The 5 best AV receivers for most home theater setups 2024 After extensive testing, Marco Sebastiano Alessi picks out the best AV receivers to buy in 2024 for most home theater systems on any budget. Written by Marco Sebastiano AlessiAugust 8, 2024 The Denon AVR-X2800H provides what I believe is the best value for money right now. 7.2 channels, plenty of connectivity options, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Audyssey MultEQ XT room calibration, and much more, make it a great option for newbies and home cinema connoisseurs alike.
After extensive testing, Marco Sebastiano Alessi picks out the best AV receivers to buy in 2024 for most home theater systems on any budget. Written by Marco Sebastiano AlessiAugust 8, 2024
The Denon AVR-X2800H provides what I believe is the best value for money right now.
7.2 channels, plenty of connectivity options, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Audyssey MultEQ XT room calibration, and much more, make it a great option for newbies and home cinema connoisseurs alike.
Those on a budget will find in the Yamaha RX-V4A a valid addition to their home theater.
This 5.2-channel receiver features great wireless connectivity and plenty of streaming options, with a clean and balanced sound that’s impressive for a receiver under $500.
For high-end users, I recommend the Denon AVR-A1H. This 15-channel beast offers plenty of power, top notch technology for both gamers and audiophiles, wireless multi-room audio, and a plethora of connectivity features.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
- Why trust me
- How I chose and tested
- Everything I recommend
Why you should trust me
I’m a music producer and audiophile obsessed with the intricacies of the aural experience. With a trained ear that scrutinizes every sonic layer, I have been immersed in music my entire life.
For most of my professional career, my passions for music and movies have gone hand in hand, as I ended up working on movie soundtracks and exploring the world of music for films.
At home, I want to experience the immersiveness I love in music also when I watch a movie, which is how I delved into the world of AV receivers.
Getting a good-quality one changed the way I experience home cinema, and helped me appreciate great movies in all their majesty.
My mission is to inform readers about the beauty and complexity of sounds through articles that highlight products and techniques, enabling everyone to fully enjoy audio in every medium.
How I chose my top picks
In short, here’s what I looked for when picking my favorite AV receivers:
- exceptional sound quality,
- high-quality DAC,
- strong amplification,
- support for multiple surround sound formats,
- modern features,
- best quality/price ratio.
As always, I focused on sound quality as the main factor. A top-notch digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is crucial for a crisp, clear audio experience, and strong amplification ensures that music and movies sound their best.
I also looked for support for high-end surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for that immersive audio experience we all love.
While bells and whistles like multiple HDMI ports and streaming capabilities are fundamental and definitely taken into account in this article, my main objective was to find receivers that truly excel in delivering fantastic sound.
Here are my top picks for the best AV receivers in 2024:
- Best value:Denon AVR-X2800H
- Best budget:Yamaha RX-V4A
- Best under $1000:Sony STR-AN1000
- Best for audiophiles:NAD T 778
- Best high-end:Denon AVR-A1H
Check the Honorable mentions for three more options that didn’t make my top list but are still worth considering depending on your needs and budget.
Best value: Denon AVR-X2800H
- Channels: 7.2
- Power output: 95 W at 8 ohms (2ch drive)
- Dolby Atmos: Yes
- DTS:X: Yes
- Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR
- Streaming: AirPlay 2, HEOS, Roon, Spotify
- Phono: Yes (MM)
Denon AVR-X2800H AV receiver | Image: Denon The AVR-X2800H offers a great blend of features and a sonic performance that’s hard to beat.
With 7.2 channels, an expansive soundstage, and a wide array of connectivity options, this unit is a powerhouse capable of delivering a truly immersive, multi-dimensional sound experience.
The AVR-X2800H comes with the Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration technology, an advanced room calibration system that automatically adjusts various audio parameters to optimize the receiver’s performance based on the unique acoustics of your listening environment.
This technology is particularly useful for users who don’t have an ideally shaped or sized room for their home theater, as it tailors the sound to the specific challenges and characteristics of your space.
Audio-wise, the sound delivered by the AVR-X2800H is lush, balanced, and articulate, capturing everything from the subtlest musical detail to the most explosive cinematic moments with finesse.
A user-friendly interface and a build quality made to last are the final touches to a unit that performs admirably and works well for all purposes.
What I like
- Excellent sonic performance.
- Wide soundstage.
- User-friendly interface.
What I don’t like
- Competition is tough at this price range.
See current price at:Sweetwater Amazon
Best budget: Yamaha RX-V4A
- Channels: 5.2
- Power output: 80 W at 8 ohms (2ch drive)
- Dolby Atmos: No
- DTS:X: No
- Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR
- Streaming: AirPlay 2, MusicCast, Spotify
- Phono: No
Yamaha RX-V4A AV receiver | Image: Yamaha The RX-V4A is a flexible and versatile option with exceptional wireless connectivity, offering seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options that work exceptionally well for streaming from various platforms like Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, and many others.
While not compatible with Dolby Atmos, this 5.2-channel receiver offers a solid performance at a reasonable price.
The Yamaha RX-V4A delivers a sound that could easily be mistaken for a more expensive unit.
The sonic performance is clean, balanced, and remarkably detailed, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize great audio but are constrained by budget, space, or simply hate cables.
What I like
- Excellent sonic performance.
- Plenty of streaming options.
- Solid wireless connectivity.
- Affordable.
What I don’t like
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X compatibility.
See current price at:Sweetwater Amazon
Best under $1000: Sony STR-AN1000
- Channels: 7.2
- Power output: 100 W at 6 ohms (2ch drive)
- Dolby Atmos: Yes
- DTS:X: Yes
- Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR, VRR
- Streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify
- Phono: No
Sony STR-AN1000 AV receiver | Image: Sony The STR-AN1000 delivers exceptional performance in both power and features, making it a great choice for home theater aficionados of all levels.
With a 7-channel amplifier providing 100 watts per channel, this unit fills your room with crisp and dynamic audio.
The Sony STR-AN1000 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, bringing to life a dynamic soundstage further enhanced by Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
These technologies can fine-tune the audio in your room, bringing to life a truly immersive experience.
The receiver offers six HDMI inputs with support for 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video, while gamers will appreciate gamers the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), ensuring smooth gameplay.
When it comes to sound, the STR-AN1000 offers a three-dimensional soundstage that envelops you, making movies and music more immersive than ever, thanks to a detailed and energetic performance across the frequency spectrum.
What I like
- Powerful.
- Calibration technology and multi-room support.
- Gaming-optimized.
What I don’t like
- No phono input.
See current price at:Amazon Crutchfield
Best for audiophiles: NAD T 778
- Channels: 9.2
- Power output: 140 W at 8 ohms (2ch drive)
- Dolby Atmos: Yes
- DTS:X: Yes
- Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR
- Streaming: AirPlay 2, Roon, Tidal, Spotify
- Phono: Yes, MM
NAD T 778 AV receiver | Image: NAD Electronics The NAD T 778 is on the expensive side but delivers a top-notch sound that will leave you breathless.
Featuring a touchscreen interface, 9.2 channels, and support for advanced audio formats, this unit is meant for serious music and movie enthusiasts with medium/large rooms they want to fill with sound.
The built-in Dirac Live room correction system will provide you with precise calibration options to finetune your listening experience.
Needless to say, the audio coming out of the NAD T 778 is spacious and incredibly detailed, offering a truly high-fidelity experience.
What I like
- Outstanding sound.
- Versatile input capabilities.
- Dirac Live calibration.
What I don’t like
- It’s expensive.
See current price at:Crutchfield B&H
Best high-end: Denon AVR-A1H
- Channels: 15.4
- Power output: 150 W at 8 ohms (2ch drive)
- Dolby Atmos: Yes
- DTS:X: Yes
- Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz, HDR, VRR
- Streaming: AirPlay 2, Roon, Tidal, Spotify
- Phono: Yes, MM
Denon AVR-A1H AV receiver | Image: Denon The AVR-A1H is Denon’s flagship, and a force to be reckoned with: a powerhouse receiver with 15 channels, 150 watts per channel, delivering power and precision at any volume.
With such output abundancy (up to 17 speakers and the ability to power 15 simultaneously), the AVR-A1H offers multiple configurations, including a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos setup.
It comes with all the next-gen gaming tech you’ll possibly need, including 8K video, variable refresh rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT).
For audio enthusiasts, the receiver also includes Audyssey and optional Dirac Live to calibrate your speakers in the best possible way.
Finally, four subwoofer outputs, built-in HEOS for wireless multi-room audio, and seamless compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, make the AVR-A1H the best receiver for those willing to invest in the best possible gear for their home cinema.
What I like
- Top-notch connectivity and versatility.
- Great features for gamers and audiophiles.
- Wireless multi-room audio.
What I don’t like
- Expensive.
See current price at:Amazon Crutchfield
Honorable mentions
Here are a few other options that are worth checking out:
- Onkyo TX-SR393. The TX-SR393 is another budget receiver that delivers more than you’d expect at this price range. Fairly basic in features, the TX-SR393 offers 5.2 channels but doesn’t come with streaming options or a phono input, which might be a dealbreaker for some. On the other hand, it’s compatible with Dolby Atmos systems, making it one of the best budget-friendly options for immersive home entertainment.
- Marantz Cinema 70s. The Cinema 70s is a space-saving, feature-rich receiver that offers the flexibility to power a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system, a standard 5.1 setup with extra speakers in another room, or even to bi-amp your front stage for enhanced power. Thanks to the HEOS Built-in technology, the Cinema 70s can turn into a multi-room audio hub, allowing you to control playback and music source selection directly from the HEOS app.
- Rotel RAP-1580 Mk2. The RAP-1580 is another high-end option for audiophiles. It comes with DTS:X and Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 surround sound processing, Class AB amplifier, built-in phono preamp, and six high-performance Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz DACs. Plus, Dirac Live LE and a USB measurement microphone make room correction super easy. It’s expensive, but brings a lot to the table.
Recent updates
- August 8, 2024: I’ve added the Denon AVR-A1H as the “Best high-end” pick and moved the Marantz Cinema 70s and Onkyo TX-SR393 to the Honorable mentions.
- August 7, 2024: I’ve improved the structure to the latest standard and explained the picking criteria in more detail.
- January 4, 2024: I’ve verified the accuracy of the picks. No changes in recommendations.
- October 2, 2023: After researching, testing, and comparing a wide range of units, I compiled a list of what I believe are the best AV receivers for most home theater systems.
Final thoughts
I hope this guide will help you choose your next AV receiver, and let me know in the comments below if there are other units worth testing out!
Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology or focused exclusively on sound quality, all the receivers in this list can deliver an exceptional performance for their price.
All you have to do is define your needs and budget and start creating your high-quality surround sound system. Have fun!
ShareFacebookXPinterestWhatsAppEmail
FAQ
What is AV amplifier used for?
With A/V receivers, the basic functionality is to receive an audio signal, amplify the audio signal to drive multiple speakers, and allow pass-through of the corresponding video signal to a display device such as a projector or a television.
Is Onkyo better than Denon?
Is Denon superior to Onkyo? Both brands have carved their niches and are revered in the audio world. Denon is known for precision and features, while Onkyo is synonymous with power and value. Your choice should be dictated by your specific preferences and requirements.Oct 22, 2023
What is AV in cinema?
An audiovisual work (AV work) is a series of related images that are capable of being shown by some device, along with any sounds that accompany the visual portion of the work. The audiovisual works category includes movies and films, as well as slide shows, video games, and the like.
What is high-end AV?
High-end audio is a class of consumer home audio equipment marketed to audiophiles on the basis of high price or quality, and esoteric or novel sound reproduction technologies.
Are AV processors worth it?
While the most powerful receivers can offer around 13 channels at up to around 150W in stereo, with an AV processor and power amp, you can not only up the channel ante but also increase that wattage by a considerable amount to drive all the loudspeakers and subwoofers in home cinema installs of even epic proportions.Jun 15, 2023
