If you happen to’re a film lover, however desire to get pleasure from blockbusters from the consolation of your individual residence, it’s possible you’ll need to put money into an AV receiver. An AV receiver is among the best methods to convey the movie show expertise proper to your lounge, and superior fashions supply innovative options together with 8K video, Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi music streaming. Nevertheless, specs on these units can get fairly sophisticated, which may make discovering the precise one on your residence a little bit of a problem. Fortuitously, CNET is right here to assist, and we have rounded up the very best AV receivers you should purchase proper now.
If you happen to divide your time between TV watching and listening to music there are a selection of fashions which may do each nicely, together with the superb Yamaha RX-V6A and Onkyo TX-RZ50. One other model which tends to carry out nicely on this space is Denon, and I look ahead to testing the brand new AVR-X3800H very shortly.
So how are you aware which is the very best AV receiver for you? I’ve examined the preferred fashions between $500 and $2,000 that will help you discover the very best AV receivers 2022 has to supply. One factor it’s best to take note, although, is that a few of these merchandise may very well be on backorder, so test again periodically.
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Onkyo’s TX-RZ50 is an ideal step-up mannequin for these trying to improve their methods for a set of better-quality audio system or so as to add a turntable. Like its budget-oriented label mate, the TX-NR6100, it is stacked with options together with the audiophile-level calibration referred to as Dirac Reside, in addition to the very best streaming suite supplied in an AV receiver. On that time, having the ability to request songs straight from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is an actual boon.
What enhancements does the $1,600 TX-RZ50 supply over the $800 TX-NR6100? Firstly, it gives double the variety of 8K suitable inputs (six versus three) plus it boasts extra energy (120 watts versus 80 watts). It additionally has two-way Bluetooth for streaming in addition to listening on wi-fi headphones.
Efficiency was glorious whether or not listening to streamed music, or watching a film: I hadn’t heard Dolby Atmos sound this convincing in a very long time. The addition of Dirac Reside provides its personal complexities in setup — please, solely use the Onkyo Controller mobile app together with the provided microphone — however doing so rewards with a highly-involving efficiency.
Remember the Onkyo could also be out of inventory at current, however as a substitute the Yamaha RX-A4 is even higher with motion pictures.
You are receiving worth alerts for Onkyo TX-RZ50
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
I am a giant fan of the Yamaha RX-V6A, so I used to be curious to see what the step-up RX-A4A brings to the desk. Because it seems, this Yamaha gives even higher construct high quality and an enormous cinematic sound.
Look via the flowery high grille and you may see neatly packed parts and a distinguished, stamped transformer. The system is able to a beefy 110 watts per channel (stereo) and has seven HDMI ports on your connectivity wants.
I examined the Yamaha A4A towards the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X3700. The Yamaha’s sound high quality tended towards the cinematic somewhat than the musical and supplied a giant, roomy sound good for blockbusters or moody conspiracy thrillers. What was shocking is that the onboard phono preamp was even higher than the one on the rival Onkyo RZ50, so I can advocate it for individuals who do not desire a separate preamp for his or her turntable.
The Yamaha is nice with motion pictures however does not sound nearly as good with music streaming. Nonetheless, because the Onkyo gives balanced efficiency throughout each, it is my present favourite.
You are receiving worth alerts for Yamaha RX-A4A
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
The TX-NR6100 is the follow-up to my favourite receiver of the previous few years, the Onkyo TX-NR696. Like its predecessor, the NR6100 gives nice sound and a wealth of connectivity, which now contains help for 4K/120Hz from gaming consoles. It additionally boasts the very best choice of streaming codecs, together with Chromecast in-built, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Join, AirPlay and Bluetooth. Nevertheless, the NR6100 is just not fairly nearly as good a deal as its predecessor as a result of it now prices $150 extra, and the Yamaha RX-V6A gives marginally higher sonic efficiency for across the identical cash.
You are receiving worth alerts for Onkyo TX-NR6100
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
This Yamaha RX-V6A gives a recent take a look at AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and easy controls, whereas additionally maximizing sound high quality. The Yamaha may even make you overlook about visiting a cinema ever once more, and it is no slouch with music, both. It gives loads of connectivity with Wi-Fi bringing AirPlay 2, Spotify Join, Bluetooth and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming out of your units. Nevertheless it does include a small caveat: Early 2021 fashions should not suitable with 4K/120Hz video, and have to be returned to the producer to carry out a 8K board upgrade.
You are receiving worth alerts for YAMAHA RX-V6A
Which receiver ought to I purchase?
If you happen to’re spending beneath $1,000, there’s three essential receivers to select from — the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-960H. All supply glorious efficiency and the quick reply about which to purchase is whichever is offered for the most cost effective worth. In the intervening time that mannequin is the Denon because it’s presently on sale for $599, however that mentioned I truly desire the Yamaha RX-V6A. The Yamaha gives putting seems and has the efficiency chops to match. It additionally has loads of connectivity choices together with a wealth of HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting the Xbox Collection X and extra.
If the Yamaha is out of inventory, which it usually is, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a good alternative. The Onkyo is a wonderful performer and gives straightforward setup, glorious usability, strong seems and helpful options, together with the very best streaming suite. It was by no means liable to the 4K issue that plagued early versions of the Yamaha RX-V6A.
In the meantime, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a wonderful receiver in case you’re on the lookout for the following stage of options and a efficiency bump over sub-$1,000 fashions. It gives a wonderful, if barely scary, calibration routine from Dirac Reside and the very best variety of streaming options available on the market. It sounds nice with music and films alike.
Lastly, if it is residence theater thrills you are after, the Yamaha RX-A4A gives crisp, dynamic sound and implausible construct high quality for $1,650.
How CNET exams
At CNET I take a look at audio gear from compact soundbars although to encompass sound methods, however whatever the gadget my methodology is basically the identical. I at all times evaluate merchandise towards a number of reference units which supply the very best efficiency at the same worth.
In terms of receivers I need to see how nicely a system performs with music in addition to with motion pictures, as most individuals will need to do each. I watch a handful of take a look at scenes from 4K Blu-ray or streamed from a 4K streaming service (Vudu, for instance) and consider features similar to Dolby Atmos encompass efficiency and dialog readability. I additionally use a number of test music tracks and consider any streaming options similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is methods that may carry out nicely with each forms of leisure which inevitably rating the best.
Try CNET’s receiver buying guide for extra in regards to the options and issues it’s best to contemplate when on the lookout for a brand new system.
Different AV receivers I’ve examined
- Denon AVR-S960H ($599): The Denon will not be as glittering and glossy because the Yamaha RX-V6A, nevertheless it nonetheless gives glorious sound high quality. The receiver is laid-back, blends nicely with forward-sounding audio system and replays music superbly. It isn’t fairly nearly as good as both the Yamaha RX-V6A or the Onkyo TX-NR6100 because it has neither the previous’s residence theater chops nor the latter’s streaming choices. It is presently obtainable for $599 (save $250), nevertheless, which makes it a wonderful deal. Read CNET’s Denon AVR-S960H review.
- Marantz SR6015 ($2,179): The Marantz SR6015 does every thing you’d anticipate — Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz throughput — and with a great deal of aplomb. It sounds nice, nevertheless it’s not as versatile as the very best receivers right here — as an illustration, you’ll be able to’t watch a video supply whereas listening to music, just like the Onkyos can, and neither are you able to ask a Google Nest to play a song on it. Add to {that a} latest $500 worth hike and this receiver has sadly been pushed out of rivalry.
The Denon AVR-S960H
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
AV receiver FAQs
What’s the distinction between a stereo receiver and an AV receiver?
A stereo receiver is an audio-only, two-channel amplifier that features supply switching and an AM/FM tuner — if it lacks a tuner it is referred to as an built-in amp. An AV receiver is usually a encompass sound amplifier that allows HDMI switching and playback of audio and video. Most additionally embrace tuners onboard as nicely. Nevertheless, if you need, you should utilize an AV receiver merely as a stereo amp, or you’ll be able to add as many audio system as you’ve — they’re fairly versatile.
Ought to I purchase an 8K receiver?
Requirements change on a regular basis, however the naked minimal proper now’s help for HDR and Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and no less than HDMI model 2.0 or higher. All of those fashions help not solely 4K and HDR video however 8K help as nicely, even when 8K content material is tough to search out.
Remember that every one 2020 8K-compatible receivers have been liable to a bug stopping them from displaying variable refresh price video, and from the Xbox Collection X particularly. Denon, Marantz and Yamaha introduced fixes for present fashions, whereas compliant fashions from Yamaha RX-V6A started transport in summer time 2021 and Denon and Marantz receivers bought after April 2021 must be 4K/120Hz suitable. Yamaha users can check for 4K compatibility here whereas Denon and Marantz customers ought to test with their supplier.
The $600 TX-NR6100 is the primary receiver I examined that I discovered to each go 4K/120Hz and which I’d additionally advocate to new consumers.
How do I join my TV to my AV receiver?
When you have a comparatively new TV it’s best to be capable of use a single cable — an HDMI cable, to be precise — to attach your receiver to your tv. When you have an HDMI port labeled ARC/eARC on the TV you’ll be able to join that to the principle HDMI ARC output of the receiver. Doing so allows you to hear onboard Netflix from your TV if you set the receiver on the “TV” enter, whereas additionally enabling video to be transmitted out of your different AV sources.
When you have an older TV with out an ARC-compliant port you have to to attach each an HDMI cable and an optical cable to the again of your TV. Nevertheless, when you have a CRT or rear-projection TV with composite or part inputs you will want a $1,000-plus receiver just like the Marantz SR6015 or Onkyo TX-RZ50. Many receivers now not supply switching for these legacy connections.
Is 4K/120Hz help a giant deal?
The quick reply is: Provided that you personal an Xbox Collection X, and a brand-new TV. As I write this, there’s a growing number of Xbox Series X games that help this elective mode — Halo Infinite and Fortnite, to call a pair — however the benefits of 4K/120Hz over 60Hz are minimal so far as I’ve seen at this level. Future video games and even video sources might make the variations clearer, and that is why it’s your decision a receiver that is totally suitable.
If you happen to do purchase an older receiver, you do not care in regards to the Xbox Collection X, or do not need to ship your 8K mannequin to the store, you’ll be able to at all times hook a elaborate new console on to the TV, then use eARC to get audio to the receiver. Nevertheless, regardless of the mess that AV receiver producers have discovered themselves in over the past 12 months, there’s one factor the aforementioned fashions have in widespread: nice efficiency.
The rear panel of the TX-NR6100 gives 6 HDMI inputs and a pair of outputs
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Different options to search for in an AV receiver
AV receivers are notoriously complicated, with reams of options and complicated technical specs. (For instance, what’s “Ultra HD” anyway?) But, what are the issues that basically matter when shopping for a brand new mannequin? I will sum up crucial ones proper right here.
- HDMI inputs: With most TVs and set-top containers supporting HDMI, you should purchase a receiver that has as many of those HDMI enter ports and outputs as doable. Entrance-mounted HDMI ports are form of like an appendix — unneeded, as a result of most customers do not hot-plug HDMI units — making the variety of rear inputs what’s most vital. (How else are you going to attach your Roku, Blu-ray player, Nintendo Switch and all of your different units?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, whereas the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A go one higher with seven. If you wish to join two completely different shows — a TV and a projector, for instance — all however the Yamaha supply a second HDMI output. You also needs to make certain you’ve an additional HDMI cable or two readily available — this stuff are just like the second sock of a pair in that you may by no means discover them if you want them.
- Dolby Atmos functionality: Most receivers within the $500-and-above worth vary embrace Dolby Atmos functionality and DTS:X, however the impact they’ve on your house theater movie-watching will be refined, or in most motion pictures, nonexistent. In different phrases, don’t fret about lacking out on these codecs in case you do not set up an additional peak speaker or two. Mounting your rear encompass audio system excessive on the wall will get you midway there when it comes to high quality, immersive sound.
- Wi-Fi music streaming: Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi community connectivity for wireless music streaming via your speaker system. There are many requirements for wi-fi streaming companies, however essentially the most common are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 1 and a pair of and Google Chromecast in-built. If you happen to’re trying to construct a multiroom system with quite a lot of AV methods and audio system with wi-fi connectivity, these are the three flavors to goal for. Onkyo is the one gadget that helps all three. The Denon receiver mannequin lacks wi-fi streaming by way of Chromecast, however ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. In the meantime, Yamaha has its personal MusicCast system.
For extra basic info on what try to be on the lookout for, try this AV receiver buying guide.
