Top 10 AV Receivers

Sony excels in the production of electronics designed for a wide variety of budgets, while not forgetting the development and implementation of its own technologies. For those who are looking for quality at an affordable price, the STR-DH790 AV receiver will fit. The first thing that catches your eye in the technical specifications is an impressive power rating of 145 watts for each of the 7 surround sound channels. It is enough to connect the device to your home entertainment system so that the music sounds as powerful and deep as possible, and the video picture becomes incredibly realistic.

All this users get thanks to the support of Dolby Atmos and DTS: X and 4K HDR technologies. In addition to them, the device is equipped with a DCAC system, thanks to which the phase characteristics of the speakers are synchronized for their perfect combination with each other. But the owners cannot do without some compromises: the model requires speakers with a nominal impedance of at least 6 ohms, in addition, almost all of its channels use snap-in rather than screw clamps, and you need an appropriate cable - up to 1.5 mm in diameter.

Many music connoisseurs trust Pioneer headphones to delight their ears. They are not disappointed and having got a receiver of the same firm. A lot of manual settings for connoisseurs, power up to 130 W per 1 channel, playback at broadband frequencies, clear and accurate sound conversion with minimal distortion - this is far from an exhaustive list of reasons why people like the device so much.

The developers have not forgotten about the use of the exclusive MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) technology. It was created with the participation of leading experts in professional audio studios and provides an ideal acoustic environment by measuring sound waves and compensating for uneven frequency response. The second Phase Control technology removes bass lag, reproduces clear mids and highs, and enhances sound effects. Both systems create the effect of presence and give a complete immersion in the soundtrack of a movie or in a musical composition.

In 2019, Integra celebrated its 20th anniversary while earning recognition as Onkyo's best standalone division. Players, amplifiers and receivers, which are used by both ordinary connoisseurs and professional installers, are produced under a brand known all over the world. So, they rate the DSX-3 model quite highly, naming versatility and power among the pluses. In addition, the ultra-thin body (only 70 mm) allows for flush-mounting or conventional installation in a small space, whether it be a studio apartment, mobile home or yacht.

The device is characterized by a high level of integration with mobile devices and PCs through wireless data transfer protocols - AirPlay, FireConnect, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The model belongs to high-performance ones, delivering 80 W/channel at an impedance of 4 ohms. According to the developers, which has already been confirmed in practice, this is quite enough to organize a full-fledged home theater or audio hall.

In 2018/19, Denon's lineup was expanded with a long-awaited new addition that was an instant hit with home theater and audio enthusiasts. The entry-level AVR-X1500H is the cheapest 7.2 multi-channel, where they cut down on the simplicity of the design, but not on the individual elements. So, with a common board for amplifiers on a horizontal chassis, a simple radiator and no mechanical protection of the case against vibrations, the receiver is equipped with a massive transformer on a W-core 86x169 mm, a smoothing power supply capacitor from Nichicon with a capacity of 10,000 uF, an external microphone for automatic sound calibration depending on the external background.

The device supports all the latest technologies and video formats: from 4K to Dolby Vision and HDR. It is no less interesting in the musical role. The sound of audio is reproduced “in Denon style” cleanly, softly, an even more noticeable increase in quality is felt when a vinyl player is connected to the system - Denon does not skimp on putting phono stages in all of its models. In general, this company is famous for its stability - it is unlikely that it will be possible to recall at least one example of the failure of its technology.

The legendary company Yamaha again managed to surprise the market by presenting an absolutely affordable 5-channel device RX-V485 with an impressive set of functions. One of them - wireless multi-room - is especially valuable because it allows you to connect rear speakers and a subwoofer over the radio to sound separate rooms or work in a multi-channel audio installation. In addition, the model is able to receive Internet radio and work with global streaming services like Spotify and Pandora.

The second bonus, uncharacteristic for this price range, lies in the configuration and full control of the receiver through the AV controller mobile application. During the initial configuration, it is better to install another proprietary AV Setup Guide program on the gadget, which will guide the beginner, far from the installation subtleties, through all the stages of switching and configuration. As for the connection process, the developers tried to make it easier by providing brief instructions on the rear panel for cutting the cable and a typical diagram with the designation of the speakers.

More than 70 years of experience in the development of above-average audio equipment has not been in vain: Marantz equipment is highly respected by music lovers and home theater fans. The SR5013 AV receiver, although it is an entry-level model, nevertheless, belongs to full-format devices equipped with all modern audio and video technologies.Among them are multi-room connection to the HEOS system, Marantz HDAM proprietary sound amplification feature, built-in Wi-Fi module and access to all existing streaming services.

The device is completely ready for installation in consumer Hi-Fi systems and cinemas: the amplification option allows you to reach 180 W / channel, auto-calibration technology ensures the speakers sound flawlessly in specific acoustic conditions, and the video section has 8 HDMI ports compatible with 4K Ultra HD. Pleasantly surprised by the presence of HDCP 2.2, which is necessary for the full viewing of copy-protected 4K content. It is also important that the manufacturer has taken care of saving energy through the Eco smart function.

One of the latest models of the TX-NR696 AV receiver is positioned in specialized publications as a flagship, despite its very loyal cost. The list of special advantages includes multifunctionality, wide network and switching capabilities. So, the device is equipped with 6 HDMI inputs, through which it is possible to transmit 4K video with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, as well as audio in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X format.

Among other options for connecting to various sound sources, it is important to note the presence of component and composite video inputs, 3 digital (of which 1 is coaxial) and 6 analog audio inputs, 1 USB port. Following the fashion for turntables, Onkyo has not forgotten about a special input for a sound pickup in case the existing turntable does not have a built-in phono stage. She also took care of the support of streaming technologies by integrating the functions of Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect and AirPlay into the device.Thus, in this model, each user will find something interesting for himself, whether it is listening to music in a chic stereo or watching movies with a sound picture from Dolby Atmos.

NAD has been manufacturing Hi-Fi equipment since 1972 and was among the first to offer devices with modern equipment at low prices. The T 758 V3 is an AV receiver with near audiophile sound for both movies and music. The developers clearly paid attention to the musical component: for high-quality processing of spatial audio formats, they installed a high-speed DSP processor, and they introduced EARS technology to convert stereo sound into surround sound.

But the main reason for the popularity lies in the support of the most advanced acoustic correction system Dirac Live (Light version) to date, which allows you to tune the sound better than a professional. It was developed by the Swedish company of the same name, and the first customers were large automobile concerns - BMW, Rolls-Royce, Volvo. With its help, all the shortcomings of a typical living space are leveled and flawless sound reproduction of real speakers in real conditions is achieved.

Arcam has a home theater and recording studio manufacturing plant and a research institute with strong ties to the University of Cambridge.It was the scientific component that allowed its products to take a leading position in the audio and video equipment market, and its invention - black boxes - are equipped with all aircraft in the world. Amplifiers, receivers, Arcam tuners are just as well known, and the FMJ AVR390 AV receiver is no exception.

Being the youngest model in the new line, the AVR390 may seem almost like a flagship device. Full 4K support, comprehensive switching capabilities (7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs), modern decoding, Dirac Live system - this is far from an exhaustive list of its capabilities. One of the notable advantages is the presence of an additional audiophile-grade amplifier section. In addition to providing 60 W for each of the 7 channels, it allows you to build a Hi-Fi stereo system with a power of 2x80 W at 8 ohms and a THD of 0.02%. Thus, the developers have ensured that the Arcam FMJ AVR390 has become a universal and win-win solution.

Rotel has a lot of brilliant designs for AV processors and multi-channel amplifiers, but they were all in the high end class. For those consumers looking for a simple, high-quality and affordable all-in-one solution, it offers the all-in-one RAP-1580 "multi device" with 8 HDMI inputs, Atmos and DTS:X decoders, MM phono stage and Wolfson 24 DACs /192. As a result, the receiver plays equally richly at low and high volumes, retaining all sound colors, timbres and effects. He is especially good at genres of music that are so difficult for competitors, such as classical and jazz.

The basic configuration is 7-channel, but when connected to a separate 4-channel amplifier, it can be expanded to 7.1.4. The amplification power, at first glance, is modest - "only" 100 watts per channel. But considering that at Rotel measurements are made at continuous power, and not at peak power, with THD less than 0.05%, then by the standards of other manufacturers this figure is at least 200-250 watts.