robust streaming via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, plus AirPlay 2, HEOS, Amazon multiple channels), an advanced dual antenna transceiver system for It even offers IMAX Enhanced technology from DTS. The home theater receiver and HEOS functions can be easily controlled via the Marantz AVR Remote App for iOS and Android (standard wireless remote is also included). Read over the latest AVR reviews and you'd be led to believe that anything less than sixteen channels hardly counts as a proper home theater these days. Once everything is set up, most AV receivers really are simple to operate. Of course, it fully supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS:X Pro 3D audio as well as the lesser-known Auro 3D, and it offers Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X if you don't happen to have height speakers. rule at World Wide Stereo – we only use the word “breathtaking” once, if It has a total harmonic distortion rate of only one percent. Many streaming services are available, including Pandora, Amazon Music, Sirius XM, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, and more. Receivers describe the surround audio formats based on how many speakers they utilize. Log In. The AVR-X3700H supports 3D audio, as well as Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization for when you can’t have the perfect speaker placement. call or write, anytime, with any questions, at all. Other advanced video features that especially benefit gamers include Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Quick Media Switching (QMS). The receiver has four HDMI inputs and only one output, but that’s usually sufficient for most people. Like the other models, you can re-route the amp channels any way you want when you add on a separate power amp. Tell us what you’re looking for, what your budget is, a little about your room, what kind of movies and music you like, and we’ll explain your options patiently, honestly, and without pressure or ”selling.” Our one and only goal: helping you get it right while saving you some money. If your home theater receiver has an MHL-HDMI input, it will be clearly labeled. The Denon AVR-960H is a solid choice for just about anyone—gamers, movie buffs, and sports fans can all appreciate what this receiver has to offer. ", "This smart Onkyo model is another good pick for those who want a lot of features and flexibility. Only one of the HDMI inputs supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling (this port also supports eARC), but having six input ports means you can connect your PS5, FireTV stick, and BluRay player and still have three extra HDMI ports available. For video, the receiver provides six 3D, 4K, and HDR-compatible HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs —all of which are compatible with today's 4K video sources and external media streamers that offer access to 4K streaming content from services like Netflix. The newest model in Yamaha's flagship Aventage line is the RX-A2A, a 7.2-channel beauty that offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, two channels driven). In addition to deinterlacing, another level of video processing is very common in mid-range and high-end home theater receivers upscaling. It also provides Bluetooth and Airplay for direct streaming from compatible portable devices. From 4K TVs to headphone tech, Digital Trends has it all. You can plug in your turntable via the phono input, and there’s a headphone jack as well. Many lower-priced receivers incorporate pass-through HDMI switching. A last word of advice: if not us, buy your new AV receiver from a trusted dealer. The main feature attraction of home theater receivers for most consumers is the ability to provide a surround sound listening experience. We’re not going to sugarcoat this: choosing the best possible home theater receiver for the best possible home theater or multi-room music solution is not easy. As always, we invite you to call or write, anytime, with any questions at all. It provides many of the features you need—4K support, HDMI with HDCP 2.2, Bluetooth, and 5.1-channel surround sound support—yet it doesn’t cost a fortune. Home theater AV receiver, speaker, HDTV, television, projector and Blu-ray player reviews, buying guides, and high end audio and consumer electronics news All home theater receivers provide speaker connections, as well as special output for connection of one, or more subwoofers, and several audio connection options that include analog stereo, digital coaxial, and digital optical, and video connection options that may include composite and component video. Each of them contributes to making surround sound by using unique and separate signals from the receiver. We'll get into the details and find out which one is the best. The AVR-X2700's video capabilities are no less impressive. How to Install and Set Up a Home Theater Receiver, How to Integrate a PC Into Your Home Theater System, Guide to Wireless Speakers For Home Theater, 5 Ways to Get Audio From a Blu-ray Disc Player, Enclave CineHome HD 5.1 Wire-Free Home Theater System, How to Correct Audio/Video Synchronization Problems, specifications can be confusing and misleading, interlaced scan to progressive scan (480i to 480p), A tuner for AM/FM, and, in some cases, built-in, or the ability to add, access to. Dimensions: 14" x 5.25" x 11.75" (W x H x D) | Weight: 15 lbs | Warranty: 2 years | Number of Channels: 5.2 | Watts: 145 per channel |  Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth. Robert Silva started reporting on consumer electronics in 1998. for music, hi-res audio support offers better-than CD sound, and (This will do it.) channels (and two subwoofers) firing gets it done. This is not the same as connecting additional speakers and placing them in another room. It also supports high-resolution audio formats such as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). This is a complete buyer’s guide to best home theater receiver. What’s not to love? The package comes with a YPAO microphone, so you can auto-calibrate the sound to your specific space. 5.2 5.2. With Phantom Surround back, you can experience a seven-channel surround effect with only five speakers. This 7.2-channel gem offers 95 watts/channel (8 ohms, two channels driven) with full support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it can even simulate height channels with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X. distance between listening positions and speakers, and adjusting sound This updated HDMI connection can do everything that a "normal" HDMI connection can, but has the added capability to accommodate the connection of MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets. Dimensions: 17.19" x 5.56" x 16.93" (W x H x D) | Weight: 26.7 lbs | Warranty: 2 years | Number of Channels: 7.2 | Watts: 85 per channel |  Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet. The 3700H is an ideal pick for those who are serious about their home theater picture and sound, but still want to stay in a reasonable budget range. A future firmware update will add Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization as well. You’ll also want to make sure your receiver supports the video and audio technologies you plan on using, so keep an eye out for 4K support, as well as different audio tech like Dolby Audio. The no-nonsense video circuitry provides UHD/4K passthrough with support for high dynamic range, including Dolby Vision. Here we have five AV receivers with some fantastic features. Not all networking receivers have the same capabilities, but some features commonly included are: Streaming audio (and sometimes video) from a PC or the internet, internet radio, and firmware updating directly from the internet. Digital It also supports all HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. In addition, be aware that inclusion of the various surround sound formats also dictate how many channels a home theater receiver may be equipped with — which a can range from a minimum of 5 to as many as 11. Even better, the T 758 V3i includes NAD's BluOS multi-room streaming technology. You can watch movies in up to 8k, and the receiver has six HDMI-in ports and two HDMI-out ports for connecting devices. for the best possible home theater or multi-room music solution is not easy. It’s hi-res compatible, and you can set up a 5.1 or 7.1-channel surround sound system that’s uniquely calibrated to your space. It offers seven channels of amplification with a real-world rating of 70 watts/channel (8 ohms, all channels driven). The On the video side, the SR8015 has all the bells and whistles, including 8K/60 and 4K/120 passthrough and upscaling on all eight HDMI inputs as well as support for all the HDR formats (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG). This model boasts flexible surround setup options, providing a 7.2-channel speaker configuration or a 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup. Eight HDMI inputs and three outputs deliver video up to 8K and 60Hz with eARC. Some higher-end home theater receivers also include two or three HDMI outputs. review process here. The best mid-range home theater receivers serve as command centers for your home audio and video systems. 5.1 5.1. You get nineHDMI ports (seven in, two out), so you won’t have to worry about running out of spots or purchasing an HDMI switch. A good dealer will take care of you in the event anything happens. Things change fast, and you have a home theater receiver that offers a little more than you need right now, you may have a cushion against rapid obsolescence. That is impressive! Depending on the receiver, the multiple HDMI outputs may provide either a parallel audio/video signal to additional zones or might be configured independently so that one HDMI source can be accessed in the main room and a second HDMI source can be sent to a second or third Zone. Denon’s modern take on the classic stereo receiver delivers excellent sound quality, video switching for 2-channel home theater, and all the amenities of an app-driven, internet-connected music system. Depending on the brand, these programs have different names such as AccuEQ (Onkyo), Anthem Room Correction (Anthem AV), Audyssey (Denon/Marantz), MCACC (Pioneer), and YPAO (Yamaha). Also, some of the SR-7012's features can be controlled using Alexa voice control via an Amazon Echo device with the Alexa HEOS skill enabled. You can set up a rather advanced surround sound system, given this receiver has a nine channel amplifier at 105 watts per channel (8 ohms). From the latest on-ear headphones to truly wireless earbuds, we share our favorite headphones and accessories. processing system: four high-performance SHARC DSP processors with Of course, buying the home theater receiver of your choice is just the first step. Enjoy clear powerful sound from a Home Cinema AV receiver. Using these tools, a home theater can balance the speaker levels in accordance with speaker size, distance, and room acoustics. In other words, anything below "CD quality", such as MP3 and other highly-compressed formats are considered "low res" audio, and anything above "CD quality" is considered "hi-res" audio. The Denon AVR-X3600H receiver is a middle-of-the-pack member of the Denon AVR-X home-theater receiver series, which has a price tag ranging from $599 to $3999. Home theater receiver reviews, ratings, and prices at CNET. “The Sony STR-DH790 is a well-equipped receiver that’s perfectly capable of providing a decent surround sound system. Don’t see what you want on sale? Some of these apps are more comprehensive than others, but if you lose or misplace the remote that comes with your home theater receiver, have a control app on your phone may be a convenient alternative. A Home Theater Receiver provides an easy and cost-effective way of centralizing your home theater system. 2.1 2.1. Video from designated components is routed to a TV. However, each brand has its own closed system that requires the use of specific brand-compatible products. For those with limited space, there are additional options. Like “what is 4K switching and do I really need it?” Or “can an AV Receiver operate two TVs at once while playing different music in every room?” To the more challenging “what the heck is DTS:X and HDCP 2.2 support, and do I really need to know?”. Alexa voice control, and a ton of raw power. Audio is where this model really shines though. Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, and others is easy It supports 3D and 4K pass through for a stunning picture, and it also boasts a ton of sound technologies that take it a step above some of the cheaper models on this list. This improves the quality of the image, making it smoother and more acceptable for display on an HDTV However, keep in mind that not all receivers can perform this function well. Erika has reviewed roughly 125 gadgets, including computers, peripherals, games, A/V equipment, mobile devices, and smart home gadgets. Although not always included in the more inexpensive home theater receivers, almost all mid-range and high-end home theater receivers provide a built-in automatic speaker setup system utilizing a built-in test tone generator and special plug-in microphone. This type of conversion may only improve the signals very slightly, but does simplifies connections to HDTVs, in that only one type of video connection is needed from the receiver to the TV, instead of two or three. This is a receiver for music, and vinyl lovers in particular might appreciate this model because of its clean sound with minimal distortion. It is a 4K Ultra HD AV receiver. Erika Rawes has been writing professionally for more than a decade, and she’s spent the last five years writing about consumer technology. Please note: the AVR-X8500H Best AV Receiver 2020: Build Your Home Theater Setup the Right Way. You know you have a great receiver when there is hi-res audio, video switching and processing, and 4K upscaling. what? Best AV Receiver Reviews. Today, several home theater devices are made with more than five speakers, which can either be built-in or hidden on ceilings and walls of houses. These days, even the most basic home theater receivers offer several options, including not just standard Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding, but more advanced Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding (which are the primary formats used on Blu-ray Discs), as well as (depending on the manufacturer) additional surround processing formats. grandparent and you want to see the kids more often. The video path is pure and simple, with support for resolutions up to UHD/4K at 60 frames per second and high dynamic range. If you want 7.1-channel sound without wires running across your room, the RX-V685 lets you use MusicCast wireless speakers as surrounds. However, keep in mind that a home theater receiver is designed to be the centerpiece of your home theater system, so future expandability as your preferences and content sources change should be taken into consideration. And unless you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to make a mistake. Today’s top AV receivers (aka Audio/Video or Home Theater Receivers) represent the most technical / feature-rich / hard-to-understand components in our stores, so it’s no surprise that 4 out of every 5 questions we get are typically about AV receivers. an bonafide, A-list, killer home theater in your den. Denon's own HEOS multi-room streaming is joined by Apple AirPlay 2, and the receiver works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making you the master of your audio/video domain. It is a 7.2 channel amplifier. surround sound. STR-DH590 has everything you need to enter into theater-level quality One of the HDMI inputs accepts up to 8K/60 Hz video and passes it through to the HDMI outputs, and the receiver can even upscale lower resolutions to 8K. Show More; Features. Plus, you can take advantage of Wi-Fi, Airplay support, and even voice assistant control via Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. experience and more fun than a barrel of monkeys?” But we digress. Pick up today. The Denon AVR-X2700 is ready for the present and the future. It has seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, and there’s a dedicated port that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling. This receiver is capable of producing Dolby Atmos sound, you can enjoy a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound speaker system and four additional overhead speakers or four Dolby Atmos elevation speakers for immersive home theatre experience. The Denon AVR-X3700H has just about every feature you could possibly imagine in a receiver. For every impressive home theater system, there’s a workhorse receiver at the helm. Upscaling is a function that, after the deinterlacing process is done, mathematically attempts to match an incoming video signal to a specific screen resolution, such as 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and in a growing number of cases, up to 4K. Tweet on Twitter. with multiple inputs, 4K HDR passthrough, and Dolby Vision support, the Sports fans will appreciate the high res picture, awesome sound, and accurate colors that come through on the screen. Advanced DSP audio Store Pickup at. However, if you’re a music buff who wants pure sound, this model might be worth a look. surround sound. This receiver offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, two channels driven), and decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound (Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization will be added in a future firmware update). However, confronted by sales hype and reading specifications can be confusing and misleading. You'll automatically be entered in the HTR Sweepstakes, and get the hottest audio deals directly in your inbox. There are three primary types of surround sound available on receivers. An extremely affordable option, the Sony STR-DH190 isn’t like the other receivers on this list. Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Receiver, Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Receiver Review, Runner-Up, Best Budget: You must be logged in to write a comment. Erika Rawes has written for Digital Trends, USA Today, and Cheatsheet.com. it can stream Spotify, Pandora, and tidal with the HEOS wireless multi-room music streaming Technology. AccuEQ acoustic calibration makes each speaker work in harmony with the system, creating a surround sound system that works its best in your specific room. For easy-to-understand answers (starting with “what are AV Receivers and what do they do?) Wireless streaming is fully implemented with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which supports Apple's AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and voice control as well as Yamaha's own MusicCast multi-room audio system. Yamaha RX-V385 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Best 9.2: 9.2 9.2. highly recommend using all of them. The two-channel receiver has Bluetooth, but it lacks Wi-Fi, HDMI, and many of the technologies you’d find on a home theater receiver designed for movies or gaming. You don’t need to worry if you don’t have ceiling speakers, Dolby Atmos height virtualization technology creates virtual height effects with the help of … For those receivers, a basic video processing feature available is the ability of many receivers to convert Composite video inputs to Component video outputs or composite or component video connections to HDMI outputs. Sports fans and gamers may prefer a different option. It has a 165 watt per channel amplification. Some examples include: Yamaha's MusicCast, FireConnect from Onkyo/Integra/Pioneer, Denon's HEOS, and DTS Play-Fi (Anthem). speakers (left, right, center, and two rear), plus two subwoofers. The term, Hi-Res audio is applied to any music file has a higher bitrate than the physical CD (16 bit linear PCM at a 44.1khz sampling rate). It is not a requirement that you pass video through your home theater receiver. Another addition now found on most home theater receivers is Bluetooth. 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