The Best New Av Receivers For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Receiver

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver. This is a great product for those looking to add surround sound to their home entertainment system, while not having the space or budget for a larger system. You can enjoy virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup, with the included S Force PRO feature. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Denon AVR-S750H Receiver

The Denon AVR-S750H Receiver has been designed to offer a range of features and benefits at an affordable price. It includes HEOS Multi-Room Wireless technology, enabling you to enjoy your favorite music in every house room. Full voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa means you can now sit back and enjoy your music without having to reach out for the remote Read Review

3. Best High-Performance: Denon S650H AV Receiver

The receiver features full voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa; a new way to control your home audio and theater without the need for the remote. Adjust the volume, change the track, or switch the inputs hands-free. The four Quick Select buttons on the front panel allow you to access your preferred audio settings for TV, Blu-Ray, or more and switch between them quickly. Read Review

4. Best Connectivity: Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver

Onkyo's TX-SR494 AV receiver is the perfect blend of power, performance, and versatility. With 4K/60p* video and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X*, Dolby Vision, and HLG playback with AccuEQ and AccuReflex calibration for depth*; this receiver is an immersive sound experience for any room. Read Review

In an ideal world, every movie-watching experience would be in a darkened room with booming speakers and a big screen. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. Instead, most of us are stuck with cramped rooms, small screens, and tinny speakers. To make up for what our living spaces can’t offer, av receivers have become the go-to choice for home theaters.

To those uninitiated in home theater jargon, an AV receiver is any device that combines multiple audio inputs and outputs into one unit—typically used to listen to audio from a video source (like cable or Blu-Ray). These devices also include preamp features which are important if you have high impedance speakers as they let you adjust the volume levels directly from the receiver so your speaker cables don’t pick up noise.

Moreover, these devices also give you more control over how your audio sounds than most other components in your system do. While many people aren’t likely to use all the bells and whistles that come with the best new AV receiver, it’s still one of the best ways to get great sound at home without breaking the bank on individual components like amps or media streamers.

Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Receiver, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and several different options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Our Top Picks

  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
TOP Choice #2 Denon AVR-S750H Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
Denon
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS. No Command Center or extra hardware required. Get Hi-Fi sound around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer and more
  • UNPRECEDENTED REALISM AND NEW FEATURES – eARC and heightened sound effects with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. Be it the sound of a helicopter or torrential rains, it’ll sound so real, you'll think it's happening right above you
  • SMOOTH, SOOTHING, CLEAR SOUND EVERY SINGLE TIME – During setup, the Audyssey Suite – an EQ calibration system – measures & dynamically optimizes all speakers in your home theater for all listening levels. No sudden blasts or muffled dialogues anymore
  • All HDMI ports (6 In, 1 out) follow the LATEST REVISION TO HIGH-BANDWIDTH DIGITAL CONTENT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS (HDCP 2.3) and are backward compatible with the earlier versions. Don't fret if your devices have HDCP 2.2 - they'll work perfectly well
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote. Adjust the volume, change the track or switch the inputs absolutely hands-free
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEW 4K ULTRA HD TV with this 7.2 Ch stereo receiver. Featuring HLG, HDR10, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut & 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, it DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST and COLOR enriching your movie and gaming experience
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. Denon's legacy and Japanese precision technology makes it a must-have for your home
TOP Choice #3 Denon S650H AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
Denon
  • FOUR QUICK SELECT BUTTONS ON THE FRONT PANEL help you store your preferred audio settings for television, Blu-Ray, and more, and allows you to switch between them quickly
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS – No Command Center or extra hardware required. Get Hi-Fi sound around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer & more
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEW 4K ULTRA HD TV – Featuring HLG, HDR10, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut & 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, the AVR-S650H delivers exceptional brightness, contrast & color, thus enriching your movie and gaming experience
  • The BACK-PANEL CONNECTIONS ARE EASILY UNDERSTOOD and horizontally arranged in a color-coded scheme that lets you organize and connect speaker wires painlessly
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote Adjust the volume, change the track, or switch the inputs absolutely hands-free
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings & helps you optimize your surround sound. Denon's legacy & Japanese precision technology makes it a must-have for your home
  • NEW FEATURES – In additional to the standard specifications, this advanced 5.2 channel stereo receiver features eARC - THE HIGHEST QUALITY SOUND FROM YOUR TV and the LATEST REVISION TO HIGH-BANDWIDTH DIGITAL CONTENT PROTECTION with HDCP 2.3
4 Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.4
Onkyo
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
  • AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
  • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* and DTS Virtual:X
  • 160 watts per channel
  • 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • RANGE CONTROL. With this unique mid-range sound control feature, you can make independent volume adjustments to the range including dialogues in films, with the up/down key on the remote control.
  • PERSONAL PRESET. Press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode. Up to three presets can be registered and called up from the front panel button or remote control.
  • DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without employing additional surround or height speakers. 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos.
  • BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This smart receiver remembers your device and starts playback whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
  • DTS:X PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences.
  • Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant devices or Siri via AirPlay 2
  • HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7 in / 1 out)
  • Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos with Height Virtualization (via future update) and DTS: X
  • Pandora, Spotify, Napster, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Voice Control and MusicCast multi-room
  • Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma and BT.2020
  • MusicCast multi-room audio and MusicCast Surround capable with MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless surround speakers
  • YPAO - R.S.C. and multipoint
  • 4K/60, 4K/120AB, 8K/60B, HDMI 2.1 (via future update)
7 Marantz 8K Ultra HD AV Receiver
Our Score:
8.9
Denon
  • BUILT-IN DUAL SPEAKER PRESET MEMORY – In addition to the Audyssey MultEQ XT32, SR6015 lets you customize your listening experience by storing two Audyssey settings for your preferred content type or mood, so you can switch between them on the fly
  • STREAM MUSIC FROM YOUR FAVORITE SOURCES – Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, Tidal, Netflix, Amazon Prime & others via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or HEOS app across one room, or multiple rooms with built-in WIRELESS HEOS MULTI-ROOM AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
  • SUPERIOR LAG-FREE GAMING with 4K/120Hz* pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which reduces or eliminates lag and frame tearing for a smoother, lag-free gaming experience
  • MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO WITH HEIGHTENED REALISM – Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X & DTS Virtual:X that delivers a premium, life-like cinematic experience in a 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1 speaker set up, even without in-ceiling speakers
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • ADVANCED 8K HDMI CONNECTIVITY – 6 HDMI In / 2 Out (HDCP 2.3 compliant), dedicated 8K input, USB port, phono & Aux inputs, with analog & digital inputs for audio sources like DVD & Blu-ray player, subwoofer & speakers for a cohesive surround sound system
  • ELEVATED HOME CINEMA – Enjoy all your entertainment in the highest quality formatting. Screen movies in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through or upscaling with HDMI technologies like Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching (QMS) to eliminate video delay
  • SUPPORTS ALL YOUR FAVORITE VOICE ASSISTANTS – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri or any Smart Home Automation system – use your voice to play, pause and stop music, and adjust volumes, as well as to control the thermostat, lights, and home appliances
  • THE MOST MUSICAL SOUND – Extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters at the most state-of-the-art facilities to deliver an exquisite sonic signature. No component leaves the hands of the Marantz sound masters until it passes rigorous testing
  • UPGRADED 7.2 CHANNEL DISCRETE HIGH-CURRENT POWER AMPLIFIERS ON ALL CHANNELS – Refine your home theater experience with the new Marantz SR5015 stereo receiver (100 W x 7) with ADVANCED 8K HDMI UPSCALLING for extraordinary visuals and superb sound quality
8 Pioneer VSX-834 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
Our Score:
8.7
PIONEER
  • Just press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds, and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode can be saved. Up to three presets can be registered and easily called up from the front panel button or the remote control.
  • The VSX-834 is equipped with zone B Audio output terminals for expanding the main zone sound by connecting your wireless headphone Dock. You can listen to the sound playing in the living room via wireless headphones.
  • Stream songs from compatible devices with the built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology (ver. 4. 2 + LE). The VSX-834 features A2DP/AVRCP profiles, with support for SBC/AAC codecs. By pressing the Bluetooth button on the front panel, you can directly start up the BT function, even when the unit is in standby.
  • The VSX-834 supports pass-through for HDR10, hlg (hybrid log-gamma), and Dolby vision signals. By connecting a compatible source device, you can enjoy these latest video standards on a compatible display. What’s more, All HDMI terminals support 4K (60p/4: 4: 4/24-bit), wide color gamut (BT. 2020), and HDCP 2. 2, so you will have no problem when upgrading to new devices, and can also enjoy premium content such as 4K videos with digital copy protection.
  • Create the optimum acoustic environment with pioneer’s MCACC (multi-channel acoustic calibration system), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios. With the custom microphone, The system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response.
  • Smart AV Receiver with Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn and Multi-Room Audio Technologies
  • 6 HDMI Inputs and 2 Outputs (Main with ARC, SUB)
  • 7.2 Channel Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (5.2.2 Channel) with Zone 2
  • 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision
  • Wacky Jacky Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Included
  • Dynamic Audio Amplification with High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer
  • Includes Wacky Jacky Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
  • 3 dedicated HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8k up scaling on all inputs
  • UNPRECEDENTED REALISM AND NEW FEATURES – eARC and heightened sound effects with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. Be it the sound of a helicopter or torrential rains, it’ll sound so real, you'll think it's happening right above you
  • Support for most voice assistants (Google, Alexa and Siri)
  • 7.2 channel, 75w (2 channel driven), 6 HDMI inputs / 1 HDMI 2.1 output / Phono input
  • 8K UDH, HDCP 2.3, HDR10+, HDR, Dolby Vision, 4k/120 & VRR, eArc
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best new av receivers?

Looking for the best new av receivers requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

Network Connectivity

Some receivers come with both wired or wireless network support. You can either connect them to your router using an Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi. You can stream media from any device connected to the same network, such as laptops and smartphones. AirPlay will only work with Apple devices. It is not compatible with other AV receivers. If you live in a house where everyone uses Apple devices, make sure that the model supports AirPlay.

Power

Power is not simply another term for volume, it's also measured in Watts. This also affects the receiver's ability deliver dynamic and detailed sound. A high-wattage receiver produces better sound quality, regardless of the volume.

Multi-zone Audio Feature

Some models of amplifier-receivers support the ability to use one or more speakers in a different room. Some receivers can support multiple zones while others allow you to play different sources simultaneously in two rooms. One person may enjoy surround sound in their living room while another can listen to music through the speakers connected to the receiver. If you want to enjoy a great audio experience in your bedroom and living room, but don't have the budget to purchase two speakers systems or amplifiers to achieve it, this feature will be a huge help.

Interface

If you don't know how to use your high-tech receiver, it is useless. A well-designed receiver panel that is easy to navigate can make the difference between having high quality sound and picture quality or having your costly system go stale because it's difficult to get on. It's important that you use the receiver display panel to navigate and learn all functions. A graphical interface is the screen that allows users to set up the receiver and operate it. The viewer must display song information and album art when AirPlay is used.

Inputs And Outputs

This is because the device has more outputs and inputs than it can handle. A receiver might accept audio signals from a television via the input, and then send them via an out to speakers. There should be enough outputs and inputs for all your equipment. You can also have a few more in case of expansion.

Calibration

Audio-video beginners will find it difficult to set up an entertainment system in their home.
Automatic speaker calibration is an option on many receivers that makes it easier to calibrate the speakers. The receiver sends test sounds to each speaker and subwoofer, and monitors the sound with a microphone. This allows it to determine the size of the speaker, to measure distance between the speaker and the listener, and to check that the connections are correct. This technology is compatible with surround sound as well as traditional 2-channel home entertainment systems.

Total Harmonic Distortion

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of how much distortion the sound produces. THD can be measured as a percentage. It is the amount of deviation from the original signal. THD is a measure of distortion. The higher the THD the more beneficial. THD is a norm in most receiver amplifiers, and it should be below 0.1%.

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between An AV Receiver And An Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier that includes a preamplifier as well as a power amp in one box is called an AV receiver. It is also known as a receiver. It could be called an amplifier.
A receiver can be described as an integrated amplifier and a tuner that receives AM/FM radio signal. Technically speaking, an AV amplifier should not be used if it doesn't include a tuner. An AV receiver can be used, but it is still a common term.

What Is The Difference Between A Stereo Receiver And A Surround Sound Receiver?

Stereo receivers have two channels, and can be used to play stereo audio. Surround sound receivers have five channels or more and can connect to surround sound speakers.
To get surround sound, most people desire surround sound speakers. Stereo amplifiers can be used to enhance the sound quality in your home.

What Is The Difference Between 5.2 And 7.2 Receivers?

Five surround sound speakers can be connected to a 5.2 receiver, as well as two subwoofers. For the surround sound speakers, there are five options: front left, front right and center.
Seven channels are available for surround sound speakers, and two subwoofer channels. A 7.2 receiver can handle both. The 7.2 speaker arrangement is identical to a standard 5.1 setup, with two additional surround sound speakers at the back and one more in the back.

Which A/V Receivers Are Better For Music Or Movies?

No. Music can reveal more about sound quality and character than movies soundtracks. Those who listen to music may prefer one brand over another.

Is An A/V Receiver Good For Gaming?

You might find it possible, particularly if surround sound is important for immersive gaming. Before you purchase, make sure it supports the most recent standards, such as Dolby Atmos (one of the newer HDMI standards), and HDR compatibility. You can also find features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh rate support on the Denon AVRX4700H. While an A/V receiver doesn't need to be used for gaming, it is a great addition if surround sound is important.

Does An AV Receiver Improve Video Quality?

Advanced video processing abilities can be found in some AV receivers that improve image quality. The best performance is only possible with high-end, expensive models.
Even if your receiver is not high-end, modern televisions are equipped with excellent video processing algorithms, which will produce a stunning picture, regardless of source.

What Is Upconverting In An AV Receiver?

You connect the player to the receiver with one type of connection and expect that the receiver will output the video using another type.
You might, for example, connect an analog DVD player to the receiver and ask it to transmit this via HDMI.
Only the most expensive receivers are capable of upconverting different video inputs to HDMI output. You will need to transmit the component video signal through a component attached to the receiver if the receiver is unable to upconvert.

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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.