Nothing beats a movie show for its beautiful image and immersive sound, but it surely is not at all times handy to catch the most recent blockbusters on the massive display screen. Thankfully, with an AV receiver, you may convey a little bit of the movie show expertise proper to your front room. The perfect fashions provide 8K video, Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi music streaminghowever with detailed specs and {hardware}, purchasing for one generally is a bit intimidating. CNET is right here to assist, and we have rounded up the most effective AV receivers you should purchase proper now.
In the event you divide your time between watching TV and listening to music, there are a number of fashions which may do each effectively, together with two glorious Onkyo receivers within the TX-NR6100 and TX-RZ50. The just lately reviewed Sony STR-AN1000 can also be a robust competitor below $1,000, although it prices barely greater than the remainder.
So how have you learnt which is the most effective AV receiver for you? I’ve examined the most well-liked fashions between $500 and $2,000 that will help you discover the most effective AV receivers 2023 has to supply.
The TX-NR6100 is the follow-up to my favourite receiver of the previous few years, the Onkyo TX-NR696. Like its predecessor, the NR6100 affords nice sound and a wealth of connectivity (together with 4K/120Hz assist for gaming consoles). Streaming choices together with Chromecast inbuilt, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Join, Sonos, AirPlay and Bluetooth. With a bit extra energy than the Sony STR-AN1000 and a keener worth than any competitor, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is the most effective receiver worth below $1,000.
Sony went away for a few years, however got here again higher than ever with the STR-AN1000. This mannequin affords all the newest options together with HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz) assist. It contains “works with Sonos” certification, however the purpose to purchase it’s that it is a stable performer. It additionally has one of the crucial subtle setup routines but, so dialing in nice sound is even simpler.
Onkyo’s TX-RZ50 is an ideal step-up mannequin for these trying to improve their techniques for a set of better-quality audio system or so as to add a turntable. Like its budget-oriented label mate, the TX-NR6100, it is stacked with options together with the audiophile-level calibration referred to as Dirac Dwell, in addition to the most effective streaming suite provided in an AV receiver. On that time, with the ability to request songs straight from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is an actual boon.
I am a giant fan of the Yamaha RX-V6A, so I used to be curious to see what the step-up RX-A4A brings to the desk. Because it seems, this Yamaha affords even higher construct high quality and an enormous cinematic sound.
Which receiver ought to I purchase?
In the event you’re spending below $1,000, there are 4 foremost receivers to select from — the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6Athe Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-960H. All provide glorious efficiency, so the brief reply about which to purchase is whichever is on the market for the bottom worth. In the mean time, that’s both the Denon or the Onkyo, that are each on sale for below $600 as I sort this. I particularly suggest the Onkyo TX-NR6100 for its mixture of fantastic efficiency and connectivity. The Onkyo affords simple setup, glorious usability, stable appears to be like and helpful options, together with the most effective streaming suite alongside Sony. As an added plus, the Onkyo was by no means vulnerable to the 4K situation that plagued early variations of the Yamaha RX-V6A.
In the meantime, the step-up Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a wonderful receiver for those who’re searching for the following stage of options and a efficiency bump over sub-$1,000 fashions. It affords a superb, if barely scary, calibration routine from Dirac Dwell and the most effective variety of streaming options available on the market. It sounds nice with music and films alike.
Lastly, if it is dwelling theater thrills you are after, the Yamaha RX-A4A affords crisp, dynamic sound and implausible construct high quality for $1,300.
How CNET exams
At CNET I check audio tools from compact soundbars although to encompass sound techniques, however whatever the machine my methodology is actually the identical. I at all times examine merchandise in opposition to a number of reference gadgets that supply the most effective efficiency at an identical worth.
In relation to receivers I need to see how effectively a system performs with music and films, as most individuals will need to do each. I watch some check scenes from 4K Blu-ray or streamed from a 4K streaming service (Vudu, for instance) and consider elements equivalent to Dolby Atmos encompass efficiency and dialog readability. I additionally use a number of check music tracks and consider streaming options equivalent to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Techniques that may carry out effectively with each forms of leisure inevitably rating the very best.
Try CNET’s receiver shopping for information for extra in regards to the options and issues it’s best to contemplate when searching for a brand new system.
Different AV receivers I’ve examined
- Denon AVR-S960H ($499, save $350): The Denon will not be as glittering and glossy because the Yamaha RX-V6A, but it surely nonetheless affords glorious sound high quality. The receiver is laid-back, blends effectively with forward-sounding audio system and replays music superbly. It is not fairly nearly as good because the Yamaha RX-V6A or the Onkyo TX-NR6100 because it has neither the previous’s dwelling theater chops nor the latter’s streaming choices. It is at the moment on sale, although, which does make it a superb worth. Learn CNET’s Denon AVR-S960H overview.
- Yamaha RX-V6A ($599, save $150): This Yamaha RX-V6A affords a recent have a look at AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and easy controls, whereas maximizing sound high quality. The Yamaha would possibly even make you overlook about visiting a cinema ever once more, and it is no slouch with music, both. It affords loads of connectivity with Wi-Fi bringing AirPlay 2, Spotify Join, Bluetooth and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming out of your gadgets. Notably, the TSR-700 is similar — it is an unique mannequin for some retailers — and you could find it for $550 right here at Amazon. Discover out extra in CNET’s Yamaha RX-V6A overview.
- Marantz SR6015 ($1,599, save $600): The Marantz SR6015 does every little thing you’d count on — Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz throughput — and with a great deal of aplomb. It sounds nice, but it surely’s not as versatile as the most effective receivers right here — for example, you may’t watch a video supply whereas listening to music, just like the Onkyos can, and neither are you able to ask a Google Nest to play a music on it. The Marantz SR6015 has been changed by the Cinema 500 however as it’s promoting out for its unique worth it is a whole lot.
The Denon AVR-S960H
AV receiver FAQs
What’s the distinction between a stereo receiver and an AV receiver?
A stereo receiver is an audio-only, two-channel amplifier that features supply switching and an AM/FM tuner — if it lacks a tuner it is referred to as an built-in amp. An AV receiver is usually a encompass sound amplifier that permits HDMI switching and playback of audio and video. Most additionally embrace tuners onboard as effectively. Nonetheless, if you need, you should utilize an AV receiver merely as a stereo amp, or you may add as many audio system as you’ve — they’re fairly versatile.
Ought to I purchase an 8K receiver?
Requirements change on a regular basis, however the naked minimal proper now could be assist for HDR and Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and at the very least HDMI model 2.0 or higher. All of those fashions assist not solely 4K and HDR video however 8K assist as effectively, even when 8K content material is tough to seek out.
How do I join my TV to my AV receiver?
You probably have a comparatively new TV it’s best to be capable to use a single cable — an HDMI cable, to be actual — to attach your receiver to your tv. You probably have an HDMI port labeled ARC/eARC on the TV you may join that to the primary HDMI ARC output of the receiver. Doing so lets you hear onboard Netflix out of your TV whenever you set the receiver on the “TV” enter, whereas additionally enabling video to be transmitted out of your different AV sources.
Is 4K/120Hz assist a giant deal?
The brief reply is: Provided that you personal an Xbox Sequence X, and a brand-new TV. As I write this, there’s a rising variety of Xbox Sequence X video games that assist this optionally available mode — Halo Infinite and Fortnite, to call a pair — however the benefits of 4K/120Hz over 60Hz are minimal so far as I’ve seen at this level. Future video games and even video sources could make the variations clearer, and that is why you might have considered trying a receiver that is absolutely appropriate.
The rear panel of the TX-NR6100 affords 6 HDMI inputs and a couple of outputs
Different options to search for in an AV receiver
AV receivers are notoriously advanced, with reams of options and complicated technical specs. (For instance, what’s 4K/120Hz anyway?) But, what are the issues that actually matter when shopping for a brand new mannequin? I’ll sum up a very powerful ones proper right here.
- HDMI inputs: With most TVs and set-top packing containers supporting HDMI, you can purchase a receiver that has as many of those HDMI enter ports and outputs as attainable. Entrance-mounted HDMI ports are type of like an appendix — unneeded, as a result of most customers do not hot-plug HDMI gadgets — making the variety of rear inputs what’s most necessary. (How else are you going to attach your Roku, Blu-ray participant, Nintendo Swap and all of your different gadgets?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, whereas the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A go one higher with seven. If you wish to join two totally different shows — a TV and a projector, for instance — all however the Yamaha provide a second HDMI output. You also needs to make sure you’ve an additional HDMI cable or two readily available — this stuff are just like the second sock of a pair in that you would be able to by no means discover them whenever you want them.
- Dolby Atmos functionality: Most receivers within the $500-and-above worth vary embrace Dolby Atmos functionality and DTS:Xhowever the impact they’ve on your private home theater movie-watching may be refined, or in most films, nonexistent. In different phrases, don’t be concerned about lacking out on these codecs for those who do not set up an additional top speaker or two. Mounting your rear encompass audio system excessive on the wall will get you midway there when it comes to high quality, immersive sound.
- Wi-Fi music streaming: Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi community connectivity for wi-fi music streaming via your speaker system. There are many requirements for wi-fi streaming companies, however essentially the most common are Spotify JoinApple AirPlay 1 and a couple of and Google Chromecast inbuilt. In the event you’re trying to construct a multiroom system with a wide range of AV techniques and audio system with wi-fi connectivity, these are the three flavors to goal for. Onkyo and Sony are the one gadgets to assist all three. The Denon receiver mannequin lacks wi-fi streaming by way of Chromecast, however ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. In the meantime, Yamaha has its personal MusicCast system.
For extra normal info on what try to be searching for, take a look at this AV receiver shopping for information.