Which AV receiver is the best?
The Denon AVC-X3700H may not be the cheapest option, but no other AV receiver will give you this kind of bang for your buck. Simply put - for its price, it has a lot going for it.
It can decode Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. Has nine built-in amplification channels, but can handle up to eleven. It also has the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications such as 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, dynamic HDR, VRR, ALLM and eARC support.
If that weren't enough, there's support for Hi-Res Audio, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, as well as a Denon HEOS multi-room system. There's also Audyssey room correction that helps create a cohesive multi-channel system, and best of all, it sounds fantastic with a great cinematic presentation.
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Denon AVC-X3700H
The Best AV Receiver for Most People
9.4
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Audio formats: Dolby Atmos; DTS: X; IMAX Enhanced Video formats: 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; HDR10; H.L.G.; HDR10+; Dolby Vision Amplification channels: 9 Processing (preamp) channels: 11.2 Physical connections: 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs (eARC, VRR, ALLM); 2 optical digital inputs; 2 coaxial digital inputs; 6 analog inputs; phono stage Wireless connections: WiFi; Bluetooth; AirPlay 2; HEOS multiroom
pros
- Large set of functions
- Dynamic Performance
- Easy to install and operate
Minuses
- Only one HDMI 2.1 input
The Denon AVC-X3700H sits squarely in the middle of the manufacturer's model range. It's perfectly balanced—with all the features you'll need at a price that won't break the bank. Not only does this receiver decode major object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos, but it also includes plenty of amplification to create a dynamic, immersive experience.
While the X3700H is capable of handling up to 11 channels, nine should be more than enough for most people, with a choice of 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 speaker configurations. You can even add dual subwoofers, and Audyssey's easy-to-use room correction system ensures that detailed and attractive delivery is combined into a cohesive and tonally balanced system with smooth effects control.
The X3700H is well made, looks good and boasts extensive connectivity options, while the HEOS adds multiroom and even wireless rear capabilities. It works not only with Alexa and Google Assistant, but also with Siri thanks to the inclusion of AirPlay 2. There's only one HDMI 2.1 input, which is bad news for those who use both of the next-gen gaming consoles, but otherwise this AVR is a great choice.
Read more - full review of Denon AVC-X3700H
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Sony STR-DH790
Best Budget AV Receiver
9
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Audio formats: Dolby Atmos; DTS: X Video formats: 4K/60Hz; HDR10; H.L.G.; Dolby Vision Amplification channels: 7 Processing (preamp) channels: 7.2 Physical connections: 6 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs (eARC); optical digital input; coaxial digital input; 4 analog inputs; FM tuner Wireless connection: Bluetooth
pros
- Great price
- Reliable and versatile
- Easy to install and use
Minuses
- Limited to 7 channels
- No 4K/120
- No Wi-Fi
The Sony STR-DH790 is hard to beat when it comes to affordable home theater. The build quality could be better, and it's limited to seven channels of amplification and processing, but this receiver includes everything you need to build a surround sound system.
Setup is easy, and while Sony's room correction is fairly basic, the results are impressive for this price point. The built-in amplifiers are surprisingly powerful, sound energetic, and effects are controlled with precision, resulting in immersive Atmos and DTS:X.
There are six HDMI inputs with 4K/60Hz pass-through and Dolby Vision, but no HDMI 2.1 support. However, thanks to eARC, this limitation can be overcome, and although Wi-Fi is also missing, audiophiles can still enjoy lossless high-resolution audio support and even DSD decoding.
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Wireless interfaces
In the last few years, thanks to the development of mobile and portable technology, manufacturers have built Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and DLNA network modules into almost every receiver. Thanks to them, the receiver became a source of not only FM radio, but also received the function of playing Internet radio stations, various online music services, and also began to be controlled from a smartphone (running Android or iOS). In addition, you can now listen to music from your smartphone not only by connecting it with a cable, but also without using wires - thanks to the AirPlay or ChromeCast function. You just need to connect the receiver to the local network wired or wireless.
Denon AVR-X2700H
The best AV receiver for the average budget
8.8
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Audio formats: Dolby Atmos; DTS: X Video formats: 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; HDR10; H.L.G.; HDR10+; Dolby Vision Amplification channels: 7 Processing (preamp) channels: 7.1 Physical connections: 6 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs (eARC, VRR, ALLM); 2 optical digital inputs; 4 analog inputs; phono stage Wireless connections: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; AirPlay 2; HEOS Multiroom; FM receiver
pros
- Has all the basic functions
- Excellent performance
- Adequate price
Minuses
- Limited to 7 channels
- Only one HDMI 2.1 input
The Denon AVR-X2700H could easily be the best budget AV receiver. It has many of the same features as the X3700H and retains similar balanced performance, and it certainly ranks as the best AVR available.
All major audio formats are covered, and although the X2700H is limited to seven channels, it has serious sound, delivering spacious and controlled delivery. Effects placement is also precise, and Audyssey integrates everything into a balanced soundstage.
While it inherits many of the X3700's strengths, it's limited to a single HDMI 2.1 input. That minor complaint aside, this is a feature-rich receiver for the money, with HEOS multi-room, high-resolution audio support, AirPlay 2, and the ability to work with Alexa and Google Assistant.
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YAMAHA RX-V6A
Best AV Receiver for Gaming
8.4
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Audio formats: Dolby Atmos; DTS: X Video formats: 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; HDR10; H.L.G.; HDR10+; Dolby Vision Amplification channels: 7 Processing channels (preamplifier): 7.2 Physical connections: 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs (eARC, VRR, ALLM); optical digital input; coaxial digital input; 4 analog inputs; phono stage; AM/FM/DAB tuner Wireless connections: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; AirPlay 2; MusicCast multiroom
pros
- Great all-rounder
- Multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs
- MusicCast multiroom
Minuses
- Some features have not yet been added
- Limited to 7 channels
The Yamaha RX-V6A is another worthy contender that would also be in the budget AV receiver race were it not for Sony. However, this particular model has an advantage when it comes to gaming, with three HDMI 2.1 inputs. Some of these features have yet to be added via firmware updates, but the V6A will eventually support 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM.
It will support all HDR formats such as HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as virtually any high-resolution lossless audio format you choose. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 are present and work properly, plus there's even an FM/AM and DAB+ tuner. You also get Yamaha's excellent MusicCast multi-room system, with the added bonus of support for wireless rear and subwoofers.
While the onboard audio lacks a bit of power, Yamaha's years of experience ensure excellent musicality. Atmos and DTS:X performance are equally impressive, and although processing is limited to seven channels, this receiver exhibits a pleasing agility that responds to even the most dynamic soundtracks, resulting in an exciting overall performance.
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FAQ
Which is better, AV receiver or sound card?
The best thing is both. The fact is that these devices have different purposes. The sound card expands the audio capabilities of the computer, and the receiver amplifies the sound, provides spatial sound and combines audio devices into a single system. Therefore, nothing prevents you from connecting a sound card to the input of the AV receiver along with other audio sources.
Which is better, AV receiver or amplifier?
An amplifier is one of the components of the receiver, which, in addition to sound amplification, performs the functions of a tuner, switcher and decoder. Often, the element base in highly specialized devices is better than in universal ones, and interference from additional components does not affect the operation of the amplifier itself. Therefore, if you are not interested in additional functionality, but need the capabilities of the amplifier, then it is better to take it.
Arcam AVR30
Best AV Receiver - If Money Is No Matter
8.2
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Audio formats: Dolby Atmos; DTS: X; Auro-3D; IMAX Enhanced Video formats: 4K/60Hz; HDR10; H.L.G.; HDR10+; Dolby Vision Amplification channels: 7 Processing (preamp) channels: 15.2 Physical connections: 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs (eARC); 2 optical digital inputs; 4 coaxial digital inputs; 6 analog inputs; FM/DAB tuner Wireless connections: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; AirPlay 2; Chromecast
pros
- Superior Immersive Performance
- Powerful Class G amplification
- Dirac Live room correction
Minuses
- Only 7 built-in channels
- No HDMI 2.1 (update coming soon)
The Arcam AVR30 is the best AV receiver for affluent home theater fans, with a full range of object-based audio formats including Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and even the esoteric Auro-3D. Perhaps more importantly, it delivers these formats with processing up to a stunningly immersive 15.2 channels, meaning you can run a full 9.2.6 channel system.
The AVR30 only has seven built-in amplification channels (meaning it can drive seven real speakers, although it can understand many more channels), so you'll need to add more amplification channels for more immersion, these amps use Class G, the result is an incredibly powerful and responsive delivery with plenty of power to spare. The resulting sound field is precise, expansive and controllable, while dual subwoofer support and class-leading Dirac Live room correction are the icing on the cake.
The AVR30 is also very well made, with a full-color LCD display on the front panel and support for lossless high-resolution audio to accompany this receiver with your music. There are plenty of HDMI inputs that support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, and there's eARC as well. However, there is currently no support for next-gen games, although an HDMI 2.1 upgrade is in the works.
Decoding audio and video signals
Most new multi-channel receivers have a full set of modern audio decoders - Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-MA, etc. The latest format, which has become widespread in the last 2 years, is, of course, Dolby Atmos. It allows you to make the sound not only ambient in a plane, but also three-dimensional in space. With the right placement of speakers and the right choice of speakers, you can create a unique three-dimensional sound in your home. This is achieved through the use of specialized Atmos speaker systems, or through the use of additional ceiling speakers. To realize such full-fledged three-dimensional sound, you need to choose a modern receiver with 7 or 9 amplifier channels, only in this case you will be able to appreciate all the delights of Dolby Atmos. In addition to the fact that the receiver can decode the soundtracks of modern movies recorded in DD, DTS or Dolby Atmos format, it can also artificially convert a regular mono or stereo recording (for example, from an FM radio, MP3 player or smartphone) and decompose it into all connected speaker systems, while any receiver has from 20 to 50 different sound programs and effects in its firmware. And if you are not in the mood or desire, then you can calmly listen to ordinary music in stereo mode, using only 2 front speakers (even the simplest and most inexpensive receiver has this function).
