15 Best AV Receivers

The AV receiver can be called the heart of a home theater. This smart amplifier connects audio devices with signal sources, receives radio, decodes surround sound, and generally turns your TV and speakers into a full-fledged multimedia system. In general, without such a receiver, a home theater loses its proud name. Read about how to choose an AV receiver and which 6 of them deserve the title of best.

• AV receivers: what to look for when choosing
• Top 6 AV receivers Best stereo receivers Onkyo TX-L20D receiver
• Receiver YAMAHA R-N602
• Receiver YAMAHA R-N402

Best 5.1 AV Receivers

Minimum level of surround sound immersion. For small rooms with limited space for acoustic systems, this is the best option. As a rule, such a device claims to be a full-fledged music center.

Denon AVR-X250BT

With the stated power of each channel being 130 W, the cost is pleasantly surprising. The reliability of the brand is beyond doubt, as is the rich functionality. The design is simple, without bright colored stickers or inscriptions.

Advantages:

• best price in the category;
• deep natural sound;
• well-developed frequency detail;
• Convenient on-screen setup menu.

Flaws:

• true sound quality is only possible when connecting expensive speakers.

Pioneer VSX-330-K

Economy class for Pioneer is a common feature in the brand’s lineup. The power is not record-breaking (105 W per channel), but it is more than enough to “boost” a room of up to 30 m². An excellent choice for a beginning music lover.

Advantages:

• good price/quality ratio;
• ease of setup;
• convenient control panel;
• excellent playback of “advanced” video formats.

Flaws:

• The USB interface works rather formally.

Pioneer VSX-S520-B

This Pioneer model belongs to the premium segment, which could not affect the cost. The device has a built-in subwoofer amplifier - a reason to save money when buying acoustics. The demanding user will be pleased with the built-in background corrector and automatic surround sound calibration.

Advantages:

• slim body, stylish design without frills;
• Internet radio playback;
• support for streaming services;
• decoders of all sound standards.

Flaws:

• in this price category, spring cable clamps are bad manners.

Onkyo TX-SR373

A premium device with a design in the style of analog Hi-Fi technology from the 90s. The circuit uses advanced DACs from Burr Brown. A real find for a music lover on a limited budget: with such parameters, the price does not seem exorbitant.

Advantages:

• front speakers are connected using reliable screw terminals;
• intelligent setting both in “auto” and manual mode;
• the most powerful device in the test;
• Even an amateur can handle the settings.

Flaws:

• There are no hardware systems for automatically improving sound quality.

Yamaha RX-V485

For receivers of this brand, this model belongs to the budget line. Competitors of the same class are much more expensive. However, the sound quality will satisfy even a music lover, and the design will please you with its strict forms and lack of frills.

Advantages:

• different power levels for different channels;
• high-speed support for external storage media;
• for such power – acceptable electricity consumption;
• high-quality screw connectors for connecting acoustics.

Flaws:

• There are compatibility issues with some TV models.

The best AV receivers with 9 or more channels output

Onkyo TX-RZ830 9.2 – maximum capabilities and 9 output channels

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

The 9.2-channel AV receiver Onkyo TX-RZ830 belongs to the category of expensive and prestigious equipment, designed for not only demanding, but also wealthy users. The device provides pass-through transmission of 4K and HDR, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, has a built-in Google Chromecast and 40 presets in the FM/AM range.

THX Certified Select guarantees impeccable, high-quality sound. This is issued only after strict testing of all parameters of the device, provided that the user is at a distance of 3 m from the screen in a room with a volume of 57 m3.

Advantages:

• the effect of being on stage while listening to music and immersing yourself in the plot of the film;
• perfectly accurate reproduction of musical instruments, naturalistic sounds of living nature;
• compatible with most wireless audio platforms;
• possibility of forming a multiroom system.

Flaws:

• no Audyssey system;
• sometimes Wi-Fi drops out;
• Automatic shutdown when operating at full volume.

Onkyo TX-RZ830 9.2 is distinguished by an approach typical of Hi-End class equipment. The developers managed to implement a top-end digital architecture with high output currents, achieving audio and video quality previously unattainable even for this price category.

Marantz SR8012 11.2 – 11-channel Hi-End

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

The new flagship model Marantz SR8012 continues the company's tradition of equipping the top versions of its products with attributes such as a copper-plated chassis and a toroidal transformer in the power supply. The AV receiver from one of the most reputable manufacturers of Hi-End class equipment is endowed with the ability to decode most of the audio and video formats existing today, and is also open to upgrade to future audio and video standards.

The device has eight inputs and three HDMI outputs that meet modern specifications and are capable of receiving video with a resolution of 4K UltraHD (60 Hz), 4:4:4 Pure Color color encoding and HDR support. Integration into wireless multi-room systems is carried out using HEOS technology.

Advantages:

• the ability to convert analog signals into digital ones;
• scaling SD video resolution to HD/4K Ultra HD;
• decodes audio files with ALAC, FLAC and WAV compression without loss of quality;
• easy setup thanks to 4 Smart Select buttons on the front panel and remote control;
• energy-saving intelligent EcoMode mode, taking into account the signal level;
• Rigid housing design provides clear sound without vibration.

Flaws:

• The price is 282 thousand rubles, but such equipment cannot cost less.

The release of the SR8012 11.2 marked the transition of Marantz to new standards in audio and video quality.

Best 7.2 AV Receivers

Previously only available in public movie theaters, 7.2 surround sound is increasingly found in today's Blu-Ray movies for home viewing. Equipment of this format allows you to completely immerse yourself in 3D sound, without significantly burdening the buyer with the cost.

Marantz NR1609

This is a true Lexus in this category. The cost is high compared to competitors, but it is justified by its outstanding characteristics, as well as the brand image.

Advantages:

• amplifiers with high-current transistors at the output allow you to connect acoustics with an impedance of 4 Ohms;
• compatibility with online services Tidal, Deezer, Spotify Connect, TuneIn, etc.;
• voice control support;
• beautiful design + choice of body color.

Flaws:

• Apart from the high cost, there is nothing to complain about.

Denon AVR-X1400H

Economy class in the premium category. Suitable for both beginning 3D sound lovers and not-so-sophisticated music lovers. All parameters correspond to the price, there are no significant complaints about the sound quality.

Advantages:

• good functionality: support for all modern digital solutions;
• simple smart setup;
• perfectly distributes stereo sound across all channels.

Flaws:

• gets very hot.

Sony STR-DH790

A strong mid-ranger both in cost and parameters. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of a traditional markup for the brand. The only thing you can find fault with is the minimalist design, but that’s not for everyone.

Advantages:

• support for Bi-amping function;
• automatic calibration works great;
• There is enough power in abundance: you can connect acoustics of any quality.

Flaws:

• The heat dissipation from the case is not thought out.

Yamaha RX-V585

In addition to the traditional quality of the brand, the manufacturer has added several unique features, such as CINEMA DSP 3D technology that reproduces the atmosphere of concert halls. In terms of price, this receiver cannot be considered entry-level, but the range of functionality can be better.

Advantages:

• high-quality surround sound “for all the money”;
• well-developed detailing by channels;
• practically does not heat up;
• Convenient control from the Android application.

Flaws:

• insufficient range of tone control.

Onkyo TX-NR575

A household receiver with the makings of professional capabilities. Supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos 3D audio standards. The sound of tracks recorded in multi-channel formats is separated by object.

Advantages:

• for the price of conventional equipment, semi-professional sound;
• support for Internet services Tune-In, Deezer, Spotify, TIDAL and Pandora;
• control via radio channel from a standard application.

Flaws:

• For some reason, audio virtualization is not supported.

The best professional AV receivers (cost more than 100 thousand rubles)

The professional orientation of the equipment does not mean that it can only be used in public cinemas and concert halls. The receivers listed in the category fit perfectly into home spaces if the cost of the set does not exceed the planned budget. For true connoisseurs of digital sound.

Onkyo TX-RZ3100

With this receiver you can create a Hi-End cinema in a prepared room. By the standards of the class of equipment, the price is reasonable, but to fully reveal the capabilities you will need high-quality acoustics.

Advantages:

• The amplifier power is sufficient to connect any passive acoustics;
• the difference with 5.1 and 7.1 DTS HD MA roads is felt at the physical level of perception;
• the sound in films is natural, without the feeling of synthetics;
• Supports all existing surround sound formats today, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Flaws:

• To sell “with all the money” you will have to buy licensed sources (media files).

Marantz SR8012

The most expensive unit in the test; for that price you can buy a used car. The 11.2 format assumes an appropriate volume of an acoustically prepared room; for an ordinary living room, such technology is clearly redundant. The power is enough to provide sound in a small elite cinema.

Advantages:

• Each channel contains a discrete HDAM amplifier with current feedback;
• to eliminate drawdowns at a power of more than 200 W per channel, capacitive capacitors are installed in the power circuits;
• blocking the penetration of low-frequency sound from subwoofers into adjacent rooms adds to the listening comfort;
• each channel is served by a separate 32-bit DAC.

Flaws:

• Unfortunately, the price makes the receiver out of reach for most users.

Rotel RAP-1580

Another elite representative, optimized for home use. The system is built in such a way that a non-professional user can install a home theater without tedious calibration of speaker systems.

Advantages:

• manual individual selection of components before installation of electrical circuits;
• built-in background correctors for each channel;
• full automation of settings with the possibility of manual calibration;
• ability to work as part of installed systems, up to 12.2 format.

Flaws:

• high power consumption: 1.1 kW.

Integra DRX-4

A relatively affordable 7.1 kit that provides output power of more than 700 W. Not suitable for a large cinema, but just right for home use. Buyers note the beautiful design and high-quality assembly, as in premium models.

Advantages:

• THX Select2 certification confirms high sound quality;
• DAC on AK4458 chip, provide 32-bit/384 kHz decoding;
• adjusting acoustics to suit the room format, taking into account the reflection of the high-altitude emitter from the ceiling.

Flaws:

• demanding on the quality of power supply, a stabilizer may be needed.

Top 6 AV receivers

The best stereo receivers

Receiver Onkyo TX-L20D

A modern digital AV receiver with rich multimedia and network capabilities. The device is made in stereo format and has a power of 1000 watts per channel, so its capabilities are sufficient even for a large room. Connecting to the Internet is possible via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and the Deezer service and TuneIn network radio are supported - you just need to synchronize the receiver with your account. You can control the device either using the remote control or through a proprietary smartphone application (Bluetooth is used for connection). Finally, the device just looks great.

A powerful and versatile AV receiver will cost you about 55,000 rubles, but it definitely gets its money’s worth.

Price: RUB 54,990

Receiver YAMAHA R-N602

Semiconductor stereo receiver from the famous Japanese audio equipment manufacturer. The capabilities of the device are quite enough to fill a room of 20-25 square meters with first-class sound. At the same time, the R-N602 can do everything that a modern device should be able to do, from working with Internet radio to playing any music formats from flash drives. But the most important thing in any AV receiver is, after all, the sound. And he's just great here.

Among the shortcomings, we can only note that there are problems with the Cyrillic alphabet and not the most successful control panel included (the last minus is offset by the fact that the device can be controlled via a smartphone). In general, at a price of around 45,000 rubles, this is a very interesting purchase.

Price: RUB 43,990

Receiver YAMAHA R-N402

This AV receiver can be called the younger brother of the previous device. The “four hundred and two” differs from the R-N602 in its more affordable price (35,000 rubles versus 45,000), slightly less power, slightly fewer connectors and generally slightly reduced functionality. But in general, the manufacturer did not cut anything particularly important from the model, so the excellent sound, network capabilities, and first-class build quality remained in place. Yamaha is Yamaha.

Yes, you can find fault with the brutal design or Bluetooth outdated revision 2.1. But at such a price and such capabilities, these shortcomings remain just nitpicking.

Price: RUB 33,990

The best multi-channel receivers

AV receiver Marantz NR1608

A very compact AV receiver, which is distinguished by a height of only ten centimeters: the device can be placed even on the lowest shelf. Fortunately, the compact size does not affect the functionality in any way: the NR1608 supports multi-channel 7.2 format audio, the 32-bit DAC-AK-4458 from Asahi Kasei produces clear and richly detailed sound, all possible audio formats are reproduced without problems and surround sound of Dolby Atmos standards is decoded and DTS.

Of course, the desire to fit great capabilities into a small body forced the manufacturer to place the connectors extremely tightly. But with this exception, the receiver priced at 62,000 rubles does not have any serious shortcomings.

Price: ₽ 61,500

AV receiver Sony STR-DN1080

The AV receiver is still quite rare in 7.2 format. It seems to support all current standards for both wired and wireless connections. Including USB, which the next model lacks, and even NFC for quick and easy pairing with a smartphone with one touch. Surround sound is automatically adjusted using the included microphone. Some people, however, do not have enough HDMI on the front panel - but this, honestly, is nothing more than nitpicking.

The price of the device is almost 50,000 rubles. And the STR-DN1080 justifies this price to the last penny.

Price: RUB 50,990

AV receiver Pioneer VSX-832

Semiconductor AV receiver in 5.1 format. With a power of 130 watts per channel, it can easily pump a room of 20-30 square meters. It seems to support all versions of Dolby and DTS standards. It is distinguished by a very pleasant soft sound, which can easily outperform most competitors by ear - especially in the price range of “about 40,000 rubles”.

A full range of network capabilities, integration with a smartphone, an affordable price - you probably won’t find any serious flaws in the VSX-832. The only exception is the inability to play files directly from USB drives, but any modern TV can do this, so it’s completely unnecessary to pay attention to this little detail.

Price: RUB 38,990

Off-system test: AV receiver 2.1

Such devices do not have hardware support for 5.1 or 7.1; surround sound is simulated by phasing and digital processing. However, for a small room you can organize a home theater.

Onkyo TX-L20D

For listening to music in premium formats, this is an ideal option; any source of media files will do. By implementing a software 3D effect, you can watch movies with surround sound.

Advantages:

• full implementation of all digital formats;
• deep and soft sound;
• The 3D effect is worked out to a solid “four”.

Flaws:

• Difficult setup when first connecting.

Which AV receiver is better to buy?

If you are not just a music lover, but a sophisticated audio connoisseur who knows how to appreciate high-quality sound, one of the important components of the interior of your home will be a home theater with an audio system. The leading place in it will be taken by the AV receiver, which will take on the role of “master of the show.”

When choosing such a multimedia center, first of all, you should focus on your own needs and the ramifications of the future audio-video system. If you plan to connect any external sources to the receiver (smartphones, game consoles, streaming devices or Blue-ray players), you need to make sure it is compatible with these gadgets.

Among the most significant factors when choosing an AV receiver are:

• wired and wireless connection parameters;
• multiroom capabilities;
• automatic speaker setup;
• video processing capability.

The easiest way to improve the sound from your TV is to connect two small speakers to it through the receiver. Even in this case, the quality of the audio signal will be an order of magnitude higher than before. But to fully exploit the potential of modern playback technologies such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-X or Dolby Atmos, you need a multi-channel system.

The output power of the receiver you purchase must match the total power of the speakers that you plan to connect to it.

The AV receiver's markings indicate its configuration - 5.1, 5.2, 7.1, 7.2, 9.1, etc.

• 5.1 format means that the receiver is designed to use an acoustic system of 5 speakers and one subwoofer.
• Accordingly, 5.2 is the same, only with stereo subs.

Models with 5-channel amplification are gradually losing their relevance. Practice shows that today a 7.1 or 7.2 scheme allows you to achieve optimal reproduction. The use of receivers designed for 9 or more channels makes sense when using Dolby Atmos or DTS-X technologies.

Another important point is the number of HDMI connectors on the box. Here it is not necessary to adhere to the principle “the more the merrier.” Just count the maximum number of devices that you plan to connect to the receiver and add one to this figure. That's exactly how many HDMI ports will be enough.

In addition, you should make sure that the device is equipped with USB connectors (for flash drives, smartphones, HD players, etc.), S/PDIF inputs and special connectors for Apple products if you use Apple gadgets. For a wireless connection, the receiver must have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay technologies.

Recommendations: 12 best TV tuners

9 Best Cable and Satellite Receivers

9 Best Desktop Media Players