Review of the 7 best AV receivers: characteristics, reviews, cost

Neither a demanding movie buff nor an avid audiophile can do without such an important component as an AV receiver when assembling or upgrading a home audio system. In fact, this is the same amplifier, only not stereophonic, but multi-channel, equipped with switching, decoding and processing systems. More complex digital components, on the one hand, make it possible to accurately convey the smallest sound changes and powerful effects when listening to audio, but on the other hand, it significantly complicates the choice of device. So that our readers can narrow it down to 2-3 options and select an AV receiver with the functionality that suits them, we have prepared a rating of the best models from trusted manufacturers with a brief description of key characteristics.

Denon AVC-X8500H

The 13.2 receiver is equipped with HEOS technology, which provides wireless audio playback. Each amplifier can deliver up to 150 watts of power per channel. The peak power of the front channels reaches 280 W. Sound quality is provided by AKM AK4490EQ chips. Equipped with a large number of connectors. In addition to those available on Arcam FMJ AVR390, there are additional 2 triggers, Phono. It weighs even more - 23.3 kg.

Advantages:

1. Top model for true connoisseurs.
2. Amazing sound with any speaker system.
3. Virtually no distortion.
4. Easy to connect any sources (thanks to a special diagnostic program).
5. Available in black and silver colors.

Flaws:

1. Some experts note a slight excess of high frequencies.
2. No manual adjustment (only automatic).

Denon AVC-X8500H for 265 thousand rubles is the first 13-channel receiver released in 2021. Experts agree that this model is the leader of 2021 in terms of functionality and equipment.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Sony STR-DN1080

The 7.2 AV receiver supports all audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo: 6. They provide deep detail and surround. It has high power ratings: 165 W at 6 Ohms and 130 at 8 Ohms. According to these characteristics, the model is suitable for any speakers. The receiver provides almost the same number of outputs with the exception of Phono. Like the Onkyo TX-NR686, it supports 4K.

Advantages:

1. Excellent sound quality.
2. Intuitive settings.
3. Pairing with a smartphone.
4. The picture via HDMI is excellent, the colors are rich and contrasting.

Flaws:

1. There is no HDMI port on the front panel.
2. Some customers notice a squeaking sound during standby mode.
3. Non-Russian menu.

The price of Sony STR-DN1080 is 40 thousand rubles. Users agree that this is an excellent receiver that fully justifies its price. It provides sound even better than in a movie theater. But there are some shortcomings in the software, some of which can be solved by updating the firmware.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

YAMAHA RX-V485

Receiver 5.1 with Cinema DSP 3D processor. The developer has simplified the functionality to the maximum to make an accessible model. But judging by testing data and user reviews, the receiver fully copes with its task. Equipped with the YPAO system for sound calibration taking into account the room configuration. It has a higher power – 165 W. When operating on two channels (80 W each), it provides a minimum level of distortion. It has fewer connectors than the Denon AVR-X1500H - only one subwoofer output, 4 HDMI, but three linear and composite. Weighs less - 7.8 kg.

Advantages:

1. Excellent sound quality.
2. Convenient application for control from a smartphone.
3. Simple settings, clear menu.
4. Compatible with MusicCast 20 and 50 wireless systems.

Flaws:

1. It clicks loudly when turning on/off.
2. Sometimes there may be a slight delay in audio transmission via Bluetooth.
3. You cannot listen to online radio stations from .pls files.

YAMAHA RX-V485 costs 32 thousand rubles. Reliable inexpensive technology. Suitable for users who want to upgrade from standard TV sound at a low price. Buyers are satisfied with the performance of the receiver and recommend it for purchase.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Best 7 Channel AV Receivers

Arcam AVR 390 7.1 – the youngest model in the Hi-Fi line

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

In the new series of AV receivers from Arcam, the AVR390 model occupies third position and is positioned by the developers as a product for audiophiles who can appreciate the true realism of the reproduced soundtracks and Hi-Fi sound when playing stereo recordings.

In the center of the front panel of the massive case there is a volume control knob, above which there is a display. On both sides of the handle are buttons for selecting a source, working with the menu, activating the Direct mode, etc. The receiver is equipped with 7 input and three output HDMI ports; 7 screw terminals are provided for connecting to speaker systems.

Advantages:

• highest quality audio and video;
• support for 4K, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X;
• using the Dirac Live system to correct room acoustics;
• control iOS devices via the MusicLife application, via Ethernet or from the remote control.

Flaws:

• does not support Auro-3D format;
• difficulty setting up the Dirac Live system.

Not the highest position in the line does not diminish the advantages of a model equipped with full functionality and providing objectively high sound quality - quite befitting British audio equipment.

Denon AVR-X1600H 7.1 – future proof

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

A new product from one of the most reputable audio equipment manufacturers, Denon AVR-X1600H, will be available on the Russian market from June 2021. Meeting the needs of the most demanding audiophile, Denon sound combined with the latest technology and built-in HEOS system for streaming music make the AVR-X1600H one of the best AV receivers in its class today.

The developers present the model as a universal system for home theaters and media rooms. Conveniently, there is automatic sound calibration using Audyssey technology, which sets speaker parameters depending on the room configuration.

Advantages:

• support for Dolby, DTS, eARC, and Apple AirPlay technologies;
• voice control of the device via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri;
• can be used as a network player thanks to HEOS technology;
• Compatible with 4K TVs and future models with 8K resolution.

Flaws:

• Few people will use all the features offered.

More serious shortcomings of the model (if any are discovered) will become known after the first users of the receiver appear. For now, all we can say with certainty is that Denon's full range of supported technologies will open up virtually limitless possibilities for enhancing the audio and video performance of your home theater.

Pioneer VSX-933 7.2 – the best new product for home theater

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

According to EISA, an authoritative European association of experts in the field of audio and video, the best AV receiver for home theater in 2018-2019 is the Pioneer VSX-933 7.2. Despite the fact that the model is a budget one, when combined with Dolby Atmos speakers, it creates a world-class cinema experience. 80 W of power when operating two channels is quite enough to fully sound a medium-sized room.

The receiver supports Ultra HD, HDCP 2.2, 4K/60Hz, Dolby Vision, etc. formats. The device is also equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi and Flare Connect.

Advantages:

• working with a second zone makes it possible to send music to another room;
• high technical equipment;
• the broadest wireless communication capabilities;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• does not read Russian text from a flash drive without preliminary decoding;
• “slow” menu;
• It buzzes a little and gets hot when working.

Owners of the Pioneer VSX note its balance, ergonomics, and ability to reproduce sound and video, just like in a movie theater. Leadership in the EISA rating is a well-deserved assessment of the new product from Pioneer. All that remains is to get used to its not very convenient remote control.

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The best AV receivers with 9 or more channels output

Onkyo TX-RZ830 9.2 – maximum capabilities and 9 output channels

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

The 9.2-channel AV receiver Onkyo TX-RZ830 belongs to the category of expensive and prestigious equipment, designed for not only demanding, but also wealthy users. The device provides pass-through transmission of 4K and HDR, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, has a built-in Google Chromecast and 40 presets in the FM/AM range.

THX Certified Select guarantees impeccable, high-quality sound. This is issued only after strict testing of all parameters of the device, provided that the user is at a distance of 3 m from the screen in a room with a volume of 57 m3.

Advantages:

• the effect of being on stage while listening to music and immersing yourself in the plot of the film;
• perfectly accurate reproduction of musical instruments, naturalistic sounds of living nature;
• compatible with most wireless audio platforms;
• possibility of forming a multiroom system.

Flaws:

• no Audyssey system;
• sometimes Wi-Fi drops out;
• Automatic shutdown when operating at full volume.

Onkyo TX-RZ830 9.2 is distinguished by an approach typical of Hi-End class equipment. The developers managed to implement a top-end digital architecture with high output currents, achieving audio and video quality previously unattainable even for this price category.

Marantz SR8012 11.2 – 11-channel Hi-End

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

The new flagship model Marantz SR8012 continues the company's tradition of equipping the top versions of its products with attributes such as a copper-plated chassis and a toroidal transformer in the power supply. The AV receiver from one of the most reputable manufacturers of Hi-End class equipment is endowed with the ability to decode most of the audio and video formats existing today, and is also open to upgrade to future audio and video standards.

The device has eight inputs and three HDMI outputs that meet modern specifications and are capable of receiving video with a resolution of 4K UltraHD (60 Hz), 4:4:4 Pure Color color encoding and HDR support. Integration into wireless multi-room systems is carried out using HEOS technology.

Advantages:

• the ability to convert analog signals into digital ones;
• scaling SD video resolution to HD/4K Ultra HD;
• decodes audio files with ALAC, FLAC and WAV compression without loss of quality;
• easy setup thanks to 4 Smart Select buttons on the front panel and remote control;
• energy-saving intelligent EcoMode mode, taking into account the signal level;
• Rigid housing design provides clear sound without vibration.

Flaws:

• The price is 282 thousand rubles, but such equipment cannot cost less.

The release of the SR8012 11.2 marked the transition of Marantz to new standards in audio and video quality.