Finest AV receivers of 2022

Should you’re establishing a house theater, a killer sport rig, or perhaps a multiroom music system, an AV receiver (AVR) is critical for tying all of it collectively. It may well perform as your system’s hub, accepting, decoding, and routing varied audio sources and codecs, passing via HDMI indicators, and offering connection and amplification for all of your audio system. Within the alphabet-soup world of home-entertainment expertise, determining which AVR is best for you isn’t simple. We purpose to tell and demystify your buying expertise by recommending the most effective AV receivers in varied worth ranges and for various functions.

How we chosen the most effective AV receivers 

We thought of dozens of the most effective AV receivers and amplifiers for this story and concentrate on people who provide general excellence of their worth vary. We additionally wished to current merchandise that excel for particular functions corresponding to gaming or audiophile music listening or multichannel {surround} sound. All of the models we suggest are made by stable, respected corporations and will offer you years of fantastic efficiency. The PopSci writers and editors have a long time of mixed expertise writing about expertise and residential theater gear. These suggestions are a combination of first-hand expertise, spec comparisons, person impressions, peer suggestions, and scouring essential AV receiver opinions. 

One of the best AV receivers: Critiques & Suggestions

One of the best AV receivers combine the varied elements in your house theater and music system. Most provide optical and analog (RCA) inputs along with their HDMI ports. That manner, AVRs can incorporate digital sources like Blu-ray gamers, streaming units, sport consoles, sensible TVs, analog turntables (though you would possibly want a phono preamp), or older CD or DVD gamers. AVRs obtain audio over the web (some by Wi-Fi and others Ethernet) and through Bluetooth out of your cell units; many can give you wi-fi multiroom audio. A house theater with a music system and possibly a gaming system could be unmanageable with out an AV receiver as its nerve heart. You may assume that every AVR we point out features a distant management and a setup/calibration system.

Finest general: Marantz SR6015

Why it made the reduce: Get it for the Marantz sound high quality and sufficient channels for true Dolby Atmos.

Specs

• Channels: 9.2
• Energy: 110W per channel (into 8 Ohms, THD: 0.08%, 2-ch pushed)
• HDMI ports: 7in/3 out
• Highest Video Supported: 8K    

Professionals

• Excessive-quality Marantz audio
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, each hardwired and digital.
• Constructed-in HEOS

Cons 

Marantz has a longstanding popularity for high-quality sound, so it’s no shock that the 9.2-channel SR6015 gives audiophile high quality. It features a phono enter to attach your turntable with out an exterior preamp and sports activities separate 110W amplifiers for every channel. As for HDMI ports, you get a beneficiant seven inputs and three outputs. One of many inputs is devoted to 8K video pass-through at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. It’s greater than succesful if you wish to arrange a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos system. It additionally helps Dolby Atmos Peak Virtualization and DTS:X, DTS Digital:X, and different multichannel sound codecs. It additionally options built-in HEOS (Dwelling Leisure Working System) if you wish to create a multi-room system. Its distant lacks a backlight; in any other case, this can be a killer AVR that delivers every thing a real music and film lover would want, and extra, for round $2,000.

Finest 4K beneath $500: Yamaha RX-4VA 

Why it made the reduce: It gives a surprisingly wealthy function set for the cash in case you don’t want each bell and whistle.

Specs

• Channels: 5.2
• Energy: 80W per channel (into 6 ohms, 0.06% THD)
• HDMI ports: 4 in/1 out
• Highest video supported: 4K at present, 8K improve through firmware out there quickly

Professionals 

• Inexpensive worth for a surround-capable receiver
• Helps a number of video and music codecs
• Will help 8K and VRR, QMS, ALLM and QFT with a future firmware replace

Cons

• Requires (free) HDMI-board alternative for 4K/120Hz gaming
• No Dolby Atmos top virtualization or DTS Digital:X help
• No phono enter

This 5.2-channel unit makes a stable centerpiece for residence theater, gaming, and music listening. With 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs and an eARC output—together with optical, coaxial, and analog RCA inputs (however no phono inputs for a turntable)—it’s appropriate with a variety of substances. The unit helps Dolby and DTS {surround} sound decoding, streaming through Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Join, and might be voice-controlled with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 

The RX-4VA comes with Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom system (minus the audio system, in fact), permitting you to attach with different appropriate Yamaha elements wirelessly. A USB port helps you to play music from an exterior storage machine. 

On the damaging facet, the RX-4VA doesn’t help virtualized Dolby Atmos or DTS Digital:X. It’s additionally one of many receivers whose chipset has an HDMI 2.1 bug that makes it unable to deal with 4K/120Hz gaming for Xbox Collection X or NVIDIA RTX30. Luckily, Yamaha is providing a free HDMI-board replace program to repair it. Though it helps HDMI 2.1, it doesn’t help 8K out of the field. Nevertheless, Yamaha will quickly provide a firmware replace that may add 8K capabilities in addition to VRR (Variable Refresh Price), ALLM (Auto Low-Latency Mode), QMS (Fast Media Switching), and QFT (Fast Body Transport), that are HDMI 2.1 options designed to reinforce gaming. Collectively, this makes it a top-value 4K AV receiver that retails for $599 however is often provided beneath $500 and is future-proofed for when 8K flatscreens come all the way down to a extra approachable worth.

Finest 7.2: Denon AVR-X2700H 

Why it made the reduce: This mid-priced AVR has a full function set and is prepared for the long run.

Specs

• Channels: 7.2
• Energy: 95W per channel (into 8 ohms, THD: 0.08%)
• HDMI ports: 6 in /2 out
• Highest video supported: 8K     

Professionals 

• Nice sound high quality
• Broad multichannel format help
• Numerous connectivity choices

Cons

By shelling out round $800 for this unit, you get an AVR with a formidable function set that ought to stay related for no less than 5 years for each residence theater and gaming. Serving up a stable 95W of energy per channel, the AVR-X2700H (which replaces the AVR-X2600H) passes via 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video and helps Dolby Atmos, Atmos Peak Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Digital:X {surround} audio codecs. 

It’s a Bluetooth AV receiver, in addition to one with Wi-Fi, so you might have many connectivity choices, together with Apple Airplay, Spotify Join, USB, HEOS, and even terrestrial radio. It’s appropriate with all the foremost voice management codecs, together with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Should you’re into vinyl, the unit has phono inputs for MM-cartridge turntables.

Finest for residence theater: Arcam AVR30 

Why it made the reduce: It may well course of as much as 16 channels of multichannel audio.

Specs

• Channels: 7.2
• Energy: 120W per channel (into 8 ohms at 0.02% THD, 2-ch pushed)
• HDMI ports: 7in/3 out (HDMI 2.0b)
• Highest Video Supported: 4K

Professionals

• 16 channels of processing
• Broad multichannel format help
• Class G amplification offers glorious sound  

Cons

• No 8K help
• No HDMI 2.1
• No phono enter

Arcam’s high-end AV receiver gives seven Class G amplification channels, which provide higher effectivity than the extra typical class B or AB designs. It can also course of 16 channels concurrently. Utilizing its preamp-outs to feed an extra energy amp, you can configure a 15.1 system. The AVR30 has Dirac Reside 3.0 room correction and a measurement mic to calibrate all these audio system appropriately. 

Furthermore, it gives broad help of multichannel audio codecs: Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, Digital Plus, DTS:X (however not DTS:X Professional), IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. From an HDMI standpoint, it gives seven in and three out, together with one eARC output. Nevertheless, it solely helps HDMI 2.0b fairly than 2.1. It additionally lacks 8K capabilities. In consequence, it’s not as future-proofed as among the different AVRs on this story. But when your purpose is a pure sign path and clear energy than can convey any soundtrack’s each nuance, you’ll get what you pay for (and also you’ll pay round $5,500 on common).

In contrast to Arcam’s earlier technology, the AVR30 comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast help, and an FM tuner. You’ll want a phono preamp to attach a turntable. However general, in case you’re trying to arrange a large multichannel system in your house theater, the AVR30 makes an impressive central hub to construct round.

Finest gaming: Marantz NR1711 

Why it made the reduce: The half-size body and full function set will enchantment to players and people with space-limited residence theater setups.

Specs

• Channels: 7.2
• Energy: 50W per channel (into 8 ohms, with 0.08 % THD, 2-ch pushed)
• HDMI ports: 6in/1out (eARC)
• Highest Video Supported: 8K

Professionals

• Slimline type issue saves area
• 8K help offers future-proofing
• Complete implementation of Dolby and DTS multichannel codecs

Cons

The NR1711 is a diminutive 3.5 inches in top, about half that of the standard AVR. But in some way, Marantz was in a position to engineer it with a aggressive function set for its $1,000 worth vary. Due to its half-sized housing, Marantz needed to scale down the amplifier dimension, so its energy output is barely 50W per channel. However until you’re setting it up in a big room, it ought to nonetheless offer you loads of oomph. 

Avid gamers who’re quick on area will admire the NR1711’s “Slimline” type issue. They’ll additionally love its 8K help, which can serve them nicely for the subsequent technology of gaming consoles just like the PS5 and Xbox Collection X. Dwelling theater buffs will admire the spectacular record of {surround} codecs supported by the NR1711, corresponding to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Speaker Virtualizer, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Encompass. DTS can be nicely represented with DTS:X, DTS Digital:X, DTS Neural:X, and DTS Digital Encompass, to call just a few. 

You may arrange and calibrate your system with built-in Audyssey MultiEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Quantity processors. If you wish to spin some vinyl, the NR1711 sports activities phono inputs alongside its different analog I/O. Further goodies embody Bluetooth, Wi-Fi help, AirPlay 2, HEOS, and Alexa help.

Finest finances: Sony STRDH590 

Why it made the reduce: It gives a low-cost path into the surround-sound world.

Specs

• Channels: 5.2
• Energy: 90W per channel RMS at 6 ohms, 0.09 % THD, two channels pushed.          
• HDMI ports: 4in/1out (ARC)
• Highest video Supported: 4K HDR pass-through

Professionals 

• Low worth for an AVR
• An excellent possibility for five.1 {surround}
• High quality sonics

Cons

• No Atmos or DTS help
• No HDMI 2.1
• Restricted wi-fi capabilities

The STRDH590 is an entry-level AVR that may deal with Extremely-HD content material corresponding to 4K Blu-ray and HDR video. With 90W RMS per channel, it has loads of sonic punch for a small AV receiver, supporting Dolby and DTS {surround} sound decoding. Should you’re in search of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X help, you received’t discover it right here. However in case you’re happy with the {surround} sound from a great outdated 5.1 AV receiver and don’t care about transitioning to 8K, then the STRDH590 is the most effective 4K AV receiver for you on the $300 worth level. 

Sony outfitted the unit with 4 HDMI inputs and one ARC out. Discover that it’s not eARC as a result of the STRDH950’s HDMI ports are of the two.0 selection fairly than 2.1. Different enter ports embody optical, coaxial, and analog. There are not any phono inputs, although, so that you’d want an exterior preamp for connecting a turntable. Nevertheless, you get an FM antenna port and a front-panel USB enter for taking part in music from exterior drives. The unit contains Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) and a built-in measurement mic for setup. For streaming, it options Bluetooth connectivity so you possibly can pair your cell machine and play music or different audio. 

Total, in case you’re not attempting to maintain up with the most recent and biggest however need to watch films or play video games in 5.1 {surround} sound, the STRDH590 will get you there for much less with out sacrificing high quality.

You may have many variables to think about with a product as complicated as an AVR. Some important questions embody: Can it help what I’ve (or need to have) in my system? What number of HDMI inputs do I have to cowl all my gear and have no less than one leftover for growth? Does it help the primary {surround} format I plan to make use of? Does it ship sufficient energy per channel to offer me loads of quantity, given the scale of my room? Does it provide 8K help in order that I’m future-proofed? Does it have phono inputs for my turntable? Do I have to match my audio system to an AVR? One of the best AV receivers, which we’re recommending on this article, cowl a fairly in depth vary relating to options and worth. Search for the one that may greatest meet the wants of your present or deliberate residence theater setup.

Is 8K video functionality essential in an AV receiver?

Proper now, 8K isn’t crucial as a result of there’s valuable little 8K content material out there, even when you’ve got an 8K TV. However that may doubtless change within the subsequent couple of years, and if it’s essential so that you can watch exhibits and films or play video games with the highest quality out there, you’ll want a receiver that helps it. Luckily, a lot of the merchandise that we suggest on this article do. The Yamaha RX-4VA doesn’t now however will be capable of quickly with a easy firmware replace.

What number of channels do I want if I need a receiver that helps Dolby Atmos?

Atmos is a fairly “sizzling” format now, providing the dimension of top and the normal directionality of {surround} sound to create an much more immersive sonic surroundings. Many films now provide Atmos mixes, which might be spectacular. Atmos programs require a receiver with seven channels on the minimal for a hardwired system, consisting of a 5.1 speaker setup with two extra Atmos ceiling-mounted audio system. Should you don’t need to mount audio system within the ceiling, you can get Atmos-enabled audio system that fireside ahead and upward. The latter bounces the hold forth your ceiling to simulate having audio system up there. (And don’t neglect the speaker wire!)

Another choice is an Atmos-enabled soundbar, just like the Sennheiser AMBEO or the Sony HT-A7000. Such merchandise create an Atmos-like impact from one multi-speaker machine. Lastly, a number of receivers on this roundup help Virtualized Atmos, which simulates Atmos from no matter speaker configuration you might have. The soundbar and the virtualized Atmos received’t evaluate to hardware-based Atmos programs, however you do get among the results, and it’s lots much less cash. DTS:X is a competitor to Atmos and provides you the same immersive impact. It additionally has a simulated model, DTS Digital:X. Once more, it will be greatest in case you had a receiver or soundbar that helps it.

HDMI enter and output

On the HDMI outputs on AVRs, you’ll see the letters ARC or eARC. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), launched with HDMI 2.1. Each ARC and eARC enable bidirectional audio. With the emergence of sensible TVs, which stream content material from the web, you want a approach to get the audio from that content material out of your TV and into your AVR or soundbar in order that it will get amplified and routed to audio system. In case you have eARC, it helps as much as 24-bit/192kHz audio, in addition to uncompressed audio from 5.1 and seven.1 {surround} content material. As well as, it really works with compressed codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Grasp Audio coming out of your TV. And don’t neglect the HDMI cables!

FAQs

A last phrase on the most effective AV receivers

As you’ll have seen from our roundup, there are a whole lot of decisions and a variety of costs within the AVR market. To determine which is best for you, it’s good to think about the worth and the type of system you’re attempting to create. Do you need to transfer from 5.1 to a extra complicated multichannel format, like a 7.1 or an Atmos system? Will you need to additionally improve your TV and speaker system to realize your targets? As a result of AV receivers are multifaceted and embody or help so many applied sciences, it helps to be as knowledgeable as attainable when deciding which one to purchase. On this article, we’ve provided you a various vary of merchandise and a whole lot of data. Nevertheless, you continue to have loads of points to think about relating to the specifics of your system, the area you’re placing it in, and what your targets for the system are, earlier than you possibly can select which of the most effective AV receivers is greatest on your wants.