12 Best Av Receivers in 2023 for Home Cinema

The passion for films can also be cultivated within the walls of the house by creating a small domestic cinema consisting of a good-sized TV, a home theater system, and a receiver that manages everything.

In our guide, we focus precisely on the latter device, which deals with managing audio and video signals, acquiring them from a source (Blu-ray player, decoder, console), and sorting them on TVs and speakers.

Right below we had selected some of the best av receivers that are present below.

SaleRANK NO. 1
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home...
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home.NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps..Frequency band : 2.4 GHz band
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • 4K Pass Through: 4K HDR Compatible with Hdcp 2.2 Support for Sharper Source to Screen Image Quality
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Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver
  • 155 watts per Channel
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
RANK NO. 3
YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver...
  • 5.1 channel powerful surround sound with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
  • Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 100W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD); Rated Output Power (20Hz 20kHz, 2ch driven) 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD); Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (Jeita) 145W (6 ohms, 10% THD)
  • HDMI with HDCP 2.3 (4 in/1 out)
RANK NO. 4
Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver - 8K...
  • WATCH YOUR MOVIES IN 8K - At 70W x 5, the Denon AVR-S570BT features (4) HDMI 2.1 8K inputs and (1) HDMI output. Supports eARC with up to 40 Gbps speed. A successor to the AVR-S540BT, the receiver ensures HD audio playback and an enhanced gaming experience. Power Consumption in W : 310, Standby Consumption in W : 0.1.
  • TRUE-TO-LIFE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE - The AVR-S570BT supports the latest formats like HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR for realistic display, VRR and QFT for lag-free exceptional gaming, and DTS HD Master, and Dolby TrueHD for immersive audio
  • YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth, play music from various audio sources and create an integrated multi-room audio system. Allows wireless music streaming from popular streaming apps like Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, and more
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Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 Elite 11.2 (Processing)...
  • DIRAC LIVE ROOM CORRECTION: State-of-the-art digital room correction technology improves overall audio performance across the full frequency band with no additional upgrade required. 
  • IMAX ENHANCED: Digitally re-mastered content for the home environment is created to provide the same sharp 4K HDR images and powerful sound just as the filmmaker intended.
  • ENHANCED GAMING: Own your opponents with HDMI 2.1 enhancements for gamers: 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through enables ultra-fast motion -VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) eliminates lag, stutter, and frame-tearing for fluid gameplay. - ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) optimizes latency from source to screen - QFT (Quick Frame Transport) limits lag for a smoother experience.
SaleRANK NO. 6
Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater...
  • CINEMATIC SOUND AT HOME: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • BREATHTAKING AUDIO: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X deliver multi-dimensional and object-based surround sound
  • STUNNING 4K QUALITY: 4K HDR pass through with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma provides greater and clearer color, contrast, and brightness
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VSX-LX305 Elite 9.2 Channel Network AV Receiver
  • DIRAC LIVE ROOM CORRECTION: State-of-the-art digital room correction technology improves overall audio performance across the full frequency band with no additional upgrade required. 
  • IMAX ENHANCED: Digitally re-mastered content for the home environment is created to provide the same sharp 4K HDR images and powerful sound just as the filmmaker intended.
  • ENHANCED GAMING: Own your opponents with HDMI 2.1 enhancements for gamers: 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through enables ultra-fast motion -VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) eliminates lag, stutter, and frame-tearing for fluid gameplay. - ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) optimizes latency from source to screen - QFT (Quick Frame Transport) limits lag for a smoother experience.
RANK NO. 8
Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver (2023...
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE AV RECEIVER - Enjoy 8K video and 3D audio with Denon AVR-X1800H AV Receiver. Fills small to medium rooms with brilliant sound through 7.2/5.2.2 setup using Dolby Atmos/DTS:X and delivers seamless streaming to HEOS speakers via 8K/HDCP 2.3
  • ADVANCED 8K HDMI VIDEO SECTION - With 3 dedicated 8K inputs & 1 output (8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through; 8K upscaling on all 6 inputs), this AVR supports Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR pass-through up to 40Gbps bandwidth for lag-free gaming
  • MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO - In addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X, the Denon Receiver also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology that creates virtual height effects without the height channels for a truly immersive experience
RANK NO. 9
Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater...
  • SMOOTH, CLEAR HDMI 2.1 WITH 8K: With HDMI 2.1 with 8K and eARC your system is ready for the clearest and cleanest picture now and in the future. It's the most recent update of HDMI spec supporting eARC, a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, and Dynamic HDR formats. 8K delivers an immersive viewing experience with 4 times as many pixels as 4k at 2x the horizontal and vertical resolution. Combined with a 60Hz refresh rate the TX-NR6050 enables smooth and sharp viewing with high-speed action.
  • BUILT-IN STREAMING SERVICES: Access to Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora are built into the system. Use dedicated apps (where available) or the free Onkyo Control App for Apple and Android devices to find and play music.
  • SMART HOME COMPATIBLE WITH VOICE CONTROL: Onkyo receivers easily integrate into your existing Smart Home ecosystem, including Apple Airplay, Alexa, Google apps, and more. You get a highly capable and compatible network device that can operate seamlessly in your multi-room ecosystem.
SaleRANK NO. 10
Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV...
  • DIRAC Live Room Correction: Built-in, state-of-the-art digital room correcting technology improves overall audio performance. Dirac Live automatically calibrates sound in your room using our smartphone app and included microphone or the Dirac Live desktop or laptop application* and a 3rd party USB mic (not included). Dirac Live unlocks your loudspeakers’ full potential in any listening space and delivers a uniquely pristine listening experience.
  • Discrete Zone 2 HDMI Switching: Set up different high-definition entertainment options with up to an 8K60 resolution
  • IMAX Enhanced: Bring larger-than-life home. Using DTS: X technology, IMAX Mode delivers lMAX Enhanced content as the filmmakers intended. IMAX Enhanced films are available to stream or own on Ultra HD Blu-ray
SaleRANK NO. 11
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network...
  • Klipsch Optimize Mode: Klipsch Optimize Mode allows you to easily integrate your Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere speakers seamlessly with your Onkyo AV receiver. Klipsch and Onkyo teamed up to implement the precise crossover values for specific new Reference Premiere speakers
  • THX Certified: In 1993, Onkyo became the first consumer electronics brand to be THX-certified. With literally thousands of tests, before earning the THX-certification logo: no matter what input is used, no matter what combination of the many built-in features for the AVR, preamplifier, or amplifier, there can be absolutely nothing added, nothing taken away from the source material
  • Listening Modes: The TX-NR7100 offers four distinct THX listening modes: cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX
SaleRANK NO. 12
Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV...
  • DIRAC LIVE ROOM CORRECTION
  • KLIPSCH OPTIMIZE MODE
  • ULTIMATE 4K GAMING EXPERIENCE

Buying Guide to Select the Best Av Receivers

A receiver looks like complex audio equipment, but it’s just a way to check your AV setup. AV receivers take the audio track from any TV show, movie, CD, or video game you are playing or watching, to process the audio and send it all the connected speakers you have at home.

Power Supplied

In the ranking of the aspects to pay attention to choose the device that fully meets your needs, in addition to the price, power, and number of channels supported in the first place.

Let’s analyze these two aspects in detail to help you understand them better and not be fooled by the communication usually implemented by the manufacturers.

One of the sales techniques, as also evidenced by the reviews of these products, is to show off the power that a receiver can deliver.

Well, it is not necessarily said that this parameter should be as high as possible, because the most powerful model may not offer the right performance if placed in your living room. Keep in mind that typically these devices have a declared power that fluctuates between 50 and 200 watts per channel.

A device that delivers 100 watts, for example, is perfectly capable of offering all the power needed to spread the audio in a room of about twenty square meters.

Therefore, make your assessments, also taking into account the speakers that you plan to combine since they must be able to withstand the maximum volume level spread by the receiver. Also, compare prices to find the right compromise between cost, power, and number of available channels.

Canali and Dolby

As said, the receiver can spread the audio to the speakers of a home theater system. All models of the best brands can have a variable number of channels, that is outputs to connect the speakers for creating the surround effect.

The most popular devices are those that manage 5.1, or six speakers to be placed in an environment to obtain a high level of audio involvement.

But the 7.1 models are increasingly spreading on the market, coordinating an extra pair of speakers. Make your considerations also taking into account the space you have, because to place eight speakers, and you need a rather large environment.

As for the ability to manage audio encodings, it is good to focus on a receiver that supports a large number of them, so that you can reproduce any type of DVD or Blu-ray in a rewarding way. Then check that the device is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS in their various variations.

The Inputs and Video Outputs

The receivers can manage both audio and video and are therefore particularly convenient because you can connect multiple devices at the same time and let the device route the various signals to the TV.

Thanks to the remote control, you can easily change the signal source: a nice convenience, especially if you have many devices, from the DVD player to the console for video games.

It is very important that the device you choose can accommodate numerous devices and therefore has multiple inputs, preferably HDMI, which represents the standard for the transmission of high definition images.

Finally, if you want to use the receiver also to play music stored on your PC or a stick, opt for a model that is equipped with a USB or Bluetooth input, to facilitate the operation.

How to Select a Receiver?

During the golden age of high audio fidelity, the receiver represented the heart of the Hi-Fi system, to which the speakers, the turntable, the recording plates were connected and, for the most demanding amateurs, also equalizer, echo chamber or other apparatus to improve the quality of the sound performance.

The advent of digital technology has, however, brought about great changes, also in the high fidelity audio sector. Some things have disappeared, such as the magnetic tape audio cassettes and related Hi-Fi components, replaced by the new digital media.

On the other hand, other things have been integrated, such as TV and video recording and reproduction systems, gradually transforming what was born only as an audio technology into a larger and more modern multimedia system.

Nowadays, the receiver continues to perform the function for which it was born, but instead of being the heart of a purely audio system.

It has become a control hub for systems that include TVs, turntables, CD players and DVDs, equalizers, speakers, and even computers, laptops, and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Interfaces and Connectivity

To best perform its functions as a control hub, the receiver must have an adequate number of inputs. In this case, care must be taken, given that there are still on the market, especially in the cheaper range, receivers dedicated exclusively to audio systems; the latter are without WiFi connectivity and do not have HDMI type inputs.

Most receivers, available in all price ranges, on the other hand, are equipped with Bluetooth systems and Ethernet input, as regards the possibility of connecting to the internet via modem or other devices with integrated modems, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, as well as USB and HDMI inputs, apart from the classic RCA outputs for the speakers and the Phono and Aux inputs, for turntables and headphones.

In this way, the receiver can manage the reproduction of any type of audio and video track, both through data streaming and by reproducing the files stored on a PC or external memory media, such as pen drives and external hard drives.

Power and Number of Channels

Receivers also vary in power and the number of channels available. As far as power is concerned, the models currently on sale range from 50 to 200 watts per channel.

Except for those who have special needs, or are in a position to listen to music at a high volume without causing a nuisance to the neighborhood, a receiver with an average emission of 100 watts per channel, offers a more than satisfactory performance in terms of power.

The number of channels, on the other hand, depending on the type of Dolby system supported by the receiver, can vary from 5.1 to 7.1; the most popular, and also cheaper, manage 5.1 channels, that is they can connect up to six different speakers, to create an environment with high audio involvement, such as Home Theater systems just to give an example.

Receivers must also offer broad compatibility with all types of digital audio and video files currently used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Receiver?

The receiver is an audio reproduction system that allows you to connect all the different sources to manage their volume and frequencies through a single device. You can connect your hi-fi system, TV, Blu-Ray player, game console, or PC and use only the receiver as a sound source.

It is a good solution if you have several devices in the house that you use with a certain frequency and do not want to keep remote controls scattered everywhere. Receivers are also often used for home theater systems or in recording studios to be able to manage the volume of audio peripherals more easily.

How Does a Receiver Work?

The receiver can have several inputs to which the various devices will have to be connected. The HDMI inputs are dedicated to Blu-Ray players, HD or 4K TVs, and for modern game consoles or PCs with HD / 4K graphics cards.

The speakers and subwoofer will be connected to the channel inputs for the speakers, depending on the number of channels (5 or 7) it will be possible to connect a specific number of speakers.

Once the connections have been made, all you have to do is switch on the receiver and the devices, trying each input at low or medium volume to check the correct operation.

What Is the Dab Tuner?

The DAB tuner is a particular device that allows you to receive digital radio channels. The abbreviation stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and is used to define all radio broadcasts with digital technology.

You can connect the DAB tuner to the receiver just like other devices, so you can manage the volume and frequencies more easily, increasing the sound quality.

How to Connect the Pc to The Receiver?

It depends on the PC and the components. If you have a computer with a latest-generation graphics card with an integrated sound driver, then you could try to connect via the HDMI cable using one of the inputs of the video card.

Otherwise, you will have to connect the sound card (external or internal) to the receiver using white \ red (or red \ black in some cases) RCA cables. For portable PCs, you will have to look for a jack \ RCA adapter to be inserted into the input of the headphones or speakers of the laptop.

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