Which receiver should i buy

Build quality is superb. Only a volume knob on the extruded aluminum fascia gives the AVR game away. There's just two digital audio inputs coaxial and optical , plus analogue stereo, 3. Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Perhaps surprisingly, this is a 5. While there is provision for wired rear speakers, the system is designed to work with wireless HEOS rears.

It can also partner with a dedicated wireless HEOS subwoofer. Setup and control is done through a HEOS app. With speakers grouped, the package becomes a working 5.

The receiver delivers multichannel movie soundtracks with gusto. Pop and rock are entertaining enough, but throw a throw it something classical or jazzy and its spatial delineation turns a bit mushy.

Using wireless rears can invite some problems. The cosmetics are admirable, and for dedicated HEOS multi room users the wireless interactivity is a boon. Employing an app for control seems to make perfect sense, the only snag comes if your streaming audio sources are also app controlled and need to be juggled outside of the HEOS app.

The receiver can even virtually relocate the physical position of your speakers, to create a better sonic balance. Build quality is commensurate with its price tag. This is no heavyweight, and the fascia looks overly fussy, but the hairline finish is a premium touch. Connectivity is good. There are also two analogue AV inputs, plus a pair of stereo phonos and two digital audio inputs. Usability is average. The receiver relies heavily on its UI, which is pretty but sometimes a little frustrating.

Performance is excellent for the price. Movies benefit from seamless panning and pronounced dynamics. Power output is quoted at 7 x W into 6 ohms. The biggest surprise is the effectiveness of the phantom rears, which really do help fill out the rear surround stage. Overall, this is an innovative, exciting AV Dolby Atmos receiver. Consider it a brilliant value home cinema offering.

There's very little we can hold against the Denon AVR-XH, one of the world's first 8K receivers and winner of a number of accolades this year. It's what we consider the best overall AV receiver in in terms of what it offers for the money.

Of course, if you want to go remote-free there is voice support for Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri-enabled devices, making it truly egalitarian. Sure, there are more expensive amps out there with a few superfluous bells and whistles, but the AVR-XH gives you W-per-channel amplification with all the essentials you need to keep your speakers sounding great.

It's a rock-solid AVR and while it's expensive, it absolutely delivers exceptional clarity, soundstage and presence to your favorite films and music, and is pretty much the pinnacle of what you can expect from a cutting-edge AVR.

The design is understated, with a nice matte cabinet finish and big central volume knob. It tips the scales at a reassuringly heavy 16kg. A living space outside your home.

Another location in the same room. A zone 2 output is often a line out like in the picture below. This would need to be connected to another amplifier. Some receivers also have powered channels for the second zone — which just need to be connected to another set of speakers. In some AV receivers you can watch one thing in the main room and something different in another zone. Some will only allow you to watch the same thing in two different zones.

Some zones will be audio-only. Some zones may need an extra amplifier in the other room. It varies a great deal. They will also have a mid-range and value range set of receivers. These receivers can still give great value for money and fantastic quality. The quickest way to identify the right series for you is to start with the price.

Setting your maximum budget will narrow down the ones you can buy. As a rule, you do get what you pay for with AV receivers. The more you spend, the higher-quality sound and better features you will get.

However, be sensible. Many of the AV receiver manufacturers will bring out a new model each year. If the receiver has all the features you need, you may not need to pay a premium for the latest model.

This can be one of the best ways to buy a high-end receiver at mid-range prices. Or a mid-range at budget prices. The stock levels of these older receivers can be limited. The retailers may run out of stock if you wait too long.

Each offers both budget and high-end models for a range of budgets and needs. I think one of the most confusing aspects of buying an AV receiver, is trying to figure where each model fits into the bigger picture.

This quick summary should help. They began producing hi-fi audio components in and now specialize in home theater and wireless audio products.

After many years of success in the hi-fi audio market, the company was sold to Marantz Japan in They are now a sister company to Denon. You can see a list of all the latest models, and compare their most useful features, in my guide to Marantz AV receivers.

Onkyo has been producing consumer electronics since They are a Japanese company and specialize in audio products and home theater equipment. Comparing the different models in a range can be difficult. Although they stopped making televisions in , they still produce many products for the home AV market.

In , Pioneer sold their home AV business to Onkyo , and so they are now sister companies. However, Pioneer still releases products under its own brand name. Their premium range of AV receivers is labeled the Elite Series. The aim is to produce high-end products aimed at audiophiles and sound purists. Sony is one of the most well-known home electronics brands in the world.

Among its many areas of business, this Japanese company produces many popular products in the home AV market. My guide to Sony AV receivers details the features of all the recent models. This should make it easier to find what you need. Yamaha is a Japanese company that has been producing a wide range of products for over years. They have a strong reputation in a diverse range of markets. Yamaha produces some of the best surround sound receivers and has a range of models to suit all needs and budgets.

You now understand many of the things you need to consider. But there are still dozens of AV receivers to choose from. Where do you start? However, some people asked if I could make it easier to choose by listing them by price or category.

And included a few general categories too. However, be aware that the prices of AV receivers can vary. You rarely see prices higher than the MSRP — but often below. However, in recent months, with the pandemic and supply chain problems, prices and stock availability have been all over the place.

But, you can sometimes pick up a bargain when a receiver in a higher price band gets reduced. Often at holiday times or when there is a newer model available. So, you might want to check out the price of a model that is in a higher bracket — you might get a pleasant surprise. At the end of each section, I have a few more suggestions in that category.

The right choice might be based on price — or features — or build quality. For all types of receivers, you can buy high-quality, expensive models — and cheaper, budget models. All with a similar number of channels. However, if you are sure that you only want 5. Remember, you can always buy a 7-channel receiver or higher and just connect 5-channels. No matter if you are looking for a budget or high-end model — Yamaha is always a good choice for an AV receiver. If, like most people, you just use one subwoofer, just ignore the second connection.

Please note, the new HDMI 2. And with MusicCast Surround , you can purchase either the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers and add these as wireless surrounds in a 5. Perfect for those of you who are fed up with running those pesky speaker cables around your room. Onkyo TX-SR 5. When we get to receivers with more channels, then looking for a particular number of channels is more useful. With a 9-channel receiver, you can have a 5.

But 5. Denon is always a contender in any category. They make fantastic receivers that excel at movie audio. And they work great for music too. This model supports the very latest in video formats. You will be able to pass-through 8K at 60Hz and 4K at Hz.

Plus, there is support for all the latest HDMI 2. As well as built-in amplification for a 5. You will be able to get a tight and balanced sound in any room when you run the Audyssey setup routine. Marantz SR 9. Onkyo TX-RZ50 9. An AV receiver with channels is perfect for a complete Dolby Atmos surround sound system. You have all the built-in channels to install a 7. However, there are a few about. If audiophile sound quality is important to you, then the Anthem MRX might be better. And, anyway, Denon receivers sound great.

So this model will be excellent for movies and music for the majority of people. This Denon receiver allows for 7. There is also support for a 7. And, if you have been waiting for an AV receiver with pass-through support for 8K video resolutions , then you are in luck. You can install a multi-room wireless speaker system if you buy one or more HEOS-enabled wireless speakers. These can be placed throughout your home and are controlled by the free HEOS app.

Marantz SR Anthem MRX If you want an AV receiver with The two receivers are basically the same, except for a few notable extras, including support for 8K video.

Remember, some receivers with fewer channels have processing for larger Dolby Atmos layouts. This means you can use the pre-out connections on the rear to install additional power amplifiers. Denon AVR-A Some of you may be keen on the idea of buying an AV receiver. However, what you might not be so thrilled about is the size of some of these AV receivers. They can certainly take up some space in your room.

Some brands have a range of slim receivers which can be much easier to install in your room. Well, almost…. Small AV receivers will usually have less power and features than a standard size model. So, less than the larger models listed here, but still enough to drive most small to medium-sized speakers in a standard room.

It has plenty of connections for a small device and even comes with the excellent Audyssey MultEQ room correction system. The main update in the latest model is the introduction of 8K support. Yamaha RX-S 5. Pioneer VSX-S 5. Marantz NR 5. Many people just want a simple AV receiver to get surround sound in their room. But, they are a popular choice and their long history in AV products means you can be sure of getting a solid performer with many useful features.

This is a no-frills receiver at a price that is hard to beat. If you just want to get surround sound up and running in your room. Yamaha RX-V 5. Pioneer VSX 5. If you spend a little more, then you really can go up a level or two. These models are mostly 7-channel receivers, which means you can start to use the immersive speaker layouts for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

With 7-channels, you can have a 5. Dolby recommends that with two in-ceiling speakers you should place them over your seating position. Or, if you are using upfiring modules, then the best place is at the front of the room with your front left and right pair. You will also notice that at this price point you get more network features like Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Denon is always an excellent choice if you want a receiver with great sound and a host of cutting-edge features. A bonus is Audyssey MultEQ room correction which is one of the better solutions for getting the best sound in your room. Yamaha RX-V4A 5.

Pioneer VSX 7. Onkyo TX-NR 7. This price band is another gradual step up in quality and features. You can expect to get a little more for your money in terms of performance and you might need to go to this level to get more connections, power or channels.

Some of these models will also give you more options in terms of sending content to different zones in your house. So, if this is important, think about what you want to do and then check out which model offers those options. The whole reason AV receivers exist in the first place is to make amazing home theater system surround sound possible.

What follows: Everything you need to consider when choosing the best receiver for you, your room, your tastes, and your budget. Plus, you want to make sure you can connect to everything you have now. Look for a minimum of 4 HDMI inputs so you can connect a cable box, a Blu-ray player, a PlayStation, and at least one more input for future expansion.

Planning to connect to a turntable? Be sure to look for a phono input. With 4K, the picture is so detailed, you can sit right in front of the TV with your nose almost touching the screen, and the picture still looks great. Even on the biggest 4K TVs. However, to make it all happen, your AV receiver needs to be capable of switching 4K signals.

If it is, you can send both sound and picture from all your video sources through your sound system and enjoy live performance-sound without losing any detail in the video. Another feature to look out for: HDCP 2.

HDCP 2. Ideally, everyone would hard-wire physically plug in their TV to their home network, but that's not always possible — especially if you live in an apartment and can't run wires through walls. That's where Wi-Fi saves the day, allowing all the smart functions new TVs have for streaming movies, watching YouTube, etc. We're beginning to see Wi-Fi built into audio systems for the same reason, so you can, for instance, stream music without having to physically connect your sound system to your router.

DTS:X is a new surround sound format designed to make home theater audio more immersive, not unlike Dolby Atmos. Remember the old Mac vs. PC war? Same thing. The good news: most new AV receivers can play both formats. HDR on a TV generates higher contrast within the existing pixels, expanding contrast and color so the end result is more accurate and has more depth.

How is HDR relevant to receivers? Like we said above: think of channels as speakers. And though most music formats only require 2 channels left and right , the sky's the limit for true home theater surround sound.

In a nutshell: The more channels you have, the more more speakers you can add — and the more speakers you add, the better and more immersive the sound. A good old stereo system is now referred to as 2. The "2" refers to the two front speakers, and the subwoofer is the ". Add another subwoofer to the setup, and you have a "5.

To recap: a 9. Plus two subwoofers, which are typically in the back, but can go anywhere. You'll need a receiver with 9 channels or more to power a system like this. How much audible difference is there between the two?

Still, that said, a few words on power from one of our own, a World Wide Stereo industry expert, Bob Cole:. That is, the loud parts can be a LOT louder! It's important to get a receiver with power reserves, or the loud parts will distort.

That not only sounds bad, but it can hurt your speakers. I like to see about Watts per channel or more for most rooms and speakers. Even better, some receivers have preamp output jacks on the rear, so you can later add a power amplifier to boost the power.

It future-proofs your power. What to look for if you want wireless multi-room audio. In the old days, like way back in the year , if you wanted music in another room, you drilled lots of holes in walls and floors so you could run wires to speakers.

And if you got fancy, you also ran wires to a keypad on the wall so you could control everything. Today, you can do the same thing, minus the drilling and the wires by going wireless.

And there are two ways to do this. Keep an eye out for these callouts while shopping. In essence, you could have a 7-room house playing a different song in each room at the same time, with no wires anywhere. We should note: there are still wall keypads out there, but many are now wireless, too. Though some receivers come with a wireless system already built-in, you can add wireless capability to almost any sound system.

Yamaha , Bose , and Sonos all make tiny boxes that connect to the receiver just like a CD player, and allow you to stream almost any music, wirelessly, through your sound system.

Many of the newest home theater receivers are easily controlled through an app on your iPhone, tablet, or computer.

At your fingertips: full operational control from any room in the house. Grandma could take over, no problem. Receivers are often bigger than you think. An AV receiver with amps inside needs to dissipate heat, so I recommend leaving 6 inches inches above it for ventilation. The cooler a piece of electronics stays, the longer it lasts. AV receivers are typically deeper than stereo receivers, so I usually recommend allowing 20 inches for depth. If space is tight, there are fan kits that can keep the air circulating to prevent your receiver from overheating.

Or the mayhem and destruction in a typical monster movie might spill out at home. The most common questions we hear from customers.