Best Receiver

Best Receivers
Best Receivers

The best receiver will boost your audiovisual equipment, bringing powerful sound to your speakers and impressive visual effects to your television.

If you are interested in gaming, enjoying videos, or just listening to music, you probably already have some concept of what an AV receiver is.

If you are looking for the best satellite receiver to see the channels that are broadcast through the different satellites that can be tuned from our country, then I invite you to know the best models of the moment. With one of these receivers, you can see everything.

Denon produces AV receivers of the highest quality and the reputation of this brand is more than deserved. It has a design very similar to its predecessor: classic, with two rotary dials on the front panel to adjust the volume and select the audio source.

In the middle of both controls is a bright, clear screen to display relevant information. Hidden under a lid are buttons for various functions, an HDMI connection, USB and headphone output.

On the back are the rest of the HDMI connections for a total of 8 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs with a dedicated 8K / 60Hz or 4K / 120Hz input. Also includes RCA terminals and phono connection for turntables.

It incorporates an Ethernet input, a Wi-Fi adapter and can be connected to other devices via Bluetooth. It is compatible with AirPlay 2, HEOS and the most popular virtual assistants on the market.

The AVR-X4700H offers the best quality in its price range. It has nine amplification channels rated at 125W per channel. It allows for 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 configurations but has 11.2-channel processing, so additional amplification can be used when needed.

The Denon AV receiver features 32-bit AKM D / A converters and can decode high-resolution audio with lossless audio formats such as ALAC, FLAC, and WAV up to 192 kHz / 24-bit. It is also compatible with 2.8 / 5.6 MHz DSD and supports other file types such as MP3 and WMA.

While being crisp, clear, natural and without distortion even at high volumes, the sound is mighty. This AV receiver comes with Audyssey calibration that, among other things, ensures that the bass response, tonal balance, and surround effect remain consistent despite changes in volume.

If you’re a movie fan, this Denon receiver won’t disappoint. It lets you enjoy even the most demanding movie soundtracks while dialogue remains clear and intelligible.

Marantz produces excellent AV receivers and the SR 6014 is the jewel in the crown. It is an AV receiver designed for the most demanding users. It works with Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS Virtual: X codecs, and IMAX certification.

When it comes to versatility, there is no better model. It has an elegant and classic Marantz design made of strong aluminum. It is available in the colors black and silver. The front features curved corners and potentiometers for volume and audio inputs, plus a circular center display.

Hidden under a hatch on the front panel, we find an HDMI input, a USB port, a microphone jack, analog inputs, and a headphone output. We find seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs with 4K, HDCP 2.3 support on the back of this AV receiver. It can handle 4K files at 60p 4: 4: 4, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and BT 2020.

At the rear, it integrates four digital audio inputs (two coaxial and two optical), several analog inputs, and a phono connection for a turntable. It also has Ethernet, Bluetooth, and WiFi technologies. It offers more connectivity options than necessary for any user and can be used with any computer. The SR 6014 offers nine channels of amplification.

It is an incredibly versatile and complete receiver, but it is easy to install. It comes with a graphic guide to make your task easier. The excellent Audysser MMultEQ XT32 system handles the equalization and calibration process and you can make extra adjustments with the Aydyssey MultEQ app.

It is compatible with HEOS multiroom systems, a common feature in Denon’s best AV receivers. In addition to playing the audio of a movie or your favorite music in different places in the house, the HEOS app allows you to use services such as Spotify, TiIdal, or Deezer.

This AV receiver also works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant personal assistants. It can play high-quality formats such as FLAC, ALAC, and WAV at 24bits / 192kHz, and DSD of 2.8 or 5.6mHz. It offers an RMS power per channel of 110W (at 8 Ohms), more than enough to decorate large rooms.

It supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Chanel) technology that allows you to play lossless object-based formats from compatible TVs. It also works with the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) mode, ideal for game consoles like the Xbow One.

It integrates the Marantz Dynamic Amplification Module technology that ensures incredible sound quality. Surround sound formats allow you to experience a unique surround experience. The sound quality is one of the best on the market, both for listening to music critically or enjoying your favorite games and movies.

The Marantz NR1510 AV Receiver is the latest and most comprehensive AV receiver in the NR line. It has a compact and very slim design that allows you to place it anywhere without problems and excellent build quality.

This AV receiver has dimensions of 440mm x 378mm x 175mm with the antennas in the vertical position. However, you can reduce the height by adjusting the antennas to a horizontal position, without affecting the signal. It weighs 8.4 kg.

Like the larger AV receiver, the Marantz SR 6014, it integrates two potentiometers for volume and audio sources on the front panel, as well as a central display. Below the left potentiometer, there is a button for the power and eight buttons below the display, separated into two groups, which allow you to control different functions.

On the front panel, we also find several easily accessible connections: a headphone jack, the association for the calibration microphone, a USB port, and an HDMI input. It has fewer connections than the SR series, but it is a very versatile AV receiver for its size. At the rear, it presents seven HDMI inputs.

Unfortunately, it only has one HDMI output, but this is to be expected as it belongs to the smaller line. All / 60Hz, 4: 4: 4 color resolution, Dolby Vision, HLG, BT-2020 and 3D. The outlet features eARC and ALLM technology. It can also be controlled with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.

It is a 7.2 channel AV receiver and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Dolby Surround, and DTS Neural X formats, and Dolby Atmos Height VIrtualization and DTS Virtual: X technologies.

The Audyssey MultiEQ XT calibration system and the Marantz app allow you to control many functions. It offers 50W of RMS power per channel at 8 Ohms. The emphasis is not remarkable, but it is sufficient for small/medium rooms.

The audio quality when playing the new surround sound codecs is excellent. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualize and DTS Virtual: X allows you to enjoy height effects even if you don’t have higher physical speakers. We tested this AV receiver in various settings and saw excellent quality and separation on all channels. The sound effects are sublime and the performance is as expected in a Marantz model.

It is also a great AV receiver for listening to hi-fi music. It can play any standard and high-resolution audio format at 24bit / 192kHz. It doesn’t offer the best power on the market, but the sound is superbly balanced.

The AVR-X2700H is very similar to the previous model, the AVR-X2600H, and all other Denon AV receivers. It has two front-panel rotary knobs or dials for volume and audio sources, a display, and quickly select buttons for storing your favorite audio settings.

On the rear panel are five HDMI inputs, one HDMI 2.1 8K / 60Hz input, and two HDMI 2.1 outputs. It supports advanced video formats (HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and HLG) and has a phono input that allows you to connect a turntable.

With HEOS technology, you can wirelessly stream music to music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Tidal. Besides, it incorporates a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 adapter. And you can control it through virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. Or if you prefer, you can download the Denon AVR Remote app on your mobile or tablet.

AV is a 7.2 channel receiver and 150W by supported channel Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Visualization, DTS: X, and DTS Virtual: X . Plays audio in MP3 format or high-resolution files like WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and DSD.

This AV amplifier provides excellent power. Even at moderate volumes, the sound is enough to fill a room or home theater.

Combined with the right speakers, the sound quality meets expectations. It’s clear, and crisp, doesn’t distort at high volumes, and the different channels’ separation provides a very satisfying surround experience.

The Sony STR-DN1080 AV receiver has a reasonably minimal design (or as minimalist as an AV receiver can get). The front panel has two dials or knobs for volume and input, direct access buttons, a clear and readable display, a USB port and outputs for headphones, and the calibration microphone. The remote control is very well-designed and easy to use.

It has six HDMI inputs on the back that are HDCP 2.2 compliant and support playback of 4K / 60p 4: 4: 4 content (except Video1 input) and HDR in advanced video formats (HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma ). It also has two HDMI outputs.

It has built-in support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with an Ethernet port for a wired connection. Unfortunately, it does not have a phono input for a turntable. Other useful features include NFC, AirPlay, SpotifyConnect, and Chromecast.

The S TR-DN1080 is a receptor 5.1.2 or 7.2 with a power of 165 W per channel (6 ohms) and compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X . It plays high-resolution formats like WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC and native DSD playback via USB, HDMI, or DLNA.

The power is ideal for small to medium rooms and the sound quality is probably the best in this price range. Little details and the deepest layers of sound effects are easily perceived.

The definition of bass is firm, improving the overall clarity of soundtracks and dialogue. The surround effects are good and you can feel the different directions the sounds are coming from. The rear phantom channels aren’t that convincing compared to a simple 7.2-channel setup.

This Sony AV receiver is also very well suited to music. Dynamic changes and voices are fluid and articulate, the sound is crisp, clear, and doesn’t sound bright or harsh when the volume is turned up.

The Onkyo TX-SR494 is an inexpensive and versatile AV receiver. It has a rectangular shape and is the typical black color in these devices. On the front is the volume rocker, a handful of quick-select buttons, and outputs for headphones and for the calibration microphone.

There are four HDMI inputs on the rear panel and one HDMI output supporting 4K / 60p and HDR formats such as HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020. It also integrates remarkable 4K upscaling technology. It also has a good set of digital and analog inputs to connect various signal sources.

The lack of a phono input is bad news for those who enjoy listening to music on turntables. Another element that we miss is the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity. To use it wirelessly, it only offers the option of Bluetooth.

E l Onkyo AV receiver has 7.1 channels and 160 W of power per channel. It supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Visualization, DTS: X, and DTS Virtual: X. Surround sound is apparent, has great channel separation and directionality.

The musical section lacks a bit, which is to be expected in a receiver in this price range. It uses a good quality DAC with 32-bit / 384 kHz parameters and plays mp3 and AAC audio files, but not high-resolution files like DSDs.

To counteract this, Onkyo uses Advanced Music Optimizer technology, which compensates for the loss of information and improves compressed audio signals’ quality.

However, depending on the source, the sound can be somewhat flat and disembodied, especially for most audiophiles. But overall the quality exceeds expectations for an AV receiver of its price.

The Denon AVR-S750H is one of the company’s latest and greatest AV receivers. It has a classic design with a large screen and easy-access buttons. On the front, there are large potentiometers for the volume and the audio source that respond very well.

The AVR-S750H is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistants. It integrates WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Ethernet connectivity. Of course, it also works with HEOS multiroom technology.

It integrates six HDMI inputs and one output with support for 4K, HDR, HDCP 2.3, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, BT-2020, 4: 4: 4 color sampling, and eArc. It also has a USB port, two optical digital inputs, a coaxial, and phono for turntables.

It is available for an attractive price, but very complete. Like the AVR-X1600HDAB AV receiver, it uses Audyssey MultEQ automatic calibration technology. This system analyzes the room’s acoustics and optimizes the sound to emit a balanced and dynamic sound.

The AVR-S750H is output for 7.2 channels and provides 75W of power per channel at 8 Ohms.

The AVR-S750H receiver can play high-resolution PCM files up to 24-bit / 192kHZ and DSD 5.6 MHz when it comes to music. It also supports the most popular formats and significantly improves compressed formats with Denon COMpressed Audio Restorer technology.

The sound quality and power of this Denon amp is remarkable – it’s perfect for use in medium-sized rooms. We tested it with 5.1 speakers and we noticed very subtle sonic details, all channels feel well differentiated when playing a movie.

When listening to multichannel recordings, we perceive a certain charming natural warmth. It also offers excellent performance for listening to music critically.

The Sony STR-DH590 is smaller and lighter than the average AV receiver due to its limited features. The front panel has a simple and minimalist design, with two knobs for volume and source, a group of buttons lined up for various functions, a display, and a headphone output.

On the back is a modest selection of connections. It has four HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 and a single HDMI output, with 4K, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision support, plus 4: 4: 4 and BT.2020 color space.

It has a USB-A port in addition to the necessary connections (coaxial, optical, FM antenna, etc.). It has no phono input for a turntable. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, but it doesn’t have Wi-Fi built-in, which is to be expected on lower-end receivers.

The STR-DH590 is a 5.2-channel receiver supporting Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio and features built-in DSD decoding. It has a power of 145 W per channel (6 ohms). This mode does a pretty decent job of widening the soundstage of movies, but dialogue loses clarity and the effect on music is not very natural.

The additional subwoofer output provides a more cinematic experience and vibrant audio. It has the technology to improve the quality of low-resolution files like MP3, AAC, and AIFF. This AV receiver offers a clean and balanced sound, although a bit lacking in brightness.

The bass has a great presence, but you can adjust the front speakers’ bass and treble level from -6dB to + 6 dB. It has good power and at high volumes, it maintains control better than we would expect in such a cheap model.

We call the Yamaha RX-A1080 the best AV receiver for movies and it is more than capable as a powerful video system. Naturally, it supports all the latest AV technologies: 4K, HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision), Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, and HDCP 2.2. It is HDMI-eARC ready (with a software update) and supports Hi-Res Audio files up to 32-bit 192kHz.

Although no one knows why it would do that when you already have a 7.1.2 system at your disposal. With seven HDMI inputs, you’ll have plenty of room for expansion before having to search for an external HDMI switcher.

Not that Yamaha skimped on sound. Its MusicCast multi-room wireless audio system and discrete phono input is a 7.2.2 unit but with a twist: If you want more power for your main channels (front, center, and rear), you can choose to use the included pre-amp outputs for these speakers and use a dedicated amplifier, rather than the powered speaker terminals.

We’re also intrigued by Yamaha’s Surround AI, a machine-learning system that analyzes your video and audio signals in real time to optimize sound based on what’s happening on the screen.

The Yamaha RX-A1080 is the most affordable AV receiver in Yamaha’s range that offers Surround AI, making it an excellent option for those who want cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.

Those who want the latest and most excellent AV receiver features, plus an easy way to put an old-school twist on vinyl whenever you feel like it. There is no shortage of capable models to choose from for mid-range AV receivers.

Well, the company says can achieve better sound through better components. We are fans of the flexibility that has been built into the RX-A680. This model runs the surround back channels in classic fashion or as height channels for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, or configures them as powered second-zone stereo speakers, in case you have another location you want to connect.

Cleverly, its Bluetooth connection is bi-directional, which means you can stream to the RX-A680 from a tablet or cell phone, but you can also stream to wireless headphones or speakers. If there’s one limitation of the Yamaha RX-A680 that you need to be aware of, it’s the small selection of HDMI inputs – it only has four, which means you may need to supplement with an HDMI switcher in the future.

Higher resolution than HD (3840 X 2160 pixels). It is the standard for new televisions.

One of the two most popular object-based surround sound formats, Atmos adds height information to make it appear that the sound is coming from above and everything around you.

Direct-Stream Digital. An alternative high-resolution audio file format to WAV, AIFF, and others aims to reduce distortion.

The other more popular object-based audio format can be more flexible than Dolby Atmos when it comes to where the speakers are placed and how many of them there are.

A form of copy protection, this version is required to play 4K content.

While not the newest version of HDMI, this version is the first to allow HDR signals and 4K content up to 60 FPS.

Not widely available yet, HDMI 2.1 supports higher frame rates and up to 8K resolution, among other key benefits you can read about here.

eARC, or “Enhanced Audio Return Channel,” is an upgrade from the standard HDMI ARC interface. The technology was designed to allow single-cable transmission of audio and information to and from the TV to simplify home theater setups. Still, the eARC update also adds full support for high-resolution surround sound formats.

High dynamic range, offers better contrast and more color volume than standard dynamic range. Some consider it a more significant visual improvement than 4K resolution.

Collectively, the AV team at Digital Trends en Español has been testing AV receivers for just over 40 years. The source equipment includes a Roku Streaming Stick +, an Oppo UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, a Panasonic UBP900P 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, a Pioneer BDP-88FD Blu-ray player, a turntable Orbit in U, various cell phones, Spotify, Tidal, and Pandora. Also, we have a Peachtree Nova 220 SE integrated amplifier nearby for reference.

Connected speakers include a host of rotary devices, including many compatible with Dolby Atmos, including floor, bookshelf, and center channel models Pioneer Elite, Aperion Audio Verus Grand, Bowers & Wilkins CM8 S2, Elac UB5, Paradigm subwoofer Monitor 8, and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL technology.

However, our range of test speakers is continually changing with new acquisitions. We ran through any receiver’s auto setup routine to gauge its accuracy and user experience.

We finally ran a manual calibration using an analog SPL meter, carefully choosing the connected speakers’ crossover points based on low-frequency response. We were measured in the room. The surround speaker layout will vary between 7.2 and 5.2.4.

All the models reviewed in this list are excellent and suitable for any need. If you’re looking to invest in an AV receiver that can work with the best speakers on the market, as well as the most complex home theater systems, we recommend the Marantz SR6014 or Denon AVR-X4700H.

If you are looking to install a HEOS wireless multiroom system, any of the Denons will be a great choice. The Onkyo TX-SR494 and Sony STR-DN1080 are great for working with Home Cinema 7.2 systems, providing high-quality sound.

But if you need an AV amplifier to listen to music or watch movies at home with 5.1 speakers, the affordable models from Sony, or Denon, work well and are good value for money.