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. Check Price. DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround modes are available if you want to upmix stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 soundtracks to your 5.2.4/7.2.4 speaker system. But if you watch movies with large groups of people, this is a pretty meaningful feature that we dont see on cheaper AV receivers. 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). Experience the bigger, clearer picture when you upgrade your home theater setup with the STR-DH590. 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. The other spec to be aware of is the rated total harmonic distortion of 0.01%. The Arcam AVR31 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with Class G amplification, which is one of the main differences between this receiver and the competition. 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. 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 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. this is a Rotel's flagship receiver. IMAX Enhanced technology offers optimized pictures for HDR screens, improved aspect ratio control on large displays and customized surround soundtracks similar to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Denon AVR-S960H ($499) Channels: 7.2 The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). Do you own an 8K TV? You also have plenty of options for routing audio into zones 2 and 3. In my opinion, one of the best benefits of a Denon receiver is the Audyssey automatic room acoustic correction technology. Thats handy because youll find quite a bit to configure with the AVR-X1700H. Therefore the complete range was upgraded in 2022, so all HDMI inputs allowed for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video plus the other features of HDMI 2.1 like VRR, QMS and ALLM. Anthem is a Canadian company that has been making high-quality audio products for 20+ years. Our only minor qualms with the AVR-X1700H are that the remote controls infrared signal can be finicky and the receiver can run a bit warm when youre pushing your speaker system to high volumes. You will also need to download the Dirac Live software and install it on your laptop or PC. Rotel and B&W (especially the CM series) are well known to have great synergy together sonically. This means you can install a complete object-based surround sound speaker layout of 7.2.4 without adding any further amplification or 9.2.2 if you wish. See all Receivers. The highest-quality AV receivers tend to have a lower total harmonic distortion, a wider frequency range, and lower impedance. Onkyos AccuEQ and Pioneers MCACC room correction systems also did more harm to the sound than good. See all Receivers. The company now offers free HDMI board replacements for anyone with an afflicted receiverincluding the RX-A2A, RX-V4A, RX-V6A, and TSR-700but it took a long time to do so, and the company was not as transparent or communicative about the delays as we wouldve liked. 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 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. The SR range of Marantz receivers is their top-end model and the SR8015 is the flagship receiver. 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. Heres how. For our latest round of testing, we started by installing and calibrating each of the receivers individually, as if performing a standalone review of each modeltaking extensive notes on the setup process and our initial listening impressions along the way. The Anthem MRX 1140 is an 11-channel unit supporting two independent subwoofers outputs. 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. So, if you have more than one new game console, you might need to connect one directly to your TV or buy the Marantz VS3003 3-in/1-out 8K switcher, which allows you to connect three 8K devices into the single input. . 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. You can set up several scenarios in different rooms using the zone connections. This is as good as it gets in AV receivers and places this receiver firmly in audiophile territory. It also represents a modest but appreciable improvement over our previous upgrade pick, the now-discontinued AVR-X3700H. 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. 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. AV receivers are classified based on how many speakers they can power. FAQ. If you want to get as close as possible to the movie-theater experience at home and want the most flexibility in speaker selection and setup, you need an AV receiver at the heart of your AV system. 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. This receiver takes everything we like about the AVR-X1700H in terms of performance, features, and user-friendliness and improves upon all of those aspectsas it should, since it costs roughly $1,000 more. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the channel counting gets a little more complicated. This new type of content will play in all its glory on supported hardware like this one. Copyright 2009-2023 Home Cinema Guide | All Rights Reserved. Are you searching for a new AV receiver to elevate your movie-watching experience? 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. If you run Audyssey through the receivers interface and decide afterward that you want to upgrade to use the app, you have to reconnect the mic and place it at all eight measurement positions and listen to the test tones again. The receiver highlighted here, the MRX 1140, is at the top of the pile. Through online research, we learned that, to get around this hitch, you have to unplug the HDMI cable running between the receiver and display, turn the AVR-X3800H off and on, and allow the firmware to update before reconnecting the HDMI cable. It is possible to play 3D content. If in doubt, get a Denon. Whatever some may say, there is no perfect AV receiver. As someone whos spent countless hours tinkering with home theater setups, I can tell you that having the right AV receiver is crucial to achieving the ultimate cinematic experience. As for the software setup, the on-screen interface does a great job of walking you through the process of connecting speakers, adding source devices, renaming source devices, configuring your home network, and so forth, in a way thats comprehensive without being insulting. Simple to set up and use but lacking in features, the Denon AVR-S570BT is a solid choice if you just want to put together a good 5.1-channel speaker system. Dirac Live is widely accepted by many to be the best room correction technology around. AV receivers built-in room-correction systems automatically adjust audio to suit your room, but the results arent always pleasing. Denon AVR-S660H. Thats impressive. This receiver sounds better than the under-$1,000 models we tested, thanks largely to its more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction. This 5.1-channel AV receiver supports high-quality Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks (but not the overhead speakers of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X), and it offers four HDMI 2.1compliant inputs that support 8K video at 60Hz and 4K video at 120 Hz, along with auto low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, and quick frame transport, but not quick media switching. Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receiver. The AVR-S570BT provides fewer inputs than our other picks and has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet support, but the essentials are present. Buyer's guide. You can find out morehere. 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. Therefore, if you dont need the new features, you may get a bargain if you can find the older model in stock. However, not many receivers match this beast when it comes to their flagship offering. The good news is that a high-quality home theater receiver will last for years. You will need to buy either the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers to enable this, which you can configure as your surround speakers in a 5.1 setup. Denon AVR-S540BT. 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. 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. For most users, 7.1 capacity is more than enough, and that's what we . HDMI 2.1 support is slowly appearing in new AV receivers. 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. Our focus here is on receivers that strike a good balance of performance, features, and value, so all of our picks are priced around $1,700 and below. I have owned Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo AV receivers over the years and have experience working with Marantz and Arcam. 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. Good budget AV receivers can start at $250 if you catch sales but usually sit at $280-$300. Denon AVR-X8500H. 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. All network and wireless connection types you need are covered in this unit including Ethernet, wireless and Bluetooth. You can also use Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice-controlled technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. There is the same number of HDMI ports as the previous model of this AV receiver. 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. The inexpensive AV receiver has a 5.2 amplifier with 90W per channel (6 Ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.09% THD). Performance? An affordable and versatile receiver designed to deliver good sound quality for home theaters, the Denon AVR-X3700H Receiver delivers the best possible sound experience. This receiver lacks Wi-Fi support and integrated music streaming options. But thats not all. Was $599.95. This beast weighs more than 47 lbs, so its a heavy receiver. For example, it will allow for separate connections to a main TV screen and projector and you can still send additional video content to another screen elsewhere. 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. If your current AV receiver works with all your AV components and has all the features you desire, you dont need to upgrade, as you likely wouldnt hear improved sound quality with a newer model unless you were to upgrade to one with better room correction. Most people dont need to spend more than $1,700 for an AV receiver, as you reach a point of diminishing performance returns. Four pre-outs can also connect up to four extra active subwoofers. The SR5015, SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 receivers are all 8K-ready and will range in price from $1,100 to $3,200. If you already own Wi-Fi speakers that use a certain platform (such as AirPlay), you may want to look for a receiver that features the same streaming technology so that all the devices work well together. Nothing in terms of features and performance but only suitable for those with a big budget. We independently review everything we recommend. With each receiver, we spent at least a day on testing with and without room correction and enjoying a variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos, as well as some action-oriented video games, at volume levels ranging from casual to extreme. 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. 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. The good news is that this is up there with the best room correction software. This inexpensive model features 2 channels and 220-watt power for superior audio. 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. 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. The AVR-X1700H is a great-sounding, easy-to-use, 7.1-channel receiver that has all the needed features to satisfy movie fans, music lovers, and gamers alike. Therefore, eARC will allow you to pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio streams from your TV and back into the receiver. Read a review of the Onkyo TX-NR708 7,2 channel receiver that can pass 3D HDMI 1.4. Software, microphone, tripod even all the required cables, and you just need to supply the laptop. The best AV receivers tested for power, sound and connectivity these amps deliver on movie night Comments (4) Included in this guide: 1 Denon AVR-X4700H Check Price 2 Denon AVR-X2700H Check. The receiver can also upscale 1080p and 4K video to 8K for output to your TV if required. If you want to look at some models in different price brackets, check out the overview of the best AV receivers in 2022. Its all perfectly logical, though. 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. The AVR-X3800H has more amp channels and more connection options than the AVR-X1700H, so the back panel is more crowded. Even better is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Indeed, in most cases, an AV Receiver is significantly cheaper than a more specialized AV Processor. Most receivers priced around $400 or less are 5.1-channel designs. They hit the mark at a range of budget and highend prices, and I have owned Denon receivers for the past few years. Its a big unit, so make sure you have the space to install it. The downside of the Arcam is it is costly, and you will only get an incremental sound improvement over some of the cheaper receivers for all that extra money. No pain, no gain! The AVR-X1700H is also a great choice for gamers who want their system to have full compatibility with all the latest advanced gaming features found on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles, including the ability to pass through a 4K 120 Hz signal. At 99% into the upgrade process, an error would flash on the front-panel display asking us to check the network, unplug the receiver, and then reconnect the power. 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. The Polk MagniFi Mini AX is the all-around best soundbar because of its big, immersive sound, small footprint, affordable cost, and easy operation. Its also a snap to exit out of the wizard and configure things at your own pace, in the order you prefer. In terms of design, it has a compact body that fits easily into a media unit. This unit has dual 32-bit ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DACS for delivering high-quality sound that should satisfy all but the most demanding audiophile. 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. The Denon 2016 AVR Remote app also allows complete control of your Denon hardware from your mobile device. It also offers better multiroom audio and video support than the AVR-X1700H. The quality of the room correction had the biggest impact on the sound, and MultEQ XT was a clear winner over alternatives from Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha in receivers at or near this models priceespecially when we used the optional $20 MultEQ Editor mobile app (for iOS and Android) to tweak the room correction. Therefore, here are some more considerations that might be more important to you. Add any HEOS-compatible speakers, and you can enjoy wireless audio in every room in your house. The first thing that takes the eye on the Denon AVR-X8500HA is the remarkable 13.2 channels. Surround sound with anywhere between 70-90 watts of continuous power per channel with approximately 145 watts in bursts. The Sony STR-DH790 offers excellent value for the price. the Audyssey software always does an excellent job in half the time and with much less fuss. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. This was disappointing for anyone with the latest game consoles. HEOS controls wireless speakers around your house, which can be managed via the HEOS app or Amazon Alexa. These can create an effect that is like having height speakers installed. It is a more complex process than the room correction supplied with most AV receivers. Be aware that there is just a single 8K HDMI input. It offers four HDMI inputs that all have HDMI 2.1 compatibility, so it works well for gamers. Thats always the choice you must make when you reach this level of engineering. Correcting the imperfections in sound caused by your room is underrated by many and will allow you to get the best from your hardware. Bluetooth 5.0-capable. There is also another stereo pair of XLR audio outputs. As well as an Ethernet connection found on the older 2016 receivers, the AVR31 adds support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2 and Chromecast. All offer excellent. Harmony Companion Universal Remote. If you are interested in buying a Marantz receiver, it doesnt get any better than this. You probably noticed that all of our current picks come from Denon. It is an exceptional choice for watching movies and TV, but it also sounds great as an amplifier for stereo music with its Class G amplification. 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. Yamaha RX-V385 - under $300. 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. So, unless you hear the amplifier in your room with your speakers, you will never get a perfect idea of how they sound. This means you can have a 9.2.6 speaker layout if you add additional power amplifiers. It does come at a hefty price, but if you want a receiver with the lot, this beauty could be the one for you. The AVR-X3800H also has a good bit more power than our more affordable picks. Most AV receivers use Class AB amplification, a cost-effective way to make a relatively efficient amplifier that sounds good without costing too much to build. 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. They all offer the highest engineering standards and will provide outstanding sound for movies and music. If you're spending under $1,000, there are four main receivers to choose from -- the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-960H. Full processing suites from Dolby and DTS can be found in AV receivers costing as little as $500. 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. This upgrade will cost between $260 and $350, depending on which version you choose. 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: Many new AV receivers also support the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. With full support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X this unit can fully use your complete speaker system. However, all Arcam products should be considered for sound quality first and fancy features second. Moving up to a 7.1-channel receiver gives you the option to add an extra pair of surround speakers in the rear of the room, to power a second audio zone, or to build a basic Dolby Atmos/DTS:X system with two overhead speakersprovided that the receiver has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding (most newer 7.1-channel models do). The Yamaha is the mostexpensive stereo receiver you can buy for good value, Its sound is good and it has an amplifier design. The audio frequency response of your room will massively affect what you hear, which, hopefully, you will balance out using the receivers automatic room calibration. So while watching a movie in the main zone, you can play stereo music in zone 2, 3 or 4. Talking of HDMI, there are 7 HDMI connections on the rear and 3 outputs. It also supports HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG high dynamic range content. *At the time of publishing, the price was $1,499. Denon is always a brand you should consider when looking for a new AV receiver. One of the rear inputs is HDMI 2.1 and supports uncompressed 8K/60p and 4K/120p. 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. With its powerful amplifier, immersive surround sound, and high-resolution audio, this device is sure to blow you away. The home theater receiver also called an AV receiver or surround sound receiver, is the heart of a home theater system. The Denon AVR-X1700H is our top choice because its a great-sounding receiver that holds your hand through the setup process and delivers excellent value. Of course, if you only want to use the built-in class G channels without buying more power amplifiers then you can set up a very nice 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system. 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. Secondly, for what its worth, Ill give you my standard response when anyone asks which AV receiver to buy. The receiver has Bluetooth support for streaming audio, as well as a handy setup wizard that walks you through the process of setting up a complete surround-sound system. 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. So, you get 8 HDMI inputs (1 at the front) and 3 outputs. During our listening tests, we were unable to tell most of the receivers apart with their room correction disabled. Over the years, I have auditioned more receivers, preamps, and amplifiers than I care to count, and in recent years I have devoted an inordinate amount of time to learning about and testing room-correction systems of all varieties. Arcam is a British company that has been producing high-end audio products since 1976. These sound formats are designed to add an overhead element to the typical ear-level surround sound available for decades.
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