The latest and greatest 4K TVs may be doing wonders for picture quality, but they also tend to be moving toward ever thinner designs. While those new designs make for slicker entertainment setups and also make the TVs easier to move, that thin nature tends not to lend itself to great acoustics. So, when it comes to building a top-notch entertainment center, you can go ahead and let the TV shine, but you should let an AV receiver manage the rest.An AV receiver will sit at the heart of your entire setup, connecting every device for complete control and ease of use. Many TVs and soundbars try to do that now by offering several input ports, but a good AV receiver has far more going on. In addition to the many ports they offer for channeling video streams to your TV, they also have the power and control you need to set up a truly immersive, surround sound array. Many newer AV receivers also support advanced connectivity features with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available. As we’ve picked out only the best AV receivers, you’ll find all those features and plenty more here.TL;DR These are the Best AV Receivers:
1. Pioneer VSX-934 7.2-channel AV Receiver
Best Entry-level AV Receiver
Channels: 7.2 Power Output: 80W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 6 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 2 x Digital Audio (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) HDR Support: HDR10, HLG, BT.2020 Connected Features: AirPlay 2 Connectivity: Dual Band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 + LE Size: 17.1″ x 12.6″ x 6.8″ Weight: 20.7 pounds
If youre looking to dip your toes into the AVR pool, the Pioneer VSX-934 is an excellent entry. At right around $300, this AVR has enough to get you started with some room to grow. The seven amplified channels can accommodate a few different speaker configurations, including 5.1 with bi-amped front channels, 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos, or even some less common setups like 3.1.2. The VSX-934 has Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization to give you a simulated Atmos experience without needing extra speakers. And it actually works pretty well, but it requires a firmware update that was released early in 2019. It also has Sonos compatibility and DTS Play-Fi.Most surround AVRs have some form of room correction built in, and for the VSX-934 its Pioneers MCACC. Unfortunately, thats one of the drawbacks of this model, but its easy enough to get around. Speaker distance can be set manually in the AVR settings, and relative channel levels can be set using a free or cheap SPL (sound pressure level) app. And since the worst room correction problems exist in the low frequencies, try and get a subwoofer with built-in room correction. It will deal with any unruly low-end better than MCACC.
2. Denon AVR-X3600H 9.2-channel AV Receiver
Best Midrange AV Receiver
Channels: 9.2 Power Output: 105W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 8 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 4 x Digital Audio (2 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, BT.2020 Connected Features: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa-compatible, Google Assistant, Siri Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 Size: 17.1 x 13.3 x 6 Weight: 26.7 pounds
This is where we start to get into some more customizable audio setup options. The Denon AVR-X3600H has two individual subwoofer outputs that can each have their own calibration settings (some other dual sub output receivers share the same settings for both subwoofers). Using two subwoofers can get you a smoother, more even bass response for all seats in your home theater if theyre calibrated properly. And its achieved with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, which sounds similar to the Audyssey room correction on the two Marantz above, but its significantly better. Technologically it has more high-frequency and bass filters with the ability to measure from more listening positions.The extra amplified channels can accommodate more speaker positions, if youre so inclined. The X3600H supports 5.2.4 and 7.2.2 Atmos configurations, or you can use some of the extra channels for a multi-room setup. Its internal processing can handle even more channels (up to 11.2) if you want to add an extra stereo amplifier. There are also multi-channel outputs if you want to connect to even more external amps and use the X3600H as just a processor. It also supports IMAX Enhanced, a certification that combines 4K HDR, DTS, and the IMAX aspect ratio under one banner. Support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are also included.
3. Yamaha RX-V485 5.1-channel AV Receiver
Best non-Atmos Budget AV Receiver
Channels: 5.1 Power Output: 80W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 4 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 3 x Composite In, 1 x Composite Out, 3 x Digital Audio (1 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, BT.2020 Connected Features: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa-compatible, Google Assistant, Siri Connectivity: Dual Band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Size: 17.1″ x 8.9″ x 12.9″ Weight: 17.2 pounds
Games implementation of Atmos is slow going, so maybe you dont want to buy those extra speakers and bother to install them on your ceiling. The Yamaha RX-V485 is a fantastic option for traditional 5.1 surround configurations thanks to its five amplified channels. And it even supports the MusicCast 50 or MusicCast 20 for use as wireless surround speakers if you dont want to run speaker cable to the back of the room.The RX-V485 HDMI supports 4K with HDCP 2.3 so youll be ready when you upgrade to HDCP 2.3 components in the future. The Yamaha YPAO room correction is pretty good at fine-tuning speakers to its surrounding environment (we generally like its results). It only has four HDMI inputs though, which could pose a problem depending on how many devices you need to connect. If you have Alexa or Google Assistant, the RX-V485 can be controlled by either, or by Siri over Apple AirPlay 2.
4. Marantz NR1710 7.2-channel AV Receiver
Best Slim AV Receiver
Channels: 7.2 Power Output: 50W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 7 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 2 x Digital Audio (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Connected Features: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa-compatible, Google Assistant Connectivity: Dual Band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 Size: 17.3″ x 6.9″ x 14.9″ Weight: 18.3 pounds
For those not familiar with AVRs, the name Marantz might be foreign, but theyve been producing excellent audiophile products for decades ranging from entry level (like the NR1710 for $749) to expensive separates (that is, separate amplifier and processor units) that cost thousands of dollars each.The NR1710 is a slimline AVR thats half the height of the other options on this list. Its seven channels can be set up for Atmos speakers, or you can use the Atmos Height Virtualization. If you only have or need five speakers and dont care about the Height Virtualization, the NR1510 is very similar and costs $150 less.
The Audyssey MultEQ room correction is a step up from the YPAO room correction found in the Yamaha RX-V485. Another Audyssey feature called Dynamic EQ helps preserve the cinematic experience when listening below reference level, which is louder than most of us listen to movies in our home, by keeping the perceived volume balanced across frequencies. Lastly, Dynamic Volume controls the dynamic range of the sound (which your close neighbors and fellow apartment dwellers will appreciate).
The Marantz NR1710 supports HEOS (Home Entertainment Operating System), Denons multi-room wireless system. There are a bunch of HEOS speakers available that range from $200-900. In addition to passing HDR, the eight HDMI inputs are eARC compatible and will upconvert your video signal to 4K. And for gaming, theres an auto low latency mode to link up with TVs that support it. Both Alexa and Google Assistant are supported for voice command.
5. Marantz SR5014 7.2-channel AV Receiver
Best First Audiophile AV Receiver
Channels: 7.2 Power Output: 100W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 8 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 4 x Digital Audio (2 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Connected Features: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa-compatible Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Size: 17.32″ x 9.09″ x 13.7″ Weight: 22.4 pounds
Apart from the chassis, the Marantz SR5014 might look very similar to the NR1710. Both have seven amplified channels, eight HDMI ports (one with eARC), Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, auto low-latency mode, Alexa and Google support, and HEOS built-in. But the SR5014 has twice the amplifier power as the NR1710 and, more importantly, Marantzs proprietary amplifier circuitry. When you get into AVRs considered to cater to the audiophile crowd, its the circuitry that gives a more dynamic sound. And the SR5014 is no exception, with a nice warm sound.6. Anthem MRX 720 7.2-channel AV Receiver
Best for Audio Lovers with a Bigger Room
Channels: 7.2 Power Output: 100W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 8 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 5 x Digital Audio (3 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Connected Features: DTS Play-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Size: 17.3 x 14.8 x 6.49 Weight: 31 pounds
The MRX 720 is very similar to the 520 and includes the same Anthem Room Correction, but it also adds two more amplified channels for 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos and 11.2 total pre-amp channels if you want to and more amplifiers to the mix. The increase in built-in amp power makes it perfect if you have a good-sized home theater room. While theres still no Bluetooth, the MRX 720 adds in Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with DTS Play-Fi.7. Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2-channel AV Receiver
Best for if you want everything
Channels: 13.2 Power Output: 150W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 8 x HDMI In, 3 x HDMI Out, 2 x Digital Audio (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Connected Features: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa-compatible, Google Assistant, Siri Connectivity: Dual Band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR Size: 17.1 x 10.2 x 17.2″ Weight: 51.4 pounds
You want all of the channels, you say? Then the Denon AVR-X8500H is for you. With thirteen amplified channels that can support 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 Atmos configurations, Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Alexa integration, and IMAX Enhanced and HEOS compatibility, this AVR has you covered. It also supports up to three separate zones for audio and video, so it can truly be the hub of your home and not just your home theater. Once HDMI 2.1 is released, there will be a hardware upgrade available to support 8K to keep it on top of technology, and it already supports eARC. As with the X3600H, the X8500H supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice control.8. Denon AVR-S960H
Best 8K Receiver
Channels: 7.2 Power Output: 90W/ch @ 8 Ohms Ports: 6 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 2 x Composite In, 1 x Composite Out, 2 x Component In, 1 x Component Out, 4 x Analog In, 3 x Digital Audio (2 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial), 1 x USB HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, BT.2020 Connected Features: AirPlay 2, HEOS, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.ai Connectivity: Dual Band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Size: 17.1″ x 1.34″ x 6.6″ Weight: 21 pounds
Let’s be real, if you’re shopping for shiny new electronics right now, you’re probably thinking about what the future has in store. A part of that future is 8K, and it’s not just any device that can support it. 8K requires substantially more bandwidth than 4K, and that means newer hardware. Fortunately, Denon’s AVR-S960H has just what you need. This AV receiver is packed with all the modern goodies you’ll want for your media center. Chief among them is its support for 8K video at 60Hz. And, for gamers, it offers the flexibility to opt instead for 4K at 120Hz with support for variable refresh rates and Auto Low Latency Mode.Of course, resolution isn’t the whole picture. The Denon AVR-S960H supports a range of HDR formats on every HDMI port, and it can deliver 4:4:4 chroma subsampling to output a picture that’s true to its source. You also get ample connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and the smart assistant integrations that make those connections that much more valuable. Audio is a big part of the package as well, and you’ll get 7.2-channel support along with DTS HD Master, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, and more.
The Future for AV Receivers
Honestly, the AVR market hasnt made many leaps forward in the past few years. Most significantly has been the addition of pass-through for 4K and HDR signals and an improvement to upconverting. But on the horizon is HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 (which we’re starting to see adopted). Maybe because of that youre thinking of waiting for the new (possible) crop of AVRs to be announced and released.The question is then, what will HDMI 2.1 get you? Most importantly will be a significant increase in throughput, from 18 Gbps with 2.0 to 48 Gbps with 2.1. That will allow 4K signals at 120Hz (something weve only had possible with DisplayPort previously), or 8K at 60Hz. But hold up just a second. It will also require something thats sending that signal and a display to accept it. So while having an AVR with HDMI 2.1 will be very important, were still a little ways away from it being necessary. And if theres one truth in technology, its that theres always another big thing coming around the corner.
John Higgins has been writing and testing all manner of audio, video, computer, and gaming gear since the early ’00s. He has written for print and online publications including Home Theater, Wirecutter, Sound & Vision, SoundStage!, and Channel Guide. He is also a post audio editor, composer, and musician in Los Angeles.
