Best AV Receiver 2022

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With movie studios beginning to adopt the “straight-to-streaming” model for several major motion pictures, there’s never been a better time to transform your home setup into your own personal home theater. The thing is, even the best 4K TVs (or projectors!) won’t be able to accomplish the feat alone. While they offer the latest and greatest modern picture quality, they often drop the ball when it comes to audio.

That’s where the almighty AV receiver comes into play as the foundation of any good home theater experience. They provide amplification for your speakers setup and act as the all-encompassing maestro, deciding with pristine precision how and when to distribute audio. The result is an impressive display of surround sound without having to cram into a movie theater seat ever again. And, AV receivers with advanced connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can also serve as a modern day jukebox, streaming music to your heart’s content.

We’ve selected an exhaustive lineup of AV receivers capable of meeting your every need, whatever they may be. Plus, we’ve outlined exactly what to look for as you pursue an AV receiver purchase. Enjoy!

TL;DR – These are the best AV Receivers:

• Marantz SR8015
• Onkyo TX–NR5100
• Denon AVR-S960H
• Marantz NR1711
• Arcam AVR30
• Denon AVR-X6700H
• Yamaha RX-V6A
• Sonos Amp

1. Marantz SR8015

Best AV Receiver Overall

Channels: 11.2 | Power Output: 140 watts per channel at 8 ohm | Ports: 7 x HDMI in, 3 HDMI out, 4 x Composite in, 2 x Composite out, 6 x Analog in, 2 x Optical in, 2 x Coaxial in | HDR Support: HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR | Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Airplay 2 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

There isn’t much more of a complete package than the Marantz SR8015. This behemoth has enough power to drive an army of surround sound speakers, complete with front and rear overhead channels to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos audio. In addition to Dolby Atmos, the SR8015 supports all of the latest technologies, from 8K video support to DTS:X 3D audio support and H-Res Audio, to streaming capabilities through the likes of its built-in Heos streaming platform or its compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Marantz’ flagship AV receiver is far from the cheapest option available. That said, if you’re willing to invest in the SR8015 as the cornerstone of your home theater, you will be met with an unmatched combination of features and capability. In other words, if you can afford it, the Marantz SR8015 is the absolute best AV receiver solution available today.

2. Onkyo TX–NR5100

Best Entry-level Receiver

Channels: 7.2 | Power Output: 80W/ch @ 8 Ohms | Ports: 4 x HDMI in, 2 x HDMI Out, 4 x Analog In, 2 x Digital In (1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical) | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Compatibility: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Most home theater setups won’t need the ultimate AV receiver. The Onkyo TX-NR5100 will likely do the job for most, and it comes with modern upgrades that make it a great fit even for a bit more advanced setups.

You’ll get support for a 7.2-channel surround sound setup or you can jazz it up with a 5.1.2 setup with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. The receiver also features the latest HDMI 2.1 standard with four inputs and two outputs, letting you hook it up to 4K/120Hz and 8K TVs. You’ll be able to enjoy the full resolution and get HDR pass-through as well. Whether you’re after a home theater, a gaming setup, or something that can do both, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 is up to the task.

3. Denon AVR-S960H

Best Midrange Receiver

Channels: 7.1 | Power Output: 90W/ch @ 8 Ohms | Ports: 6 x HDMI In, 2 x HDMI Out, 2 x Composite In, 2 X Composite Out, 4 Analog In, 2 x Digital In (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) | HDR Support: HDR, Dolby Vision | Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Heos | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

In the world of AV receivers, the Denon AVR-S960H is where bang meets buck. It doesn’t have the sheer power or catalog of built-in technologies that a juggernaut like the SR8015 is armed with, but it’s far better equipped feature than an entry-level option like Onkyo’s TX-NR5100. With the Denon AVR-S960H, you’ll get 8K video support, 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, and the option to control it with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

It’s also plenty capable when it comes to streaming, thanks to the receiver’s built-in Heos technology. Positioned as Denon’s answer to Sonos, Heos lets you stream music from a multitude of sources, either solely to your receiver or throughout your home with the help of other Heos-equipped speakers. With that in mind, the AVR-S960H makes for a compelling option for those who want to confidently toggle between cinematic theater experiences and exceptional music streaming.

4. Marantz NR1711

Best Slim AV Receiver

Channels: 7.2 | Power Output: 50W/ch @8 Ohms | Ports: 6 x HDMI In, 1 X HDMI Out, 3 X Analog In, 2 x Component In, 1 x Component Out, 3 x Composite In, 1 x Composite Out, 2 x Digital In (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, Dynamic HDR, HLG | Compatibility: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Heos | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

Marantz takes its know-how in audio performance and packs it all into a slim AV receiver with the Marantz NR1711. This compact receiver can slip into tight quarters thanks to its constrained proportions – it's just 4.1 inches tall. You won't miss out on much in terms of performance by going small, though. It offers up seven power amps to support a 7.2-channel setup. You also get the option of sticking with a 5.1-channel setup in one room so that you can use the same receiver to offer stereo audio to a second zone.

In terms of video capabilities, the Marantz NR1711 is built for the latest features. It has just a single HDMI output, but it's capable of 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video signals, and there's a corresponding HDMI input for pass-through. The other HDMI ports may not accept an 8K input, but the Marantz receiver can upscale video from those ports to 8K. The Marantz NR1711 won't leave you wanting for HDR support either.

5. Arcam AVR30

Best AV Receiver for Audiophiles

Channels: 7.2 | Power Output: 120 W/ch @ 8 Ohms | Ports: 7 x HDMI in, 3 x HDMI Out, 6 Digital In (2 x Optical In, 4 x Coaxial In) | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Compatibility: Airplay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

If you’re searching for one of the most detailed audio experiences that a home theater can provide, you’ve come to the right AV receivers. The Arcam AVR30 utilizes Dirac Live, a technology that’s widely regarded as one of the industry’s most elite room correction platforms. By taking acoustic measurements of your theater space, Dirac Live will develop a customized correction curve that tailors your speakers to the exact specifications of your listening environment. Put another way, it nearly guarantees that the audio being delivered by your speakers is as clear, impactful and detailed as possible.

Beyond that, the Arcam AVR30 still offers several of the creature comforts found in other AV receivers on this list. This includes compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant as well as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support for streaming, as well as a robust repertoire of HDR support and connectivity. Where it shines the most, though, is the attention to detail it provides when it comes to audio. You’re going to pay for that attention, but for the audiophiles in the home theater community, it’s well worth it.

6. Denon AVR-X6700H

Best 8K AV Receiver

Channels: 11.2 | Power Output: 140W/ch @ 8 Ohms | Ports: 8 x HDMI In, 3 x HDMI Out, 4 X Composite In, 2 x Composite Out, 2 x Component In, 1 x Component Out, 6 x Analog In, 1 x Phone In, 4 Digital In (2 x Optical, 2 Coaxial) | HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, Dynamic HDR, HLG | Compatibility: AirPlay 2, Heos, Alexa, Google Assistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

If you want to go all in on your video quality, you won't want to miss out on the option of 8K or 4K/120Hz that's available on the Denon AVR-X6700H receiver. Thanks to the latest HDMI spec, you can run video and video games right through this receiver for the highest quality or a marriage of quality and smooth visuals, and you'll still get to see that content with HDR and 4:4:4 Pure Color subsampling. The Denon AVR-X6700H supports pretty much the full stack of HDR formats available as well, with premium versions like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ as well as the new Dynamic HDR and the broadcast standard HLG.

This receiver is no slouch when it comes to audio either. It's got a ton of power, and it can split that out to an 11.2-channel surround setup. You can also split up speakers to set up multiple rooms. You also get some of the best surround sound enhancements from DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and DTS: X Pro to Dolby Atmos and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology.

7. Yamaha RX-V6A

Best Versatile A/V Receiver

Channels: 7.2 | Power Output: 100 W/ch | Ports: 7 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 4 x Analog In, 2 x Digital In (1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial) | HDR Support: HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG | Compatibility: AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

The Yamaha RX-V6A is the epitome of what can be possible by embracing the right technology. Thanks to Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, this Yamaha can simulate the Dolby Atmos experience by using your existing speakers to create the effect of either two or four in-ceiling speakers. While this may not stand up to the likes of true Dolby Atmos, it brings you remarkably close without having to go through the hassle of installing speakers in your ceiling or high up on your walls.

Plus, Yamaha’s lineup of MusicCast speakers can help you keep the home theater sound with significantly less wiring. A pair of MusicCast 50 or MusicCast 20 wireless streaming speakers can be paired with the RX-V6A to act as the system’s surround channels, eliminating the need to run wiring all the way to the back of your room. If wiring is no issue, you can move those MusicCast speakers throughout your home to enjoy whole-home audio at its finest. With the RX-V6A, the possibilities are endless.

8. Sonos Amp

Best Receiver For Music Streaming

Channels: 2 | Power Output: 125 W/ch @ 8 Ohms | Ports: 1 x HDMI in, 1 x Optical In, I x Composite in | Compatibility: AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Full disclosure, we’re kinda/sorta cheating here. The Sonos Amp is technically not an AV receiver. That being said, when it’s the hands-down best option on the market for music streaming, it’s incredibly hard to omit from this list. The Amp takes Sonos’ effortless approach to streaming music and brings it to your favorite pair of home theater speakers, complete with plenty of power to push them. It puts a plethora of music streaming options at your fingertips, making it easier than ever before to listen to what you love.

Also, it’s quite capable when it comes to the home theater space, especially when you add a few of its friends. The Sonos Amp has the ability to create an incredibly convincing “phantom” center channel that focuses dialogue in the middle of your soundstage. When you incorporate a pair of Sonos Ones as your surrounds and a Sonos Sub to fill out your low end, you’re met with a masterful ensemble of cinematic sound, without the wires that traditionally come with it.

What to look for in an A/V receiver

As you may be able to infer from this guide, there are many, many different AV receivers on today’s market, each with their own set of features, specifications and price tags. To help you make the most informed decision possible, here’s a few keys to look for in an AV receiver, regardless of what your budget is:

• Find the right number of channels: Whether you’re dealing with a stereo speakers or an entire surround sound setup, it’s important to find a receiver with enough audio channels to properly support all of them. And if you can swing it, it never hurts to have a few extra channels to play with in case you want to expand in the future.
• Power matters…to an extent: When a receiver is capable of distributing a higher amount of watts per channel, it generally means that they will be able to handle higher volumes more easily. There’s more headspace, if you will, for the speakers these receivers are connected to. The caveat, however, is that power isn’t everything. There are plenty of receivers that don’t wield an amazing amount of amplification, but still sound incredible paired with the right speakers.
• Wi-Fi is a must: This goes beyond the endless possibilities that include music streaming and integration with popular voice assistants. Wi-Fi-enabled receivers are able to accept software updates, which are key to helping your investment stay running as smoothly as it possibly can. If you’re buying a new AV receiver today, make sure it has Wi-Fi.
• 4K passthrough is the minimum: If you want to catch modern content in the highest definition that’s readily available, you’re going to want an AV receiver that can pass a 4K signal from a streaming device to your display. And, if you want to futureproof yourself for the inevitable adoption of 8K content, you can take things a step further and find a receiver that supports 8K video passthrough.

There’s plenty of other considerations to be had when reviewing your AV options. However, with these guidelines and a rockstar lineup of receivers handpicked for your enjoyment, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find the AV receiver that’s right for you.

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