Home Theater Receivers, A/V Receivers, and Surround Sound Receivers (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between AV receiver and audio receiver? ›

A home theater receiver (also called an AV receiver or surround sound receiver) is optimized to be the central connection and control hub for the audio and video needs of a home theater system. A stereo receiver is optimized to serve as the control and connection hub for an audio-only listening experience.

Your older AV receiver may do just fine, but many find compelling reasons to upgrade that can take your home audio experience one step further. Think true 3D audio, Dolby Atmos, and multi-room streaming technologies like HEOS® Built-in. While you can build your setup around an outdated receiver, you shouldn't have to.

An AV Receiver (AVR) organizes the audio and video inputs and outputs of your home theatre system and allows you to control them in one easy-to-use interface. The inputs come from the devices you'd like to connect and play from, such as cable TV, Blu-ray player, turntable, or gaming device.

If you're looking to create a surround sound system, integrate multiple sources, or enjoy the convenience of HDMI switching and audio decoding for formats like Dolby Atmos, an AV receiver is crucial.

If you're an audiophile, you'll know that no surround sound system is complete without a good subwoofer. Like your left/right speakers and AV receiver, a subwoofer is essential to the sound quality of any great audio setup.

It acts as a connection hub for a variety of audio, video, and internet streaming sources. And it uses video processing and surround sound decoding to make movies and TV look and sound their best. A receiver routes incoming video signals from your cable box, Blu-ray player, and other devices to your TV.

For the best sound, you'll probably want to add more speakers so think about using a stereo amp to power them. There will always be some exceptions but as a general rule, a stereo amp is for hi-fi, a receiver adds a radio function and an AV receiver is essential for a home theater system.

Soundbars with wireless surround speakers

A soundbar/wireless rear speaker/wireless subwoofer combination does away with the need to run cables across your room. Teufel's Cinesystem Trios, for instance, comes with a soundbar that functions as the equivalent of two front speakers plus a discrete centre.

5.2 – The same as a 5.1 system but the . 2 now refers to there being 2 subwoofers. 7.2 – 7 Channels of surround consisting of a left speaker, centre speaker, right speaker, a rear-left and right-speaker, and two additional surround speakers typically installed on the side walls.

The quick list

• Best overall. Sony TA-AN1000. $739 at Amazon. The best AV receiver overall. ...
• Best budget. Denon AVR-X2800H. $849.99 at Amazon. $1,199 at Crutchfield. ...
• Best mid-range. Arcam AVR5. $1,900 at Sweetwater Sound. ...
• Best premium. Denon AVC-X6800H. $3,499 at Sweetwater Sound. ...
• Best high-end. Marantz Cinema 30. $4,500 at Audio Advice.

Aug 6, 2024

Best AV receivers 2024: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

What Hi-Fi?

https://www.whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi?

https://www.whathifi.com

Why is Marantz more expensive than Denon? ›

Denon receivers tend to be priced lower than Marantz receivers, making them a more accessible option for many consumers. Marantz receivers may be more expensive as the components used inside are of a premium build quality which enhances sound quality and the life of the product.

Whatever configuration you're looking for, Denon has the high-end AV receivers and audio equipment you need to create your perfect home theater experience.

With its outstanding sound and cheaper price, the Sony is the obvious choice here. Despite the Denon taking the edge in the features department with its additional channels of amplification and 4K/120Hz HDMI connections, it's the Sony's powerful, dynamic and balanced sound that had us entranced during our testing.

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.

Now, your speakers can only do so much to improve the sound quality, so in many cases, you'll want some help from an AV receiver. High-end models like the Denon AVR-A1H can send up to 150W to up to 15 channels for a surround sound experience that's sometimes better than what you'd hear in the movie theater.

The short answer is yes, AVRs are a great choice for both surround sound and stereo, equally ideal for movies and games and shows and for music. Selecting an AVR for music is actually remarkably easy because many AV receivers publish a primary power output specification for two-channel operation.

An AVR will work just fine for music. I use an AVR for both music and home theatre. Even for just stereo it will be fine and better value for money compared to two channel integrated amplifiers as AVR are produced in much larger quantities.

An audio/video receiver (AVR) is a consumer electronics component used in a home theater. Its purpose is to receive audio and video signals from a number of sources, and to process them and provide power amplifiers to drive loudspeakers and route the video to displays such as a television, monitor or video projector.

AV receivers can accept multiple inputs and have significantly more outputs than your average sound bar or other digital system. Think of it as the hub of your home theater—as it will make sense of your various components, speakers, and music sources.