Nothing beats a movie show for its beautiful image and immersive sound, however it is not at all times handy to catch the newest blockbusters on the large display screen. Luckily, with an AV receiver, you possibly can deliver a little bit of the movie show expertise proper to your lounge. One of the best fashions supply 8K video, Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi music streaming, however with detailed specs and {hardware}, purchasing for one generally is a bit intimidating. Luckily, CNET is right here to assist, and we have rounded up the most effective AV receivers you should purchase proper now.
In case you divide your time between watching TV and listening to music, there are a number of fashions which might do each properly, together with two wonderful Onkyo receivers within the TX-NR6100 and TX-RZ50. The just lately reviewed Sony STR-AN1000 can also be a powerful competitor below $1,000, although it prices barely greater than the remaining.
So how have you learnt which is the most effective AV receiver for you? I’ve examined the preferred fashions between $500 and $2,000 that will help you discover the most effective AV receivers 2023 has to supply. One factor it is best to think about, although, is that a few of these merchandise might be back-ordered, so verify again periodically.
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The TX-NR6100 is the follow-up to my favourite receiver of the previous few years, the Onkyo TX-NR696. Like its predecessor, the NR6100 presents nice sound and a wealth of connectivity (together with 4K/120Hz assist for gaming consoles). Streaming choices together with Chromecast in-built, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Join, Sonos, AirPlay and Bluetooth. With a bit extra energy than the Sony STR-AN1000 and a keener value than any competitor, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is the most effective receiver worth below $1,000.
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Sony went away for a few years, however got here again higher than ever with the STR-AN1000. This mannequin presents the entire newest options together with HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz) assist. It consists of “works with Sonos” certification, however the motive to purchase it’s that it is a stable performer. It additionally has probably the most refined setup routines but, so dialing in nice sound is even simpler.
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Onkyo’s TX-RZ50 is an ideal step-up mannequin for these seeking to improve their programs for a set of better-quality audio system or so as to add a turntable. Like its budget-oriented label mate, the TX-NR6100, it is stacked with options together with the audiophile-level calibration known as Dirac Stay, in addition to the most effective streaming suite supplied in an AV receiver. On that time, with the ability to request songs immediately from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is an actual boon.
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I am an enormous fan of the Yamaha RX-V6A, so I used to be curious to see what the step-up RX-A4A brings to the desk. Because it seems, this Yamaha presents even higher construct high quality and an enormous cinematic sound.
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Which receiver ought to I purchase?
In case you’re spending below $1,000, there are 4 predominant receivers to select from — the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-960H. All supply wonderful efficiency, so the brief reply about which to purchase is whichever is obtainable for the bottom value. For the time being, that’s both the Denon or the Onkyo, that are each on sale for below $600 as I sort this. I particularly suggest the Onkyo TX-NR6100 for its mixture of wonderful efficiency and connectivity. The Onkyo presents simple setup, wonderful usability, stable seems to be and helpful options, together with the most effective streaming suite alongside Sony. As an added plus, the Onkyo was by no means susceptible to the 4K challenge that plagued early variations of the Yamaha RX-V6A.
In the meantime, the step-up Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a superb receiver when you’re in search of the following stage of options and a efficiency bump over sub-$1,000 fashions. It presents a superb, if barely scary, calibration routine from Dirac Stay and the most effective variety of streaming options available on the market. It sounds nice with music and flicks alike.
Lastly, if it is house theater thrills you are after, the Yamaha RX-A4A presents crisp, dynamic sound and implausible construct high quality for $1,300 (road value $1,144).
How CNET exams
At CNET I take a look at audio gear from compact soundbars although to encompass sound programs, however whatever the machine my methodology is basically the identical. I at all times examine merchandise in opposition to a number of reference gadgets that supply the most effective efficiency at the same value.
In the case of receivers I wish to see how properly a system performs with music and flicks, as most individuals will wish to do each. I watch some take a look at scenes from 4K Blu-ray or streamed from a 4K streaming service (Vudu, for instance) and consider points equivalent to Dolby Atmos encompass efficiency and dialog readability. I additionally use a number of take a look at music tracks and consider streaming options equivalent to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Techniques that may carry out properly with each varieties of leisure inevitably rating the best.
Try CNET’s receiver shopping for information for extra in regards to the options and issues it is best to think about when in search of a brand new system.
Different AV receivers I’ve examined
Denon AVR-S960H ($549, save $250): The Denon might not be as glittering and glossy because the Yamaha RX-V6A, however it nonetheless presents wonderful sound high quality. The receiver is laid-back, blends properly with forward-sounding audio system and replays music fantastically. It is not fairly pretty much as good because the Yamaha RX-V6A or the Onkyo TX-NR6100 because it has neither the previous’s house theater chops nor the latter’s streaming choices. It is at present on sale, which makes it a superb worth. Learn CNET’s Denon AVR-S960H overview.Yamaha RX-V6A ($650, save $200): This Yamaha RX-V6A presents a recent take a look at AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and easy controls, whereas maximizing sound high quality. The Yamaha may even make you neglect about visiting a cinema ever once more, and it is no slouch with music, both. It presents loads of connectivity with Wi-Fi bringing AirPlay 2, Spotify Join, Bluetooth and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming out of your gadgets. Whereas the receiver noticed a $200 value hike in September 2022, the V6A is again to round $650 on sale. Notably, the TSR-700 is equivalent — it is an unique mannequin for some retailers — and you’ll find it for $550 right here at Amazon. Discover out extra in CNET’s Yamaha RX-V6A overview.
Marantz SR6015 ($1,599, save $600): The Marantz SR6015 does every little thing you’d count on — Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz throughput — and with a great deal of aplomb. It sounds nice, however it’s not as versatile as the most effective receivers right here — as an illustration, you possibly can’t watch a video supply whereas listening to music, just like the Onkyos can, and neither are you able to ask a Google Nest to play a music on it. The Marantz SR6015 has been changed by the Cinema 500 however as it’s promoting out for its authentic value it is a whole lot.
The Denon AVR-S960H
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AV receiver FAQs
What’s the distinction between a stereo receiver and an AV receiver?
A stereo receiver is an audio-only, two-channel amplifier that features supply switching and an AM/FM tuner — if it lacks a tuner it is known as an built-in amp. An AV receiver is usually a encompass sound amplifier that permits HDMI switching and playback of audio and video. Most additionally embody tuners onboard as properly. Nevertheless, if you’d like, you should use an AV receiver merely as a stereo amp, or you possibly can add as many audio system as you’ve got — they’re fairly versatile.
Ought to I purchase an 8K receiver?
Requirements change on a regular basis, however the naked minimal proper now could be assist for HDR and Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and not less than HDMI model 2.0 or higher. All of those fashions assist not solely 4K and HDR video however 8K assist as properly, even when 8K content material is tough to search out.
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How do I join my TV to my AV receiver?
If in case you have a comparatively new TV it is best to have the ability to use a single cable — an HDMI cable, to be actual — to attach your receiver to your tv. If in case you have an HDMI port labeled ARC/eARC on the TV you possibly can join that to the principle HDMI ARC output of the receiver. Doing so allows you to hear onboard Netflix out of your TV once you set the receiver on the “TV” enter, whereas additionally enabling video to be transmitted out of your different AV sources.
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Is 4K/120Hz assist an enormous deal?
The brief reply is: Provided that you personal an Xbox Sequence X, and a brand-new TV. As I write this, there’s a rising variety of Xbox Sequence X video games that assist this non-obligatory mode — Halo Infinite and Fortnite, to call a pair — however some great benefits of 4K/120Hz over 60Hz are minimal so far as I’ve seen at this level. Future video games and even video sources might make the variations clearer, and that is why you might have considered trying a receiver that is absolutely appropriate.
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The rear panel of the TX-NR6100 presents 6 HDMI inputs and a pair of outputs
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Different options to search for in an AV receiver
AV receivers are notoriously complicated, with reams of options and complicated technical specs. (For instance, what’s 4K/120Hz anyway?) But, what are the issues that actually matter when shopping for a brand new mannequin? I’ll sum up a very powerful ones proper right here.
HDMI inputs: With most TVs and set-top containers supporting HDMI, you should purchase a receiver that has as many of those HDMI enter ports and outputs as doable. Entrance-mounted HDMI ports are type of like an appendix — unneeded, as a result of most customers do not hot-plug HDMI gadgets — making the variety of rear inputs what’s most vital. (How else are you going to attach your Roku, Blu-ray participant, Nintendo Change and all of your different gadgets?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, whereas the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A go one higher with seven. If you wish to join two completely different shows — a TV and a projector, for instance — all however the Yamaha supply a second HDMI output. You also needs to be certain you’ve got an additional HDMI cable or two readily available — this stuff are just like the second sock of a pair in which you could by no means discover them once you want them.Dolby Atmos functionality: Most receivers within the $500-and-above value vary embody Dolby Atmos functionality and DTS:X, however the impact they’ve on your property theater movie-watching might be refined, or in most motion pictures, nonexistent. In different phrases, don’t be concerned about lacking out on these codecs when you do not set up an additional peak speaker or two. Mounting your rear encompass audio system excessive on the wall will get you midway there when it comes to high quality, immersive sound.Wi-Fi music streaming: Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi community connectivity for wi-fi music streaming by means of your speaker system. There are many requirements for wi-fi streaming providers, however essentially the most common are Spotify Join, Apple AirPlay 1 and a pair of and Google Chromecast in-built. In case you’re seeking to construct a multiroom system with quite a lot of AV programs and audio system with wi-fi connectivity, these are the three flavors to goal for. Onkyo and Sony are the one gadgets to assist all three. The Denon receiver mannequin lacks wi-fi streaming through Chromecast, however ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. In the meantime, Yamaha has its personal MusicCast system.
For extra common info on what you have to be in search of, take a look at this AV receiver shopping for information.