Home theaters are a combination of speakers, TV screens, and more that we use to entertain ourselves at home. However, entertainment is not complete without an AV receiver. The AV receiver tells everything where to go, as it routes signals to different screens and speakers. With it, you can have the cinema experience from your cushion.
This market is crowded though, so picking out the best receiver may take some time. There are several specs to consider when getting an AV receiver, like; Video support, Surround formats, HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, Audio channels, among others. Below is a comprehensive list of the best AV receivers currently available in the market.
Best AV Receivers 2023
1. Sony STR-DN1080
This AV receiver supports up to 7.2 channels with surround sound and 4K HDR video. It can amplify a 5-channel setup to a 7-channel one with its phantom surround setting. Sony STR-DN1080 also outputs at 165w each and includes advanced audio systems like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. Despite all these attractive features, the asking price is relatively affordable.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- C.A.C EX auto-configuration
- Google Chromecast and Airplay support
- HDCP 2.2 compatible
- USB and HDMI connectivity
- 1155w total output
- 23lbs
Pros
- 360⁰ surround experience
- Reasonable price
- Compatible with 4K and full-sound resolution
- Has wireless for hands-free control
- Loud and clear output quality
Cons
- May require an external cooling system
Price: View on Amazon
2. Sony STRDH590
It’s the best budget 4K HDR AV receiver on the market, which is amazing given its relatively high 5.2-channel support. STRDH590 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity but has Bluetooth and the traditional Sony multi-functional system. Sony also packages the receiver with a carry case, charging cables, and smart connectivity.
Features
- Virtual Front Surround
- 4K pass-through functionality
- 145w output each
- HDCP 2.2 support
- Advanced D.C.A.C calibration
- 725w combined maximum output
- 16.8lbs
Pros
- Quality audio with deep bass
- Compatible with 4K movies
- Dynamic setup with RCA and HDMI
- Offers virtual surround sounds
- Has Bluetooth wireless
- Low price and lightweight
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTX:X
- No music center app
Price: View on Amazon
3. Denon AVR-X2600H
The receiver’s 7.2-channel is impressive, each of which maxes out at 95w output. Its Dolby Atmos height virtualization is novel for a Denon AV, and the eight HDMI connections are manageable. Unfortunately, only two of the eARC HDMIs are output, but it does have integrated Alexa and HEOS.
Features
- Airplay 2 support
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- 4K UHD pass-through with upscaling
- HDCP 2.3 support
- Audyssey MultiEQ sound calibration
- 20lbs
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Streams Pandora, Spotify, and more
- Hands-free control with Google Assistant
- Clear and concise audio performance
- HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Vision compatible
Cons
- Non-intuitive operation and setup
Price: View on Amazon
4. Denon AVR-S750H
It’s also a 7.2-channel 2023 model with 4K UHD support and Alexa + HEOS compatibility. Fortunately, it comes with a lower price tag but weighs slightly more than AVR-X2600H from the same manufacturer.
Features
- Dolby Atmos height virtualization
- Airplay 2 support
- Seven HDMI (one output)
- DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- HDR 10, HLG, eARC, and Dolby Vision on 4K upscale
- Setup assistant
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Two-year warranty
- 22lbs
Pros
- Cheap
- Streams Tidal, Pandora, and more
- Seamless voice control
- Simple setup
- An incredible variety of channel options
- Stunning surround sound performance
Cons
- Only one HDMI output
- No support for HDCP 2.3
Price: View on Amazon
5. Yamaha CX-A5200 AVENTAGE
While its price is sky high, there’s no beating Yamaha CX-A5200 in terms of premium performance. It’s an 11.2-channel AV receiver with 4K UHD, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and Wi-Fi Phono support. You also get Dolby Atmos virtualization and voice control.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- EQ calibration
- Multiroom MusicCast
- DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- 33.5lbs
Pros
- Exceptional surround sound
- Up to three HDMI outputs
- Compatible with 4K movies
- Can stream from most services
- Outstanding processor
Cons
- Extreme price
- Lacking ambient sound performance
Price: View on Amazon
6. Denon AVR-X4500H
The AV receiver set you buy depends on which feature you value the most. Denon AVR is on par with any other receiver set, but its excellent surround sound system sets it apart.
It is powerful, affordable, punching, and delivers a humongous amount of tech for its price.
Specs
- DTS:X support
- 125 watts, two-channel driven
- Bluetooth and streaming services support
- Hi-resolution audio and Video support
Pros
- Precise and punchy
- Dynamic performance
- Lovely surround sound performance
- Lots of features
- cheap
Cons
- No back-lit remote
Price: View on Amazon
7. Denon HEOS AVR-X2400H
Some other writers will give the number one spot to this Denon receiver because it is that excellent. It is the best budget choice you’ll ever get.
Denon provides regular revised models within the same price range and is the best when the category is wireless features.
Specs
- DTS:X support
- Two-Channel driven, 125 watts/8 ohms per channel
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
- Eight HDMI inputs
Pros
- Very powerful
- Full-bodied and musical
- Voice control
- Exceptional features
Cons
- Not good for small rooms
- A bit too loud
Price: View on Amazon
8. Arcam AVR850
If you have a large room, this should be your choice. Arcam is excellent in large spaces. While expensive, it truly is worth that price.
There are very few situations where the Arcam will fail you. Whether you’re using surround sound programs from DTS neutral to Atmos, Arcam has you covered.
Specs
- DTS:X support
- Two-channel driven and 120 wattage per channel
Pros
- Brilliant sound quality and power
- Exceptional sound surround system
- Atmos supported
Cons
- Staggering price
Price: View on Amazon
9. Yamaha RX-A1080 AVENTAGE
On the surface, Yamaha is built more for movies than music, but they have a lot of experience with sound systems, so this model is fantastic.
Yamaha has similar specs to Denon AVR-X1500H; however, it has an advantage in the new MusicCast Surround.
This is Yamaha’s wireless platform that comes with the Surround: AI feature. Surround: AI can auto-adjust sounds based on scenes to give you an excellent experience.
Specs
- 100 wattage per channel
- Has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MusicCast, and Airplay
- DTS:X capable with 7 HDMI inputs
Pros
- Great sound
- A brilliant AI-controlled wireless platform
- Auto-adjust features
- Very easy to set up
Cons
- Timing is spotty sometimes
Price: View on Amazon
10. Sony STR-ZA5000ES
Sony STR is a top of the line receiver. It ties neatly with Yamaha on most features except for its lack of wireless.
However, in every other aspect, it is a beast. An eight-port ethernet hub allows a workaround for the wireless issue. In terms of sound quality and performance, Sony STR-ZA5000ES takes it all.
Specs
- 130 wattage per channel
- Six HDMI inputs
- DTS:X and Atmos supported
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Beautiful design
- Ridiculous performance
- Easily integrated into other systems
Cons
- No wireless
- Expensive
Price: View on Amazon