Best AV Receiver

December 28, 2012
A/V receivers act as an electronic gateway or organizer for your home entertainment system, and consolidate the function of multiple devices into a single box. Modern A/V receivers offer HDMI input/output, with higher-end units featuring advanced video processing as well. Better A/V receivers offer superior sound quality, which can immerse viewers in the "atmosphere" that movie directors intended.

Best Midrange AV Receiver:

With multiple HDMI inputs and support for all the latest HD audio soundtracks including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, these mid-range receivers are ideal for watching Blu-ray movies and other HD material. Our selections are based on audio quality, video processing, features, ease of setup, and value.

Denon AVR-1913 Receiver

With the AVR-1913, Denon proves that sound quality and features can coexist on a modern A/V receiver. This is one of the best-sounding receivers in this category, though some may consider the price too steep. Read Full Review »

Denon AVR-1913 Receiver
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Onkyo TX-NR616 Reciever

Onkyo receivers are traditionally feature-heavy, even with more affordable options. The 7.2-channel TX-NR616 boasts network connectivity, Marvell Qdeo 4K upscaling, and even THX certification while maintaining plenty of connectivity options and outstanding performance. Read Full Review »

Onkyo TX-NR616 Reciever

Sony STR-DN1030 Receiver

If you need an A/V receiver with versatile wireless connectivity, the Sony STR-DN1030 comes with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi. Sony's top model offers a comprehensive list of features, all without sacrificing an ounce of sound quality. Read Full Review »

Sony STR-DN1030 Receiver

Pioneer VSX-1122-K Reciever

The VSX-1122-K is an excellent choice due to its combination of outstanding performance, long feature list, connectivity, and overall value for money. Pioneer's top-spec non-Elite receiver offers extras such as Apple AirPlay and built-in video processing, making it more appealing for everyday home entertainment use. Read Full Review »

Pioneer VSX-1122-K Reciever

Denon AVR-3312CI Receiver

If you can justify spending extra money for better performance, Denon's midrange AVR-3312CI is an excellent choice for the price. This 7.2-channel receiver puts out up to 125 watts per channel, and comes with extra features such as Apple AirPlay, online content streaming, and video processing. Read Full Review »

Denon AVR-3312CI Receiver
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Best High End AV Receiver:

If you’re an audio/videophile seeking first-rate performance, the latest surround technologies, and a ton of useful features, stepping up to one of these high-end AV receivers is one way to go. The receivers in this list vary in price and range from 7.1-channel models to 9.2-channel options, so be sure to choose one best suited to your needs and home theater configuration.

Pioneer Elite SC-57 Receiver

The Pioneer Elite SC-57 pairs excellent sound quality with genuine user-friendliness that enables even casual users to bring a high-end AV receiver into a home theater setup. The all-digital Class-D amplifiers have been further refined, and have backing from AIR Studios as well as THX. Consumer-friendly features such as Apple AirPlay compatibility and network capability round out the available features, and the back panel of the SC-57 is absolutely packed with connectivity options.
Read Full Review »

Pioneer Elite SC-57 Receiver
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Onkyo TX-NR5009 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver

The high price may put off many potential buyers, but that's a shame because the Onkyo TX-NR5009 is actually an outstanding value. This 9.2-channel AV receiver delivers reference-grade sound quality, and boasts THX Ultra2 Plus certification. The TX-NR5009 is the company's flagship receiver, and therefore carries just about every single feature found on lesser models.
Read Full Review »

Onkyo TX-NR5009 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver

Anthem MRX 700 A/V Receiver

The no-nonsense Anthem MRX 700 packs tons of performance, but is decidedly short on features. The latter portion is irrelevant if you already own devices that are capable of media streaming, leaving the MRX 700 to do what it does best. The specifications are not overly impressive on their own, but the MRX 700 earns its consideration through its real-world performance. Read Full Review »

Anthem MRX 700 A/V Receiver

Marantz SR7005 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

The Marantz SR7005 represents great value for money, as it is priced hundreds of dollars lower than its direct competitors. Aside from the lack of S-Video inputs, there is really nothing to criticize about its feature set or its overall performance. Better still, the SR7005 offers sleek styling that goes beyond the basic black box look, and complements the performance nicely. Read Full Review »

Marantz SR7005 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Denon AVR-4810CI Receiver

Denons AVR-4810CI puts out amazing performance, and comes with enough features to encompass even the most extensive home theater setups. However, this model has fallen behind the more-recent competition in that it does not offer HDMI 1.4a-compliant ports, meaning no 3D-passthrough or ARC. If performance is your priority, though, the AVR-4810CI covers that very well. Read Full Review »

Denon AVR-4810CI Receiver
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Best Budget AV Receiver:

The best entry-level AV receivers perform extremely well for the price, and pack impressive features often found on higher-priced competitors. Most consumers should be more than satisfied with the mix of features offered by the receivers below.

Sony STR-DN1030 Receiver

Sony's top A/V receiver slips in at just under $500, and is easily one of the best value options on the market today. The 7.2-channel STR-DN1030 offers superb sound quality, and carries a full feature list which includes extras such as built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless media streaming. Read Full Review »

Sony STR-DN1030 Receiver
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Onkyo TX-NR515 Reciever

Onkyo receivers generally offer excellent value for money, and the 7.2-channel TX-NR515 is no exception, making it the 'just right' pick for many budget-conscious shoppers. The feature list nearly mirrors that of the more expensive TX-NR616, including built-in video processing, 1080p or 4K upconversion, and network connectivity with online content streaming. Read Full Review »

Onkyo TX-NR515 Reciever

Pioneer VSX-1022-K Receiver

The VSX-1022-K is not an unambiguous 'upgrade' over its 2011 predecessor, but the lower price may make up for the loss of connectivity and performance. This 7.1-channel AV receiver comes with 6 HDMI inputs, and can be connected to your home network to use Apple AirPlay or other online streaming capabilities. There is a shortage of analog inputs, so keep that in mind if you're planning on connecting more than a couple 'legacy' devices. Read Full Review »

Pioneer VSX-1022-K Receiver

Onkyo TX-NR414 Reciever

A quality 5.1-channel AV receiver will cover most home theater needs adequately, so there's really no need to shell out the extra cash if you won't be able to take advantage of the extra performance. Onkyo's TX-NR414 is equipped with modern features such as network connectivity, and offers more than enough inputs to ensure all of your devices can be hooked up. Read Full Review »

Onkyo TX-NR414 Reciever

Pioneer VSX-822-K Reciever

Pioneer's network-connected VSX-822-K represents excellent value for the money. This is one of the few 5.1-channel AV receivers to come with built-in Apple AirPlay compatibility, combined with online streaming from sources such as Pandora. The low number of analog connectivity options will disappoint some buyers, but this HDMI-centric receiver delivers solid performance at a reasonable price. Read Full Review »

Pioneer VSX-822-K Reciever
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Best 5.1 Receiver:

5.1-channel A/V receivers offer most commonly-desired features at an affordable price. When shopping for a 5.1 receiver, be sure to check the feature list to see if it offers enough HDMI inputs to connect all of your HD equipment, 3D support if you plan on purchasing a 3D HDTV in the future, and decoding for the major HD audio formats.

Onkyo TX-NR414 Reciever

If you're looking for something more than a basic 5.1-channel AV receiver, Onkyo's budget-priced TX-NR414 is a top choice. This receiver offers plenty of essential connectivity, and comes with built-in network compatibility that allows streaming of online content. Read Full Review »

Onkyo TX-NR414 Reciever
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Denon AVR-1713 Receiver

The AVR-1713 holds the distinction of being Denon's most expensive and feature-filled 5.1-channel A/V receiver. This model pairs upmarket sound quality with convenient features such as network connectivity and built-in Apple AirPlay, but some may balk at the high price. Read Full Review »

Denon AVR-1713 Receiver

Yamaha RX-V473 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver

Yamaha's RX-V473 is on the pricey side for a mainstream 5.1-channel A/V receiver, but the high sound quality alone makes it worth the extra cost. This receiver also features network connectivity and built-in AirPlay, making it a good choice for 'connected' home theater systems. Read Full Review »

Yamaha RX-V473 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver

Pioneer VSX-822-K Reciever

Pioneer's 5.1-channel VSX-822-K combines user-friendly simplicity with extras such as Apple AirPlay, making it a great choice for casual home theater enthusiasts. The affordable price tag is merely icing on the cake. Read Full Review »

Pioneer VSX-822-K Reciever

Denon AVR-1513 5.1 Channel 3D Pass Through Home Theater Receiver

Denon's AVR-1513 is very basic, swapping network connectivity and AirPlay for high performance and a bargain-basement price. The AVR-1513 offers Denon's renowned sound quality at a price that won't break the bank. Read Full Review »

Denon AVR-1513 5.1 Channel 3D Pass Through Home Theater Receiver
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  • hkumar
  • 5/6/2013
  • Reply
There are some very much usefull products for those people who know about the wireless video transmitters to get some information about the transmitters http://electronicstoreonline.wordpress.com/ .
  • hkumar
  • 5/6/2013
  • Reply
great products like Audio video receiver, as well as very high configuration. I want to use these, for my personal use.
  • DADEO
  • 4/8/2013
  • Reply
Could you comment on the Onkyo HDMI problems. Do you think they have been fixed and would you still recommend Onkyo? I am very hesitant to pull the trigger on the purchase of the Onkyo I am considering. (TXNR 616)
  • MoveMore
  • 4/15/2012
  • Reply
Hi thanks for the detailed reviews I am trying to decide between the Onkyo TX-NR609 Receiver and Denon AVR-1912 Receiver and am wondering 2 things does owning the Apple TV solve the Airplay to Iphone/Ipad problem for the Onkyo model? also I am wondering how recent your review is and if there are updated versions for 2012 for the Denon and Onkyo.
Thanks for your time
Both the Onkyo TX-NR609 and Denon AVR-1912 are excellent AV receivers. The Onkyo features THX certification, and the Denon has built-in AirPlay. If you already have an Apple TV, there's no need to consider an AV receiver for built-in AirPlay. The Apple TV can take care of that function just as well, since it's equipped with its own WiFi connection.

The... Read More 2012 models have started hitting the shelves, so the leftover 2011 models are now being sold with heavy discounts. If you want to save yourself some cash, go ahead and pick up either the Onkyo or the Denon. If you're set on buying a 2012 model, stay tuned - we'll have reviews of those up soon. Minimize
in reply to MoveMore
  • ashleyinsandiego
  • 6/27/2011
  • Reply
Our 2002 RCA AV Receiver may have died. or maybe reparable... not audiophiles just need decent sound for our cable tv and dvd player. Worth getting fixed or time to buy a new one?
  • lvcajun
  • 4/19/2011
  • Reply
I'm trying to decide on an AV receiver. I was wondering where you would place the Yamaha RX-A700 in your list of top 5 receivers.
  • sforwand
  • 3/25/2011
  • Reply
I'm looking for an entry or mid-leverl receiver for home theater and for classical music. What'sd the best choice for a unit that has a phono input?
  • bmz
  • 1/18/2011
  • Reply
The simple answer is yes; I've used Onkyo receivers with my high speakers for decades.
  • jessjosh
  • 12/21/2010
  • Reply
I have high end equipment such as B&W 802 speakers, T + A preamp/processor, Oppo blue ray player 83 (soon to purchase Oppo 95), etc. Dealers have always told me to not buy a receiver for my high end stuff. Isn't there an AV receiver (cost does not bother me) that is suitable for my equipment. As a senior, I am getting tired of having so many components... Read More and if I can buy a great AV receiver to take their place, I will do so. Thank you. Minimize
  • bluextatic
  • 8/4/2011
  • Reply
NAD - T-785 HD - Home Theater Receiver is one Receiver that is sure to do the job. Onkyo TX-NR 5008 is another, Denon AVR 5308 is another....
shall I go on?
in reply to jessjosh
do you rate sony recievers like the strdh810
  • bluextatic
  • 8/4/2011
  • Reply
Sony is ok for a small system in my opinion, but there are much better choices out there, depending on what you want to do.
in reply to Anonymous
Excuse my simple question but can one use a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver with less than the number of speakers ? (for example, 3 speakers with either system)
Thanx in advance...
  • bluextatic
  • 8/4/2011
  • Reply
You may use as few or many as you want or need to up to 5 speakers + sub on the 5.1 and up to 7 speakers plus sub on 7.1. Alot of people use their AV receiver for listening to stereo music. The beauty of using a surround sound receiver is that you can use a sub too, and you can play around with all of your different sound fields.
in reply to Anonymous
Are you aware of continuing issues with Pioneer receivers of not recording stero sound and the remote control periodically not working? I have had two Pioner Receivers including the VSX abd the new SC-25 and both still have these issues. when you contact Pioneer they say they are working on fixes. They have been working on these fixes for over four months... Read More and still counting. Minimize
Just discovered this website; I will be back. The 9/1/2008 comment missed the point. No reviewers can satisfy everyone. It’s unlikely every receiver, regardless of price has been reviewed in any given year. Some judgment calls have to be made. Receivers span an enormous price range. So best overall has to have some criterion. As an audiophile for 25... Read More years with speaker cables that, in today’s prices, likely would cost what the AVR-3808CI list for, my limited knowledge would agree. This is a superb piece of audio equipment. Providing readers with an alternate less expensive product with reasonable sound quality should be appreciated, not denigrated. Not everyone is prepared to spend $1,135to $1,800.

After months of research and going for hands on at stores, I’ve purchased a Samsung LN 52a650 HD TV. That’s two out of two Best of I agree with. This TV’s video can only be described as wow. It’s mentioned here because the point of both high end audio and high end video is how well they involve you in the experience of sound (likely music) and sight (likely movies). Minimize
  • Mike Davey
  • 9/1/2008
  • Reply
Because you are comparing a $1800 Denon to a $800 Onkyo!!! COME ON!!!!!!!!! Lets compare apples to apples. This is the first and only time I will consult your web site. It is bogus! You have lost all credibility with me! Mike
This is why they included this text before ...
Best AV Receiver OverallBy Jeff
Our picks for best AV receiver overall aren't the absolute best money can buy, but these high-end and upper midrange models deliver excellent audio and video quality and cutting-edge features. With multiple HDMI inputs, 1080p upconversion, and support for all the latest HD audio... Read More soundtracks including Dolby HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, these 7.1 receivers are ideal for watching Blu-ray movies and other HD material. Here are the best AV receivers overall factoring in performance, features, ease of use, and value. Minimize
in reply to Mike Davey
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