Entry-level AV receivers perform very well and pack impressive features for the money. These affordable 5.1 and 7.1 receivers feature multiple HDMI inputs, great sound quality, easy setup, and support for the latest HD soundtracks including Dolby HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. There are of course higher end alternatives, but buyers on a budget will find that receivers in this price range offer more than enough.
The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K is the top AV receiver in the popular sub-$500 segment because it packs excellent sound quality and a terrific feature set for the price. 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.
The Onkyo TX-SR607 is an update to the popular Onkyo TX-SR606, our former #1 pick. Just like its predecessor, this midrange receiver 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.
The Onkyo TX-SR507 is an excellent value, offering solid performance and a great feature set at an affordable price. It packs 4 HDMI inputs, which is a lot for a receiver in this price range, and supports decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Speaker setup is easy with the Audyssey 2EQ system calibration system and included microphone, and the Dynamic Volume mode helps keep volume levels consistent while watching TV. Overall, the Onkyo TX-SR507 is an excellent choice for buyers on a budget.
The Sony STR-DH800 is less expensive than most midrange receivers but still boasts an impressive feature set and delivers excellent sound quality for the money. This 7.1 receiver offers 4 HDMI inputs and has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. It’s very easy to setup and optimize with the included microphone and auto calibration system. While it lacks some features found on higher-end receivers such as 1080p analog upconversion or a GUI menu system, the Sony STR-DH800 offers a lot of bang for the buck and is a great choice for buyers on a budget.
This 5.1 receiver includes 4 HDMI inputs, supports decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio, and offers great audio performance for an entry-level receiver. It's very easy to setup for optimal sound quality using the YPAO calibration feature and included microphone. It's a great buy for anyone seeking an affordable 5.1 channel receiver with lossless audio decoding and plenty of HDMI inputs.