The new models include: We hope to bring in at least the STR-AN1000 and STR-AZ3000ES for our next round of testing. Features? In addition, its loaded with all the music streaming platforms and services youre likely to subscribe to, and it sounds very good thanks to its Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction. Another noteworthy feature that we wouldnt have necessarily expected from a receiver at this price is Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, which mimics the effect of overhead speakers surprisingly well even if all the speakers are at ear level. 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. The inexpensive AV receiver has a 5.2 amplifier with 90W per channel (6 Ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.09% THD). It also has the same assortment of music-streaming features as the AVR-X1700H. You also get a front-panel USB port, plus three digital audio inputs and a pair of analog inputs around back. But, if youve gone to the expense of buying one of these beauties, youll probably want to take advantage of this excellent technology. Was $599.95. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Our tests consistently show that, in this price range, the effectiveness of the room-correction system is the differentiating factor in sound quality between AV receivers. If your current AV receiver works with all your AV components and has all the features you desire, you dont need to upgrade, as you likely wouldnt hear improved sound quality with a newer model unless you were to upgrade to one with better room correction. But thats not all. But it has a similarly clean layout. We independently review everything we recommend. You can find out morehere. Moving up to a 7.1-channel receiver gives you the option to add an extra pair of surround speakers in the rear of the room, to power a second audio zone, or to build a basic Dolby Atmos/DTS:X system with two overhead speakersprovided that the receiver has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding (most newer 7.1-channel models do). Buying guide FAQ. One final thing to consider is that, like the AVR-X1700H, the AVR-X3800H runs quite warm, so its a good idea to install this receiver in a spot with adequate ventilation and to avoid stacking anything on top of it or crowding it from either side. You can also use Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice-controlled technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. For such a feature-packed AV receiver, the AVR-X3800H was surprisingly easy for us to install and configure, again due to Denons excellent setup wizard. As for the software setup, the on-screen interface does a great job of walking you through the process of connecting speakers, adding source devices, renaming source devices, configuring your home network, and so forth, in a way thats comprehensive without being insulting. Of course, you dont have to use Dirac Live and can make manual measurements and adjustments yourself. So, unless you hear the amplifier in your room with your speakers, you will never get a perfect idea of how they sound. You also have plenty of options for routing audio into zones 2 and 3. Lastly, because the AVR-X1700H relies on less-efficient Class AB amplifier technology (which is typical of AV receivers), it can run quite warm during extended use, especially at higher listening levels, so make sure to give it plenty of room to breathe. Automatic room correction is handled by the excellent Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system, which will give fantastic results for cleaning up and balancing the sound in your room. Only you know that. This receiver sounds better than the under-$1,000 models we tested, thanks largely to its more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction. Denon is always a brand you should consider when looking for a new AV receiver. In my opinion, one of the best benefits of a Denon receiver is the Audyssey automatic room acoustic correction technology. An affordable and versatile receiver designed to deliver good sound quality for home theaters, the Denon AVR-X3700H Receiver delivers the best possible sound experience. But, when they release one, you should always sit up and take notice. All six of the AVR-X3800Hs HDMI inputs support 8K video at 60 Hz (compressed and uncompressed), as well as 4K at up to 120 Hz, along with HDMI 2.1 features such as auto low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, quick media switching, and auto lip sync (when the receiver is connected to displays that support that feature), so its a great choice for gaming. They all offer the highest engineering standards and will provide outstanding sound for movies and music. Four pre-outs can also connect up to four extra active subwoofers. Anthem MRX 1140 8K 11.2-Ch AV Receiver, Top 5 High-End AV Receivers Comparison Table, Denon Home 150 Compact Wireless Smart Speaker, Sony AV Receivers Comparison: ES, AN, DN & DH Series, Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out), Dirac Live (Ready for Dirac Live Bass Control), 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptXHD, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, 17-1/16 x 6-3/4 x 16-3/4 in | 433 x 171 x 425 mm, 4x Composite, 3x Component / 2x Composite, 1x Component, 7.1-Ch RCA, 6x Stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 2x Coaxial, 1x Phono, Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) / Zone 3 (2-ch audio - powered or line out), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HEOS, Spotify Connect, Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (via Airplay 2), Josh.ai, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD (2-ch - 5.1-ch, 2.8 MHz), LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch), Auro-3D, Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X Pro, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, 17.3 x 7.3 x 18.1 in | 440 x 185 x 460 mm (w/o antenna), 6x Stereo RCA, 2x Optical, 2x Coaxial, 1x Phono, Zone 2 (HDMI + Component + Composite & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) / Zone 3 (Component + Composite & 2-ch audio - powered or line out), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Send & Receive), AirPlay 2, HEOS, 17.1 x 7.7 x 19 in | 434 x 195 x 482 mm (w/o antenna), 1x Stereo XLR, 5x Stereo RCA, 3x Optical, 2x Coaxial, 1x Phono, 11.2-Ch / Front L+R (XLR), Zone 2 & Zone 3 (2-Ch), Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio - powered or line out) / Zone 3 (2-ch audio - powered or line out) / Zone 4 (HDMI), YPAO Multipoint (with Reflected Sound Control), 3D, 64-bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle Measurement, 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP 2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Transmit & Receive), MusicCast Surround + Multi-Room, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (via Airplay 2), DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD 2-ch to 6-ch (2.8 MHz), LPCM 2-ch to 8-ch (Max. The best all-purpose AV receiver The AVR-X1700H is a great-sounding, easy-to-use, 7.1-channel receiver that has all the needed features to satisfy movie fans, music lovers, and gamers alike.. Expensive. But going this route doesnt give you access to a number of worthwhile benefits of the MultEQ Editor app, including the ability to limit the frequencies that the room correction addresses. Some of the more expensive A/V receivers can even work with 9.1, 9.2, or even 11.1 systems. You can also find AVRs with seven channels of amplification, microphone-based auto calibration, adjustable crossover frequencies and even HDMI switching for well under $1,000. Many mid- and higher-priced receivers are labeled as .2 instead of .1, which means they have two subwoofer outputs that you may or may not be able to set up and adjust independently. So, unless you have these consoles, you wont benefit from HDMI 2.1 support too much. If you dont want to install height speakers in your room. 8. Flat-panel TVs are too thin to house good speakers. Moukey. If your current AV receiver works with all your AV components and has all the features you desire, you dont need to upgrade, as you likely wouldnt hear improved sound quality with a newer model unless you were to upgrade to one with better room correction. Best Budget AV Receiver Reviews Sony STR-DH790 - best overall receiver with Dolby Atmos This receiver boasts not only plenty of features but also a very reasonable price. 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. Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. All network and wireless connection types you need are covered in this unit including Ethernet, wireless and Bluetooth. There is also another stereo pair of XLR audio outputs. There are many ways to connect this amplifier for internet and network content. 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. I have no problem with that. The quality of the room correction had the biggest impact on the sound, and MultEQ XT was a clear winner over alternatives from Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha in receivers at or near this models priceespecially when we used the optional $20 MultEQ Editor mobile app (for iOS and Android) to tweak the room correction. Features multiple input and output ports, including RCA audio, USB, SD card, aux, and more.