Nothing in terms of features and performance but only suitable for those with a big budget. The good news is that this is up there with the best room correction software. The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). Full processing suites from Dolby and DTS can be found in AV receivers costing as little as $500. The receiver highlighted here, the MRX 1140, is at the top of the pile. If you need it, this receiver has plenty of power, and the 150 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz 20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch driven) should be more than enough to fill even the largest room. Arcam is a British company that has been producing high-end audio products since 1976. There is also support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Stylish design and great sound make the Polk Signature Elite ES15, ES10, and ES30 combo our pick for the best surround-sound system. The more height speakers you add, the more convincing the effectbut that requires more amp channels, which necessitates a more expensive AV receiver. AVR Buyer's Guide - 2022 Edition - HomeTheaterReview The only reason for this update is the introduction of HDMI 2.1 ports with HDCP2.3 and support for 8K video passthrough. For one thing, both models proved far too complicated to install and configure, especially compared with similar offerings from Denon. Another noteworthy feature that we wouldnt have necessarily expected from a receiver at this price is Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, which mimics the effect of overhead speakers surprisingly well even if all the speakers are at ear level. In our head-to-head round, we tested each receiver with and without its room correction engaged. For instance, when going through the guided setup, we reached a screen that asked us to choose a time zone, but a list of time zones wasnt available. Denons HEOS wireless multi-room technology is present as expected. For the movie lover willing to spend more for better sound quality, more amp channels, and some pretty tweaky customization capabilities, we recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H. Marantz AV8805. Don't worry if your budget doesn't stretch that far, we've selected an amp that can be yours for just a couple of hundred thousand. Was $599.95. Other upgrades over the AVR-X3700H include analog-video-to-HDMI upscaling and support for Auro-3D (an immersive audio format similar to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though not as common). However, all Arcam products should be considered for sound quality first and fancy features second. This inexpensive model features 2 channels and 220-watt power for superior audio. Its a powerful and dynamic performer for movies and equally good at reproducing stereo music. These are the most expensive amps ever made, with one model around 2m / $2m - roughly 10,000 times more expensive than the cheapest amp we'd recommend someone (the Onkyo A-9010 ). The AVR-S570BT provides fewer inputs than our other picks and has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet support, but the essentials are present. The MRX 1140 was initially released in 2020, along with the cheaper 740 and 540 models, and didnt support HDMI 2.1 and 8K video passthrough. An AV receiver can also serve as a music hub for your home, since many of them can connect to a home network and stream audio around the house via platforms such as Apples AirPlay 2, Googles Chromecast, or proprietary systems like Denons Heos and Yamahas MusicCast, which are designed to compete with the likes of Sonos. If you dont want to install height speakers in your room. You can connect the extra amplifier via the pre-out connections on the back. It features seven amplifier channels that can power a surround-sound speaker system or a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X home theater setup with two overhead speakers. Check Price. Channels 1-5 are rated at 140 watts per channel, while the rest are 60 watts per channel (all at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.01% THD, 2 Channels Driven). In most cases, you would probably use the built-in Class G channels to run your basic 5.1/7.1 speaker layout then add external amplifiers to add the extra height channels to a maximum of 8 more speakers. In Directional mode, each subwoofer receives low-frequency sounds from the main speaker nearest to it, along with the .1 (or LFE) channel from the surround soundtrack being decoded. Even if youre an audio geek who loves playing around with microphones, audio software, EQ and the like OK, you got me, Im talking about myself here! As I suggested earlier, you cant go wrong with Denon if youre unsure which brand to buy. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. People rarely have perfect listening rooms, and speakers (especially subwoofers) often end up in spots where they are unobtrusive instead of where they sound the best. The best AV receivers in 2023: Top amps for surround sound Plus, in my experience, they are reliable. No need to buy a separate wireless multi-room system. Best AV receivers 2023: the top home cinema amplifiers we've - whathifi All the other HDMI ports support 4K/60p and HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. The upmixing modes of Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X are particularly effective in extending standard 5.1 soundtracks into your height speakers. You also get a front-panel USB port, plus three digital audio inputs and a pair of analog inputs around back. The Arcam AVR31 has 16 pre-out channels (17 with the second subwoofer out) that you can connect to external power amps, so you can use this AV receiver to run a 9.2.6 surround sound speaker system. Automatic room correction is handled by the excellent Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system, which will give fantastic results for cleaning up and balancing the sound in your room. It is possible to play 3D content. I have always found the Audyssey system does a great job of correcting and balancing your rooms sound, and this unit comes with the top-end Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version. Yamaha CX-A5200. This unit also has an Auro-3D decoder built-in, which is rare in many AV receivers and is a bonus if you are interested in Auro-3D surround sound. Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receiver. Think of it as the traffic cop of your audio-video system, routing video from your sources to your display and sending audio to your speakers. Just be aware that you will need an Internet connection for this to work because the measurements are sent online to the Dirac servers to make the complex calculations and number-crunching. Perhaps the biggest difference between the AVR-X3700H and AVR-X3800H is that the newer receiver features four independent subwoofer outputs that you can configure in different ways. You also have plenty of options for routing audio into zones 2 and 3. No matter what kind of turntable and audio gear you have, it is possible to get them working together. $299.99. How much of that extra power you actually need depends on the size of your room and the efficiency of your speakers (that is, how loudly they play when powered by a 2.83-volt input), but with our test system in a 12-by-15-foot room with 8-foot ceilings, we were able to play the AVR-X3800H louder than we could comfortably listen to. In the price ranges we covered with our testing, we were unable to tell most receivers apart when their room correction was not enabled. If you watch movies alone or arent especially concerned about the listening experience of anyone else in the room, having four subs is probably overkill. With all this technology, there is always a balance that you need to find between features and cost. If you want to assemble a simple 5.1-channel surround-sound systemor you already have a 5.1-channel system and need to upgrade to a receiver that supports 4K, 8K, or high dynamic range videothe Denon AVR-S570BT is a good option under $500. Five HDMI ports is probably the right number for most people, as it gives you inputs for every source youre likely to use in your home theater, with the option to add one or two more. Denon AVR-X8500H. The more amp channels and power, the higher the price. We independently review everything we recommend. For example, a scene with loud sound effects and music will be optimized differently from one with quiet dialogue and ambient sound meaning the surround effect will change depending on what you are watching. It does come at a hefty price, but if you want a receiver with the lot, this beauty could be the one for you. A Class G amplifier is much more complex and expensive to produce. Good budget AV receivers can start at $250 if you catch sales but usually sit at $280-$300. HDMI 2.1 support is slowly appearing in new AV receivers. There isnt anything earth-shattering about the look of this receiver, so just expect a standard front panel with a primary volume control knob, a few connectors, and a small display panel. Software, microphone, tripod even all the required cables, and you just need to supply the laptop. Not quite as good as the real thing, but worth trying out if you dont want to install extra speakers. The STR-DH590 supports 4K HDR pass-through at 60Hz. In addition, its loaded with all the music streaming platforms and services youre likely to subscribe to, and it sounds very good thanks to its Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction. HEOS controls wireless speakers around your house, which can be managed via the HEOS app or Amazon Alexa. Theres a lot to unpack in that sentence, so lets walk through it step by step. *At the time of publishing, the price was $1,499. The Anthem MRX 1140 is an 11-channel unit supporting two independent subwoofers outputs. For the movie lover who wants to add more speakers, The Best Surround-Sound Systems Under $2,500, How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System, How Automatic Room Correction Can Help (and Hurt) Your Sound System, The Best AV Gear for Console and PC Gamers, Get Better TV Sound (Without a Lot of Wires), The Best Gear for Building Your Home Theater. this is a Rotel's flagship receiver. Shop HEOS Every room will sound brilliant with Denon HEOS-enabled speakers, AV receivers, sound bars, and amplifiers Wireless Home Theater Quality sound can make your movie nights even more impressive and memorable; Multi-Room Audio Create a connected sound ecosystem in your home with Denon Home, powered by HEOS As you would expect, there is a host of other input types from component and composite video to optical and coaxial digital audio. Bluetooth 5.0-capable. The AVR-X3800H also has a good bit more power than our more affordable picks. Most people dont need to spend more than $1,700 for an AV receiver, as you reach a point of diminishing performance returns. In this price range, you are looking at 5.1 or 5.2 ch. However, I assume you are here to understand more about your options at this high-end level, so lets compare the receivers here in a little more detail and give you an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Its Heos multiroom streaming platform integrates a number of music streaming services into one app, including Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn. This receiver is part of the Arcam HAD (High Definition Audio) range, andArcam released its top-end products under the FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) banner in the early years. The Marantz SR8015 is an 11.2-channel AV receiver with discrete power amplifiers for each channel. No pain, no gain! All you have to do is add some speakers. The Denon AVR-X3700H has just about every feature in a receiver, including seven HDMI inputs and three outputs and a dedicated port that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling. One interesting feature is the addition of XLR balanced audio inputs, which allows for receiving signals from professional audio hardware or any device with XLR audio outputs. The company also offers a number of AV receivers at prices below, between, and above those of our picks. Other noteworthy enhancements include automatic low-latency mode (which allows devices to automatically detect and switch to the best mode for gaming), eARC (which allows for higher-quality lossless audio over the HDMI Audio Return Channel instead of only compressed formats), variable refresh rate, and quick media switching. I have been reviewing AV equipment for two decades, for publications from Robb Report Home Entertainment to Home Theater magazine to HomeTheaterReview.com to SoundStage. Add any HEOS-compatible speakers, and you can enjoy wireless audio in every room in your house. The main output supports the newer Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) which can help send high-resolution 3D audio from your TV apps to the receiver. It tells me that Anthem is more interested in getting the fundamentals just right than trying to cram in every little new feature under the sun. Wirecutters simple tips and tech upgrades give you great sound without a lot of work. AV receiver is a multi-channel device with digital audio stream decoders, tuner, and switcher for audio and video signals for use in home theater systems. I have no problem with that. Experience the bigger, clearer picture when you upgrade your home theater setup with the STR-DH590. Yamaha is one of the best receiver manufacturers around, and they make excellent AV receivers at all price points. Correcting the imperfections in sound caused by your room is underrated by many and will allow you to get the best from your hardware. The sound quality of this machine is right up there with the best. Soundbars are a great step up from built-in TV speakers, but an AV receiver gives you significantly more control over how you set up, use, and upgrade your home theater system. Even better is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. HDMI 2.1 is the newest version of the digital connection that all modern video-based components use. Then, in 2021, Denon released an updated version the AVR-X8500HA. You probably noticed that all of our current picks come from Denon. Read a review of the Onkyo TX-NR708 7,2 channel receiver that can pass 3D HDMI 1.4. Firstly, any of these receivers will be an excellent addition to your home theater. In Standard mode, all of your subwoofers are monophonic and receive the same low-frequency information, even if theyre configured differently in terms of level, delay, and the like. If you have a turntable that lacks a phono preamp, you may want a receiver with a phono input. There are 7 HDMI ports on the rear which will be plenty for most people plus, there are three HDMI outputs, including a dedicated port for a zone 2 connection. Another standout feature of the MRX 1140 is the automatic room correction. Denon AVR-S960H ($499) Channels: 7.2 You might, for example, see designations like 5.1.2 or 5.2.4. The first numeral here refers to the number of conventional ear-level speakers that need to be amplified, the second refers to the number of subwoofer outputs, and the third number refers to the number of overhead channels. Yes, this 7.1-channel receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (in a 5.1.2-channel configuration--which, if you'll remember, means 5.1 plus two overhead speakers), but . It also has the same assortment of music-streaming features as the AVR-X1700H. Do you own an 8K TV? Plug your source componentsyour media streamer, gaming console, cable or satellite receiver, or disc playerinto its inputs and then connect its outputs to your display and speakers, and the AV receiver will direct all of the AV signals to the right places and in the right formats. This upgrade will cost between $260 and $350, depending on which version you choose. The connected speakers and how they interact with the room are the most significant impact on the sound that you hear. Adding more network and wireless connection options is a valuable upgrade on the older FMJ AV receivers. The Marantz SR9600 THX Ultra 2 AV Surround Receiver AV receivers are classified based on how many speakers they can power. This means that this receiver will pass through 8K/60p and 4K/120p video to your TV. This model also has processing for a 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 speaker system, although you must buy a 2-channel power amplifier for the extra two channels to make this work. You can find out morehere. Another feature that might make the AVR31 a good choice for you is also surprise, surprise aimed at getting the best sound in your room. If you need a new home theater receiver, check out these top-rated 5 best high-end AV receivers. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks include overhead or height effects to make the audio experience even more immersive. The best high-end AV receiver (Image credit: Denon) Denon AVR-X6700H Upgrade to the AVR-X6700H to get more power per channel and DTS:X Pro Specifications Power output (claimed): 7 x 140W at 8. Check Price. Flat-panel TVs are too thin to house good speakers. Admittedly, eliminating the surround speakers during our head-to-head testing may have given a slightly unfair advantage to receivers with weaker power supplies that might struggle to drive multiple speakers simultaneously, but it made direct comparisons more manageable and allowed us to focus more on pure sound quality, as well as on the quantifiable and repeatable benefits of one room-correction system over another. Inexpensive Home Theater Receiver - Best Buy Sony STR-DH590 The best budget AV receiver Pros Affordable without giving up important features Pure Direct audio enhancement mode HDR support 4K support Cons Limited number of HDMI ports When. The home theater receiver also called an AV receiver or surround sound receiver, is the heart of a home theater system. The first thing that takes the eye on the Denon AVR-X8500HA is the remarkable 13.2 channels. But it will do a fantastic job of balancing the sound in your room. Best AV receivers 2022: which home cinema receiver should you buy You should also consider how many non-HDMI-equipped sources you want to connect and make sure the receiver has enough digital or analog inputs to accept them. The 9.4-channel AVR-X3800H includes two additional amp channels that you can use to power more speakers, and it can process sound for up to four subwoofers independently. Best Budget AV Receivers [2023 Budget-Friendly Top] - DownHomeDigital The receiver can also upscale 1080p and 4K video to 8K for output to your TV if required. Of course, you can also have a smaller speaker layout like 7.1 or 5.1.4 and save the spare channels for powering speakers in other zones. In selecting which specific models to recommend, we looked for the best mix of features, performance, and price, keeping in mind the needs of most people. In my opinion, one of the best benefits of a Denon receiver is the Audyssey automatic room acoustic correction technology. But it can stream music only over Bluetooth, not Wi-Fibased platforms like AirPlay 2. Sony STR-DH590. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The number of channels is the first thing that jumps out at you when looking at this AV receiver. Many mid- and higher-priced receivers are labeled as .2 instead of .1, which means they have two subwoofer outputs that you may or may not be able to set up and adjust independently. If you want an AV receiver that works for movies and music, then an Arcam receiver should be on your radar. So youll need to narrow down your choice by thinking about the issues most important to you. This beast weighs more than 47 lbs, so its a heavy receiver. However, these require a firmware update, so initially wont be available out of the box. There are many ways to connect this amplifier for internet and network content. Take a look at this official Denon video to get a better look at this top AV receiver: If you want a high-end Yamaha AV receiver, look no further than the RX-A8A. Therefore, eARC will allow you to pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio streams from your TV and back into the receiver. Even under that $1,700 price cap, we found a variety of AV receivers that range widely in price and cover different performance needs. This was disappointing for anyone with the latest game consoles. Budget-friendly. Your receiver needs to be able to connect all the HDMI source devices you have, which could include, for instance, a media streaming device, a cable or satellite box, a disc player, and a gaming console. The contestants were systems composed mostly of recent Wirecutter picks: the Vizio SB46514-F6 from our best soundbar guide versus a full 5.1.4-channel system comprising the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, B5 . But, even though there are only 7-channels in this receiver, it doesnt mean that you cant run a big Dolby Atmos speaker layout in your room. It . This means you can have a 9.2.6 speaker layout if you add additional power amplifiers. Lots of receivers offer basic room correction, but at the more affordable end of the spectrum, the processing can do more harm than gooddulling the sound without really fixing the most egregious problems with bass frequencies. One of the main new features in this years release is support for 8K video. Thats handy because youll find quite a bit to configure with the AVR-X1700H. But, when they release one, you should always sit up and take notice. $499.95. Four pre-outs can also connect up to four extra active subwoofers. In fact, there is a complete set of 13.2 pre-outs on the back if you want to power all your speakers from external power amps. Marantz is a manufacturer with a rich history of hi-fi products, so you can be sure their AV receivers will receive the same attention to detail. You can also find AVRs with seven channels of amplification, microphone-based auto calibration, adjustable crossover frequencies and even HDMI switching for well under $1,000. AV receivers run the price gamut from a couple hundred dollars to well into four-figure territory. Take your time to consider what you need in a new AV receiver, and you will find the right model that ticks all the boxes. FAQ. One significant new feature in the latest AVENTAGE receivers is support for 8K/60 Hz video or 4K at 120 Hz. But thats not all. You have an Ethernet port for those who like using a trusty cable, but you can also connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and more. Denon has removed the composite analog video inputs and outputs, but youre highly unlikely to need those at this point. The best universal remotes can help clean up the clutter on your coffee table. Denon AVR-S540BT. Our biggest beef: Though the remote control is well designed (with neither too many buttons nor too few, and some nice use of tactile contrast to guide you toward the controls you need the most), we often found that we had to aim it right at the front of the receiver for it to register commands, even from as close as 6 feet away. Best AV Receivers of 2023 - CNET Remember, an HDMI 2.1 input will only likely benefit gamers with the latest consoles. So, if you want to support the latest display resolutions, this receiver will have you covered. Many receivers include built-in support for music streaming services such as Sirius XM, Spotify Connect, and Tidal, along with the ability to connect directly to internet radio stations and local DLNA media servers. Features? If you want to assemble a basic 5.1-channel surround-sound system and you dont have much (or any) experience setting one up, we recommend the Denon AVR-S570BT. HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG are present along with 4K UHD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling and HDCP 2.3. Denon AVR-S660H. There is plenty of power to be had here, so this unit will have no problem driving your speakers hard for the best sound. The RX-A8A is the first Yamaha integrated receiver with built-in support for 11 channels and contains the high-end CX/MX A5200 power amplifier and preamp architecture. The AVR-8500HA has 7 HDMI inputs on the rear and one on the front. This is available in all new MRX receivers and is an updated platform allowing complete control of your receiver via any laptop, tablet or phone. It has six HDMI inputs, three of which are HDMI 2.1 compatible and support the advanced gaming features found on the Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 consoles. It does an exceptional job of producing a balanced and immersive surround sound experience. The SR5015, SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 receivers are all 8K-ready and will range in price from $1,100 to $3,200. Pros: Audiophile Class G amplification 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz and HDMI 2.1 support 15.2-channel pre-outs for creating a large speaker layout Dirac Live room correction is the best around Cons: Thats impressive. These sound formats are designed to add an overhead element to the typical ear-level surround sound available for decades. All built-in no further amplification required. But if youve purchased a new 4K HDR TV and 4K HDR source devicesor, more recently, an 8K-capable TV or one that supports updated HDMI 2.1 featuresan older AV receiver may lack the ability to pass through those higher-quality signals, and a really old receiver may lack HDMI connections altogether. One final thing to consider is that, like the AVR-X1700H, the AVR-X3800H runs quite warm, so its a good idea to install this receiver in a spot with adequate ventilation and to avoid stacking anything on top of it or crowding it from either side. We also like that three of the AVR-X1700Hs HDMI inputs support the most important features of the HDMI 2.1 spec, including quick media switching, quick frame transport, variable refresh rate, and automatic low-latency mode, and all of the HDMI inputs pass through all the relevant 4K HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. With full support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X this unit can fully use your complete speaker system. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The more expensive offerings from both brands offer Dirac room correction, which we really like, but those receivers fall short in other regards when compared with competitive models from Denon. It has 5.2 multi-channel surround sound with a booming 145W per channel output, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio that's better than the price tag suggests. With better room correction, more amplified channels, and a host of advanced features, the Denon AVR-X3800H is a great pick for the home cinema enthusiast who wants a step-up optionbut its also a big step up in price. 5 Best High-End Receivers in 2023 [Premium AVR's] - DownHomeDigital We recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H for anyone who wants to add extra speakers to create more immersive, cinematic sound, or who wants even better room correction (and thus better sound quality) than the AVR-X1700H offers. In most respects, the AVR-X1700H is an absolute breeze to install and configure, thanks largely to its well-thought-out rear panel and its excellent setup wizard. AV Receivers - Home Theater & Cinema Systems | Denon US Best Budget AV Receiver Reviews Sony STR-DH790 - best overall receiver with Dolby Atmos This receiver boasts not only plenty of features but also a very reasonable price. (We recommend banana plugs for ease of setup, but theyre not necessary). Lastly, because the AVR-X1700H relies on less-efficient Class AB amplifier technology (which is typical of AV receivers), it can run quite warm during extended use, especially at higher listening levels, so make sure to give it plenty of room to breathe. After completing a new round of testing, weve selected the Denon AVR-X1700H as our top pick, the Denon AVR-X3800H as our upgrade pick, and the Denon AVR-S570BT as our budget pick. However, it is also a very efficient way of driving your speakers and provides very low levels of distortion, which is perfect for delivering high-end audiophile sound. Much of Yamahas lineup is unchanged since our last major update to this guide, and our previous top pick, the Yamaha RX-V6A, remains current, though it sells for $200 more now than it did in 2021 (and about $150 more than the similarly equipped Denon AVR-X1700H). But going this route doesnt give you access to a number of worthwhile benefits of the MultEQ Editor app, including the ability to limit the frequencies that the room correction addresses. But it has a similarly clean layout. The SR8015 also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS Virtual:X listening modes. As you would expect from a high-end Marantz product, this receiver is built using their famous HDAM technology.
