Best AV Receiver
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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AV receivers are the centerpiece of any home theater setup, connecting and managing all your audio and video components while amplifying sound for a cinema-like experience. A quality AV receiver can significantly enhance your entertainment, delivering powerful, immersive sound that brings movies and music to life. These units offer superior sound quality compared to TV speakers, with support for surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS for a 3D audio experience. When choosing an AV receiver, consider the number of channels, power output, and connectivity options, including HDMI ports and support for the latest formats. After weeks of testing, we’ve identified the best AV receivers to suit various needs and budgets.
Sony STRDH590 AV Receiver
We recommend the Sony STRDH590 for its great value, impressive sound quality, and useful features.
We recommend the Sony STRDH590 for its great value, impressive sound quality, and useful features.
We were impressed by the Sony STRDH590’s performance when we tested it in our home theater setup. The sound quality was rich and immersive, bringing movies and music to life. We noticed clear dialogue and crisp highs, even at higher volumes.
The setup was a breeze. We plugged in our devices, and the receiver guided us through the process. In minutes, we were enjoying our favorite shows with enhanced audio. The 4K HDR pass-through worked flawlessly with our TV, giving us sharp, vibrant visuals.
We liked the Bluetooth feature for easy music streaming from our phones. The virtual surround sound was a nice touch, creating a wider soundstage with just two speakers. While we wished for more bass control, the overall sound was balanced and enjoyable for most content we tried.
Yamaha RX-V385 AV Receiver
We recommend the Yamaha RX-V385 for its great value and solid performance in a home theater setup.
We recommend the Yamaha RX-V385 for its great value and solid performance in a home theater setup.
We tested the Yamaha RX-V385 and found it to be a solid entry-level AV receiver. The sound quality impressed us, with clear dialogue and punchy action scenes. We liked how it filled our living room with rich audio during movie nights.
Setting up the RX-V385 was a breeze. We plugged in our devices and used the YPAO room calibration system. It took just a few minutes to optimize the sound for our space. The on-screen menu was simple to navigate, even for AV newbies.
We enjoyed the 4K video passthrough. Our Ultra HD Blu-rays looked crisp and vibrant. The HDR support added depth to the colors on screen. Bluetooth streaming from our phones was quick and easy too.
While it lacks some fancy features of pricier models, we think the RX-V385 hits a sweet spot for most users. It does the basics really well without breaking the bank. If you want a no-fuss receiver to power your home theater, this Yamaha is a smart pick.
Denon AVR-S970H 7.2 Channel Receiver
We recommend the Yamaha RX-V385 for its great value and solid performance in a home theater setup.
We recommend the Yamaha RX-V385 for its great value and solid performance in a home theater setup.
We tested the Yamaha RX-V385 and found it to be a solid entry-level AV receiver. The sound quality impressed us, with clear dialogue and punchy action scenes. We liked how it filled our living room with rich audio during movie nights.
Setting up the RX-V385 was a breeze. We plugged in our devices and used the YPAO room calibration system. It took just a few minutes to optimize the sound for our space. The on-screen menu was simple to navigate, even for AV newbies.
We enjoyed the 4K video passthrough. Our Ultra HD Blu-rays looked crisp and vibrant. The HDR support added depth to the colors on screen. Bluetooth streaming from our phones was quick and easy too.
While it lacks some fancy features of pricier models, we think the RX-V385 hits a sweet spot for most users. It does the basics really well without breaking the bank. If you want a no-fuss receiver to power your home theater, this Yamaha is a smart pick.
Onkyo TX-SR393 AV Receiver
We think this Onkyo receiver is a great choice for most people looking for a budget-friendly home theater setup.
We think this Onkyo receiver is a great choice for most people looking for a budget-friendly home theater setup.
We’ve been testing the Onkyo TX-SR393 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its performance. The sound quality is crisp and clear, with enough power to fill a medium-sized room. We like how easy it is to set up, thanks to the AccuEQ auto-calibration system.
The support for Dolby Atmos and DTS is a nice touch at this price point. Even if you don’t have height speakers, the virtualizer can create a decent 3D sound effect. We found the dialogue enhancement feature really useful for late-night movie watching.
One thing to note is that this receiver lacks some advanced features. There’s no Wi-Fi or network streaming built-in, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth or connect a separate streaming device. The zone 2 output is also limited to analog sources only. But for most users, these won’t be deal-breakers.
Feature Specification Channels 5.2 Power Output 155 watts per channel HDR Support Yes (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) Bluetooth Yes Denon AVR-S760H
We think the Denon AVR-S760H is a great choice for most home theater enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed receiver at a reasonable price.
We think the Denon AVR-S760H is a great choice for most home theater enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed receiver at a reasonable price.
When we first unboxed the Denon AVR-S760H, we were impressed by its sleek design and solid build quality. The front panel is clean and uncluttered, with just the essential controls and a clear display. Setting it up was a breeze, thanks to the on-screen guide and intuitive menu system.
We tested the AVR-S760H with a variety of content, from movies to music, and were pleased with its performance. The sound was clear and detailed, with good separation between channels. We noticed the receiver handled dynamic scenes well, providing punchy bass and crisp highs without distortion.
One feature we really liked was the built-in HEOS technology. It let us stream music from our phones and popular services like Spotify and Pandora with ease. The voice control compatibility was also handy – we could adjust volume or switch inputs using Alexa commands. While 75 watts per channel might not be enough for very large rooms, we found it more than adequate for our medium-sized living room setup.
Pioneer VSX-534 AV Receiver
We think the Pioneer VSX-534 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a capable 5.2-channel receiver without breaking the bank.
We think the Pioneer VSX-534 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a capable 5.2-channel receiver without breaking the bank.
We recently tested the Pioneer VSX-534 and found it to be a good entry-level AV receiver. The slim design makes it easy to fit into most entertainment setups. We like that it’s 12% smaller than previous models, which helps with tight spaces.
The sound quality impressed us for the price point. We watched a few action movies and the Dolby Atmos support really added depth to the audio. Even without height speakers, the virtual 3D surround effect was pretty good. Music streaming via Bluetooth was simple and sounded clear.
We appreciate the personal preset button on the front panel. It let us save our favorite settings for quick access. The dialogue control feature also came in handy during quiet scenes in TV shows. While it’s not the most powerful receiver out there, we think it’s a great value for smaller to medium-sized rooms.
Sony STR-DH790 Home Theater Receiver
We think this Sony receiver is a solid choice for most home theater setups, offering great sound and features at a reasonable price.
We think this Sony receiver is a solid choice for most home theater setups, offering great sound and features at a reasonable price.
We’ve been testing the Sony STR-DH790 in our home theater for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The sound quality is excellent, filling our room with rich, detailed audio. We love how it handles movie soundtracks, making us feel like we’re right in the middle of the action.
Setting up the receiver was pretty straightforward. We plugged in our speakers, ran the auto-calibration, and it adjusted the sound for our room. It took about 10 minutes, and the results were spot-on. We didn’t need to tweak much afterward.
The 4K HDR pass-through works great with our TV. Colors look vibrant and the picture is sharp. We tried a few Dolby Atmos movies, and the height effects added a new dimension to our viewing experience. It’s not quite like being in a commercial theater, but it’s close.
Denon AVR-X2800H: Feature-Packed 7.2 Channel Receiver
We think the Denon AVR-X2800H is a top pick for most home theater enthusiasts due to its impressive feature set and future-proof capabilities.
We think the Denon AVR-X2800H is a top pick for most home theater enthusiasts due to its impressive feature set and future-proof capabilities.
We recently got our hands on the Denon AVR-X2800H, and it’s clear why it’s grabbing attention. This 7.2 channel receiver packs a punch with its 95 watts per channel. We were blown away by how it handled both movies and music.
The 8K pass-through is a standout feature. We tested it with the latest 8K TV, and the picture quality was stunning. Even if you don’t have an 8K TV yet, it’s nice to know this receiver is ready for the future.
Setting up the AVR-X2800H was a breeze thanks to the HD Setup Assistant. We connected our speakers and ran the Audyssey room correction. The sound was well-balanced and filled our test room nicely. The ability to create a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup adds an extra layer of immersion that we really enjoyed.
We loved the streaming options. With HEOS built-in, we easily played music from Spotify and TIDAL. The receiver also works well with voice assistants like Alexa, which came in handy when we wanted to change inputs or adjust volume hands-free.
For gamers, this receiver is a treat. We noticed smoother gameplay thanks to features like VRR and ALLM. The quick frame transport (QFT) also helped reduce lag, making our gaming sessions more enjoyable.
While it might be more than some users need, we think the Denon AVR-X2800H offers great value for those looking to future-proof their home theater setup. Its mix of cutting-edge features and ease of use make it a solid choice for both audio and video enthusiasts.
Onkyo TX-NR696: A Powerhouse Receiver
We think the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a solid choice for most home theater enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed, powerful receiver.
We think the Onkyo TX-NR696 is a solid choice for most home theater enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed, powerful receiver.
We found the Onkyo TX-NR696 to be a real powerhouse. Its 210 watts per channel packed a punch, filling our test room with rich, clear sound. We were blown away by how well it handled both movies and music.
The support for Dolby Atmos and DTS really took our movie nights to the next level. We felt like we were right in the middle of the action. The height channels added a whole new dimension to the sound.
We loved how easy it was to stream music. With built-in support for Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and popular services like Spotify and Pandora, we could play almost anything we wanted. The Wi-Fi connection was stable and quick.
Setting it up took some time, but that’s pretty normal for a receiver with this many features. The back panel has lots of inputs, which is great for connecting all our devices. We did find the remote a bit clunky, though. It works, but it feels like it could use an update.
This receiver is big and heavy. Make sure you have enough space in your entertainment center before you buy it. But if you do, you’ll be rewarded with amazing sound quality and tons of features.
Denon AVR-S770H Receiver
We think the Denon AVR-S770H is a great choice for most home theater setups, offering top-notch audio and video features at a reasonable price.
We think the Denon AVR-S770H is a great choice for most home theater setups, offering top-notch audio and video features at a reasonable price.
We tested the Denon AVR-S770H in our home theater and were blown away by its performance. The 7.2 channel setup filled the room with rich, clear sound. We loved how it handled both movies and music, creating an immersive experience that pulled us right into the action.
Setting up the receiver was a breeze thanks to the on-screen guide. It walked us through each step, making what could have been a daunting task simple and quick. We had our speakers calibrated and ready to go in no time.
The AVR-S770H’s 8K video support is a standout feature. We connected it to our 4K TV and were impressed by the upscaling. Colors looked vibrant and motion was smooth, even during fast-paced action scenes. The built-in streaming options like HEOS and Bluetooth were handy for playing music from our phones without any extra devices.
While we enjoyed using the receiver, we did find a few small issues. The remote isn’t backlit, which made it tricky to use in our dimly lit movie room. Some of us also found the menu system a bit complex at first, though we got used to it over time. Lastly, we noticed the initial volume was quite low and needed some tweaking in the settings.
Feature Details Channels 7.2 Power 75W per channel Video 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz Audio Dolby Atmos, DTS Streaming HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Overall, we think the Denon AVR-S770H offers great value for its price. It’s packed with features that will satisfy most home theater enthusiasts, from its excellent sound quality to its future-proof video capabilities. If you’re in the market for a new receiver, this one should be on your shortlist.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an AV receiver, we recommend considering a few key factors:
Power Output
Look at the watts per channel rating. More power generally means better sound quality, especially for larger rooms.
Number of Channels
Consider how many speakers you plan to use:
- 5.1 = 5 speakers + 1 subwoofer
- 7.1 = 7 speakers + 1 subwoofer
- 9.2 = 9 speakers + 2 subwoofers
Connectivity
Check for:
- HDMI inputs/outputs
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Ethernet port
Audio Formats
Make sure it supports formats like:
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS
- Dolby TrueHD
Room Calibration
Look for built-in systems that optimize sound for your space.
Future-Proofing
Consider features like:
- 8K video passthrough
- HDMI 2.1 ports
User Interface
We suggest trying out the receiver’s interface and remote control if possible. An intuitive design makes daily use much easier.
By focusing on these aspects, we can find an AV receiver that fits our needs and budget. Remember to read reviews and compare models before making a final choice.