The Best Sounding Av Receivers For 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver

Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home with this Sony STRDH190 2-Ch Home Stereo Receiver. With 100 watts x 2, it provides the power you need for all your favorite tunes, TV shows, and more. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: YAMAHA RX-V385

The RX-V385 is a 5.1-channel AV receiver with a high-end design and construction, 95 W per channel (8 ohms, 0.9% THD). The receiver supports 4K Ultra HD as well as Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma HDR and BT.2020 pass-through to ensure compatibility with the latest video formats. Read Review

3. Upgrade pick: Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel AV Receiver 2020 Model

The Denon AVR-X3700H 9.2 channel receiver is one of the best options on the market for any home cinema system. Its immersive surround sound capabilities and crisp, clean, video processing produce unmatched 3D realism and high quality audio. This receiver is also 8K ready, so you can enjoy high-quality video and audio without having to upgrade your equipment. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver

Change the way you experience movies and TV shows with the Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver. This receiver provides cinematic sound at home with theater-like sound, virtual front surround and more. Read Review

Do you know what separates the best AV receivers from the rest? They are equipped with high-performance audio features. An AV receiver is a single device that combines the functionality of several different audio components such as an amplifier and a preamplifier, signal processing and switching functions, speaker management, input switching, digital signal processing filtering, tone controls, and so on.

In this article, we will explore some of the best AV receivers on the market right now that are equipped with excellent sound quality. If you’re looking for one with great sound but don’t need all of those other features then perhaps one of these might be just what you’re looking for.

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider YAMAHA RX-V385.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
Sony
  • FM Radio with 30 station presets;
  • Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
  • Full size (1/4 inch) headphone jack
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AA400U), batteries, FM antenna
  • 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
  • Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
  • Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
  • Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home
  • Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
TOP Choice #2 YAMAHA RX-V385
Our Score:
9.6
YAMAHA
  • HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4 in/1 out)
  • 4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma and BT.2020
  • Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 100W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD); Rated Output Power (20Hz 20kHz, 2ch driven) 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD); Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (Jeita) 145W (6 ohms, 10% THD)
  • Providing complete compatibility with the latest HDMI standards, this AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video at 60 frames/second pass through; It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma which provides incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors
  • 5.1 channel powerful surround sound
  • YPAO auto calibration technology for ideal sound, Exclusive Yamaha Cinema DSP technology supports playback of HD Audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, etc.), providing natural and expansive sound imaging
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS like Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn and more
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (with 2 preset options) accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup and tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
  • ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 9.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast and color, and Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
  • Enjoy high quality 3D audio and video knowing that AVR-X3700H IS 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier capable of 11.2 channel processing allows to build your choice of speaker configuration to meet your exclusive entertainment needs
  • NEXT GEN GAMING – Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag and frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
  • CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER AND TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 10 HDMI ports (7 In/ 3 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input and Network support with a range of wireless connections
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 8 HDMI ports (6 In/ 2 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS like the Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
  • GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV – Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the AVR-X2700H is 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
  • ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 7.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALEXA, and other major voice agents like Siri, so you can adjust the volume, change tracks & switch inputs absolutely hands-free. Seamlessly integrates with popular home automation systems for remote monitoring
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • NEXT GEN GAMING – Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Support for the most advanced object-based audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and IMAX Enhanced processing are all supported to allow you to listen to immersive, multi-dimensional audio.
  • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through support for every entertainment need: With the latest technology in HDMI support, enjoy 8K quality video from your 8K source devices. 8K upscaling is available on all 7 HDMI ports.
  • Bringing you the latest in video compatibility: Support for the latest HDR formats including HDR10, HDR10+ (New in 2020), HLG, Dolby Vision, 4:4:4 color resolution and BT.2020, as well as Dynamic HDR (New in 2020) provides exceptional picture quality for brightness, clarity and contrast.
  • Performance, power and connectivity to suit your audio preferences: 9.2 channel discrete power amplifier, 110W per channel (8 Ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2ch drive).
  • Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI support: Through the main HDMI output, connect your TV with eARC HDMI support to allow uncompressed and object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X directly from your smart TV app to your AV receiver.
  • 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision
  • Wacky Jacky Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Included
  • 6 HDMI Inputs and 2 Outputs (Main with ARC, SUB)
  • Smart AV Receiver with Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn and Multi-Room Audio Technologies
  • Dynamic Audio Amplification with High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer
  • 7.2 Channel Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (5.2.2 Channel) with Zone 2
  • 7.1-channel 100 Watt surround sound with Zone 2
  • This unique Yamaha proprietary sound field creation technology was created by combining measured sound field data with digital signal processing
  • Enhanced media and gaming features ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video.
  • DTS:X immersive audio formatting places sound where it would naturally occur in space, creating life-like, multi-dimensional audio. The included spatial remapping engine of DTS Neural:X offers improved immersion and heightened realism in all your favorite movies
  • Feel every dimension in Dolby Atmos. Enjoy a 5.1 surround speaker system and two additional overhead speakers or two Dolby Atmos elevation speakers, delivering dramatic overhead effects for truly enveloping audio.
  • EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND & USER-FRIENDLY SETUP ASSISTANT comes with a GRAPHICAL ON-SCREEN DIRECTIONS that guides you through the step-by-step process and connects all your audio sources to the stereo amplifier receiver
  • A MODERN, SLIM STEREO RECEIVER – Indulge in high-resolution sonic perfection with the Marantz NR1200 network receiver - the consummate choice for Hi-Fi experience. It delivers superior audio quality and higher power to your choice of loudspeakers
  • FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH LATEST HDMI CONNECTIVITY – 60Hz video, 4:4:4 pure color sub-sampling, BT.2020, HDR10, HLG, ARC & 3D delivers an IMPACTFUL HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE on your 4K Ultra HD TV with EXCEPTIONAL PICTURE QUALITY & A THRILLING SURROUND SOUND
  • THE MOST MUSICAL SOUND – Extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters at the most state-of-the-art facilities to deliver an exquisite sonic signature. Envelope yourself with the most musical sound, from any source. Compatible with Remote APP for Smart Phones-Marantz 2016 AVR Remote
  • POWER TO SUIT YOUR AUDIO PREFERENCES – The high-current discrete power amplifier with separate L/R Power Amp circuit and power transformer. With 75W of power per channel, enjoy your high-resolution musical collection with refined Marantz sound
  • HANDS-FREE OPERATIONS – Command your favorite voice control agent – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri - to STREAM UNLIMITED MUSIC using popular services like Spotify, TuneIn, Netflix and more via Built-in HEOS, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or Wi-Fi
  • MULTI-ROOM AUDIO TECHNOLOGY WITH HEOS BUILT-IN – Play the same song in every room, or a different one in each room. Connect all your HEOS speakers to the app and get full control everywhere in your home
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best sounding av receivers?

Some consumers are concerned about ordering best sounding av receivers. Various aspects should always be explored before making big product choices. Our expertise on best sounding av receivers will help determine the best possible decision.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best sounding av receivers:

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.