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. If you want to get as close as possible to the movie-theater experience at home and want the most flexibility in speaker selection and setup, you need an AV receiver at the heart of your AV system. Your receiver needs to be able to connect all the HDMI source devices you have, which could include, for instance, a media streaming device, a cable or satellite box, a disc player, and a gaming console. If you dont need HDMI 2.1 support, you may find some 2020 models cheaper. But this is overkill. If you run Audyssey through the receivers interface and decide afterward that you want to upgrade to use the app, you have to reconnect the mic and place it at all eight measurement positions and listen to the test tones again. This means you can install a complete object-based surround sound speaker layout of 7.2.4 without adding any further amplification or 9.2.2 if you wish. It retails for $3800. 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. This unit also has built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio support. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the channel counting gets a little more complicated. 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. Take, for example, the AVR-X2800H: It costs $500 more than the AVR-X1700H yet doesnt offer much by way of upgrades except for a little more power, a somewhat more robust power supply, and a second HDMI output. It also represents a modest but appreciable improvement over our previous upgrade pick, the now-discontinued AVR-X3700H. Think of it as the traffic cop of your audio-video system, routing video from your sources to your display and sending audio to your speakers. One final thing to consider is that, like the AVR-X1700H, the AVR-X3800H runs quite warm, so its a good idea to install this receiver in a spot with adequate ventilation and to avoid stacking anything on top of it or crowding it from either side. These are pre-outs for the front left/right speakers for connecting a balanced signal into a power amplifier. Best AV receivers 2023: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested By Andy Madden, Tom Parsons last updated 19 April 2023 The very best home cinema surround sound Comments (8) Included in this guide: 1 Denon AVR-X2800H Check Price 2 Denon AVC-X3800H Check Price 3 Arcam AVR31 Check Price 4 Yamaha RX-A6A Check Price 5 Denon AVR-X2700H Check Price 6 The sound quality of this machine is right up there with the best. You can connect the extra amplifier via the pre-out connections on the back. . It is a more complex process than the room correction supplied with most AV receivers. They are essentially the same, and most features are found in both models. The quality of the room correction had the biggest impact on the sound, and MultEQ XT was a clear winner over alternatives from Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha in receivers at or near this models priceespecially when we used the optional $20 MultEQ Editor mobile app (for iOS and Android) to tweak the room correction. Features multiple input and output ports, including RCA audio, USB, SD card, aux, and more. Product Description. The Yamaha is the mostexpensive stereo receiver you can buy for good value, Its sound is good and it has an amplifier design. Moving up to a 7.1-channel receiver gives you the option to add an extra pair of surround speakers in the rear of the room, to power a second audio zone, or to build a basic Dolby Atmos/DTS:X system with two overhead speakersprovided that the receiver has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding (most newer 7.1-channel models do). If you want 8k support and find an older AVR-X8500H, you can buy an upgrade from Denon that will swap one of the original HDMI ports and allow support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. The audio frequency response of your room will massively affect what you hear, which, hopefully, you will balance out using the receivers automatic room calibration. 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. Its a big unit, so make sure you have the space to install it. It is possible to play 3D content. The 5.2ch AV receiver brings movies to life with 4K HDR pass-through, Dolby Vision and flexible surround sound. Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Receiver Review. The AVR-S570BT provides fewer inputs than our other picks and has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet support, but the essentials are present. Since the subwoofer is typically self-powered, to figure out how many amplified channels a receiver has, you simply add the first and third numerals: A 5.1.2-channel receiver, for example, has seven amplified channels and might also be referred to as a 7.1-channel receiver. One of the main new features in this years release is support for 8K video. The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). $499.95. Through online research, we learned that, to get around this hitch, you have to unplug the HDMI cable running between the receiver and display, turn the AVR-X3800H off and on, and allow the firmware to update before reconnecting the HDMI cable. The good news is that a high-quality home theater receiver will last for years. The connected speakers and how they interact with the room are the most significant impact on the sound that you hear. Denons sibling company Marantz also has its own line of AV receivers, and were constantly getting questions from readers asking whether they should get a Denon or Marantz receiver. The SR5015, SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 receivers are all 8K-ready and will range in price from $1,100 to $3,200. Sony STR-DH590. True, a couple of key music servicesnamely Apple Music and Qobuzare missing, but the receiver also supports Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, allowing you to easily stream those services from your phone. Of course, you can also have a smaller speaker layout like 7.1 or 5.1.4 and save the spare channels for powering speakers in other zones. If youre a room-correction aficionado, a glance at the Audyssey charts below explains why: You can see how much smoother the midrange (100 to 1,000 Hz) response was when we applied the MultEQ XT32 room correction, in comparison with the midtier MultEQ XT room correction in the AVR-X1700H. Dirac Live is widely accepted by many to be the best room correction technology around. In this article, Ill share my top 5 picks for the best high-end AV receivers of 2023. HDMI 2.1 is the newest version of the digital connection that all modern video-based components use. Sometimes you just need to buy the best on the market. After completing a new round of testing, weve selected the Denon AVR-X1700H as our top pick, the Denon AVR-X3800H as our upgrade pick, and the Denon AVR-S570BT as our budget pick. Onkyo TX-SR393. During our listening tests, we were unable to tell most of the receivers apart with their room correction disabled. However, in the updated Denon AVR-X8500HA, the main improvements in the new version are: Apart from that, the two versions have similar specifications although the MSRP is slightly higher for the new model. Nothing in terms of features and performance but only suitable for those with a big budget. Everything is geared towards a high-end audiophile product. The very best room-correction systems also allow you to place limits on what the system is and isnt allowed to correct.. Its Heos multiroom streaming platform integrates a number of music streaming services into one app, including Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn. Therefore, if you dont need the new features, you may get a bargain if you can find the older model in stock. Another standout feature of the MRX 1140 is the automatic room correction. 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. It is worth remembering that, at present, only the new game consoles will output these video formats. We didnt set a lot of minimum spec requirements to limit what models we considered, but there are certain key specs that you should keep in mind when you begin your receiver search, to determine whether you need a budget, midpriced, or higher-end model: A basic home theater setup is referred to as having 5.1 channels of audio. If you're spending under $1,000, there are four main receivers to choose from -- the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-960H. Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receiver. With all this technology, there is always a balance that you need to find between features and cost. It also supports HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG high dynamic range content. The other spec to be aware of is the rated total harmonic distortion of 0.01%. They all offer the highest engineering standards and will provide outstanding sound for movies and music. Buying guide FAQ. The quality of a receivers room correction hugely impacts the sound. 13.2 channel receivers. All six of its HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1 compatible and support 8K video and advanced gaming features. As we were wrapping up testing for this update, Sony announced a new commitment to AV receivers with the introduction of several new modelsall of which feature support for 8K video and 4K at 120 Hz, along with Sonys proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. Of course, if you only want to use the built-in class G channels without buying more power amplifiers then you can set up a very nice 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system. One of the biggest disappointments is that, even at the $1,500-and-above level, Onkyo and Pioneer receivers felt cheaply constructed when we perused them at retail (primarily Best Buy and Cohens) to decide what to bring in for in-depth hands-on testing, prompting concerns about their durability. 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. 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. The AVR-X4800H, meanwhile, generally sells for $600 more the AVR-X3800H, but the only meaningful differences are 25 watts of extra rated power per channel (although the power supply is rated for only 50 watts of additional power overall) and an additional HDMI input. Anthem is a Canadian company that has been making high-quality audio products for 20+ years. Good budget AV receivers can start at $250 if you catch sales but usually sit at $280-$300. Yamaha RX-A8A AVENTAGE 11.2-Ch AV Receiver, 5. 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. Take your time to consider what you need in a new AV receiver, and you will find the right model that ticks all the boxes. These sound formats are designed to add an overhead element to the typical ear-level surround sound available for decades. Like Dirac Live, you must install the software on your laptop and connect the supplied microphone to make the measurements. Denon AVR-S660H. Was $599.95. In the price ranges we covered with our testing, we were unable to tell most receivers apart when their room correction was not enabled. We researched and tested to find the best-looking and best-sounding home theater equipment that will take your personal setup from functional to enjoyable. It works well, but it could be time for an update with a slicker interface. In my opinion, one of the best benefits of a Denon receiver is the Audyssey automatic room acoustic correction technology. All of our current recommendations support 4K HDR displays and sources, and our top pick and upgrade pick support 8K or 4K at a 120Hz refresh rate. This receiver allows IP control for more advanced remote control capability for hardware like Control4 automation devices. One of the rear inputs is HDMI 2.1 and supports uncompressed 8K/60p and 4K/120p. All offer excellent. The Sony STR-DH790 offers excellent value for the price. The upmixing modes of Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X are particularly effective in extending standard 5.1 soundtracks into your height speakers. The AVR-X3800H has more amp channels and more connection options than the AVR-X1700H, so the back panel is more crowded. Bring all your devices together with BLUETOOTH connectivity and multiple inputs. Automatic room correction is handled by the excellent Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system, which will give fantastic results for cleaning up and balancing the sound in your room. But the reason this model is no longer a pick has less to do with price hikes and shelf-life concerns (though those things matter) than it does with how Yamaha handled the HDMI 2.1 issues that plagued all of the first-generation 8K-compatible receivers. The serious audio or home theater enthusiast may choose to spend more money for more power (which may be important if your speakers have low sensitivity and are difficult to drive), more amplified channels, more setup and customization options, and better build quality, but above $1,700, youll find diminishing performance returns on your investment. An AV receiver can also serve as a music hub for your home, since many of them can connect to a home network and stream audio around the house via platforms such as Apples AirPlay 2, Googles Chromecast, or proprietary systems like Denons Heos and Yamahas MusicCast, which are designed to compete with the likes of Sonos. There is the same number of HDMI ports as the previous model of this AV receiver. A bigger concern is that we couldnt upgrade the receivers firmware without jumping through some hoops. Are you a hardcore gamer who wants support for the newest gaming features? Performance? One significant new feature in the latest AVENTAGE receivers is support for 8K/60 Hz video or 4K at 120 Hz. The SR range of Marantz receivers is their top-end model and the SR8015 is the flagship receiver. Our upgrade pick has four independent subwoofer outputs, so Denon markets it as a 9.4-channel receiver. Simple to set up and use but lacking in features, the Denon AVR-S570BT is a solid choice if you just want to put together a good 5.1-channel speaker system. The Cinema 50, on the other hand, is a really close match for the AVR-X3800H but costs $800 more. Denon AVR-S960H ($499) Channels: 7.2 Its all perfectly logical, though. This receiver takes everything we like about the AVR-X1700H in terms of performance, features, and user-friendliness and improves upon all of those aspectsas it should, since it costs roughly $1,000 more. These receivers offer some of the best engineering, features and performance that money can buy. But it will do a fantastic job of balancing the sound in your room. FAQ. Here are a few examples of AV receivers in the entry-level category: Onkyo TX-SR333 ($299), Denon AVR-S500BT ($249), Yamaha RX-V377 ($299.95), Pioneer VSX-524-K ($249.99), and Sony STR-DH550 ($279 . There is plenty of power under the hood, and you will have no problems driving even the most power-hungry speakers with a rating of 140 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05% THD, 2 Channels Driven). It has 5.2 multi-channel surround sound with a booming 145W per channel output, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio that's better than the price tag suggests. All the other HDMI ports support 4K/60p and HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. 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 RX-A8A is the first Yamaha integrated receiver with built-in support for 11 channels and contains the high-end CX/MX A5200 power amplifier and preamp architecture. For such a feature-packed AV receiver, the AVR-X3800H was surprisingly easy for us to install and configure, again due to Denons excellent setup wizard. For instance, when going through the guided setup, we reached a screen that asked us to choose a time zone, but a list of time zones wasnt available. Correcting the imperfections in sound caused by your room is underrated by many and will allow you to get the best from your hardware. Heres the best audio and video gear, plus accessories, to improve your gaming enjoyment. Be aware that there is just a single 8K HDMI input. The speaker connections on the back are, as on most Denon receivers these days, arranged side by side rather than stacked on top of one another, which makes physical setup less frustrating, especially if youre using bare-wire speaker connections. 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. 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. HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG are present along with 4K UHD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling and HDCP 2.3. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can add Auro-3D support via a firmware update. If you really want to take advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can have a 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 surround sound speaker system. 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. Denon is always a brand you should consider when looking for a new AV receiver. 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. There are 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, which should be plenty for most setups. If you have a good AV store near you, see if you can listen to these models in their listening room, and try to get it hooked up to similar speakers to your own. Alternatively, you could reserve two of those channels for a separate stereo audio zone in another room. Most receivers priced around $400 or less are 5.1-channel designs. 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. Its somewhat telling that these brands are the only two that most curious parties mention when asking for advice, but the truth is that Marantzs receiversespecially its new Cinema Seriesare a bit more luxury-oriented and as such dont represent as good a value for most people. Marantz is a manufacturer with a rich history of hi-fi products, so you can be sure their AV receivers will receive the same attention to detail. You can set up several scenarios in different rooms using the zone connections. We also like that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas for the AVR-X1700H have little plastic clips at the top of the chassis that keep them locked in place and out of the way. Of course, we dont yet know, without extensive head-to-head testing, what difference Dirac Live Bass Control might make a year from now, but if youre already sold on Dirac room correction and know that you would prefer it over Audyssey MultEQ XT32, you might consider a receiver like Pioneers Elite VSX-LX505 instead, which is similarly priced but lacks some of the AVR-X3800Hs other niceties, such as its four subwoofer outputs, its Auro-3D support, its less-cluttered back panel, and its superior setup wizard. Another new feature is the Anthem Web User Interface. Which is about as many as you get on any receiver these days. In fact, there is a complete set of 13.2 pre-outs on the back if you want to power all your speakers from external power amps. The Cinema 60, for example, is comparable in many respects to the Denon AVR-X1700H on paperat least in terms of channel count, room-correction capabilities, HDMI inputs, and the likeyet it sells for the same price as the AVR-X3800H. Heres how. this is a Rotel's flagship receiver. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The number of channels is the first thing that jumps out at you when looking at this AV receiver. It would be nice if Denon built a sort of choose-your-own-adventure branching path into the setup wizard, perhaps by asking you to press Continue if you want basic room correction or scanning a QR code if you want to use the MultEQ Editor app for more in-depth tuning. The relative simplicity of the AVR-S570BTs remote reflects its more stripped-down feature set. Denon has also promised to add support for Dirac Live, a more advanced form of room correction, in March 2023with support for the even more advanced Dirac Live Bass Control coming in 2024. You might, for example, see designations like 5.1.2 or 5.2.4. The first numeral here refers to the number of conventional ear-level speakers that need to be amplified, the second refers to the number of subwoofer outputs, and the third number refers to the number of overhead channels. It has a depth of 482mm and weighs in at just over 51 lbs, so its not for the faint-hearted. If you still run a separate stereo amplifier for listening to music, you may no longer need it if you buy this receiver. Best 11.2 Receiver Reviews Marantz SR8015 - best 11-channel receiver Let's begin the best High-End receivers review with the Marantz SR8015. So, if you want a high-end AV receiver, which models should you look at? In our head-to-head round, we tested each receiver with and without its room correction engaged. Flat-panel TVs are too thin to house good speakers. There is also support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Firstly, any of these receivers will be an excellent addition to your home theater. Of course, you dont have to use Dirac Live and can make manual measurements and adjustments yourself. There is no substitute for first-hand experience, and you might have a different opinion than me on what sounds good youre mistaken, of course. Make sure to read the fine print to pick a receiver that supports the HDMI 2.1 features you need. But thats not all. Harmony Companion Universal Remote. 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. Wirecutters simple tips and tech upgrades give you great sound without a lot of work. In most cases, you would probably use the built-in Class G channels to run your basic 5.1/7.1 speaker layout then add external amplifiers to add the extra height channels to a maximum of 8 more speakers. It does an exceptional job of producing a balanced and immersive surround sound experience. But if you watch movies with large groups of people, this is a pretty meaningful feature that we dont see on cheaper AV receivers. Stylish design and great sound make the Polk Signature Elite ES15, ES10, and ES30 combo our pick for the best surround-sound system. This inexpensive model features 2 channels and 220-watt power for superior audio. 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. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Designed to provide a detailed and dynamic sound, you can be sure this receiver will work well for both movie soundtracks and music mixes. See all Receivers. For most users, 7.1 capacity is more than enough, and that's what we . This is as good as it gets in AV receivers and places this receiver firmly in audiophile territory. AV receivers built-in room-correction systems automatically adjust audio to suit your room, but the results arent always pleasing. So, what are the main features of the AVR-X8500HA? How much of that extra power you actually need depends on the size of your room and the efficiency of your speakers (that is, how loudly they play when powered by a 2.83-volt input), but with our test system in a 12-by-15-foot room with 8-foot ceilings, we were able to play the AVR-X3800H louder than we could comfortably listen to. Its also an affordable choice for anyone who already has a 5.1 system in place but needs to upgrade their receiver because it doesnt support 4K, HDR, or features of the new HDMI 2.1 spec designed for modern gaming consoles. But all of its features and performance advantages come at a price. Experience the bigger, clearer picture when you upgrade your home theater setup with the STR-DH590. All built-in no further amplification required. Anything that might compromise this is not present. Our only minor qualms with the AVR-X1700H are that the remote controls infrared signal can be finicky and the receiver can run a bit warm when youre pushing your speaker system to high volumes. Instead of reaching for one remote to turn on your TV . As I suggested earlier, you cant go wrong with Denon if youre unsure which brand to buy. There is plenty of power to be had here, so this unit will have no problem driving your speakers hard for the best sound. You will also need to download the Dirac Live software and install it on your laptop or PC. So, unless you have these consoles, you wont benefit from HDMI 2.1 support too much. 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. 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 .