Best AV Receiver for Home Theater Systems
AV receivers are an essential part of any home theater system. They are designed to enhance your audio and video experience by providing high-quality sound and video output. An AV receiver acts as the central hub for all your audio and video components, including your TV, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and speakers.
When it comes to choosing the best AV receiver, there are several factors to consider. The most critical thing to look for is the number of channels the receiver supports. Channels refer to the number of speakers that can be connected to the receiver. A 5.1 channel receiver can support five speakers and one subwoofer, while a 7.1 channel receiver can support seven speakers and one subwoofer.
Other factors to consider when choosing the best AV receiver include the power output, connectivity options, and compatibility with the latest audio and video formats. A good AV receiver should also have a user-friendly interface and be easy to set up and operate.
We spent countless hours researching and testing the top AV receivers on the market to identify the ones that provide the best audio and video experience. In the following sections, we will review the top AV receivers and highlight their key features and benefits. Whether you’re a movie buff or a music lover, we’ve got you covered with the best AV receivers for your home theater system.
Best AV Receivers
We’ve scoured the market for the best AV receivers out there, and we’re excited to share our top picks with you. Whether you’re a cinephile, a music lover, or a gamer, an AV receiver can take your home entertainment experience to the next level. These devices can power your speakers, decode and enhance audio signals, and even upscale video quality. But with so many options available, it can be daunting to choose the right one for your needs and budget. That’s where we come in. Our team of experts has tested and analyzed the latest AV receivers from top brands, and we’ve narrowed down the field to the cream of the crop. From high-end models with cutting-edge features to affordable options that still deliver great performance, these AV receivers are sure to satisfy even the most discerning users. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best AV receivers on the market.
1) Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver
If you’re looking for a home theater receiver that delivers great sound quality and versatility, the Sony STRDH590 is a solid choice.
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CONS
We were impressed with the Sony STRDH590’s ability to deliver a cinematic sound experience in the comfort of our own home. The virtual surround sound technology also worked well, allowing us to enjoy a surround sound experience with only a 2 speaker setup. The 4K HDR compatibility was also a plus, delivering sharper, more detailed images.
However, the loud click sound when turning on the receiver was a bit of a drawback, making it sound a bit cheap. Additionally, the FM antenna wire was a bit of a hassle to deal with. Finally, while the Bluetooth standby feature was convenient, it didn’t always work as smoothly as we would have liked.
Overall, we would recommend the Sony STRDH590 for anyone looking for a solid home theater receiver that delivers great sound quality and versatility.
2) YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly AV receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and supports the latest audio and video technologies, the YAMAHA RX-V385 is definitely worth considering.
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We’ve been using the YAMAHA RX-V385 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The sound quality is excellent, and the receiver delivers clear and powerful sound that makes movies, TV shows, and music sound great.
One of the standout features of the RX-V385 is the YPAO automatic room calibration technology. This feature analyzes your room’s acoustics and adjusts the sound settings to create a balanced and immersive listening experience. We found that this feature worked well and made a noticeable difference in the sound quality.
Another great feature of the RX-V385 is the 4K/60 Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma, and BT.2020. These technologies provide incredible contrast, smooth tone, and rich, bright colors, making movies and TV shows look amazing.
The Bluetooth connectivity is also a great feature, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. We found that this feature worked well and was easy to set up.
However, there are a few downsides to the RX-V385. The remote control is not backlit, which can make it hard to use in a dark room. The user interface is also not very intuitive and may take some time to get used to. Additionally, the power consumption in standby mode is not as low as some other models, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, we think that the YAMAHA RX-V385 is an excellent AV receiver that offers uncompromising value. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and supports the latest audio and video technologies, we highly recommend checking out the YAMAHA RX-V385.
3) Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver
If you’re looking for a powerful AV receiver that can provide you with a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home, the Sony STR-DH790 might be the right choice for you.
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CONS
We recently had the chance to test out the Sony STR-DH790, and we were impressed by its performance. The Dolby Atmos and DTS
The 4K HDR pass-through with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma also delivered stunning picture quality. The colors were vibrant, the contrast was great, and the brightness was just right. We really felt like we were at the movies.
The advanced D.C.A.C. auto calibration was also a nice touch. It analyzed and adjusted the audio for optimal sound in every room, and we noticed a difference in sound quality after it was done. The audio was clearer and more balanced.
However, we did experience some issues with the Bluetooth connectivity. Sometimes it took a while to connect to our devices, and other times it disconnected randomly. This was a bit frustrating, but it wasn’t a deal breaker.
We also found that the low profile design might not fit well in some AV cabinets. It’s only 5 1/4″ tall, which is great for saving space, but it might not be compatible with some setups.
Finally, the front panel noise suppression feature might not be noticeable to everyone. We didn’t really notice a difference in sound quality with it on or off, but it might be more noticeable to others.
Overall, we think the Sony STR-DH790 is a great AV receiver for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. It has some minor issues, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
4) Arylic BP50 Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD Music Receiver for Home Stereo with HDMI ARC, Phono in, RCA Optical Output for AV Receiver or Stereo Preamplifier and GO Control APP
If you’re looking for a high-quality music receiver for your home stereo system, the Arylic BP50 is definitely worth considering. With Bluetooth 5.2 wireless high-definition audio transmission and the ability to connect with two Bluetooth devices at the same time, it’s easy to stream high-quality music from your phone, computer, or any other music player with Bluetooth to any of your home stereo systems.
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Overall, we believe that the Arylic BP50 is a great choice for anyone who wants to bring their home theater back to life. With its rich interfaces, advanced Bluetooth audio processing technology, and low-latency performance, it’s an excellent addition to any home stereo system.
5) 1Mii HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver for Home Stereo with LDAC, Bluetooth Audio Adapter with Audiophile DAC aptX HD, RCA Optical Output for AV Receiver or Stereo Amplifier – Lavaudio DS200Pro Black
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth receiver that can take your home stereo system to the next level, then the 1Mii HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver is definitely worth considering. With its advanced features and audiophile-grade DAC, this receiver can help you enjoy high-quality audio streaming from your smartphone, PC, or any other music player with Bluetooth connectivity.
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If you’re looking for a Bluetooth receiver that can deliver audiophile-grade sound quality, then the 1Mii HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver is definitely worth checking out. The LDAC support, Bluetooth 5.0 chip, and ES9018K2M SABRE32 Reference DAC make this receiver a top choice for music lovers who want to enjoy high-quality audio streaming from their mobile devices.
In our experience, the DS200 Pro is easy to set up and use. The plug-and-play design makes it super easy to connect to your home stereo system, and the flexible connectivity options (analog and digital outputs) make it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment. The extended long-range is also a big plus, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or PC from up to 100ft away.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality Bluetooth receiver that can take your home stereo system to the next level, the 1Mii HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver is definitely worth considering. The advanced features, audiophile-grade DAC, and flexible connectivity options make this receiver a top choice for music lovers who want to enjoy high-quality audio streaming from their mobile devices.
6) Denon AVR-S660H 5.2 Ch AVR
If you’re in the market for an AV receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and advanced features, the Denon AVR-S660H is an excellent choice.
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We recently had the opportunity to test out the Denon AVR-S660H, and we were impressed with its performance. The AVR-S660H delivers exceptional audio performance, advanced video features, flexible voice control, and effortless wireless streaming, making it the ultimate AV Receiver for an elevated home entertainment setup.
Setting up the AVR-S660H was a breeze thanks to the on-screen quick setup guide that walks you through easy, intuitive instructions to connect your TV, specify EQ settings and helps optimize your surround sound. We were able to connect various audio sources like CD Players, Blu-Ray, Turntables, & 1 eARC out, thanks to its versatile connection options.
The AVR-S660H’s advanced HDMI video section with 8K upscaling features 3 dedicated 8K inputs that support 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video pass-through. All HDMI inputs support 4:4:4 Pure Color Sub Sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision & HLG for exceptional color and clarity.
We were also impressed with the AVR-S660H’s seamless, lag-free gaming experience, which features Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), reducing lag and frame tearing for a smoother gameplay with stunning visuals and hi-resolution sound effects.
Overall, if you’re looking for an AV receiver that delivers exceptional sound quality, advanced video features, and effortless wireless streaming, the Denon AVR-S660H is definitely worth checking out.
7) Pyle 5 Channel Rack Mount Bluetooth Receiver
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly home theater amplifier, the Pyle 5 Channel Rack Mount Bluetooth Receiver could be a solid choice.
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Overall, the Pyle 5 Channel Rack Mount Bluetooth Receiver is a decent option for those who want a basic home theater amplifier without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it gets the job done and includes everything you need to get started right out of the box. If you’re looking for a simple and reliable amplifier that won’t break the bank, this could be a good choice.
8) Sunbuck Stereo Amplifier Bluetooth 5.0
If you’re looking for an affordable and compact stereo amplifier that packs a punch, the Sunbuck AS-25BU is definitely worth considering.
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CONS
In our experience, the Sunbuck AS-25BU is an excellent choice for those who want a budget-friendly amplifier that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. The compact size makes it easy to fit into any setup, and the various input options provide flexibility for different devices. However, the power switch location and remote control could be improved, and the overall build quality feels a bit lacking.
Overall, we would recommend the Sunbuck AS-25BU for those who want an affordable and powerful stereo amplifier with good connectivity options.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an AV receiver, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you end up with the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Audio Quality
The most important factor to consider when purchasing an AV receiver is the audio quality. Look for a receiver that can handle a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS
Connectivity
Another important factor to consider is the connectivity options of the receiver. Look for a receiver that has multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, as well as support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. This will allow you to connect all of your devices to the receiver and stream music and video from your phone or computer.
Power
The power output of the receiver is also an important consideration. Look for a receiver that has enough power to drive your speakers, as well as support for impedance matching to ensure that the receiver can handle different speaker loads.
Features
Finally, consider the additional features that the receiver offers. Look for a receiver that has built-in streaming services, such as Spotify and Pandora, as well as support for voice control and multi-room audio. Additionally, look for a receiver that has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use remote control.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you end up with the best AV receiver for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should we look for in a high-quality home theater AV receiver?
When searching for a high-quality home theater AV receiver, we recommend looking for features such as multiple HDMI inputs, support for the latest audio and video formats, and the ability to connect to wireless networks. Additionally, features like automatic room calibration and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS
How do we choose an AV receiver that’s ideal for audiophiles?
Audiophiles should look for an AV receiver that supports high-resolution audio formats, has a high signal-to-noise ratio, and low harmonic distortion. Additionally, features like bi-amping, preamp outputs, and support for multiple zones can help create a customized listening experience.
What are the top AV receivers for music lovers?
Music lovers should consider AV receivers that offer high-quality stereo sound, support for high-resolution audio formats, and have a built-in phono input for turntable connectivity. AV receivers from brands like Yamaha, Marantz, and Denon are known for their exceptional sound quality and are popular choices among music enthusiasts.
Can you recommend an AV receiver with the best value under $1000?
For those on a budget, we recommend the Yamaha RX-A780. This AV receiver offers excellent sound quality, supports the latest audio and video formats, and has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, it offers features like automatic room calibration and support for multiple zones.
What are some of the best budget-friendly AV receivers available?
Budget-friendly AV receivers from brands like Onkyo, Sony, and Pioneer offer excellent value for their price. These AV receivers generally offer features like support for the latest audio and video formats, multiple HDMI inputs, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity.
How does the sound quality of Sony and Denon AV receivers compare?
Both Sony and Denon are known for producing high-quality AV receivers with excellent sound quality. However, Denon AV receivers are often favored by audiophiles for their superior sound quality and advanced features. Sony AV receivers, on the other hand, are known for their user-friendly interfaces and affordable price points.
