gamers alike. Lastly, because the AVR-X1700H relies on less-efficient Class AB amplifier technology (which is typical of AV receivers), it can run quite warm during extended use, especially at higher listening levels, so make sure to give it plenty of room to breathe. Another noteworthy feature that we wouldnt have necessarily expected from a receiver at this price is Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, which mimics the effect of overhead speakers surprisingly well even if all the speakers are at ear level. Best High-End AV Receiver with Pre-Outs - Marantz SR8015. With better room correction, more amplified channels, and a host of advanced features, the Denon AVR-X3800H is a great pick for the home cinema enthusiast who wants a step-up optionbut its also a big step up in price. I have no problem with that. But going this route doesnt give you access to a number of worthwhile benefits of the MultEQ Editor app, including the ability to limit the frequencies that the room correction addresses.