Summary
Best Receivers for Home Theater.. Receivers, the hub of your home theater system, produce dimension, clarity of sound, and power.
These are our favorites.
Yamaha RX-V385
Best Overall
The center of your home cinema system, the receiver, adds power, depth, and sound clarity.
Our favorites are these.
The Summary
Best All Around: $300 for the Yamaha RX-V385 on Amazon
Go to Review: Onkyo TX-SR393 at Walmart ($400) is the Best 5.2 Channel.
Go to Review Sony STR-DH790 at Amazon ($448) for the Best 7.2 Channel
Go to Review: Cambridge Audio AXA35 at Amazon ($399) Has the Best Design
Go to Review in This Article: Our Selections
What a Home Theater Receiver Should Have FAQ
Best All Around
Yamaha RX-V385 51-channel AV receiver Yamaha RX-V385
Amazon
Check Out On Amazon
$300 To See On Walmart
$325 to be seen at Best Buy
$300 Advantages
Outstanding audio quality for a basic receiver
paired with Bluetooth
Cons: No access to Wi-Fi
Not appropriate for bigger spaces
For the recommended price, the Yamaha RX-V385 is a really good value. It has a strong 5.1-channel amplifier, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray Discs, and Dolby TrueHD. Moreover, the receiver’s built-in Bluetooth enables music transmission to Bluetooth-capable speakers or headphones as well as direct streaming from compatible gadgets like smartphones.
Listening and viewing modes may be preset or changed using the SCENE feature. I really like the Silent Cinema headphone surround output option.
Yamaha’s YPAO system is included with the RX-V385 to facilitate speaker configuration. The receiver creates test tones with an attached microphone for analysis in order to determine how well your speakers perform in a certain space.
Four HDMI inputs and outputs are also provided; they support pass-through for HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma) and Wide Color Gamut in addition to 1080p, 4K, and 3D video signals. Nevertheless, there is no further video processing or upscaling offered by the RX-V385.
The RX-V385 does not have built-in internet streaming functionality, despite having Bluetooth. The front-mounted USB connector, however, enables the flash drives to be used to play back audio files that have been downloaded.
The RX-V385 is a good choice if you’re looking for an entry-level home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance.
Power: 145W; Inputs: HDMI (4), Coaxial (1), Optical (1); Outputs: Speaker Wire (5), HDMI (1), Stereo RCA (1); Dimensions: 12.4″ x 17.13″ x 6.34″
Onkyo TX-SR393
Best 5.2 Channel
The loaded machine from Onkyo is an entry-level equipment that offers a range of features and settings that will guarantee you have the right home theater setup for your requirements. It is without a doubt the greatest 5.2-channel AV receiver for the money. With a maximum of 3.1.2 channels that can be configured, Onkyo guarantees that you will be able to use the most cutting-edge immersive surround sound technology, whether it be Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or native object-audio playback.
The TX-SR393 is Onkyo’s least cost AV receiver from their 2019 portfolio; it has four HDMI inputs and one HDMI (ARC) output. James thought it was an unexpected highlight since it was the least expensive member of the range. You may have peace of mind knowing that you will have the optimum acoustics for the room you are in, regardless of its size, since the speaker connections take banana plugs, which makes attaching them much simpler. Additionally, Onkyo’s unique AccuEQ calibration technology allows you to relax knowing that you will have the best listening experience possible.
As a result of its intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and remote control, the Onkyo TX-SR393 is simple to use and quick to modify as required. It is capable of upscaling from 1080p to 4K, in addition to supporting 4K HDR video at 60 frames per second and HDR video passthrough. Additionally, the receiver became compatible with HDCP 2.3 once a firmware upgrade was applied.
There is a fantastic slice-of-life function that allows you to cast music and stream straight from devices to the TX-SR393, which is Bluetooth connection. However, it is important to note that there is no Wi-Fi access. As a whole, the most significant complaint that can be leveled against this receiver is that it just is not capable of performing at the same level as mid- to high-end AV receivers, which provide greater nuance and authentic sound. Taking into consideration the many benefits that this budget system offers, this is hardly a critique.
Inputs include stereo RCA (5), HDMI (4), coaxial (1), and optical (1). Outputs include stereo RCA (2), speaker wire (3), and HDMI (1). Dimensions are 12.9 inches by 17.1 inches by 6.3 inches.
Sony STR-DH790
Best 7.2 Channel
When considering its cost, the Sony STR-DH790 provides an outstanding value. The fact that it can accommodate a home theater system configuration with 5.1, 5.2, or 7.2 channels and that it is rated at 145 watts power-per-channel means that it has enough of choices and power to meet the majority of requirements. Its compatibility for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X is an even more impressive feature. It also provides opportunity for expansion for users of 5.1 or 5.2 channel systems, in the event that you decide to add extra speakers in the future in order to achieve an even more immersive sound quality.
There are four HDMI inputs included in the STR-DH790, all of which support high dynamic range (HDR) and 4K video at 60 frames per second. Additionally, there is one HDMI (eARC) output, which includes 3D video pass-through technology. Our reviewer, Jeremy, discovered that it was compatible with his home cinema setup without any problems. The STR-DH790 provides features that are comparable to those of its competitors, including Bluetooth connection and a variety of Sound Effect choice choices to enhance listening.
Wi-Fi connection is not included in the STR-DH790, as is the case with many other entry-level audiovisual receivers. Despite the fact that the spring-clip connections are a nuisance and the setup wizard gives a little bit of room for improvement, the Sony auto-calibration makes it very easy to complete the installation of your home theater system. It is important to be informed that it does not enable connections to wireless speakers. Still, this system has a low harmonic distortion of.9%, which allows it to provide a sound that is clean and powerful, as well as outstanding bass and superb features at a price that is fair.
• Inputs: Stereo RCA (5), HDMI (4), Coaxial (1), Optical (1) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (2), Speaker Wire (5), HDMI (1) | Dimensions: 11.75″ x 17″ x 5.25″ | This product has a power output of 145W.
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Best Design
The Cambridge Audio AXA35 is an amplifier that is suitable for those who are interested in music or home theater and is priced affordably. In spite of the fact that it is missing several essential capabilities that we have been used to seeing as norms, such as Bluetooth connection and coaxial or optical connectors, it is capable of providing input for up to five different sources. The silver finish, beveled heat vents to eliminate harsh edges, and the nearly floating quality of the product as a result of its low-profile supports are all examples of how the design is otherwise intuitive and appealing. The AXA35 integrated amplifier is an ideal choice for rooms that range from small to medium in size since it comes with a remote control that is easy to use and a relatively high power output of 35 watts per channel.
In addition to its streamlined appearance, it is equipped with a USB B connector that can be used to charge gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, and other media devices. Music cannot be played directly from external sources that are linked to this port, which is a regrettable limitation.
When everything is completely connected, it is simple to see why those things that appeared to be conventional were removed: in order to promote sound quality that is clear, sharp, and unexpectedly powerful. The careful attention that Cambridge Audio put to the AXA35’s components and its basic features has paid off, and the result is that it is now the most well-designed amplifier in its price range. At the price, it is of an exceptionally high quality.
Inputs include stereo RCA jacks (5) and a single 3.5mm headphone jack (1). Outputs include stereo RCA jacks (2) and a single 3.5mm headphone jack (1). Dimensions are 13.2 inches by 16.9 inches by 3.3 inches.
What to Look for in a Receiver for Your Home Theater System
Receivers for home cinema systems are responsible for producing depth, sound clarity, and, most importantly, power. When used in conjunction with a home theater system that has 5.1 or 7.2 channels, they considerably improve the quality. When compared to soundbars or the built-in sound systems that are available in televisions today, the quality of these sound systems has continuously decreased as televisions have become smaller and thinner. This is particularly obvious when compared to soundbars.
Interconnections
Think about how many different devices you want to connect before you go out and get a receiver. Check that the receiver has sufficient inputs for your equipment, including HDMI, RCA, optical, and any additional inputs that may be required. You should search for a receiver that has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or all of these features if you need wireless communications.
Formats for Audio
Dolby TrueHD and DTS:HD are two of the older codecs that are supported by the majority of affordable home theater systems. Finding a receiver that is compatible with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X codecs is essential if you want to have the most immersive experience possible with surround sound. You should also investigate the home theater configurations that they are compatible with. It is only possible to use certain ones with 5.1, 5.2, or 7.2 systems. As you go through our summary of the 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel systems, you will find further information.
Revision of the Room
In this price range, one of the most important difference makers in terms of audio quality is the presence of room correction software that is also included into the device. There is some more effort required to make use of this capability; but, if you choose a receiver that has outstanding room correction, you will be able to see the difference. If you are interested in superior digital room correction, our guide on how to set up a home theater system might assist you in evaluating the many alternatives available to you.
The question is, how can Bluetooth be added to a stereo receiver?
As is the case with a great deal of audio equipment, receivers are susceptible to harm if they are cleaned poorly and are also sensitive to strong chemicals. When you open up the chassis of your receiver, it is extremely helpful to use a can of compressed air to remove dust from the surface as well as the cavities. This is the most effective method for cleaning up your electronics reception. Additionally, it is recommended that the knobs, faceplate, or switches be removed on a regular basis and that any point of contact be cleaned using contact cleaner, which is a formulation that is specifically created for cleaning electrical devices.
In order to connect a subwoofer to a stereo receiver, what are the steps.
If your subwoofer has spring clips, you may connect it to your new receiver using RCA or LFE cables. Alternatively, you can connect it to the speaker output if it has spring clips.
Which method is the most effective for cleaning a stereo receiver?
As is the case with a great deal of audio equipment, receivers are susceptible to harm if they are cleaned poorly and are also sensitive to strong chemicals. When you open up the chassis of your receiver, it is extremely helpful to use a can of compressed air to remove dust from the surface as well as the cavities. This is the most effective method for cleaning up your electronics reception. Additionally, it is recommended that the knobs, faceplate, or switches be removed on a regular basis and that any point of contact be cleaned using contact cleaner, which is a formulation that is specifically created for cleaning electrical devices.
