The 5 in this case indicates the number of amplified channels: two front left and right speakers, one center speaker for dialogue and on-screen sound effects, and two surround-sound speakers located behind or to the side of the main listening position. Admittedly, eliminating the surround speakers during our head-to-head testing may have given a slightly unfair advantage to receivers with weaker power supplies that might struggle to drive multiple speakers simultaneously, but it made direct comparisons more manageable and allowed us to focus more on pure sound quality, as well as on the quantifiable and repeatable benefits of one room-correction system over another. 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. Therefore, here are some more considerations that might be more important to you. In Directional mode, each subwoofer receives low-frequency sounds from the main speaker nearest to it, along with the .1 (or LFE) channel from the surround soundtrack being decoded. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. There are many ways to connect this amplifier for internet and network content. You might, for example, see designations like 5.1.2 or 5.2.4. The first numeral here refers to the number of conventional ear-level speakers that need to be amplified, the second refers to the number of subwoofer outputs, and the third number refers to the number of overhead channels. So youll need to narrow down your choice by thinking about the issues most important to you. As we were wrapping up testing for this update, Sony announced a new commitment to AV receivers with the introduction of several new modelsall of which feature support for 8K video and 4K at 120 Hz, along with Sonys proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. . If youre still unsure and are looking for a particular sound, the only way is to hear them perform yourself. This means you can have a 9.2.6 speaker layout if you add additional power amplifiers. Therefore, if you dont need the features of HDMI 2.1, which are mainly for gamers with the latest consoles, you may want to try and purchase the older AVR30, which may be cheaper. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 4K UHD TV - At 140W per channel, the Denon AVR-S540BT receiver delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, and supports HLG, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling for realistic display and immersive sound Plug your source componentsyour media streamer, gaming console, cable or satellite receiver, or disc playerinto its inputs and then connect its outputs to your display and speakers, and the AV receiver will direct all of the AV signals to the right places and in the right formats. HDMI 2.1 is the newest version of the digital connection that all modern video-based components use. In Standard mode, all of your subwoofers are monophonic and receive the same low-frequency information, even if theyre configured differently in terms of level, delay, and the like. They give an outstanding sound for movies and TV shows, work fine for stereo music if youre not too demanding, and have all the features most people need. 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. The original AVR-X8500H was released in 2018. Room-correction systems make the biggest impact on how a receiver sounds to most listeners. For most users, 7.1 capacity is more than enough, and that's what we . However, all Arcam products should be considered for sound quality first and fancy features second. Denon AVR-X8500H. A bigger concern is that we couldnt upgrade the receivers firmware without jumping through some hoops. The AVR-X3800Hs remote looks similar to the one that comes with the AVR-X1700H, but we didnt have the same IR issues with this one. There is plenty of power under the hood, and you will have no problems driving even the most power-hungry speakers with a rating of 140 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05% THD, 2 Channels Driven). Best 11.2 Receiver Reviews Marantz SR8015 - best 11-channel receiver Let's begin the best High-End receivers review with the Marantz SR8015. Even music fans with extensive physical music collections stream much of their music from the internet, so a receiver needs some way of supporting streaming audio apps like Amazon Music and Spotify. The contestants were systems composed mostly of recent Wirecutter picks: the Vizio SB46514-F6 from our best soundbar guide versus a full 5.1.4-channel system comprising the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, B5 . If youre a room-correction aficionado, a glance at the Audyssey charts below explains why: You can see how much smoother the midrange (100 to 1,000 Hz) response was when we applied the MultEQ XT32 room correction, in comparison with the midtier MultEQ XT room correction in the AVR-X1700H. Many new AV receivers also support the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. An AV receivers specs can list various features of the HDMI 2.1 standard even if the receiver supports only one or two of them, which certainly creates confusion for shoppers. And the new MRX 1140 also adds DTS:X Pro support, allowing upmixing for speaker layouts over 11.2 channels. For instance, when going through the guided setup, we reached a screen that asked us to choose a time zone, but a list of time zones wasnt available. This was disappointing for anyone with the latest game consoles. The highest-quality AV receivers tend to have a lower total harmonic distortion, a wider frequency range, and lower impedance. Marantz AV8805. Arcam AV receivers come equipped with Dirac Live room correction and a calibration microphone. HDMI 2.1 support means this receiver will pass through 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video if you have a device with this technology. Its great to see the new MRX models come with the latest ARC Genesis software. Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver with 4K Ultra HD Product Highlights Our Score: 8.9 Brand: Onkyo Check Price Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.13 x 15.94 x 6.3 inches Output Wattage: 160 Watts Item Weight: 21.27 Pounds Number of Channels: 7 Total HDMI Ports: 4 You can get away from spatial surround sound with this Onkyo device. Many current AV receivers and TVs support eARC, most support automatic low-latency mode, and even at the $600 level many models support variable refresh rate. In selecting which specific models to recommend, we looked for the best mix of features, performance, and price, keeping in mind the needs of most people. If you have a good AV store near you, see if you can listen to these models in their listening room, and try to get it hooked up to similar speakers to your own. Sometimes you just need to buy the best on the market. If youre trying to get as close as possible to re-creating a genuine movie-theater experience at home, theres no replacement for a good AV receiver. In fact, each ARC-ready component comes with everything you need to get it all working. Here are a few examples of AV receivers in the entry-level category: Onkyo TX-SR333 ($299), Denon AVR-S500BT ($249), Yamaha RX-V377 ($299.95), Pioneer VSX-524-K ($249.99), and Sony STR-DH550 ($279 . I have owned Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo AV receivers over the years and have experience working with Marantz and Arcam. In our testing, Standard mode delivered better performance with more consistent bass response from seat to seat, which is the main reason you would want so many subwoofers to begin with. Therefore, eARC will allow you to pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio streams from your TV and back into the receiver. In this article, Ill share my top 5 picks for the best high-end AV receivers of 2023. But, when they release one, you should always sit up and take notice. Top Best AV Receivers 2023 - AudioGuru The best universal remotes can help clean up the clutter on your coffee table. Other factors that can make an expensive receiver value for money include: Appearance Strange as it may sound, some AV receivers cost a bit more due to their appearance. The Denon 2016 AVR Remote app also allows complete control of your Denon hardware from your mobile device. 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. Firstly, any of these receivers will be an excellent addition to your home theater. For the movie lover willing to spend more for better sound quality, more amp channels, and some pretty tweaky customization capabilities, we recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H. Thats always the choice you must make when you reach this level of engineering. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks include overhead or height effects to make the audio experience even more immersive. You also get a front-panel USB port, plus three digital audio inputs and a pair of analog inputs around back. The SR5015, SR6015, SR7015, and SR8015 receivers are all 8K-ready and will range in price from $1,100 to $3,200. They are essentially the same, and most features are found in both models. Are you searching for a new AV receiver to elevate your movie-watching experience? Good budget AV receivers can start at $250 if you catch sales but usually sit at $280-$300. 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. Denon AVR-S540BT. All of our current recommendations support 4K HDR displays and sources, and our top pick and upgrade pick support 8K or 4K at a 120Hz refresh rate. 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. Features multiple input and output ports, including RCA audio, USB, SD card, aux, and more. While well-known among people who immerse themselves in audio technology, the casual consumer is possibly less familiar. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can add Auro-3D support via a firmware update. Denons sibling company Marantz also has its own line of AV receivers, and were constantly getting questions from readers asking whether they should get a Denon or Marantz receiver. Arcam is a British company that has been producing high-end audio products since 1976. Buyer's guide. Like Dirac Live, you must install the software on your laptop and connect the supplied microphone to make the measurements. Some of the more expensive A/V receivers can even work with 9.1, 9.2, or even 11.1 systems. There is also support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Its somewhat telling that these brands are the only two that most curious parties mention when asking for advice, but the truth is that Marantzs receiversespecially its new Cinema Seriesare a bit more luxury-oriented and as such dont represent as good a value for most people. Only you know that. Rotel and B&W (especially the CM series) are well known to have great synergy together sonically. They hit the mark at a range of budget and highend prices, and I have owned Denon receivers for the past few years. The AVR-X3800H also has a good bit more power than our more affordable picks. Contrary to conventional wisdom, adding more subs isnt about being able to crank up the bass to the point of rattling your fillings as well as your rafters; its about evenly distributing the low frequencies around the room so that any one subwoofer has to exert less effort and everyone in the audience has a similar experience with regard to bass. The AVR-S570BT provides fewer inputs than our other picks and has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet support, but the essentials are present. Denon is always a brand you should consider when looking for a new AV receiver. The AVR-X3800H offers nine channels of speaker amplification, so you could set up a surround-sound system with five ear-level speakers and four overhead speakers. 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. If you dont need HDMI 2.1 support, you may find some 2020 models cheaper. Thats because our hands-on testing has shown that the brands lineup consistently offers the best bang for the buck in performance and features, and that it does a better job of simplifying the potentially complicated process of setting up a home theater system. 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. This is as good as it gets in AV receivers and places this receiver firmly in audiophile territory. Take, for example, the AVR-X2800H: It costs $500 more than the AVR-X1700H yet doesnt offer much by way of upgrades except for a little more power, a somewhat more robust power supply, and a second HDMI output. This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser. But, even though there are only 7-channels in this receiver, it doesnt mean that you cant run a big Dolby Atmos speaker layout in your room. For one thing, both models proved far too complicated to install and configure, especially compared with similar offerings from Denon. 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. In terms of design, it has a compact body that fits easily into a media unit. The company also offers a number of AV receivers at prices below, between, and above those of our picks. Inexpensive Home Theater Receiver - Best Buy Just be aware that you will need an Internet connection for this to work because the measurements are sent online to the Dirac servers to make the complex calculations and number-crunching. The inexpensive AV receiver has a 5.2 amplifier with 90W per channel (6 Ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.09% THD). It also supports HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG high dynamic range content. Denon AVR-2803 A/V Receiver Reviewed - HomeTheaterReview The Arcam AVR31 has 16 pre-out channels (17 with the second subwoofer out) that you can connect to external power amps, so you can use this AV receiver to run a 9.2.6 surround sound speaker system. Anthem doesnt have a long list of AV receivers to choose from. One significant new feature in the latest AVENTAGE receivers is support for 8K/60 Hz video or 4K at 120 Hz. Todays soundbars offer a level of audio performance that would have been unimaginable 10 years ago, but they still have limitations in performance and flexibility: The speaker drivers have to be relatively small to fit inside a soundbar, youre usually limited to one subwoofer, and soundbars typically offer only a couple of connection options, to name a few. Yamaha is one of the best receiver manufacturers around, and they make excellent AV receivers at all price points. 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. 11.2-Channels for a full Dolby Atmos system, Premium 32-bit / 768 kHz DAC (AKM AK4458VN), Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth v4.2, A price that isnt for the feint-hearted but you have to pay for top quality, The front HDMI port has been removed from the previous model. 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. Best High-End AV Receiver with Pre-Outs - Marantz SR8015. There is no substitute for first-hand experience, and you might have a different opinion than me on what sounds good youre mistaken, of course. So, if you want a high-end AV receiver, which models should you look at? 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. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). Read a review of the Onkyo TX-NR708 7,2 channel receiver that can pass 3D HDMI 1.4. The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). 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. But we did run into a few hiccups during the setup process. The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Multi-Channe l 4K Receiver delivers a stellar sound and loads of additional features and is ideal for a home theater setup. Indeed, in most cases, an AV Receiver is significantly cheaper than a more specialized AV Processor. As you would expect from a high-end Marantz product, this receiver is built using their famous HDAM technology. Bring the cinema home. 5 Best Receivers - May 2023 - BestReviews The Sony STR-DH790 offers excellent value for the price. Anthem is a Canadian company that has been making high-quality audio products for 20+ years. The Denon AVR-X1700H is a great all-purpose 7.1-channel receiver that includes all the latest features and some nice installation flexibility but is still priced well below $1,000. The Denon AVR-X3700H has just about every feature in a receiver, including seven HDMI inputs and three outputs and a dedicated port that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling. And, at 435 mm wide and 476 mm deep, you will also need plenty of space to install it. The receiver highlighted here, the MRX 1140, is at the top of the pile.

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