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 Buyer's Guide: AV Receivers
| What to Buy: A/V Receiver Entry Level Picks |
Pioneer VSX-918V
$349
(Replaced with VSX-919AH, $399)
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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 VSX-1019AH
$500
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Why We Like It:
We're impressed by how much the designers of this receiver reconsidered the product category. Rather than accept its flaws, they earnestly strove to mitigate them with a new interface that comforts the beginner with context-sensitive help and overall elegance. The Pioneer VSX-1019AH is an amazing product for the price. |
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Specs/Features:
90 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
7 amplifier channels
HDMI 1.3a inputs (4)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
MCACC auto setup/room EQ
Faroudja video processing
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Onkyo TX-SR607
$599
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Why We Like It:
As the first receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz, the Onkyo TX-SR607 wins a place in the surround-sound history book. But don't let that distract you from its other attractions, including Faroudja video processing, Audyssey room correction, and lossless surround decoding. Unless your speakers are power pigs, this receiver can deliver a generous portion of what surround sound is all about. If you don't mind climbing a ladder with a couple of small satellites, yours might be the first home theater on the block with height channels. |
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Specs/Features:
90 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
7 amplifier channels
HDMI 1.3a inputs (6)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Audyssey 2EQ auto setup/room EQ
Faroudja DCDi video processing
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| What to Buy: A/V Receiver Midrange Picks |
Onkyo TX-NR807
$1,099
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Why We Like It:
The Onkyo TX-NR807 is worth the four figures Onkyo is charging for it. Considering what's in it, Onkyo's attention to the user interface, and how well it performs, we'd call it a bargain. |
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Specs/Features:
135 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
7 amplifier channels
HDMI 1.3a inputs (6)
THX Select2 certified
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Audyssey MultEQ auto setup/room EQ
Faroudja video processing
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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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Denon AVR-4310CI
$1,999
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Why We Like It:
The Denon AVR-4310CI just might change the way we watch movies and listen to music. The first receiver with Audyssey DSX - support for width and height channels - as well as Audyssey's Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ, it offers greater soundfield uniformity at the sides, between the various front and rear speakers. |
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Specs/Features:
130 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
7 amplifier channels
HDMI 1.3a inputs (6)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Audyssey DSX, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ
Anchor Bay VRS video processing
Audyssey MultEQ XT 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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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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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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| What to Buy: A/V Receiver High End Picks |
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Rotel RSX-1560
$2,599
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Why We Like It:
The Rotel RSX-1560 is not just a science experiment in Class D amplification. It is a fine-tuned product that maintains the manufacturer's effortlessly musical personality while projecting it onto a new amplifier topology. By the time we were done with it, we were convinced that we were listening to a great receiver, one that deserves a spot on our Top Picks list. |
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Specs/Features:
100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms
HDMI 1.3 inputs (4)
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
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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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Arcam AVR600
$4,995
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Why We Like It:
The Arcam AVR600 is one of the best receivers we've heard from any brand. It's built like a tank, it's unfailingly musical, and it just plain feels right. Dolby Volume is a plus, although it's largely for low-level movie and TV listening. The remote and front panel are decidedly austere, but apart from that, this product makes a strong case for its price tag. It proves that high end home theater and audiophile receiver are not contradictory terms. |
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Specs/Features:
120 watts x 7 into 4 ohms
HDMI 1.3a inputs (5)
Dolby Volume
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Pixelworks video processing
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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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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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