| What to Buy: Top Picks AV Receivers |
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Integra DTR-8.8
$2,400
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Why We Like It:
This powerful, THX Ultra2 certified receiver has what it takes to drive any home system. The Silicon Optix video processing and Dolby TrueHD decoding allow Blu-rays to be enjoyed as they should be. While the price is higher than the average, you’ll be rewarded in stellar performance. |
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Specs/Features:
140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Four HDMI 1.3a inputs
Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX video processing
Audyssey MultEQ XT auto-setup room correction
One 7.1-channel analog audio input
THX Ultra2 certified
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Marantz SR8002
$2,000
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Why We Like It:
The Marantz is a deluxe option for anyone looking for a receiver. With HD Radio, Dolby TrueHD support and THX Select2 certification, this receiver gives all the perks while still supplying a natural sound. |
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Specs/Features:
125 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Four HDMI 1.3a inputs
THX Select2 certification
One 7.1-channel analog audio input
Supports xvYCC and Deep Color
Transcoding of 1080i analog signal to HDMI
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Onkyo TX-SR605
$500
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Why We Like It:
Onkyo was not only among the first manufacturers to provide an AVR with onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, it did so at the $600 price point, now available for $500. This is a hot package of features and performance for the money. There simply isn't anything to complain about here. |
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Specs/Features:
90 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Dual HDMI 1.3a inputs with 1080p pass-through
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding
Audyssey 2EQ auto calibration and room EQ
Sirius and XM Ready
iPod compatible (with optional dock)
Multi-source/multi-zone capability
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Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH
$999
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Why We Like It:
The future is now with this Pioneer AVR. The VSX-91TXH is designed for the new generation of high-definition audio, and it offers features and compatibility you'd think would be more costly. It's rich and substantial in feel and performance, and clearly doesn't sacrifice any pure performance to hit its $999 price point. An Elite AVR for sure. |
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Specs/Features:
110 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
THX Select2-Certified
Two HDMI 1.3 inputs
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding
Transcoding of analog video to HDMI
MCACC auto calibration and room EQ
Sirius, XM and iPod compatible
Multi-source/multi-zone
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Sony DTR-DA3300ES
$1,000
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Why We Like It:
While not being in the bargain category strictly by price, this Sony AVR brings a heckuva lot to the table for the money. Excellent connectivity and features, including what you'll need to get the most out of Blu-ray and HD DVD. But the show stealer is the Cross Media Bar GUI, which makes all this goodness simple to use. |
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Specs/Features:
100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Three HDMI 1.3a inputs
Transcoding of analog video to HDMI/upconversion to 1080p
Auto calibration and room EQ
Sirius, XM and iPod Ready
Cross Media Bar interface
One 7.1-channel analog audio input
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Sony DTR-DA4300ES
$1,300
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Why We Like It:
The Sony is an excellent way to get into high-quality receivers. It offers a good deal of power and options for the price. The user interface is much easier to use than some of the other receivers out there making it quicker to set up and enjoy. |
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Specs/Features:
100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Three HDMI 1.3a inputs
One 7.1-channel analog audio input
Supports XM Radio and Sirius tuners
Faroudja DCDi video processing
Cross Media Bar interface
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
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Yamaha RX-V1800
$1,300
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Why We Like It:
This powerful new Yamaha decodes the next-gen audio codecs- Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio- has plenty of ins and outs, and HDMI 1.3 switching. It also boasts very flexible multi-zone configuration, and has excellent deinterlacing and video quality. On top of that the warm, laid back sound is sweet on the ears. Another winner from Yamaha |
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Specs/Features:
130 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Four HDMI 1.3a inputs
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding
Transcoding of analog video to HDMI/upconversion
YPAO auto calibration and room EQ
XM and iPod Ready
One 7.1-channel analog audio input
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