Best AV Receiver Overall
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 performance, simple setup, and cutting-edge features. With multiple HDMI inputs and support for all the latest HD audio 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.
Why it's best:
The Denon AVR-2809CI is a terrific all-around AV receiver that’s packed with features and delivers excellent audio and video quality. Equipped with 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs and a Faroudja FLi2310 for upconverting analog signals to 1080p, this 7.1 receiver does an excellent j... read full reviewAvailable From:
Amazon.com
Why it's a best pick:
THX certified AV receiver offering great sound and tons of connectivity options for an affordable price. It's a step up (or two) from the Onkyo TX-SR606 and offers more power and functionality -- five HDMI inputs, 130 watts/channel and 1080p upconverting.... read full review
Amazon.com $789.00
Description:
The AVR-2309CI is equipped with high resolution surround sound decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, along with DTS-HD Master Audio, for breathtaking fidelity with formats such as Blu-ray. The powerful seven channel amplifier section features 100 watts per ea...read full review
$669.88 - $728.00
See all sellers ››Available From:
Advanced Lamps $728.00
Electronics-Expo.com $669.88
Description:
With exceptional surround-sound reproduction, 1080p upconversion, and HD-component video, the Yamaha RX-V863 735W 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver will take your home theater experience to new heights. In the convenience of your own home, you can finally watch your favorite...read full review
$468.97 - $649.95
See all sellers ››Available From:
HOME THEATER STORE $549.00
Electronics-Expo.com $468.97
Why it's a best pick:
Budget priced AV receiver offering performance and functionality found on more expensive units. Packs tremendous bang for the buck with great sound quality and an awesome feature set, including onboard decoding for Dolby HD and DTS-HD Master Audio and four HDMI inputs. This ... read full review
Amazon.com
See comments for this revision
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 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).
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 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.
Thanks for the feedback. The Onkyo 806 is actually very comparable to the Denon in terms of power, features and functionality, even though it does not perform as well overall. However, the Onkyo is more affordable and delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Also, the Denon 3808 is widely available online for under $1200.