Top 3 Best AV Receivers 2024

Soundbars offer an enhancement over the built-in speakers of a TV, but they can’t match the immersive experience provided by a wired and calibrated surround sound system. To truly achieve cinematic audio, a dependable AV receiver is essential.

AV receivers serve multiple purposes, with the primary one being to power your home theater speakers. Additionally, they function as a central hub for all your AV devices, including streaming gadgets, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles. If it connects to your TV via HDMI, it can connect to an AV receiver.

However, not all receivers are identical. Some excel in delivering music, while others are tailored for optimal movie performance. This is why we’ve curated a list of the finest AV receivers available—to help you identify which models align best with your preferences and requirements.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2024-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 3 Best AV Receivers 2024

1.Marantz SR8015

Last update on 2024-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

While the Marantz SR8015 comes with a higher price tag, it represents a significant advancement over previous AV receivers from the brand, addressing previously unmet needs. Packed with a range of cutting-edge AV technologies, this model seamlessly integrates into any home theater setup.

On the audio front, the SR8015 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D, and even allows for turntable connectivity for vinyl playback or streaming from platforms like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and AirPlay 2 devices. It also offers compatibility with virtual assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, along with the ability to create multiroom setups through HEOS.

For audiophiles, hi-res audio files and lossless formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz can be streamed to the receiver from a USB or network storage drive. The 11.2 channel system supports configurations like 7.2.4 or 9.2.2, with 140 watts of output per channel ensuring compatibility with various speaker arrangements. The inclusion of Audyssey MultEQ XT32 support further enhances audio quality by adjusting for room acoustics.

On the video side, the SR8015 is equally impressive, offering 8K video at 60Hz (including upscaling), along with 4K/120Hz, HDR (HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dynamic HDR, Dolby Vision), and HDMI-eARC for passing full-resolution surround sound from the TV to the receiver. With 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, including features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), gamers’ needs are also catered to.

Overall, the Marantz SR8015 leaves little to chance, ensuring a robust feature set that promises longevity and high performance for years to come.

2.Denon AVR-S770H

Last update on 2024-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

For those embracing the resurgence of analog components while also needing to integrate digital devices, the Denon AVR-S770H is a top recommendation. With a 7.2 setup boasting 75 watts per channel, this receiver stands out for its inclusion of a dedicated phono preamp, ideal for connecting a turntable. Additionally, it features six HDMI 2.1 inputs, an eARC output supporting up to 8K/60Hz, and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant further enhances its versatility.

In terms of HDR and surround decoding capabilities, the S770H shines, supporting formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision HDR. While Wi-Fi connectivity isn’t mandatory, it opens up access to popular music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and SiriusXM, facilitated through the Denon HEOS app available for both iOS and Android devices.

Moreover, the S770H can be utilized as a dual-zone receiver, allowing for speakers to be added to a second room. However, it’s worth noting that if purchasing primarily for Atmos or DTS:X, utilizing Zone 2 will repurpose either the Surround Back or height channels, preventing a full 7.1 configuration in Zone 1.

Lastly, the S770H supports hi-res music playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. While pricier AV receivers may offer more ports and power, the Denon AVR-S770H strikes an excellent balance between digital and analog connectivity.

3.Sony STR-DH590

Last update on 2024-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

When considering budget-friendly AV receivers, the challenge often lies in maintaining essential features while cutting costs. The Sony STR-DH590 excels in this regard by offering support for the latest audio and video formats, including 4K and HDR (HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision). Additionally, it features built-in acoustic calibration circuitry, simplifying the setup process by ensuring optimal speaker levels.

For audiophiles seeking pristine sound quality, the DH590 includes Sony’s Pure Direct mode, which eliminates unnecessary component noise by disabling the front display panel. While this mode enhances audio fidelity, it may not be ideal for cinematic experiences as it bypasses certain internal equalizers.

Although the DH590 supports Bluetooth for direct music streaming from compatible devices, it lacks internet connectivity for streaming without a Bluetooth device. However, Sony’s high-res audio support enhances sound quality when streaming music to the receiver.

In terms of connectivity, the Sony STR-DH590 offers four HDMI inputs, which may be limited for some users but is generally sufficient for a fulfilling home theater setup. While it may not cater to extravagant audio setups, the DH590 delivers a satisfying home theater experience at an affordable price point.

AV receiver FAQ

How much should I spend on a home theater receiver?

Since manufactures tend to reduce the number of channels with each step-down model, the size of the speaker system you have (or intend to expand to) will usually define the price range of the AV receiver that you select. More expensive AVRs will be able to support larger Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups or speakers in more zones since they will have more power and be able to drive more speakers.

While there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how much you should spend on each component of your surround sound system, if your speakers are 20 times more expensive than your amplifier, or vice versa, you will be undervaluing them. Our evaluations typically include a few pairing recommendations,As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to spend around half as much on your amplifier as the price of your speaker set, so that’s as good a place as any to get a general notion of what will work.

How many channels do I need?

With at least seven channels of amplification, the majority of entry-level AVRs from the last two years can support a conventional 7.1 configuration that includes a subwoofer (the.1 stands for processing for a dedicated active subwoofer) and full range left, center, and right speakers. Alternatively, the seven channels can be reconfigured into a 5.1.2 arrangement with the rear speakers switched to front height channels provided a receiver supports Dolby Atmos, which the majority do.

Even with inexpensive versions, an AVR can process more channels than the majority of TVs. If that’s not possible for your existing setup, keep in mind that more expensive amps have the capacity to manage power up to 11 channels for 7.1.4 layouts.

How many HDMI inputs do I need?

Most home theater receivers include seven HDMI inputs or more, which should be plenty for most users’ streaming devices, game consoles, and Blu-ray players. If not, however, more costly versions occasionally come with one or two extra, and if you want to connect a projector and TV, make sure there are a minimum of two HDMI outputs.

The most recent HDMI communication specification, HDMI 2.1, has a 48 Gbps bandwidth. Supported gaming features include 4K@120Hz gameplay, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QFT (Quick Frame Transport), and QMS (Quick Media Switching), which are available on PCs, PS5, and Xbox Series X consoles.

Some entry-level models only have HDMI 2.0 input ports, however the majority of home theater receivers manufactured in the last two years will have at least one HDMI 2.1 output with eARC. However, unless you’re a gamer, HDMI 2.0 should satisfy most people’s needs for watching movies because it provides 4K signals at up to 60 frames per second, a resolution that no other movie source presently supports.

How many Watts per channel do I need?

Similar to impedance, manufacturers will advise an amplifier power rating range in the speaker’s specs. It’s a good idea to confirm that this matches the average, or RMS, power output of an AVR. Since it’s a higher (and more impressive) number, this figure is sometimes only mentioned in relation to when only two channels are driven. The important thing to remember here is to make sure that the two numbers are comparable; otherwise, your speakers may be underpowered and unable to produce a loud enough volume or overdriven, which could result in distortion and damage to the speakers at high levels.

Do I need to impendence match my speakers to an AVR?

Although it’s unlikely, it’s a good idea to verify the specs in order to try to acquire a good match. An AVR that can’t drive a household speaker system or that may cause harm due to incompatibility should be avoided.

The majority of home theater speakers have an average impedance of 4 to 8 Ohms, which is what the manufacturer refers to as their “nominal impendence” in the specifications. If a speaker has a very low impedance that an AVR is not made to handle, it may overload the power supply and cause damage. Therefore, this figure should preferably fall within the impendence range that an amplifier supports.

conclusion

The AV team at Digital Trends boasts over 40 years of collective experience in testing AV receivers. Testing occurs in a dedicated home theater lab at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon, as well as in individual home theater spaces, utilizing a range of sourcing equipment capable of handling the latest standards.

Their speaker setup features a variety of models, including many Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. While they typically run each receiver’s auto setup routine to assess its accuracy and user experience, they conduct a manual calibration using an analog SPL meter. This process involves carefully selecting crossover points for connected speakers based on in-room measured low-frequency response. Surround speaker configurations vary between 7.2 and 5.2.4 setups.

Ease of use is a key aspect of their testing, focusing on the receiver’s ability to stream music and access internet radio stations. They also evaluate the clarity of on-screen guides and setup instructions, particularly for novice users.

Sound quality testing includes analysis of dynamic expression, power output, timbre, tonality, speaker-to-speaker transitions of sound effects, and overall soundstage quality. These comprehensive tests ensure thorough evaluations of AV receivers’ performance.