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 Buyer's Guide: AV Receivers
| What to Buy: A/V Receiver Entry Level Picks |
Onkyo TX-SR606
$579
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Why We Like It:
If the TX-SR606 is any indication of the AVRs to come, the future is brighter - and less expensive/ This AVR performs solidly with a feature set that is impossible to beat at $579. This is far and away one of the best AVRs under $600. |
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Specs/Features:
90 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
Audyssey 2EQ auto setup/room EQ
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Sirius and iPod ready
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Pioneer VSX-918V
$349
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Why We Like It:
The VSX-918V is the rare budget receiver that can provide pleasure with any kind of music, as well as movies. Has Pionner omitted a few features and connectivity options to keep the price point down? Sure. But none of the omissions is fatal. Instead, we have quite a fine-sounding budget receiver. |
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Specs/Features:
95 watts x 5 into 8 ohms
HDMI inputs (2)
Processes multichannel PCM
MCACC auto setup/room EQ
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Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH
$1,200
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Why We Like It:
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. This is an Elite AVR for sure. |
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Specs/Features:
110 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
THX Select2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Transcodes analog video to HDMI
MCACC auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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Sony STR-DA3300ES
$800
(Replaced with STR-DA3400ES, $800)
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Why We Like It:
This Sony AVR brings a lot to the table for the money. Excellent connectivity and features, including what you'll need to get the most out of Blu-ray. The Xross Media Bar GUI makes all this goodness simple to use. |
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Specs/Features:
100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (3)
Processes multichannel PCM
Faroudja DCDi video processing
1080p upconversion
Sony Digital Cinema auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
Xross Media Bar interface
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| What to Buy: A/V Receiver Midrange Picks |
Integra DTR-8.8
$2,400
(Replaced with DTR-8.9)
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Why We Like It:
This powerful, THX Ultra2-certified AVR has what it takes to drive any home system. The Silicon Optix video processing and Dolby TrueHD decoding allow you to enjoy movies as they should be. While the price is higher than average, you'll be rewarded with stellar performance. |
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Specs/Features:
140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
THX Ultra2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX video processing
1080p upconversion
Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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Pioneer Elite SC-07
$2,200
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Why We Like It:
The SC-07 is a powerful, ultra-versatile THX Ultra2 Plus-certified receiver. Although its ergonomics aren't stellar, it offers a smorgasbord of useful features and unusual functionality, much of which you may never use. But given the receiver's relatively moderate price, impressive sonic performance , and high build quality, those extras are included free of charge. The SC-07 deserves to be on any A/V receiver buyer's short list. |
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Specs/Features:
140 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
THX Ultra2 Plus certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
1080p upconversion
MCACC auto setup/room EQ
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Rotel RSX-1550
$1,999
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Why We Like It:
Medium-sized manufacturers like Rotel are often referred to - admiringly, as far as we're concerned - as the low end of the high end. The RSX-1550 has the refinement (if not the rated power) that we normally associate with good separates. If you want five channels of great sound, HDMI 1.3a connectivity, and a genuinely attractive look, this receiver delivers on all three counts. |
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Specs/Features:
75 watts x 5 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
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Onkyo TX-SR806
$1,099
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Why We Like It:
The TX-SR806 is Onkyo's first THX Ultra2 Plus-certified AVR. When compared with last year's Onkyo crop, we see incremental but significant improvements including licensing from the aforementioned THX and Audyssey. This receiver has a field day with the beautifully recorded music. |
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Specs/Features:
130 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
7 amplifier channels
HDMI 1.3a inputs (5)
THX Ultra2 Plus certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Audyssey MultEQ auto setup/room EQ
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Marantz SR8002
$2,000
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Why We Like It:
The Marantz is a deluxe option for anyone who's looking for a receiver. With HD Radio, Dolby TrueHD support, and HX Select2 certification, this receiver offers all the perks while still supplying detailed but natural sound. |
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Specs/Features:
125 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
THX Select2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Transcodes analog video to HDMI
Audyssey MultEQ auto setup/room EQ
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Integra DTR-9.9
$2,600
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Why We Like It:
Like most of the receivers we test, the capabilities of the Integra DTR-9.9 can be intimidating. But it's worth getting to know them better. And even without all of its gee-whiz features, the Integra sounds exceptional on great soundtracks and equally stunning on music, either multi- or two-channel. That may be all you really need to know. Highly recommended. |
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Specs/Features:
145 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3 inputs (4)
THX Ultra2 Plus certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup/room EQ
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Sony STR-DA4300ES
$1,300
(Replaced with STR-DA4400ES, $1,000)
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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 performance and a strong feature set. The user interface is easy to use, making it quicker to set up and enjoy. |
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Specs/Features:
100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (3)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
1080p upconversion
Sony Digital Cinema auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
Xross Media Bar interface
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Denon AVR-3808CI
$1,599
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Why We Like It:
High-resolution audio support is becoming a must-have feature in an AVR, but you still want the features and performance you've grown to expect. This AVR strikes a nice balance, delivering terrific quality at a mid-level price point. |
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Specs/Features:
130 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
1080p upconversion
Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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| What to Buy: A/V Receiver High End Picks |
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Denon AVR-5308CI
$5,200
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Why We Like It:
With all that the powerful AVR-5308CI can do and how capably it handles everything, its $5,200 asking price makes it a genuine bargain. This high-performance, sophisticated-sounding receiver redefines the category and is easy to recommend. |
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Specs/Features:
150 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (6)
THX Ultra2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processing
1080p upconversion
Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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Yamaha RX-Z11
$5,500
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Why We Like It:
It has some of the most advanced audio tweaking available and simplified hook-up. Kris Deering had some reservations about the video processing, but the Yamaha's supurb audio performance makes it one of the best AVR's on the market. |
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Specs/Features:
140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (5)
THX Ultra2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
1080p upconversion
YPAO auto setup/room EQ
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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Pioneer Elite SC-09TX
$7,000
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Why We Like It:
Whether you're listening to two-channel stereo or full multichannel sound, the Pioneer's ability to present a natural soundstage with depth and breadth, tangible and relievable instrumental timbre, full-bodied bass, and convincing all-around musicality, is first class. It's a complex product, with more features than most users will ever need or use. Once you get past its relatively steep learning curve, you'll have no trouble sitting back and enjoying its outstanding performance. |
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Specs/Features:
140 watts x 10 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (6)
THX Ultra2 Plus certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
1080p upconversion
MCACC setup and equalization system
iPod, XM, and Sirius ready
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| What To Buy: Tips For Choosing |
| In addition to getting the right amount of power for your room, there is a jungle of surround sound options available with receivers these days. What do you need, and what will get in the way? HT's Editors find the perfect AV Receiver for you.
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| How to Buy: Shopping Tips & Strategies |
| Even if you know which features are the best fit for you, the salesroom floor can be unforgiving terrain. We'll help you become a smart shopper.
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| How to Use: Connections & Calibration |
| Now that you've unboxed your new AV Reciever, how do you hook it up and get all the performance you've paid for? Want to know how to dial in your surround channels for the best sound? Start Here.
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