Stereo receiver 5.1: Best 5.1 Receiver for 2023 Reviews [Boost Surround Sound]

Home Theater Receivers, A/V Receivers, and Surround Sound Receivers

Loading products…

Loading products…

Show more Show less

Choose the Ship to Store option when you check out, and we’ll let you know when your item is ready to pick up.

Charlottesville

825 Gardens Blvd

1-434-817-1100

Harrisonburg

109 South Carlton

1-540-434-1000

TOP

Related searches

Searches related to Home theater receivers.

How to shop for Home Theater Receivers

You’ll want to make sure your home theater receiver has enough speaker outputs to support the number of speakers in your surround sound system and enough HDMI inputs to support the AV components (Blu-ray player, media streamer, cable or satellite box, etc. ) you want to connect. You should also make sure it has enough power for your speakers.

Most home theater receivers include Bluetooth for easy music streaming from your phone or other compatible device, and many also have built-in WiFi for better integration with popular music streaming services. Some WiFi equipped AV receivers work with wireless multi-room music platforms that let you stream to compatible wireless speakers and components in different rooms throughout your home.  

Read our guide to home theater receivers for more information on what to look for.

Popular questions customers ask

A home theater receiver has two main jobs: to provide sound and power to your speakers, and to send video to your TV or projector. It also lets you switch between connected sources like a Blu-ray player, cable or satellite box, or a media streamer like Roku or Apple TV 4K.

Read the full article

You need one channel of power for each speaker in your home theater. For example, a 5.1-channel surround sound system gets five channels of amplification from the receiver. (The “.1” is your subwoofer, which has its own amp.) It’s okay to have unused channels on your receiver since they let you grow your system down the road. Some receivers even let you use extra channels to power speakers in another room.

A good rule of thumb is to stay within the power range of your speakers but look toward the upper end of that range. More power is a good thing ù it gives you stronger bass and clearer, louder sound, especially in larger rooms.

Absolutely! All home theater receivers can play music through your front left and right speakers. Some receivers even have additional modes for playing music through all the speakers in your surround sound system. Love playing vinyl? Look for a model with a dedicated phono input for connecting a turntable.

Read the full article

Most home theater receivers have Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your phone or other device. Some models also have Wi-Fi, which gives you better sound and range. WiFi equipped receivers also offer built-in support for popular music services like Spotify and Qobuz, and some even let you stream music to compatible speakers or components in other rooms.

How to Buy an AV Receiver in 2023

Soundbars may be convenient, easy to set up and perform better than your TV’s built-in speakers, but if you want true home theater sound in your living room, even the best soundbar isn’t going to cut it. An AV receiver paired with a set of separate speakers takes sound quality for your shows and movies to the next level, offering immersive, powerful audio, which also makes music sound great.

In this article:

• Quick recommendations
• What about HDMI?
• Built in Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth
• Sound quality: How much does it matter?
• The best AV receiver is the one you already own
• Wrap-up and FAQs

With proprietary technologies such as Dolby Atmos, 8K, HDR10 Plus, eARC, virtual height speakers and more, making a decision on which AV receiver to buy can be overwhelming. But the truth is some of those features don’t matter much and you should focus on just a few major points when making your pick.

That said, if you want a quick recommendation, here it is:

Then add these

You can also take a look at CNET’s list of the best AV receivers, which includes some other solid alternative options. If you’re looking for more information or context, here’s what’s important.

What about HDMI?

Almost every AV device sold today uses HDMI, making the number of HDMI inputs on a receiver a very important consideration. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many is enough, though. If you love gaming and stremaing you might need six or more, whereas others could get by with three or less. We recommend getting at least one more HDMI input than you currently need. Even if you feel confident that you’ll never need more than four devices, you never know when a neat new product will come out — we’re sure plenty of people wished they had an extra port as soon as Sony’s PlayStation 5 was announced.

You may not need seven HDMI inputs right now, but at some point you will.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You can always theoretically expand your HDMI connectivity options later with an HDMI switcher, but it’s a less elegant solution. (Although a universal remote can help.) Considering the fact that you’re likely to hold onto an AV receiver for upward of five years, it’s worth investing in a little extra HDMI connectivity.

4K vs. 8K? 

Just when you thought that it was safe to buy a 4K TV, manufacturers found another four K’s seemingly behind the sofa. Some new receivers like the Onkyo above support 8K via HDMI 2.1, and they can be worth considering even if you don’t see an 8K TV in your immediate future. 

One interesting part of this new breed of receivers is eARC — the ability to pass Dolby Atmos and other hi-res formats from a TV to your home theater system. If you have a recent, compatible TV you don’t need to worry about the number of HDMI ports on your receiver, just use the television as a switcher.

HDMI 2.1  

HDMI 2.1 might also be important for gamers who want to take advantage of the latest features available on the Xbox Series X and S and PS5, namely 4K/120Hz and VRR, but they’re not a must-have on a new (or second-hand) receiver. If your receiver doesn’t have HDMI 2.1 inputs you can connect those consoles directly to a compatible TV, not to the receiver, and use eARC or an optical connection to pass audio to the receiver. Early 8K receivers had an issue known as the 4K/120Hz bug, which meant they couldn’t pass VRR content, mainly from the Xbox Series X. However, any new receiver you buy in 2023 should be free of this issue. 

If you opt for a older receiver, though, make sure it has at least 4K compatibility, to make the most of 4K streaming and gaming for the latest TVs. This means one that boasts at least HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 certification.

Read more: Best AV Receiver for 2023

Do I need Wi-Fi, AirPlay or Bluetooth?

AV receivers have a history of adding dubious features that aren’t all that useful, but built-in support for wireless technologies such as multiroom audio, AirPlay, Chromecast and Bluetooth are very useful. Here’s the pitch for wireless connectivity: Load up any app on your smartphone or tablet — such as Pandora or Spotify — and you will be able to wirelessly stream music to your AV receiver in seconds. It’s the ultimate in instant gratification, especially if your music habits tend to revolve around your mobile device.

While most receivers now connect to the internet over Wi-Fi, it’s worth looking to a receiver that’s compatible with streaming services. Some receivers have their own proprietary apps — such as Yamaha’s MusicCast or Denon’s HEOS — most are also able to offer direct connection to popular apps such as Spotify and Tidal.

Smart speakers allow you to control a modern AV receiver.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Bluetooth, AirPlay and Chromecast built-in are similar, but have some key differences. Bluetooth works with nearly every smartphone and tablet (including Apple devices) within a range of about 30 feet, but it has somewhat diminished sound quality. AirPlay is designed specifically for Apple devices, with some exceptions, and it offers lossless, CD-audio quality. Unlike Bluetooth it does requires your receiver to be connected to your home network, while the upgraded AirPlay 2 adds multiroom capability. Google’s Chromecast built-in is also able to stream to multiple rooms, is compatible with both Android and (increasingly) iOS apps, and offers higher-than-CD hi-res quality (24bit/96kHz). 

One other key feature that modern receivers allow is voice control — being able to ask your Google Assistant or Amazon Echo for a song and having it play through the receiver is one of life’s small joys. 

While it’s possible to add Bluetooth and AirPlay to any AV receiver using an external device, getting it built-in can be more convenient. The Onkyo TX-NR6100, for example, can automatically turn on and flip to the correct input whenever you select an audio app on your smartphone or tablet — you just can’t get that level of convenience using a separate device.

Sound quality: How much does it matter?

Every brand touts its superior sound, but my advice would be to not worry much about sound quality when buying an AV receiver.

That may seem counterintuitive for a device of which the entire purpose is to enable high-fidelity audio, but the reality is audible differences between typical AV receivers are not as noticeable as the differences between speakers. It’s a regularly debated issue for audio enthusiasts, but to many people all AV receivers sound the same in normal circumstances.

That said, most receiver brands are geared towards providing better home theater sound than music — though there are some exceptions including the sister brands Denon and Marantz. Be aware that some receivers are also tuned specifically for each market: for example, a Sony receiver will sound different in the US from the way it does in the UK or Australia.

This Klipsch Reference Cinema System 5.1.4 With Dolby Atmos surround sound offers great performance under $500.

Josh Goldman/CNET

The best AV receiver is the one you already own

If you already have an AV receiver, think twice before upgrading. While smartphones and laptops get big performance increases every year, you’re not going to get the same kind of boost with a new AV receiver — the one you bought years ago probably sounds just as good.

Depending on the age of your receiver the most recent thing you’ll be missing out is support for new formats such as 8K, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You might then be tempted to upgrade if you have an older AV receiver without HDMI connectivity, as you’ll also miss out on the higher bitrate formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. Coaxial and optical digital cables are limited to plain Dolby Digital/DTS but the differences between those formats can be hard to hear even in ideal situations. Many devices have separate digital audio outputs, allowing you to run video to your TV via HDMI and audio to an older receiver with a digital audio cable. That involves more input switching, but you can solve that problem easily with a quality universal remote.

Don’t count out your AV receiver just because it’s old.

Denon

Another option is connecting all your HDMI sources straight to your TV, then using your TV’s digital output to connect to your receiver. The downside is that some TVs “dumb down” incoming audio to stereo, but it’s a slick workaround if you have a two-channel speaker system.

Wrap-up: Focus on the big features

Once you find a few models with the right number of HDMI inputs and the wireless technologies you want, you should have a relatively short list of models to consider. I’d recommend reading some professional reviews (including ours) before making the final choice, as well as user reviews to see if there are any long-term issues that wouldn’t crop up during a review period.

But most of all, it’s worth remembering that AV receivers, much more than other home audio devices, are all pretty similar. Speakers and headphones can look and sound very different, but AV receivers mostly look and sound the same. Personally, I think AV receivers could get a lot better, but they’re still your best option if you want high-quality sound.

FAQs

Is it worth buying a 7.1 setup over 5.1, especially for Atmos?

Not in my opinion. It’s a classic case of diminishing returns: 5.1 sounds significantly more immersive than stereo, but the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 isn’t nearly as great. Not to mention the fact that there just isn’t that much content with true, discrete 7.1-channel soundtracks.

Though Dolby Atmos is great, most content is still either in stereo or 5.1. To add to that, Atmos uses at least seven channels — whether in 5.1.2 or larger 5.1.4 configurations — and so balancing ceiling-pointing speakers on top of your existing speakers isn’t as big of an upgrade as putting the extra money toward better (rather than more) speakers.

What about second-zone audio?

One of the benefits of getting a 7.1-channel AV receiver (over a 5.1 model) is that the extra two channels can often be used to power a second set of speakers. Most 7.1 AV receivers can even pump different audio sources into different rooms (referred to as “second-zone audio”): one person can watch TV in the living room, while someone else listens to a CD in the bedroom.

It’s a neat idea, but it’s much more limited than it sounds. Most AV receivers can’t send any incoming digital sources (HDMI and digital audio inputs) to the second zone, which is going to include most devices connected to the receiver. You’ll also need to run wires from your primary room to the secondary room, which isn’t always easy. And finally, remember that you probably won’t be able to control the second source with a remote when you’re in another room, although AV receivers with smartphone control get around this somewhat.

So even if you think you want second-zone functionality, make sure you’re aware of all the limitations. In many cases, it’s easier to get a small, separate system (or Bluetooth speaker) for the second room. And if you want a true multiroom audio system, check out our roundup of the best Wi-Fi systems that will integrate with most AV receivers.

What about watts? How much power do I need?

Comparing the wattage specs on AV receivers won’t tell you much. Power ratings aren’t standardized, so there’s no guarantee that one company’s 100-watt-per-channel receiver will sound louder than another company’s 50-watt-per-channel receiver. In general, try to look for a rating like “20Hz-20kHz, <1% THD in stereo” if it’s available. Keep in mind that more than 1% distortion is noticeable and you wouldn’t want to drive your speakers that hard.

That said, for typical home theater speakers and rooms, modern AV receivers offer plenty of power. CNET’s listening room is medium-sized, but we never run into AV receivers that don’t have the capability to get much louder than the average person would choose.

Should I worry about automatic speaker calibration?

Automatic speaker calibration sounds like a great idea, letting you use an included microphone to adjust speaker levels and apply EQ to accommodate your listening room. In practice, it doesn’t always work that well. In fact, in our recent roundup of AV receiver reviews, automatic speaker calibration was consistently off-balance, almost always setting the subwoofer volume level incorrectly. If you really care about sound, you’re better off learning how to manually set your speaker levels.

Home Theater AV Receivers

• Entry-Level 5.1 AV Receiver with Dolby Vision/DTS:X, 5 x 135W (6 ohms), AccuEQ, AccuReflex, 4 in and 1 HDMI out, 2 zones , Bluetooth, dimensions (WxHxD) 435x160x328 mm, weight 8.2 kg.

  AV receiver

  Onkyo TX-SR393

  Black

• Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x148x321 mm
  Weight 8 kg

  AV receiver

  Pioneer VSX 534 DAB

  Colour: Black

• 5.2 AV Receiver, Dolby Atmos decoding, DTS:X, 5 x 135W (8 ohms), MCACC, 4 HDMI ins and 1 output, FlareConnect, Zone 2, Dimensions (WxHxD) ) 435x148x321 mm, weight 8 kg.

  AV receiver

  Pioneer VSX-534

  Color: Black

• 7.2 AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, power 7 x 160 W (6 ohms, THD 1 %), AccuEQ auto-calibration system , AccuReflex, 4 HDMI inputs, dimensions (WxHxD) 435x160x328 mm, weight 8.2 kg.

  AV Receiver

  Onkyo TX-SR494

  Color: Black

• AV Receiver 5.1 budget class, power 5 x 70 W (6 ohms), YPAO auto-calibration system, 4 inputs and 1 HDMI output, Bluetooth, dimensions (WxHxD) 435x161x315 mm, weight 7.7 kg.

  AV Receiver

  Yamaha RX-V385

  Black

• 7-channel AV receiver with an output power of 150 watts per channel (8 ohms). 11.1 channel processor output. Auto-calibration system. 6 HDMI inputs supporting 4K/60p video and HDCP 2.2, two outputs. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and more decoders. 2-core DSP from ADI. Connecting wireless microphones and

  AV Receiver

  Digis Audio SG-1

  Black

• AV Receiver

  Onkyo TX-NR5100

  Black

• AV receiver

  Denon AVR-S660H

  Colour: Black

• AV Receiver 5.2, 75W (8 ohms stereo, 0.08% THD), Audyssey MultEQ XT, 6 HDMI ins and 1 output, 2 subwoofer outputs, Dimensions (WxHxD) 434x151x341 mm, weight 7. 8 kg.

  AV receiver

  Denon AVC-S660H

  Black

• 7.2 AV Receiver, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders, 75W (8 ohms stereo, 0.08%THD), Audyssey MultEQ XT, 6 inputs and 1 HDMI output, 2 subwoofer outputs, dimensions (WxHxD) 434x151x339 mm, weight 8.6 kg.

  AV Receiver

  Denon AVR-S760H

  Black

• 7.2 AV Receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, THX Select Certified, 7 x 175W (6 ohm, THD 1%) , auto-calibration system AccuEQ, AccuReflex, 7 inputs and 2 outputs HDMI, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, 2 zones / PRE OUT FRONT, MM phono stage, dimensions (WxHxD) 435x174x379mm, weight 10 kg.

  AV Receiver

  Onkyo TX-NR696

  Black

• AV Receiver

  Onkyo TX-NR6100

  Color : Black

• 5.2 AV Receiver Slim NR & MM Series phono stage, power 5 x 50 W (8 ohms), Audyssey MultEQ XT auto-calibration system, 6 inputs and HDMI output, AirPlay 2, dimensions (WxHxD) 440x105x368 mm, weight 8.2 kg.

  AV receiver

  Marantz NR1510

  Color:

• 7-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders. Six HDMI inputs and two outputs supporting 4K/8K video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HDCP2.3. Output power 90 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels). Audyssey / MultEQ auto-calibration system. Vinyl player input. Discrete power amplifiers. USB for

  AV receiver

  Denon AVR-S970H

  Black

• AV receiver

  Pioneer VSX-935 M2

  9 0004 Colour: Black

• 7.2 AV Receiver, NR flagship model, 8K support, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos (5.1.2) decoding, 100 W total output (8 ohms, 0.08%THD), Audyssey MultEQ auto calibration system, 6 inputs and 1 output HDMI, dimensions (WxHxD) 440x105x378 mm, weight 8.3 kg.

  AV receiver

  Marantz NR1711

  Black

• AV receiver

  Denon AVR-X2800H

  Color: Black Black

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 24.5 x 12 x 15.4 cm

  AV Receiver

  Canton Smart Amp 5.1

  Black

• Modular 7.1 AV Receiver, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, 60W (8 ohm, 0. 05%TH) D), system Dirac Live auto-calibration, 3 inputs and 1 output HDMI, dimensions (WxHxD) 435x172x397 mm, weight 15.4 kg.

  AV receiver

  NAD T758 V3i

  Black

• AV receiver

  Onkyo TX-NR7100

  Color: Black Black

• 9-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders. Seven HDMI inputs and two outputs supporting 8K video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HDCP2.3. IMAX Enhanced certified. Output power 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels). Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live auto-calibration system. Turntable input

  AV receiver

  Pioneer VSX-LX305 M2

  Color:

• AV receiver

  Onkyo TX-RZ50 M2

  Colour: Black

• AV receiver

  Pioneer VSX-LX505 M2

  Colour:

• 9-channel AV receiver with 3D Auro, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders. Six HDMI inputs and three outputs supporting 8K video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HDCP2.3. 11.4 channel processor output. IMAX Enhanced certified. Output power 105 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels). Audyssey Auto Calibration System

  AV Receiver

  Denon AVC-X3800H

  Black

• 9.2 AV Receiver, Dolby Atmos decoding, DTS:X, Auro-3D, 9 x 125W (8 ohms, 0.05%THD), Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 autocalibration system, 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs , AirPlay 2, HEOS, MM phono stage, zone 2-3, dimensions (WxHxD) 434x167x389 mm, weight 13.7 kg.

  AV receiver

  Denon AVC-X4700H

  Black

• 7-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders. 11.2 channel processor output for system expansion. Seven HDMI inputs and two outputs supporting 4K video and HDCP2.2. Output power 60 watts (8 ohms) per channel, Class A/B amplifiers. Streaming features (UPnP, Chromecast). DAC on chip ESS

  AV Receiver

  Arcam AVR5

  Black

• AV Receiver 9.2, Dolby Atmos decoding, DTS:X, 125W (2ch 8 ohm, 0.08%THD) ), Audyssey auto-calibration system MultEQ-XT 32, Audyssey LFC, 8 inputs and 3 outputs HDMI, AirPlay 2, 2 zones, dimensions (WxHxD) 440x185x411 mm, weight 14. 2 kg.

  AV Receiver

  Marantz SR7015

  Black

• ). 12-channel output from the processor. Dirac Live auto-calibration system. 7 HDMI inputs supporting 8K/60p video and HDCP 2.3, two outputs. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, DTS Neural:X, Auro-3D and more decoders. DAC for

  AV receiver

  Arcam AVR11

  Black

• AV receiver

  Onkyo TX-RZ 70

  Black 9 0005

• 7-channel high-end p AV receiver with power output 7 x 90W (8 ohms), 7 x 110W (4 ohms). 16-channel output from the processor. Dirac Live auto-calibration system. 7 HDMI inputs supporting 8K/60p video and HDCP 2.3, three outputs. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, DTS Neural:X, Auro-3D and more decoders. DAC

  AV Receiver

  Arcam AVR21

  Black

• AV Receiver

  Primare SPA25 Prisma

  Colour:

  9001 2

• 7-channel high-end AV receiver with 7 x 100 W output power ( 8 ohm), 7 x 180 W (4 ohm). 16-channel output from the processor. Dirac Live auto-calibration system. 7 HDMI inputs supporting 8K/60p video and HDCP 2.3, three outputs. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, DTS Neural:X, Auro-3D and more decoders. DAC for

  AV receiver

  Arcam AVR31

  Color: Black

These reviews are written by real customers of AV receivers in our store. We do not publish the names of customers for reasons of safety of personal data. Buying from us this or that product, you also have the opportunity to add your review.

Best AV Receivers of 2022

Today’s AV receivers (also known as AV receivers or home theater receivers) are the most technologically advanced / feature rich / hard to understand components in our stores, so it’s no surprise that 4 of every 5 questions we get tend to be about AV receivers. For example: “what is 8K switching, and do I really need it?” Or “can an AV receiver drive two TVs at the same time while playing different music in each room?” Or more complex: “What is DTS:X and HDMI 2. 1 support, and do I even need to know this?”

For simple and clear answers to these questions, starting with the question “What is an AV receiver and what is it for?” or How to Choose an AV Receiver, we recommend using our easy-to-read guide. But if you’re in a hurry and just want to know which of the latest AV receivers are the best, you’re already on the right page. Below, our experts list the best of the best by category, so you can find the best option for your situation and your budget.

One final note: while we list and compare the key features of each receiver, they all meet the basic requirements of 4K, HDR and current HDMI standards. Of course, we do not cover all the features (some receivers have over 100!). Thus, we can keep this article within reason. But if you’re an audiophile and want the full details, we’ve included links to each receiver’s specs page.

Ready? Let’s do that.

The best AV receivers featured in this review:

1. The best budget receiver.

2. Best Network AV Receiver.

3. The best budget 7-channel receiver.

4. Best AV receiver with Dolby Atmos.

5. Best surround sound receiver.

6. The best premium AV receiver.

7. Best sounding AV receiver.

8. Simply the best AV receiver.

1. Best Budget AV Receiver

Denon AVR-S970H – Best Budget AV Receiver

Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver

Key Features: 9034 3

• Price: Attractive
• 7.2 ch / 95 watts per ch (8 ohms) per ch
• Support for 8K/HDCP 2.3 and Dolby Vision®
• The ability to fine-tune the sound to suit the acoustics of your room
• Integrated Bluetooth
• 6 HDMI inputs / 2 HDMI outputs (3 inputs and 2 outputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video)
• Smart TV connection: conveniently control your AV receiver with your TV remote via HDMI-CEC

Why it’s the best:

Remember the first rule of home theater? Secure the future of your system! At least that’s what our experts advise their clients. Even at this very affordable price, the Denon AVR-S970H can help you achieve this as it is fully compatible with all current and future content delivery options and formats. You’ve probably already memorized the list, and you’ll find them all on the AVR-S9 datasheet.70H. Full support for ultra high definition video and audio, immersive surround sound systems such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, HD music streaming, HEOS network technology, Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free gaming when connected to compatible game consoles, and much more.

What else?

The best place for this unit is a home installation that covers one or two rooms. Perhaps you dream of an Atmos 5.1 system with a couple of channels dedicated to your bedroom. You may be aiming for a good 7.1 surround sound system in your living room that doesn’t span two zones. At power 9With 5 watts per channel when switched on two channels, this AV receiver is ideal for the living environments where most of us spend our time. The Denon AVR-S970H may seem a little modest at first glance, but it will actually let you enjoy the coming stream of ultra-high definition content for the foreseeable future.

2. Best network AV receiver

Denon AVR-X2800H – best network AV receiver0005

Key features:

• Price: Attractive
• 7 channels / 95 watts (8 ohms) per channel
• Apple AirPlay 2 support
• The receiver can be controlled by voice commands. (Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri).
• Built-in HEOS

networked multi-room technology

• Control the Denon AVR-X2800H with your TV remote control via HDMI CEC.
• Support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
• WiFi, Bluetooth, HEOS 9 support0012
• 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs with full HDCP 2.3 support
• Minimum impedance: 6 ohms

Why it won:

Founded in 1910, Denon is one of the oldest audio companies in the world. “HEOS” is what Denon calls its own wireless multi-room audio platform, which includes multiple speakers and sound bars as well as receivers. While Globalaudio currently sells many Denon HEOS models, across all price ranges, our pick is one of six new Denon AV receivers recently released.

Our opinion:

Denon’s best-selling HEOS-enabled receiver, the AVR-X2800H is your easy-to-use HEOS device with Amazon Alexa voice control and AirPlay support, as well as access to today’s popular streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn etc.), streaming music sounds great and is much easier to access. Six HDMI inputs support all the latest audio formats and are arguably the best value for money receiver in Denon’s lineup.

What else?

• The AVR-X2800H can transfer high resolution music files.

Denon’s

• simplifies setup, the AVR-X2800H automatically calibrates the perfect settings for any room using the built-in Audyssey MultEQ XT acoustic measurement system.
• With HEOS + Amazon Alexa voice control, you can play any song in any room, change channels, skip tracks, raise or lower the volume, and more – just ask.
• Enjoy 5.1 home theater sound in one room and music streaming in another.
• Supports both 8K pass-through and upscaling of 4K content to 8K. Supports the latest HDCP 2.3 copy protection standard when streaming copy protected content.
• With HEOS support, the H-series AV receivers are part of Denon’s signature multi-room ecosystem.
• In the future, you can expand your multi-room system by adding new HEOS devices from Denon.

Need more power and more surround channels? Consider Denon AVC-X3800H or Denon AVC-X4800H

3. Best budget 7-channel receiver

Yamaha RX-V6A – best budget 7-channel receiver

Yamaha RX-V6A AV receiver

903 42 Key Features:

• Price: Reasonable
• 7.2 channels / 100W (8 ohms) per channel
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
• Support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, FlareConnect
• 7 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output
• Minimum impedance: 6 ohms

Why it won:

Yamaha often tops lists of recommended home theater receivers, and the RX-V6 is no exception. This Yamaha AV receiver offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, two channels loaded) and decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio (to be added in a future firmware update).

In terms of video, the RX-V6 supports up to 4K/120 and 8K/60 (with a future firmware update) with HDCP 2.3 and eARC. Other advanced video features that are particularly useful to gamers include Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Fast Frame Transfer (QFT), and Quick Media Switching (QMS).

Wireless streaming is fully realized with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice control, as well as Yamaha’s own multi-room MusicCast audio system. There are many streaming services available including Pandora, Amazon Music, Sirius XM, Tidal, Deezer, Napster and more.

Our opinion:

The Yamaha RX-V6A receiver sounds amazing for the money and is very functional. There are seven channels of amplification and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding on board, as well as the ability to configure two additional audio channels for even more immersive sound. You get seven HDMI inputs, three of which are HDMI 2.1 compatible. You can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, as well as Yamaha’s proprietary MusicCast multi-room wireless streaming platform. MusicCast also lets you add wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer if you don’t have the option to run speaker cable to the rear channels or subwoofer, although this negates one of the RX-V6A’s most attractive features: it has surprisingly good room correction for receivers in its price range, which in our tests gave it a clear advantage over competitors at a similar price. The RX-V6A also features a sleek look that you’ll love if you mount the AV receiver on a pedestal or other visible location.

What else?

• Connect Dolby Atmos speakers if you can. Sound above and around you moving from place to place, in short, you get a world-class cinema.

Yamaha’s

• MusicCast allows you to make the RX-V6A part of your home multi-room system along with MusicCast speakers in other rooms.
• The Yamaha mobile app puts you in control. Playback Wi-Fi, MusicCast, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect .

4. Best Dolby Atmos AV Receiver

Yamaha RX-A2A – Best Dolby Atmos AV Receiver

Yamaha RX-A2A 900 AV Receiver 05

Key features:

• Price: Reasonable
• 7.2 ch / 100W (8 ohms) per ch
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
• Wi-Fi, MusicCast, Bluetooth, AirPlay2 support
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs
• Minimum impedance: 4 ohms

Why it won:

The newest model in Yamaha’s flagship Aventage line is the RX-A2A, a 7.2 channel beauty that offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms). It can receive and decode Dolby Atmos and DST:X immersive 3D audio signals, and offers Yamaha’s proprietary Cinema DSP 3D sound field technology for an even more immersive experience. A future firmware update will also add Dolby Atmos height virtualization.

In terms of video, the RX-A2A provides 4K/120 and 8K/60 pass-through and fully supports Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10+ (in a future firmware update). Gamers will appreciate Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Fast Frame Transfer (QFT), and Fast Media Switching (QMS), the latter of which will come in a future update.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the RX-A2A offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as well as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, and you can stream directly from many different online providers. Yamaha’s MusicCast system makes it easy to set up a multi-room audio system and add wireless surround speakers. If you’re a fan of voice control, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri are at your service.

Our opinion:

The specs on Yamaha’s RX-A2A are nearly identical to Denon’s AVR-X2800H (our best wireless receiver above), with two exceptions: the RX-A2A puts out a bit more power and has MusicCast Surround which allows for wireless speakers as rear channels, which is very convenient if you do not have the ability to run wires throughout the room. In 2016, Yamaha introduced its own “MusicCast” wireless platform, equivalent to Denon’s HEOS standard. In 2018, Yamaha announced MusicCast Surround to bring wireless convenience to home theater surround sound, as well as a new feature called Surround:AI.

Surround: AI is an artificially intelligent feature that does something completely new… it adjusts sound levels, channel by channel, depending on the scene on the screen. In its memory, Surround: AI contains hundreds of scenes for the movie to draw on, so it knows the difference between the big chase scene in the Mission: Impossible movie and two star lovers on the beach. The end result is amazing: suddenly the dialogue in loud environments (two bad guys in a noisy diner) is much easier to hear. And, in general, everything just sounds more powerful and more natural.

What else?

• The Yamaha RX-A2A can also stream several hi-res music formats from a flash drive or via your computer via Wi-Fi.
• Alexa seems to be everywhere now, and Yamaha has it too. Voice control makes it easy to access wireless music throughout your home and make it what it should be.
• Inputs include component and composite video ports, optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, analog stereo inputs, and a phono input for turntables.
• YPAO Sound Optimization is Yamaha’s process for easy tuning. Like most of the other receivers on our list, the RX-A2A will analyze your room and adjust accordingly for optimal sound…whether you live in a phone booth or the Taj Mahal.
• We didn’t include the Most Attractive Design category on our list, but if it did, the RX-A2A would be one of the favorites.

5. Best Surround Sound AV Receiver

NAD T 758 V3i – Best Surround Sound AV Receiver

NAD T 758 V3i AV Receiver

Key Features:

• Price: Premium
• 7.2 channels
• Honest 60W per channel
• Optional support for Dirac Live® Sound Correction System (best ever)
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
• 7 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
• Multiroom NAD BluOS

support

• Minimum impedance: 4 ohms

Why it won:

NAD is renowned for putting quality over frills, and the T 758 V3i is a perfect example. It offers seven channels of amplification with a real power rating of 60 watts/channel (8 ohms with all channels driven). It accepts and decodes Dolby Atmos signals with a focus on sound quality thanks to its modular design (MDC) that allows for future hardware upgrades. It also supports high resolution audio formats such as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).

The video path is simple and straightforward, supporting resolutions up to UHD/4K at 60 fps and high dynamic range. In addition, analog sources are converted to HDMI for easy one-cable connection to a display. This NAD AV receiver leaves video processing where it needs to be – on display.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to stream audio from local sources using AirPlay 2 and various online providers, and supports Apple Siri voice control. What’s more, the T 758 V3i includes NAD BluOS multi-room streaming technology. If your philosophy is “music first”, the NAD T 758 V3i is the way to go.

Our opinion:

The amplifier’s sound is expressive and dynamically true to the source, with details reproduced with amazing transparency, ideal for high-resolution music. At the sight of all this, Marantz gets a lump in his throat.

What else?

• BluOS support for wireless music streaming in multiple rooms (upgrade kit included)
• Supports Siri via AirPlay 2
• Modular design (MDC) including AM 230 audio module and VM 130i video module.
• High resolution audio playback including FLAC / WAV / AIFF 24 bit / 192 kHz

6. Best Premium AV Receiver

NAD T 778 – Best Premium AV Receiver

AV Amplifier NAD T 778

Key Features:

• Price: Premium segment
• 9.2 channels
• Honest 85W per channel
• Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Capable
• DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay2, works with BluOS
• 6 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs

Why he won:

As with the T758, NAD prioritizes quality over bells and whistles. This receiver offers nine channels of amplification at a fair 85 watts per channel (8 ohms, all channels active), with two additional pre-outs for an extra pair of speakers that need a separate power amp. That’s just 7.2.4 channels for Dolby Atmos, and those channels are efficient and distortion-free thanks to NAD’s hybrid digital amplifier technology.

Serious video circuitry provides UHD/4K pass-through with high dynamic range support including Dolby Vision. In addition, a full color touch screen on the front provides improved ergonomics and ease of use. You can use the touch screen to set up five custom presets with speaker level and tone control settings for various types of audio material.

Our opinion:

We started off good, moved on to the best, and now we’re in the big leagues. And NAD’s flagship T758 receiver represents what home theater in a luxury pillared home can sound like these days. The AD Modular Design (MDC) allows this receiver to be upgraded in the future, making the T 778 future proof. And with full Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, including BluOS multi-room, you can enjoy high-quality music from a variety of online sources wirelessly throughout your home. This powerhouse will provide superior audio and video for years to come.

What else?

• With high-end digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for interpreting high-resolution music files, the T758 qualifies as an audiophile AV receiver.

The

• T 778 features NAD’s legendary sound quality and is fully compatible with all the latest features and formats for true-to-life music and movies.
• MDC (Modular Design Construction) offers the option to upgrade to future digital formats as they become available. Two MDC slots are provided.

7. Best sounding AV receiver*

Marantz CINEMA 40 – Best sounding AV receiver

Marantz CINEMA 40 9000 AV receiver 5

Key features:

• Price: Premium segment
• Tuned by Shinichi Yamauchi, Marantz Sound Master.
• 9.4 ch / 125 watts (8 ohms) per ch
• 4 subwoofer outputs
• Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Capable
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS, AirPlay2
• 7 HDMI 2. 1 inputs (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz), 3 HDMI outputs
• Minimum impedance: 4 ohms

Why he won:

He won because he sounds great. Manufactured at Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, this receiver handles subtle musical nuances with absolute precision. Thanks to the explosive power of CINEMA 40, the movie’s soundtrack sounds outrageously real. Live performances are indistinguishable from a real live performance – say thanks to Shinichi Yamauchi, the Marantz Sound Master who tuned this receiver’s sound. A good thing.

Our opinion:

If receivers were movie stars, the Marantz CINEMA 40 AV receiver could be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: big, powerful, multi-talented, great performer, can do anything – and never loses. CINEMA 40 is the brainchild of over 300 talented sound engineers from very high-profile audio companies (Marantz, Denon, Polk, Definitive Technology and Boston Acoustics) who, after the merger, work together under the banner of parent company Sound United.

Suffice to say, the Marantz CINEMA 40 does it all and combines Amazon Alexa voice control with HEOS Denon for just as easy wireless communication. Connect the 2-channel power amplifier of your choice to CINEMA 40 for even more immersive and smooth 3D sound with up to 7.2.4 speaker configurations. And while you can do just about anything with 11 amp channels, we recommend two things: A) a 7.2.4 setup, i.e. 7 speakers (1 center, 1 left front and 1 right front, 2 rear and 2 sides) + 2 subwoofers and 4 top Dolby Atmos speakers and B) Buy good big speakers. Anything less and CINEMA 40 could tear them apart.

What else?

• Manufactured by the famous Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan.
• Dirac Live (via firmware update)
• Certified IMAX Enhanced
• Amazon Alexa voice control + Denon/Marantz HEOS multi-channel and streaming technology.
• Extremely rigid copper-clad chassis reduces unwanted vibrations to maintain sound clarity.
• Gold plated RCA terminals.
• Uses a monolithic amplifier design, which means that each amplifier channel comes with its own amplifier board instead of one amplifier board for all channels, providing better protection against crosstalk and vibration.
• Made in Japan.

Same great sound but less power and price – Marantz CINEMA 50 AV receiver

8. Simply the best AV receiver*

Denon AVC-A1H – simply the best AV receiver

Denon AVC-A1H AV receiver

9034 2 key features:

• 15.4 channel receiver
• IMAX Enhanced
• HDMI 2.1 (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz)
• Over 32 kg capacity. Weighing over 32kg, the AVC-A1H delivers 210W per channel.
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, HEOS
• 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs
• Minimum impedance: 4 ohms

Why he won:

We have one rule at Globalaudio – in any article we use the word “amazing” only once, and sometimes not at all, but here is exactly the case. If you want a truly amazing home theater experience, the Denon AVC-A1H with all 15 channels (and two subwoofers) is the way to go. (That’s it, now we can exhale)

Our opinion:

What-what? Can you have more than 11 channels? Oh yeah. And why do you need it? An endless number of reasons… for example, maybe you’re an acclaimed independent filmmaker and you want a truly killer home theater in your country mansion. Or maybe you are a grandparent who wants to see their grandchildren more often on weekends. (It will work). But really, who needs a reason if “15 channels equals going astral and is more fun than celebrating the new year?” But we digress.

For home theater, Denon’s new flagship now offers support for the latest DTS:X Pro surround sound format, allowing users to enjoy up to 15 channels in 7.2.6 and 9.4.6 configurations. Users can also watch the latest IMAX Enhanced movies using all 15 amplifier channels.

Above: the best Denon of today is a monster 15. 4-channel AV receiver (32 kilos, by the way) that can do everything but popcorn. Inside processors to handle every new video codec on the planet (including four independent Shark+ ADSP-2159 processors3 from Analog Devices for exceptional multi-channel audio), an advanced dual-antenna transceiver system for reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, plus AirPlay, HEOS, Amazon Alexa voice control, and tons of pure power. Please note: The AVC-A1H can handle six Dolby Atmos overhead channels, and if you plan to install in-ceiling speakers, we strongly recommend that you install all six at once.

What else?

• Seven HDMI inputs and three outputs operate at speeds up to 40 Gbps and support all 2.1 features: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD 4K at 120 fps and UHD 8K at 60 fps.
• New HDR and DTS format support: X Pro.
• Advanced DSP Sound Processing: Four high-performance Shark+ processors from Analog Devices with continuous 10 GFLOPS processing capability for exceptional surround sound acoustics in multi-channel systems.
• Stream audio from Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeartRadio, and more with HEOS music streaming technology. Play the same music in every room, or play different music in different rooms.
• HDMI-HDMI upscaling: up to 8K.
• High resolution sound reproduction.
• Made in Japan.

*We know that these devices are commonly referred to as an AV amplifier, not an AV receiver.

Still wondering? We understand.

We’re not going to gloss things over: choosing the right receiver for you is no easy task. Above, we only scratched the surface of the capabilities of these devices – we could write 5,000 words about EVERY receiver in this review and still not cover everything.

Do you want some good news? Once everything is set up, most AV receivers are really easy to use. (Not like 10 years ago.) And while most come with a remote control with more buttons than the buttons in a grandmother’s sewing box, they can all be controlled through an intuitive, easy-to-use smartphone app that reduces everything to logical and clear actions on the screen.