A historical overview of the best AV receivers that have stood the test of time.
The heart of any home theater setup, an AV receiver is the unsung hero responsible for bringing your movies, music, and games to life. It’s the command center that processes sound, distributes it to your speakers, and handles all your source connections. But with so many options available, choosing the right AV receiver can feel overwhelming.
To help you navigate this audio jungle, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best AV receivers of all time. These receivers have consistently impressed with their performance, features, and reliability, earning them a place in the audiophile hall of fame.
Whether you’re a seasoned audio enthusiast or just starting your home theater journey, this list will guide you towards the perfect receiver to elevate your entertainment experience. We’ve considered factors like sound quality, power output, connectivity, features, and value for money to ensure each receiver on this list truly stands out.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of high-fidelity sound. This list will introduce you to the ultimate audio companions, the ones that will make your home theater dreams a reality.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marantz SR8015 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Denon AVR-X4700H |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yamaha RX-A3080 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Onkyo TX-NR8100 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marantz SR8015
A high-end AV receiver packed with features and performance.
Specifications :
- 11.2 channels of amplification
- 135 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
- 8 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 3 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- HEOS multi-room audio support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and detailed sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 11.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-end AV receiver with the best possible sound quality
- You want a receiver with a wide range of features and connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.4 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Marantz SR8015 is an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who want the best possible sound quality and features. It's powerful, versatile, and offers exceptional surround sound performance. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-end AV receiver with the best possible sound quality and a wide range of features, the Marantz SR8015 is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
Denon AVR-X4700H
A feature-rich AV receiver that delivers powerful sound and impressive surround sound performance.
Specifications :
- 9.2 channels of amplification
- 150 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
- 8 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 3 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- HEOS multi-room audio support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and detailed sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 9.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-end AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features
- You want a receiver with a wide range of connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Denon AVR-X4700H is a powerful and versatile AV receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and features. It's a great choice for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-end AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features, the Denon AVR-X4700H is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
You can find more information on 5 Best AV Receivers to Use as Amplifiers
Yamaha RX-A3080
A high-performance AV receiver that offers exceptional sound quality and a wide range of features.
Specifications :
- 9.2 channels of amplification
- 110 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- YPAO room correction
- 8 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 3 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- MusicCast multi-room audio support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and detailed sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including YPAO room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 9.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features
- You want a receiver with a wide range of connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Yamaha RX-A3080 is a powerful and versatile AV receiver that delivers exceptional sound quality and features. It's a great choice for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features, the Yamaha RX-A3080 is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
Onkyo TX-NR8100
A high-performance AV receiver that offers powerful sound and a wide range of features.
Explore further with 18 Best AV Receiver for Samsung TV
Specifications :
- 9.2 channels of amplification
- 160 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- AccuEQ room correction
- 7 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 2 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- DTS Play-Fi multi-room audio support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and dynamic sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including AccuEQ room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 9.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features
- You want a receiver with a wide range of connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Onkyo TX-NR8100 is a powerful and versatile AV receiver that delivers excellent sound quality and features. It's a great choice for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features, the Onkyo TX-NR8100 is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX504
A high-end AV receiver that offers exceptional sound quality and a wide range of features.
Read more on 5 Best AV Receivers for Use as Stereo Amplifiers
Specifications :
- 9.2 channels of amplification
- 140 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- MCACC room correction
- 8 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 3 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- FlareConnect multi-room audio support
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and detailed sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including MCACC room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 9.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-end AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features
- You want a receiver with a wide range of connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX504 is a powerful and versatile AV receiver that delivers exceptional sound quality and features. It's a great choice for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-end AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX504 is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
Sony STR-DH790
A budget-friendly AV receiver that offers good sound quality and a range of features.
Specifications :
- 7.2 channels of amplification
- 165 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- DCAC room correction
- 6 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 1 HDMI output
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality for the price
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Wide range of features, including DCAC room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Only 7.2 channels of amplification
- No IMAX Enhanced support
- No HDMI output for zone 2
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget and need a good-sounding AV receiver
- You want a receiver with a range of features and connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 5.2.2 or 7.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You need a receiver with more than 7.2 channels of amplification
- You want IMAX Enhanced support
- You need an HDMI output for zone 2
Bottom Line:
The Sony STR-DH790 is a great value AV receiver that offers good sound quality and a range of features. It's a good choice for budget-conscious home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's limited to 7.2 channels and doesn't have IMAX Enhanced support. If you're on a tight budget and need a good-sounding AV receiver with a range of features, the Sony STR-DH790 is a great choice.
Anthem MRX 720
A high-performance AV receiver that offers exceptional sound quality and a wide range of features.
Specifications :
- 9.2 channels of amplification
- 140 watts per channel (8 ohms)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support
- ARC room correction
- 8 HDMI inputs (including 1 on the front panel)
- 3 HDMI outputs (including 1 for zone 2)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and more
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful and detailed sound quality
- Excellent surround sound performance
- Extensive feature set, including ARC room correction
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming
- 9.2 channels for immersive home theater setups
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Can be complicated to set up
- No Dolby Vision support
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features
- You want a receiver with a wide range of connectivity options
- You're planning on setting up a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 surround sound system
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You're not comfortable with setting up a complex AV system
- You need Dolby Vision support for your 4K TV
Bottom Line:
The Anthem MRX 720 is a powerful and versatile AV receiver that delivers exceptional sound quality and features. It's a great choice for home theater enthusiasts who want an immersive and engaging experience. However, it's expensive and can be complicated to set up, so it's not the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a high-performance AV receiver with excellent sound quality and features, the Anthem MRX 720 is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and to pay a premium price.
Choosing the right AV receiver can be a daunting task, with so many features and options available. But with this guide, you're equipped to find the perfect match for your home theater setup. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious audiophile, there's an AV receiver on this list that will elevate your entertainment experience.
Remember, the best AV receiver for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the size of your room, and the features you prioritize when making your decision.
Investing in a quality AV receiver is an investment in your enjoyment of movies, music, and gaming. It's the heart of your home theater system, bringing the action to life and immersing you in every sound.
We hope this list has helped you find the perfect AV receiver to take your entertainment to the next level. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Omar 
Yasmin 
Hassan