What is an Audio Video receiver and what is it for? What is the best AV receiver for music under $ 500? How to find great deals at Amazon to save money when buying?
An AV receiver is a very important device. It is responsible for receiving, processing and amplifying audio and video signals from different sources that we may have at home. They usually have the look of a box inside which are some essential components for your sound system. They have a preamplifier and an amplifier to handle audio signals and several connections, both analog and digital, to connect any audio or video source.
The AV receiver is the central unit of any home cinema system. It performs the necessary decoding of digital audio signals (in formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS: X, etc.) and adapts them so that home cinema speakers can reproduce the surround sound of movies or multi-channel recordings properly. It processes, equalizes, and amplifies the signals and also divides the audio into different channels so that each sound is emitted from the correct speaker. We have prepared a list of the best AV receivers on the market, suitable for any user. But first, we present a guide with some basic tips so you can choose the best option for you.
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Do I need an AV Receiver for my Home Cinema system?
If you want to watch movies or listen to music at home with quality surround sound, we recommend buying an AV receiver. Many people do not care, but an AV receiver is one of the most important pieces. It is a device that can not miss if you want to get the most out of your sound towers or any audio system. Especially, if you’ve spent a fortune in a home cinema. Did you know that you could have the best speakers on the market and still get poor sound if you do not have a decent AV receiver? We tell you below and we solve the main questions.
How many channels are there in AV receivers?
The number of channels that an AV receiver can handle can provide you with a greater or lesser surround sound experience. It depends on the number of Home Cinema speakers with which we are going to connect them. In this sense, the Home Cinema 5.1 and 7.1 speaker systems are the most common. A 5.1 system includes three front speakers (a central one that is usually placed under the TV and two laterals that go to the sides), two surround speakers that are placed on each side of the viewer and a subwoofer. The 7.1 speakers add two extras behind the viewer.
Most quality AV receivers offer capacity for a 7.1 or 7.2 system and all have 5.1 capability. Some of the most expensive AV receivers can handle even systems 9.1, 9.2 or even 11.1. But it is already an excess. For most users, the 7.1 capacity is more than enough and is what we recommend. You may have 5.1 speakers (5 speakers + 1 subwoofer), but if you buy an AV receiver with 7.1 channel capacity, you will not have problems if you decide to expand the system in the future simply by adding 2 more speakers. You know, it’s better than not missing.
DTS: X vs Dolby Atmos vs Auro3D
A good tip when choosing an AV receiver is to check if it is compatible with the most used surround sound codecs. The surround sound experience is achieved through certain software that sends the audio signals to the right speakers to reproduce the multi-channel audio as it should. There are many Home Cinema codecs, but the three most common are DTS: X, Dolby Atmos
What is DTS: X?
The DTS: X is the simplest codec for use with a Home Cinema 5.1 or 7.1. If you are a beginner in the world of Home Cinema, or if you plan to acquire a basic Home Cinema, this is the main codec you should look for. The DTS: X codec does not require any special physical specifications of the speakers. It works with any conventional Home Cinema system, which works even with 11.2 systems (11 speakers + 2 subwoofers). The installation of a Home Cinema system with DTS: X capability is very simple: the system optimizes all dialogs and channels automatically.
What is Dolby Atmos?
The Dolby Atmos differs from the DTS in that it needs one, two or more ceiling speakers. These speakers are positioned higher than the other surround speakers to make the sound move up and down in the room as well. If you have 5.1 common speakers, and you want to experience this codec, you will need to buy an AV receiver with Dolby Atmos capability, and also get a pair of ceiling speakers to expand your home cinema system. For this reason, Dolby Atmos systems are listed 5.1. 2 (two additional modules or speakers Atmos) or 7.1. 4 (four additional modules). There are also Dolby speakers that come with drivers that point upwards and that they do not need to be mounted on the roof. The idea is that the sound of these speakers bounce off the ceiling and we have that surround effect from above as well.
What is Auro-3D?
Finally, we want to mention the Auro-3D codec. This system is incredible but quite difficult to install. It requires two additional side speakers, plus a center speaker (known as the Voice of God), which must be mounted on the walls. The Auro-3D is ideal for systems 9.1, 11.1 or 13.1. If you have 5.1 speakers and want to upgrade to a 9.1 Auro-3D system, you will need four additional wall speakers. Two are placed on top of the front speakers and two on top of the surround speakers. Although this is already getting into very advanced systems.
The DTS_X, Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D codecs are excellent and are the future of home cinema systems. However, the more traditional codecs of surround sound, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, also provide excellent surround sound quality.
What is HDMI?
There are many connections behind an AV amplifier, but the most important ones are HDMI. This is the most used port today: it is easy to use and of great quality. HDMI cables transmit audio and video between the AV receiver and different equipment, such as game consoles. Normally you need a single output to connect a Home Cinema system, but we recommend you to choose the options that have several inputs to connect several devices at once (Blue Ray Player, computer, TV, etc …)
The best AV receivers can bring seven or more HDMI inputs and outputs, but for most of us, four are more than enough. Of course, it depends on the number of sources you want to connect to the receiver. The more inputs, the more expensive the receivers are, but it is advisable to acquire one that has at least one or two additional HDMI inputs to the equipment you are going to connect, so you do not have problems in the future.
Do I need to support 4K?
Although the resolution Full HD (1080p) has an excellent quality, today many televisions are able to reproduce images in 4K. This resolution provides amazing image quality and color sharpness. However, the audiovisual content available with this resolution is more limited. In order to take advantage of 4K capacity, many TV and AV receiver manufacturers offer a technology known as “scaling”. Scaling is an interpolation technique that uses adjacent pixels to extend a lower resolution (1080p, for example) to a 4K. The quality of a “scaled” image will never be the same as that of a native 4K, but this technology achieves good results.
The 4K capacity is not a relevant aspect nowadays. Anyway, in the near future, the 4K will be the standard format to watch movies, so it is worth buying a team that supports this resolution.
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Wireless connectivity in a Home Cinema can be very useful. An AV receiver with Bluetooth technology allows you to play audio through your surround speakers using your mobile devices, tablets or computers as a source. The playback by Bluetooth does not sound as good as that of the wired system, although within the Bluetooth there are some codecs such as the aptX that allows a pretty good quality.
With Wi-Fi technology, on the other hand, you can connect an AV receiver to your home internet without the need for an Ethernet cable. This allows you to play music, series or movies with your Home Cinema system from services such as Spotify, Netflix or YouTube. The transmission via Wi-Fi, in general, sounds better than Bluetooth.
The 4K capacity is not a relevant aspect nowadays. Anyway, in the near future, the 4K will be the standard format to watch movies, so it is worth buying a team that supports this resolution.
How to connect the AV receivers?
The AV receiver is the central unit of a home theater system, since everything is connected to it. They have ports of many types, but the installation is not so complicated. We want to briefly show you the steps for a common installation:
- Connect your Blu-ray or DVD player to one of the HDMI inputs using an HDMI cable. If you plan to connect other devices you can do it in this step.
- Connect all the speakers to their respective outputs. On the back of the receiver, each output will be indicated correspondingly.
- Then you must connect the subwoofer to the receiver, usually using an RCA cable.
- Connect your TV to an HDMI output on the AV receiver with an HDMI cable.
- Connect the receiver and the subwoofer to electrical power input (do not perform the steps above with the receiver connected to the power source).
- Turn on the TV and the receiver and enjoy.
How is an AV receiver placed?
The placement of an AV receiver is important. However, people do not usually pay attention to it. Try to locate it somewhere with space. The receivers can get very hot after several hours of use and it is better to have some space, both above and below and to the sides, to allow air circulation.
Comparison of the best AV receivers for the money in the market
Enjoy sound and video without occupying half of your living room with players, adapters and all kinds of devices. Live the cinema at home with a three-dimensional sound without spending all your savings. Forget about the headaches due to the lack of connections, configuration options
Marantz SR7012 AV receiver
The best Audio Video receiver for music under $ 1000 in the market
Marantz has a great reputation for producing high-quality AV receivers and the SR7012 is a good example. This equipment is designed to satisfy the most demanding
In terms of connectivity options, the Marantz SR7012 AV receiver comes with everything you need. It brings eight inputs and three HDMI outputs. Supports 4K videos of the highest quality: color sampling 4: 4: 4, 3D, HDCP 2.2, among other specifications. Apart from the HDMI ports, the Marantz AV receiver has several analog audio inputs, as well as four digital ones (two coaxial and two optical). It comes with all the necessary ports to connect any equipment to the receiver.
The Marantz SR7012 AV receiver has nine integrated amplifiers that provide excellent power per channel of 200 watts. It supports the DTS: X, Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D surround codecs. Since it has nine channels, this equipment is ideal to work with more complex Home Cinema sound systems, such as 7.1.2 or 5.1.4, without having to obtain an external amplifier.
It also integrates the MultEQ XT32 calibration technology. This automatically calibrates the speaker system so that it can offer the highest possible sound quality.
This Marantz AV receiver is perfect for use with the best sound towers or
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Sony STR-DN1080
The best under $ 500
The AV receiver Sony STR-DN1080 has the latest technology to reproduce sound and video of the highest quality, and also has a simple and very efficient design.
Inside this Sony AV receiver are state-of-the-art components that allow this receiver to play music in any audio format, including high-resolution ones, such as DSDs (up to 5.6
The Sony STR-DN1080 comes with a remote control with limited controls, four inputs and two HDMI outputs, a USB port on the front, plus other digital and analog connections. It has LDAC technology that allows the transfer of wireless data with a flow rate of up to 990 Kbps (3 times more than conventional Bluetooth), as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
The sound is deep, dynamic and full of excellent details. It has a capacity for 7.2 channel Home Cinema systems and can play Dolby Atmos or DTS: X surround sound with excellent power and clarity. This AV receiver also works with any of the most popular audio formats with a resolution of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
It has the DCAC EX automatic calibration technology, which digitally optimizes the frequencies, phases
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Denon AVRX2400H 7.2 Channel
The Denon AVR-X2400H is a rugged and easy-to-use AV receiver that features the latest technologies to play the highest quality audio and video. It is capable of playing 4K Ultra HD, HDCP 2.2 and HDR videos in formats such as Dolby Vision and HLG. It integrates a processor that allows you to convert videos of low resolution to 4K with an excellent result.
The AVR-X2400H is trained to work with Denon HEOS multiroom systems to listen to music anywhere in the house. Each of the HEOS wireless speakers connected to the receiver can be controlled independently with the free HEOS App. In it, you can control the playback, find different audio sources and select in which rooms you want the music to sound.
The AVR-X2400H has output for seven channels and provides 150 watts of power for each. He is trained to work with most surround sound codecs, including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. As for music, the AVR-X2400H receiver can play high resolution files up to 24-bit / 192kHZ. It supports most of the popular formats up to the DSD.
The sound and power quality of this Denon amplifier is remarkable: it is perfect for use in medium rooms. We tested it with 5.1 speakers and we perceived very subtle sound details, all the channels feel very different when it comes to playing a movie. When listening to multi-channel recordings we perceive a certain natural warmth very pleasant.
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Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel
Best budget with great sound quality
Onkyo has been producing excellent sound equipment for over seventy years and the Onkyo TX-NR656 is a good example. This AV receiver has everything you need to play audio of the highest quality. In general, this receiver has a good design, pragmatic and easy to use. It integrates some simple controls and a screen on the front panel. Brings an excellent remote control with which you can handle all the main functions of the amplifier.
This Onkyo AV receiver has two outputs and eight HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 capability. You can connect different equipment to transmit videos with 4k / 60Hz resolution and HDR formats such as Dolby Vision or HDR10. It has many wireless connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay, Chromecast. It is perfect for playing music from any mobile device. This AV receiver also integrates FireConnect and DTS PlayFi technologies for multi-room music transmissions.
The Onkyo TX-NR656 is excellent in terms of sound performance. It presents a total harmonic distortion of 0.8% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 106 dB. These data are better than those of any other AV receiver in this price range.
It has 7.2 channels and can to work with most surround sound formats, including the newest codecs: Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. The Onkyo TX-NR656 provides a tremendous power of 170 W per channel and has a built-in DA C of good quality. It can play high resolution files up to 384 kHz / 32bit and supports any audio format: MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, OggVorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD and LPCM, among others.
If you are looking for a powerful AV receiver at a good price and that provides excellent sound quality, you may not find a better option.
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Denon AVRX1400H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
The top quality under $ 300
The AVR-X1400H is an excellent 7.2 channel AV receiver. It supports the HEOS multiroom systems of Denon and has the latest technology to reproduce, wirelessly or wired, audio and video of the highest quality. It has a simple, elegant and solid design. In the central panel presents two controls (to select the volume and audio source) along with a wide central screen, perfect to indicate the audio formats and the type of sound that is played. Below the screen, you have several simple buttons to control certain basic functions of the receiver.
As for the connection options, this Denon AV receiver integrates an HDMI 2.0 input and a USB port on the front panel. On the back, it has five additional HDMI 2.0 inputs and an HDMI ARC output. All HDMI ports support videos with 4K / 60p resolution, HDCP 2.2, as well as HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG formats. It also has two analog RCA inputs, two digital optics
The AVR-X1400H has the Audyssey MultEQ automatic calibration technology. which analyzes the acoustics of the room where the speakers are located and use digital filters to ensure an optimal balance between the speakers. It has integrated WI-FI connectivity, AirPlay, Bluetooth and works seamlessly with HEOS multiroom wireless speaker systems.
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Yamaha RX-V483
Best affordable Yamaha in the market
Yamaha, like Denon, has an excellent reputation for AV receivers.
The rear panel has four inputs and one HDMI output, three analog and three digital audio inputs (one optical and two coaxial). It also has an AM / FM antenna and an Ethernet port. In terms of video, the Yamaha RX-V483 AV receiver supports 4K Ultra-HD, HDR, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma and BT.2020 formats. It has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DNLA and Airplay technologies.
This Yamaha AV receiver has 5.1 channels. It does not support Dolby Atmos or DTS: X systems, but it provides high-quality surround sound when working with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD codecs.
The best feature of this AV receiver is its power. In addition, it has the best amplifiers that we have found in the equipment of its price range. With speakers with 4Ω impedance the receiver provides 130 watts per channel, and with 6Ω speakers, 115 watts per channel.
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Pioneer VSX-532 Surround Sound
The best cheap in the market
The Pioneer VSX-330 is the economical version of the VSX-832 also discussed in this article. It is a cheap AV receiver that provides the technology needed to reproduce high-quality sound and video. It comes with HDCP 2.2 video support and can work with a maximum resolution of 4K / 60p with 4: 4: 4 color sampling. This is perfect to enjoy 3D Blu-ray movies and 3D games.
It comes with four HDMI inputs to connect Blu-ray players, game consoles or any equipment with HDMI connectivity. In addition, it has six analog audio inputs, one digital coaxial and one optical. It comes with a USB port on the front that facilitates the connection of a smartphone or MP3 player to enjoy any sound file stored in an external source. It can also work as a loading port. Bring a remote control that allows you to access the main functions of the AV 5.1 receiver.
The Pioneer VSX-330 AV receiver has five channels and provides a good power of 105W per channel. It does not have the capacity for Dolby Atmos or DTS: X systems, but it handles the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. We tried it in a small room and the quality of the surround sound seemed great. It integrates the Low Pass Filter phase control, which eliminates the phase delay caused by low-frequency signals and improves the sound quality in movies or multi-channel recordings.
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Conclusion
All the models reviewed in this list are excellent and suitable for any need. If you are looking to invest in an AV receiver that can work with the best speakers on the market, as well as with more complex home theater systems, we recommend the Marantz SR7012. If you’re looking to install an HEOS wireless multiroom system, any of the Denon will be a great choice. The Sony STR-DN1080 and Onkyo TX-656 are great for working with Home Cinema 7.2 systems, providing high-quality sound. But if you only need an AV amplifier to listen to music or watch movies at home with 5.1 speakers, the Pioneer and Yamaha models They work well and have a good value for money.
We leave you a list with the basic specifications of all the models reviewed. If you want to get more information about the best Home Cinema, we recommend you check our entertainment page. Here you will find deep reviews of the best systems for wireless home theater, sound towers, sound bars, bases sound, projectors, and any stereo quality. I hope we helped you put some order. Until next time!