Summary
You will be able to obtain the greatest possible home theater experience with the assistance of the best AV receivers. In conjunction with a multi-channel speaker package, a specialized audiovisual receiver is capable of receiving up to nine distinct channels of sound. This allows the receiver to obtain the most palpable and immersive impact possible from the most recent surround sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
All of these audiovisual receivers have been tested by our home theater specialist in a domestic setting with a large-screen television, such as one of the finest 75-inch televisions, precisely as you would experience them in your own house. Although we have not covered all of these receivers as standalone reviews, we have made sure to test them all. Each one of them has been put through a multi-channel exercise with high-octane movies via the top streaming services or a 4K Blu-ray player, and their musical performance has also been evaluated.
the best audiovisual receivers
Every single one of these devices is capable of functioning as an efficient home entertainment center. In order to locate the best audiovisual receiver for your setup and budget, continue reading.
The best audio receiver in general
1. Denon AVR-X4800H
In addition to being a sound tour de force, the X4800H is a home theater amplifier that has appeal over the long run. The fact that this Denon amplifier is equipped with a complete set of HDMI inputs that support 8K and 4K at 120Hz, as well as support for all of the major home theater sound formats, guarantees that it will be compatible with any display or source that you may buy in the future.
The most accurate way to characterize the sound profile is visceral. The soundstage is not only clear and precise, but it also exudes a feeling of force and accuracy; the directional panning is completely believable. Even though Denon’s on-board power is rated at 9x 125W (into 8 Ohms) or 200W (into 6 Ohms), the sound quality of the speaker is far more robust than that. This is a blockbuster amplifier that was created for blockbuster movies, but it is also very fantastic with music. It has a sound that is light and nimble with two-channel stereo, and it is perfectly immersive with 3D audio mixes.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Reality Audio are compatible
- 8K/4K 120Hz HDMI ready
- Clean, dynamic performance
- Thrilling sound with blockbuster movies
REASONS TO AVOID
- Classic AVR design, not fashion-forward
-
No front-mounted HDMI input
A RECEIVER OF THE HIGHEST VALUE
2. Denon AVR-X2700H
An affordable starting point for Denon’s 2021 X-series audiovisual receivers is provided by the AVR-X2700H, which is manufactured by Denon. The price tag gives the impression that it is a budget-friendly product, but when seen in a more intimate viewing space as opposed to a large theater, it defies expectations.
The results of our listening tests showed that it has a forceful delivery and does not have any issues with action-oriented soundtracks. In addition, it is nuanced enough to represent a delicate atmosphere well. The power output is rated at 150W for multichannel, which is a substantial amount, and it will accommodate either a traditional 7.1 surround or a 5.1.2 channel arrangement, depending on how your loudspeakers have been set up. Moreover, there is support for 8K resolution, although via a single HDMI 2.1 input.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Superb value for money
- Dynamic, cinematic performer
REASONS TO AVOID
- There is only one HDMI 2.1 input.
AV RECEIVER THAT IS THE BEST FOR SUPPORTING ULTRA-HI-RES DEVICES
3. Onkyo TX-NR7100
In terms of compatibility, the TX-NR7100 is ideal for both movie and gaming enthusiasts. It boasts a robust connection, which allows it to link up super-high-resolution or rapid frame rate sources. All six HDMI inputs enable playback at 8K and 4K at 120Hz. Additionally, it is capable of being set for up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos loudspeakers, and it has an amplification power of 100W per channel. Compatibility with DTS:X is also included, in addition to IMAX Enhanced certification and THX post-processing, respectively.
Installation is made easier by a step-by-step instruction that appears on the screen. Although it lacks the smoothness that we have heard on the Denon AVR-X4800H and the Marantz Cinema 50 AV receivers, it is comparable to what we have observed on those receivers. When it comes to room equalization, you have two choices: the AccuEQ technology that Onkyo has developed and the Dirac Live room correction system. Although both provide outstanding results, our reviewer found that Dirac Live was the superior option.
Although the THX function has lost some of its popularity in the realm of home theater, it continues to be useful when it comes to the process of upmixing. Due to the fact that THX processing gives scale and additional ambiance to onscreen drama, it has brought about a significant advance in the staging and narrative of science fiction-based television dramas.
The AVR is also capable of handling complicated sound sequences well, with objects and pans from stage left to stage right being delivered in a satisfactory manner. It is possible for it to have a menacing and weighty sound, with deep rumbles that sweep over the soundfield and thundering LFE (low frequency effects) that you can practically feel. Despite the fact that stereo music is less effective and that there are better AV receivers with audiophile sensibilities, the TX-NR1000 is capable of delivering when it comes to value, functionality, and overall performance for home theaters.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X compatible
- Full 8K/4K 120Hz HDMI support
- Crisp, dynamic performance
- Dirac Live room correction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Remote controls lack backlit buttons.
-
Not overly musical
AV RECEIVER THAT PROVIDES THE BEST FORMAT SUPPORT
4. Marantz Cinema 50
Among the home theater amplifiers that we have examined, the Marantz Cinema 50 is one of the most future-proof options. With support for both 8K and 4K at 120Hz, six HDMI inputs and three outputs, and an outstanding auto-calibration system, the connectivity that is available is simply remarkable. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D are all capable of being played, in addition to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. A comprehensive range of formats is supported. IMAX Enhanced certification is also included, which may prove useful in the future when Disney+ begins streaming IMAX audio mixes.
Those in need of an audio-visual amplifier that is capable of delivering tremendous dynamics, with transients that are as quick as a whip snap and a scary bass extension, will find that the Cinema 50 does not disappoint. In addition to being a really thrilling experience to listen to, it expertly guides gunshot shootouts with seamless panning, and even when played at a high level, there is no indication of strain appearing.
It is also quite good at music. The renowned HDAM amplification circuitry that Marantz has developed is both warm and melodic. We would argue that the Cinema 50 is similar to a high-quality mid-range stereo amplifier while it is operating in two-channel mode. Additionally, it support a wide variety of formats, making it as future-proof as they come right now.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Cool design
- Powerhouse performance
- HDMI 4K 120Hz support
REASONS TO AVOID
- No front-mounted HDMI input
- High specs come at a high price
AV RECEIVER OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY WITH SPIAL AUDIO SUPPORT
5. Sony STR-AN1000
The STR-AN1000 is a 7.2ch AV receiver which is not only Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled but it also supports native 360 Reality Audio and also boasts 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. The latter is particularly interesting and effectively provides virtual speakers to fill in the gaps. It applies psycho acoustic processing to subjectively move actual speakers into more immersive virtual positions. It can be applied to stereo sources to create a surprisingly convincing multichannel effect and overlaid on native immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos to virtually enhance the soundstage.
Sony quotes a power output of 2x 120W (into 6 Ohms), or roughly 85W per channel. It’s not a volume monster, but will suffice in a typical living room or studio apartment. It’s an exciting listen, with smooth sonic steerage of objects and real sense of drama. It sounds bigger than its power specification implies, and handles blockbusters with authority. Just take care with the set up.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Flexible 360-spatial Spatial mapping wizardry
- Impressive sound
- 360-reality audio compatibility
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only two HDMI inputs support 4K at 120 Hz.
- Build quality feels a bit cheap
TOP AV RECEIVER FOR TINY ROOMS
6. Marantz Cinema 70S
A half-height lifestyle AV receiver ideal for compact areas and viewing rooms, the Marantz Cinema 70S is exclusively available in black in the United States and Australia and silver-gold to purchasers in the United Kingdom. Warm tones in the sonic characteristic complement both high-definition audio and video games.
With a consistent 50W distributed over all 7 channels, you may operate a 5.1.2 Atmos configuration that excels at playing back movie soundtracks. When Ludwig Dieter touches the lock during the safecracking competition in Army of Thieves (Dolby Atmos, Netflix), our reviewer truly feels as though they are entering the inner workings of the safe. The orchestral soundtrack swells all around, crisply defining the clicky journey of the dial.
Our reviewer, who was enjoying Dolby Atmos audio mixes from Tidal while hooked up to a Fire TV stick, was ecstatic at how smoothly the 360-degree presentation worked. With trumpets in the background, the vocal in the foreground, and the main beat swaying over the LCR, Billy Porter’s “Break A Sweat” puts the listener squarely in the middle of the dance floor. We had an entirely immersive listening experience with no sound dips or gaps with any form of content in our 5.1.2 arrangement.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Slimline design
- 8K / 4K 120Hz HDMI ready
- Punchy cinematic sound
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only one HDMI output
- Only three HDMIs are 8K-enabled
TOP A/V RECEIVER FOR VEHICLES
7. Marantz SR6015
The AV component design from Marantz has a timeless elegance to it. Old-fashioned musicality and tradition are conveyed by the curving fascia and small porthole display. Don’t let that deceive you, though; this AV receiver is also a cutting-edge movie beast. Its audio performance was excellent, with the soundstage being easily controlled. Sonic placement is always accurate, and there’s never a sense of pressure.
It is a nine-channel model with 7.1.2 configuration options. In addition, it has IMAX Enhanced certification, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Virtual DTS: X, and the ability to automatically adjust bass control handling for deeper bass when it detects content that has been flagged. The receiver includes smart compatibility for AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant, in addition to a single HDMI 2.1 input that supports 8K content.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Hugely precise cinema sound
- Excellent two-channel performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only one 8K/4K 120fps input
HIGHEST QUALITY AV RECEIVER
8. Arcam AVR30
Whenever it comes to home theater, Arcam is often referred to as the brand of choice for connoisseurs. This high-performance receiver comes with both Auro-3D compatibility and IMAX Enhanced certification, in addition to the standard list of immersive codecs that are included in the package. Additionally, despite the fact that the AVR30 is a receiver with seven channels, there is available processing headroom for sixteen channels if you are willing to add additional amplification.
Dirac Live, which performs an excellent job of optimizing the output of the AVR to fit your listening space, is responsible for the finest calibration in the industry. The absence of compatibility with 2.1 is less remarkable; Arcam is proposing a full-board switch, although this is an expensive solution to the problem. The AVR30, on the other hand, makes up for its lack of mod cons with its performance, demonstrating that it is capable of producing immediate highs and strong sinking lows without fail. Support for wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, in addition to the capabilities of Google Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
SPECIFICATIONS
REASONS TO BUY
- Wonderfully rich and energetic sound
-
Dirac Live room calibration
REASONS TO AVOID
- No 8K/4K 120fps support
- Usability is a little basic
SPECS COMPARED
| Power output (claimed) | Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support | HDMI ports | Phono stage (MM) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-4800H | 9x 125W | Yes | 7x in; 3x out | Yes |
| Denon AVR-X2700H | 7x 150W | Yes | 6x in; 2x out | Yes |
| Onkyo TX-NR7100 | 9x 100W | Yes | 6x in; 2x out | Yes |
| Marantz Cinema 50 | 9x 110W | Yes | 6x in; 3x out | Yes |
| Sony STR-AN1000 | 7x 85W | Yes | 6x in; 2x out | No |
| Marantz Cinema 70S | 7x 50W | Yes | 6x in, 1x out | Yes |
| Marantz SR6015 | 9x 100W | Yes | 7x in; 3x out | Yes |
| Arcam AVR30 | 9x 150W | Yes | 7x in: 3x out | No |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AV RECEIVER FOR YOU?
If you are serious about changing your sound output into something more theater-like, you should begin educating yourself on the prerequisites by being acquainted with the items to consider. Purchasing anything as sophisticated and multi-talented as an AV receiver might be intimidating for a buyer who is doing so for the first time.
An arrangement of
Right from the bat, it is important to be aware that the majority of seven-channel audiovisual receivers are capable of supporting a speaker configuration of 5.1.2. This configuration is the usual 5.1 surround layout, but it also includes two extra-height/up-firing surround speakers. It is possible to employ models that have nine channels of amplification for either 5.1 surround sound with four Dolby height speakers (5.1.4) or 7.1 surround sound with two height channels (7.1.2). Speaker types like as those found in the new Klipsch Reference line have the potential to be an excellent combination for a home theater system. These speakers have a number of upward-firing speakers, which are necessary in order to fulfill the criteria of Dolby Amos.
Interconnections
When searching for the greatest audio-visual receiver, HDMI inputs are not the only factor to consider. While it is true that we like having a large number of inputs, it is also essential to have a sufficient number of outputs, especially if you want to connect a projector and a flatscreen to the same room.
If you are thinking about using an audiovisual receiver as a hub for connection for a music system as well as a movie system, then you should be sure to check out our guide to the finest turntables available for individuals of any budget. It is possible to play vinyl records from any of the record decks that we have tested since many of the receivers that are now on the market come equipped with a moving-magnet phono stage that is built right in.
Assistance with both resolution and frame rate
A high-frame rate HDMI or an 8K resolution is required. If it is very improbable that your audiovisual receiver will have a gaming console attached to it, then the answer is no. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing an AVR that has normal HDMI 2.0 inputs, you may find some fantastic prices.
sound that surrounds you
Although compatibility with Dolby Atmos is a certainty (and by default, this also implies that you will get DTS:X), the question is, how many channels do you require? When given the choice, 9 channels are always preferable to 7 channels since it enables the usage of additional speaker choices, such as 5.1.4 or 7.1.2, for instance.
Do not have a home theater sound system that is fully equipped with Dolby Atmos? You should look for a model that has height virtualization technology so that you may have an immersive audio experience even if you do not have a complete set of physical speakers.
Generating power
Even if you do not have the good fortune to have a room that is specifically designated for watching movies, it is still a good idea to get a piece of equipment that has a significant amount of amplification. When an AVR has a high power output, it is able to produce dynamic transients and perform pressure loading on a space without experiencing clipping or strain.
8K AV RECEIVERS HMDI 2.1 BUG EXPLAINED
Despite the fact that 8K, or more likely 4K at 120 frames per second from a next-generation gaming console, is a compelling reason to update your dusty old AV receiver, there is an HDMI problem that has to be addressed.
Some new 8K/4K source devices that offer a 4K/120fps or 8K video resolution output (we’re looking at you, Xbox Series X) do not always pass the video signal through to the display. This is what we mean when we say that the first-generation receivers with 8K HDMI 2.1 inputs that you can buy right now are known to suffer from a compatibility issue.
Consequently, companies such as Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha are frantically trying to find a solution to this problem. Because of this, Denon is providing free HDMI adaptor boxes to customers who purchase Denon and Marantz AV receivers that have been impacted by the issue. Your console and your AV receiver are separated by the SPK618, which is responsible for correcting the HDMI data and enabling it to flow through. Although it may be inelegant, it is effective.
An additional remedy for owners of concerned AVRs is to connect their console directly to their TV, which is capable of 4K and 120 frames per second, and then route audio back to the AVR by utilizing the eARC HDMI connection.
Another alternative is for gamers to just output from their console at a resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second, which is practically the default premium display option anyhow. This will ensure that everything is in order.
On the other hand, you could either wait for new models or you could hang fire. The RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A receivers that Yamaha has released are said to use a next-generation HDMI board that is not as affected by the disease.
How do we test AV receivers?
In order to assess the overall sound quality performance of the models that we would like to include on our page devoted to the finest AV receivers, we play a variety of media, such as movies, music, and games, throughout the testing process. In addition to this, we evaluate any companion software that could be included with an audiovisual receiver, and we take into account how simple it is to install and operate each receiver in conjunction with a reference speaker system.
Other aspects that we take into consideration include the many types of connection choices, all of which impact how effectively it will operate with the entertainment system that you have installed in your house. We also take into consideration the power output, the number of audio channels and subwoofer outputs that are supported, the processing software that is available for decoding movie soundtracks, and the capacity of each speaker to handle music sources. These are all aspects that have a significant impact on the sound that each speaker will produce in your living room.
When all of our testing is finished, we use our five-point methodology to provide a rating to each AV receiver, with one being the worst and five being the finest. It is possible to get the Editor’s Choice badge for a product if it meets almost all of the criteria.
