To the untrained oculus , an AV liquidator may just calculate like a big black box that a bunch of telecasting and speaker wires run in and out of . Far more than a junction boxwood for your go - to components likestreaming devices , Blu - ray instrumentalist , projector , connection music streamers , turntables , and more , an Ab telephone receiver is the beating substance of a home theater system . You ’ll be hard - entreat to telegraph up anybookshelf speakers , base - standing speakers , orsubwooferswithout one of these bad boys !
shit for an Ab telephone receiver can be quite the project . Not only do marque like Marantz have brand - Modern model to prefer from , but you ’ll usually be able-bodied to observe elderly models for discounted toll , too . You also need to ensure your new liquidator is compatible with all of your survive ironware , while future - proofread it against any AV tech you may grab down the line of business . To help everyone out , we ’ve gone ahead and round up some of the best AV receivers you may purchase .
Best overall AV receiver
Denon AVR-S770H
parallel factor are experiencing a big resurgence . If you ’re the proud possessor of a disk thespian , but you also have a gross ton of digital components to cable up , the Denon AVR - S770H is a positively - review AVR that tick off a short ton of box , with one of the most of import being its sub-$1,000 price . With a 7.2 or 5.2.2 surround sound determine up that pushes a solid 75 watts - per - channel , the S770H includes a dedicated phono preamp for connecting a lazy Susan . That ’s on top of six HDMI 2.1 stimulant , an eARC output ( up to 8K/60Hz ) , Bluetooth and Wi - Fi connectivity , along with Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility .
When it comes to HDR and surround decoding , the S770H is one of the good alternative in its cost range . Supported format includeDolby Atmos and DTS :X , as well as HDR10 , HDR10 + , andDolby Vision HDR . While Wi - Fi is n’t require , colligate the S770H to the net will also give you access code to severalmusic streaming services , including Spotify , Tidal , Pandora , and SiriusXM . You ’ll also be able to download the Denon HEOS app ( for iOS and Android ) to curate music , adjust receiver preferences , and more .
If you ’d care to bring talker to a second room of your house , the S770H can also be used as a double - zone pass catcher . If you ’re purchase a receiver for Atmos or DTS :X , do keep in brain that the S770H utilize either the Surround Back or height channels to power Zone 2 . This means you wo n’t be able to run a full 7.1 configuration in Zone 1 ( so no Atmos ) .
Last but not least , the S770H also supportshi - res musicplayback up to 24 - bit/192kHz . While a higher - price Ab receiver will deliver even more ports and power , the Denon AVR - S770H offer a great compounding of digital and analog connections for under $ 700 .
Best high-end AV receiver
Marantz Cinema 30
When one seeks a flagship AV receiver , one of the good mark to start with is Marantz , a tried - and - true staple of the AV world . And if you ’ve never heard of the Marantz Cinema Series before , you will today , as there are two models on our leaning : the Cinema 70s below and the mighty Marantz Cinema 30 , an 11.4 system that surrender up to 140 W - per - channel and is tailor - made to enrich the biggest and loudest Dolby Atmos , DTS :X , and Auro-3D surround configurations .
You ’ll have your option of seven HDMI 2.1 stimulation and three outputs . All inputs suffer 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz ( as do two of the outputs ) , and all HDMI port support 4K/60Hz . If you ’re all about observe movies and shows ( and playing video games ) with the absolute best video quality , you ’ll be as proud of as we were to discover that the Cinema 30 supports all leading HDR formats , on top of VRR , ALLM , and QFT for lag - free gaming .
When setting up the liquidator , the Marantz MultEQ XT32 setup and calibration shaft mulct - tunes your sound so your speakers will systematically return the best phone for the hearing space they ’re target in . Once you ’re link to Wi - Fi , you ’ll be able to stream medicine through service likeTidal , SiriusXM , Spotify , Pandora , and other web - attached services . There ’s also a Bluetooth comment , plus a USB association that stick out hi - res playback at 24 - bit/192kHz ( PCM ) .
This is also an first-class pass receiver for Zone 2 and Zone 3 expansions down the wrinkle or if you already have speaker unit in unlike rooms in your dwelling house . Both zones have dedicated stereo yield for hooking up extra AV components .
The best budget AV receiver
Sony STR-DH590
When it comes to AV receivers , boil down your budget invariably mean reducing the phone number of features . The key is to preserve as many of the feature that most people value . The Sony STR - DH590 cope to do this in a stellar style by supporting all of the tardy audio and video data format , including 4 K and HDR ( HDR10 , HLG , and Dolby Vision ) . It also comes with its own acoustic calibration circuitry , which takes the guesswork out of setting up your speakers to the right levels .
For farthest audio fidelity , the DH590 is equipped with Sony ’s Pure Direct mode for the cleanest sound the receiver has to extend . It does so by disabling the DH590 ’s front showing board , obviate unnecessary component randomness from escape into the mix of whatever content you ’re consuming . Keep in mind that engage Pure Direct also bypass several of the receiver ’s national equalizer . It ’s a great feature for listening to music through analog seed , but if you ’re a fan of big cinema auditory sensation , it ’s probably something we ’d leave alone when watching a movie .
Although the DH590 has Bluetooth for lineal music streaming from a compatible smartphone or tablet , the liquidator is n’t internet - tie , so you wo n’t be able to rain cats and dogs music without a Bluetooth gimmick . That being said , Sony ’s high - res audio support kick in when you ’re beaming tune to the receiver , which adds a little more belly and top - end to your sound .
In full term of main source connexion , the Sony STR - DH590 only has four HDMI input . While you wo n’t be power any rock concert , it ’s more than enough pass receiver for a very hearty home theater experience .
Best mid-range AV receiver
JBL MA9100HP
JBL may best be known for its iconic hi - fi speakers , headphones , andBluetooth speaker unit , but the troupe also makesintegrated amplifiersand , yes , AV pass catcher . This year , JBLmade a plash unveil its unexampled card of affordable ampsthat it ’s dub MA ( Modern Audio are aimed at the user that ’s perhaps quick to graduate from a more basic AV organisation like a soundbar in favour of much more active and premium component sound without the associated cost .
The flagship of the MA agate line ( which starts at $ 400 ) is the $ 1,600 JBL MA9100HP . The 9.2 - channel amplifier delivers a huge 140 watt per channel and support direct audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS :X , sacrifice you the headstone to a realm of unbound domicile theatre possibilities . Oh , and all nine of those speaker terminals are powered by low - noise Class D amplifier , assure you get the just in overrefinement - free audio . And while we have yet to execute a full review of the MA9100HP , we were at the Los Angeles launch of the lineup and spent more than enough time heed to it at Harman ’s Northridge , California military headquarters , so we can guarantee for its fully grown , clear sound in a variety of configurations , including two - channel music and full - on environs in Harman ’s on - internet site theater rooms . pair with MA ’s accompanying Stage 2 talker , the MA9100HP system just pumps , with fantabulous sound separation and immersive surroundings shape its up - firing height speakers .
Speaking of immersive sound , with Atmos and DTS :X setups , the MA9100HP lets you take from three configurations : 9.1 , 7.1.2 , and 5.1.4 . As far as Ab link go , the MA9100P defend HDMI 2.1 across all three inputs , with 8K/60Hz passthrough or 4K/120Hz . play fanatics will also be proud of to study that the receiver supports varying refresh pace ( VRR ) and auto low rotational latency mode ( ALLM ) , ensuring you ’ll get abject input meantime and profligate answer multiplication for PlayStation and Xbox championship .
There ’s even a moving magnet phono input if you ’re up to connecting a book role player . Listening to music with the MA9100HP is easy , thanks to native integrations for AirPlay 2 , Google Chromecast , andBluetooth aptX Adaptive . With the latter format , you ’ll be able-bodied to listen to hi - Re caterpillar track at up to 24 - bit/192kHz .
Oh , and the icing on the cake is JBL ’s phenomenal EZ Set EQ , which automatically calibrates audio to best mate your hearing surround .
Best receiver for format support
Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A
The 7.2 - epithelial duct Aventage RX - A2A is more than capable as a powerhouse video system . Naturally , it has support for all of the previous Ab engineering : 4 K , HDR ( HDR10 , HLG , HDR10 + , etc . ) , Dolby Atmos , DTS :X , and HDCP 2.3 . It ’s also ready for HDMI - eARC and is compatible with Hawai’i - Re audio files up to 32 - bit/192 kHz .
HDMI 2.1is also supported if you wish to outride on the cutting border of AV support for your entertainment system , and future updates will add musical accompaniment for things like 8 K and the late formats . Inside , you ’ll find features like a high slew charge per unit amplifier for more accurate audio response and down in the mouth distorted shape , as well as modern modes for flick optimisation . Outside , the design let in an A.R.T. ( Anti - Resonance Technology ) wedge to help soften nearby quivering and ameliorate audio caliber further . MusicCast feature wireless 5.1 environs audio financial backing also help if you wish to fiddle music on the system as well .
Do n’t worry about a lack of connections , either . The Yamaha Aventage RX - A2A includes seven HDMI input choice to handle any gadget you may want to define up . There ’s even compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant when you ca n’t encounter the remote control .
Best compact AV receiver
Marantz Cinema 70s
Another member of the Cinema Series has join the party . Enter the Marantz Cinema 70s , one of the ship’s company ’s far-famed slimline models that extradite a fantastic Ab experience using half the chassis . This 7.2 - channel AV receiver brings 50 watts per channel to the table , along with Dolby Atmos and DTS :X keep for 5.1.2 configurations .
Over on the Ab end of thing , the Cinema 70s delivers 8K/60Hz across three of its six HDMI port , plus an 8 1000 output . You ’ll also get 4K/120Hz across all inputs . Movies , appearance , and video secret plan encode in HDR are a treat to watch and play through the Cinema 70s , as it supports all class - leading HDR formats , include HDR10 + and Dolby Vision . Expect a bright picture with bold color . Gamers will also love the fact that VRR , ALLM , and QFT engineering science is standard on all HDMI ports .
As for music , once connected to Wi - Fi , you ’ll be able to stream wirelessly via Marantz ’ HEOS platform , which gives you admittance to services like Spotify , Tidal , andSiriusXM , plus a number of free net radio receiver station . you’re able to even dally medicine from a personal computer connected to the same internet .
And much like the flagship Cinema 30 we mentioned earlier , the Cinema LXX includes an MM phono input signal for telegraph up arecord player . What you wo n’t get on this role model is a Zone 3 for extra speakers and amplifiers , though it does feature a Zone 2 . Do keep in idea that if you decide to utilize the second zone for more speakers , you ’ll be borrowing against the gain in the main zona , which means you wo n’t be able to connect a full surround organisation .
Another solid budget AV receiver
Onkyo TX-NR5100
Those who want funding for the late characteristic and standards while still appease at mid - range prices will witness a portion to love about this Onkyo model , which is also a great pickaxe for gamers or those looking for an acclivity to their movie experience .
This seven - channel receiver offers 80 watts per channel into 8 Georg Simon Ohm at 0.08 % THD ( Total Harmonic Distortion ) with two channels driven . connection include four HDMI 2.1 ports in and two out ( with HDCP 2.3 livelihood ) , optical , coaxal , stereo RCA ports , USB ports , and dual subwoofer RCA ports , plus a headphone jack when play session need to stay quiet .
When we dig into more supported standards , this Onkyo model gets even more impressive : It ’s compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS :X processing , Sonos Port , AirPlay 2 , Bluetooth , Chromecast , Alexa , and Google Assistant . There ’s built - in Wi - Fi and compatibility with ARC / eARC , too . HDR10 + , Dolby Vision , and HLG ( Hybrid Log - Gamma ) are also all supported , make this liquidator very well - rounded for all kinds of optimisation .
Like some of our other pick , the Onkyo TX - NR5100 also has a few features dedicate to gamers , including Variable Refresh Rate ( VRR ) , Auto Low Latency Mode ( ALLM ) , and Quick Frame Transport ( QFT ) , which can help improve frame rate performance and skip down on issues relating to lag .
Frequently Asked Questions
Most recipient do very well for movies as well as music , with performance scale up in bicycle-built-for-two as you move into premium fashion model . However , medicine can be more revealing of heavy quality and character than movie soundtracks , and those who prize euphony listening may discover one blade more sonically satisfying than another .
Additionally , if music is is your main focus , you may want to consider just getting astereo receiver or integrated amplifierinstead .
All of the model we highlight support 4 K and most also digest HDR formatting as well . These days , only particularly erstwhile receivers will miss 4 K support .
While 8 one thousand is useable in some form or another today , the technology is still raw and rarely seen out of doors of some specialised broadcasts . However , as it becomes more common , we are examine 8 K support show up in more place , including several of our top receiver pickax . Consider it a time to come - proof option as 8 K proceed to appear more frequently .
As long as it has a phono input , yes . If not , you ’ll necessitate aphono preampto boost the usually - low signal from the turntable . Preamps can be quite affordable for entry - level models .
It ’s helpful to intend about this in terms of inputs and outputs . What devices do you want to input audio and video , and what portion do you want that audio and TV deliver to ? The second question is answered automatically with an Ab receiver : You ’ll be outputting audio to speakers ( which often get with many receiver packet ) and video to a TV or similar display .
For inputs , that for the most part depends on what you have and what you want . you’re able to tie in consoles , Blu - ray players , laptops or PCs , circle - top boxes , and a variety of other devices to a pass catcher . You will need to make up tightlipped aid to the larboard on your machine and verify your pass receiver supports the most effectual way to receive AV data , such as eARC . There ’s a set more to discourse about the different types of setups an AV receiver can support , but this will aid you get start .
Simply put , a receiver component can have and process an audio signal , while an amplifier component optimise the audio signaling and send it on to the speakers . Ab telephone receiver include both , so that ’s not something you generally ask to occupy about . Some types of speakers do have their own amplifiers include but will call for a receiver twist to work .
That ’s a complicated question , count on a myriad of factor like format bread and butter , connection standard , hardware component , processing applied science , and a lot more .
For some time , the rate at which feature were being added made buying any Ab telephone receiver a risky proposition if you did n’t want to be stupefy with something that apace went out of date . With 4 K , HDR , HDMI , and HDCP seemingly having everything worked out for the 4 K era , it ’s much safer to buy a pass receiver now without worrying that you ’ll quickly see the future pass you by . Dolby Atmos and DTS :X seem entrenched as the two major leaders in object - base surroundings sound
If you really want to plunge in , one of the best places to start is our templet toeverything you should know when buying an AV receiver .
It can be , peculiarly if you like gaming with surround sound for submersion . attend for support for all the latest standards before you purchase , include Dolby Atmos , one of the newer HDMI standard like 2.0 or 2.1 , and HDR compatibility . There are also features , like on our Denon AVR - X4700H pick , that add more benefits for gamers , like Variable Refresh Rate funding and Auto Low Latency Mode . An AV receiver is n’t involve for gaming , but it ’s an crucial addition if you want true surroundings sound .
It ’s not the good substance abuse , but it wo n’t do much hurt . Today ’s Ab receivers are built to go into standby musical mode and use as footling power as possible .
Ventilation is significant to keep the telephone receiver from overheating . For illustration , Denon recommends that you give its receiver at least five column inch of place on the top and two inches on the side . If the amp inside overheats , it may automatically keep out off to protect itself .
Since receivers can last a tenacious time , it ’s a near estimate to get as many groove as you’re able to so you have the choice to promote to more surround speech sound in the future . We recommend at least a 7.1 - transmission channel system , even if you do n’t presently use that many speakers .
Glossary
4 KB : Higher firmness of purpose than HD ( 3840 hug drug 2160 ) . The latest standard for TVs and AV receiver manikin , although some are even going up to 8 kibibyte these days .
Dolby Atmos : One of the two most popular object - based surroundings format , Atmos adds height information so sound can seem to come from above and all around you .
DSD : Direct - Stream Digital . A hi - res audio file format substitute to .WAV , .AIFF , and others that aims to bring down straining .
DTS :X : The other most popular aim - based sound format , DTS :X can be more flexible than Dolby Atmos when it comes to where speakers are placed and how many of them there are .
HDCP 2.2 : A manikin of copy protection , this variation is required for play 4 K content .
HDMI 2.1a : While it is n’t the newest version of HDMI , this version is the first that allows HDR signaling and 4 1000 capacity at up to 60 frames per second .
HDMI 2.1 : HDMI 2.1 supports higher frame rates and up to 8 K resolution , among other improvements , and is the latest standard for Ab connecter .
HDMI eARC : eARC — or " enhanced audio restoration channel " — is an upgrade to the standard HDMI ARC interface . The tech was contrive to allow one - cable television service transmitting of audio recording and entropy to and from the TV to simplify house theater setups , but the eARC rise also adds full support for hi - Ra surround auditory sensation format .
HDR : High Dynamic Range , offers better contrast and more gloss volume than standard dynamic ambit . regard by some a with child ocular improvement than 4 yard resolution . Even if you desire a stereo telephone receiver , HDR is still an crucial perk for your image quality .
VRR : Variable Refresh Rate . This technology can adjust the refresh rate of a presentation so it matches the end product of a gaming cabinet like an Xbox or PlayStation . If you have a newer console in your home theater , VRR on both your TV and receiver will help eliminate tearing and other problems .
THD : Total Harmonic Distortion . This measurement is typically express as a percentage , such as 0.008 % . It designate how much harmonic distortion is create by devices like receivers . humbled THD is upright for audio truth , and high - quality receivers will have low THD numbers .
Denon HEOS : Denon Home Entertainment Operating System . This was originally a wireless standard offered by Denon to support wireless audio connections between speaker unit in different rooms . It has developed into a platform now do it as “ Denon Home ” but HEOS devices are still compatible with it and Denon Home still works with the HEOS app .
HLG : Hybrid Log Gamma . This is a signal used by some broadcaster to enable HDR optimization more efficiently . It combines HDR and SDR bait into a signaling that can be sent to any television without worrying as much about compatibility .
QFT : Quick Frame Transport . This engineering increases the skeleton charge per unit to help cut down on display reaction time , or those small delay between visual information being generated in a equipment and actually being displayed on your TV . It ’s another engineering that gamers will revalue in a TV and accompanying pass receiver .
ALLM : Auto Low Latency Mode . This modal value detects when you are using a connected gaming equipment , and flip to a separate game fashion to avail optimise visual data point and cut down on latency .
