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.
The Denon AVR3310CI is packed with advanced features, solid build quality, and terrific audio and video performance, making it the best av receiver overall. This receiver has very impressive video processing capabilities and uses an Anchor Bay VRS chipset to handle upconversion of all video sources to 1080p. 5 HDMI inputs are included, which should be more than you'll ever need. The Denon 3310CI also has an Ethernet connection for PC networking, allowing you to stream music files and photos from a networked PC. There’s a USB port as well for listening to music from an MP3 player, USB flash drive, or portable hard drive. And if that's not enough, there’s also a built-in HD Radio tuner for even more listening possibilities.
The on-screen GUI is intuitive and makes it easy to navigate the menus, though the receiver's various customization options may intimiate novices. But it's easy for any user to calibrate the receiver for optimal sound using the Audyssey MultEQ calibration system and included microphone. This receiver delivers a powerful 120 watts per channel and offers brilliant sound quality overall. It decodes all the major soundtracks including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It also has multi-room capability with support for three rooms/three zones, allowing you to enjoy music throughout other rooms in the house. Though it’s not cheap, the 3310CI is a great value because of the performance and features it provides at its price point. Overall, it’s an extremely versatile, top-notch AV receiver that will not disappoint.
The Marantz 6003 is an ideal choice for those that value audio performance above all else, delivering audiophile sound quality at a reasonable price. This receiver offers impressive power output and sounds terrific with both music and movies. Setting it up for optimal audio performance is a breeze. Just like the Denon receivers, it features Audyssey MultEQ and an included microphone for auto-setup and equalization. The receiver has a clean, attractive design that will blend nicely with the other components in your living room or bedroom.
The Marantz 6003 offers 3 HDMI inputs, which is less than most competitors, but enough for most. It supports 1080p analog upconversion and performs well, but not outstanding, in this regard. The receiver’s on-screen display is basic but provides simple navigation. There’s also a front-panel USB port for listening to music from a portable hard drive or MP3 player. While the Marantz 6003 is not as feature-packed as some of its competitors, it’s an ideal choice for buyers seeking a sub-$1000 receiver that delivers excellent sound quality.
The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K is a feature-packed midrange AV receiver that offers great bang for the buck. First and foremost, this receiver features excellent sound quality, outperforming other midrange receivers in this regard. It also has many great features that separate it from other receivers in this price range. Most notably, it boasts a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to setup and control the receiver, and includes an iPod cable that connects your iPod/iPhone to the receiver’s front USB port. When you plug in your iPod or iPhone, the GUI pops up, letting you navigate your music collection using the receiver’s controls. With so many consumers owning an iPod or iPhone, this is an excellent feature that’s not found in other midrange receivers. As noted earlier, this receiver is very easy to setup. Pioneer’s automatic speaker system lets you quickly and easily calibrate the system for optimal performance using the included microphone. It works quite well, and most users won’t feel the need to make any other adjustments. After calibration, this receiver’s sound quality really shines, and it handles TV, movies, and music very well. This receiver is packed with 4 HDMI inputs, which is plenty for most users. It supports analog upconversion to 1080p and offers great video performance for the price. This receiver also boasts multiroom capability with support for two zones. Overall, the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K is a top-notch midrange receiver that beats out the competition in terms of audio performance, video performance and features.
Though the Denon AVR-1910 costs a bit more than some of the other midrange AV receivers on the market, it rewards its buyers with an excellent feature set and superb sound quality for the money. This receiver offers 4 HDMI inputs and decodes the major audio soundtracks including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It uses an Anchor Bay video processor for 1080p upconversion of analog sources over both HDMI and Component outputs. The Denon AVR-1910 also features Audyssey Dynamic Volume, which helps avoid annoying volume increases during commercials. The receiver is easy to setup for optimal sound using the Audyssey MultEQ calibration system. There’s also multi-room support for listening to music in another part of the house. One downside of this receiver is its remote, so it would be wise to invest in a universal remote. But aside from that minor detraction, the Denon AVR-1910 is a terrific midrange receiver that offers an excellent combination of performance, features, and value.
The Onkyo TX-SR607 delivers excellent sound quality and a terrific feature set for the money. It packs a whopping 6 HDMI inputs -- including one on the front panel -- which is extremely impressive for a mid-priced receiver. Setup is very straightforward using the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration system and included microphone, and after achieving room-optimized sound, the Onkyo TX-SR607 delivers very impressive audio performance that’s on par with more expensive receivers. It supports decoding of most surround formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio. It also features Audyssey Dynamic Volume, which helps keep volume levels consistent while watching TV or movies. Though this receiver can upconvert analog sources to 1080i, its video processing is not very impressive. But if most of your components output over HDMI, this won’t be an issue. It also lacks a GUI (found on the Sony STR-DG920), but the menu system is still simply and easy to navigate. Overall, the Onkyo TX-SR607 is a very impressive midrange receiver with terrific sound quality, outstanding HDMI connectivity, and easy setup. It’s available for under $500 online, making it an excellent value.