Best AV Receivers for Home Entertainment

Any home theater receiver is perfectly adequate in delivering surround sound, irrespective of whether it is an entry-level model or a premium AV receiver.

Entry-level 5.1-channel receivers typically cost less than $400 - at times even significantly less. Do not expect audiophile performance but sound quality and output power are generally not issues even at this lower price. So... If you manage to find a receiver at this price that delivers the features you want, just go for it

Great inexpensive surround sound receiver options include the Sony STR-DH510 100W per channel 5.1-receiver. At around $230, this Sony home theater receiver is one of the cheapest and one of the best AV receivers at the lower price bracket.

It is a great all rounder that apart from delivering good quality sound, it also incorporates some of the latest features on its HDMI inputs like audio return channel and HDMI pass-through.

A similar priced 5.1-channel receiver within the same entry-level category is the 65W per channel Onkyo TX-SR309 3D compatible home theater receiver - an inexpensive receiver that is being rated among the very best in customer reviews.

Yet, there are more options from other top brands - like the Yamaha RX-V367BL 5.1 x 100 Watt per channel AV receiver, and the 110W/channel Pioneer VSX-521-K home theater receiver.

These are all solid AV receivers that have attracted numerous positive feedback from users and professionals. They represent great entry-level receiver options capable of much better sound than HTiBs for the home theater on a budget.

But...

At the entry-level AV receiver category, you would be missing many of the latest features, like networking, audio streaming, Internet access and iPod connectivity. And this apart from the reduced connectivity and often limited video switching capabilities found on budget-class surround sound receivers.

Instead, move on to midrange home theater receivers and there you will find all sort of appealing features. You see, it is the feature list that is main differentiating factor between entry-level and midrange systems. Midrange receivers deliver the best overall value for your money. In addition, cross the $500 price mark and you will be within reach of a 7.1 system. The latter is worth considering even if you will be having a 5.1 speaker setup.

Still, features and pricing are very much dependent on model and brand. Unfortunately choosing the best AV receiver option for your budget from the numerous models is not easy.

It is here that this home theater receivers review comes in. We have selected what in our opinion are the best AV receivers for features, performance and price, within the midrange category. Our analysis factors both our professional opinion, as well as feedback posted by both experts and users.

Best AV Receivers: More than just Surround Sound!

Here in order of preference, we look at what we consider to be the top three midrange AV receivers that deliver the best overall value.

These are the Pioneer VSX-1021-K, which in our opinion is the best AV receiver for overall value and performance, the Onkyo TX-NR708 - which is the receiver that excels in overall feature set at this price bracket, and the Harman Kardon AVR-3600 - the best AV receiver for overall audio/video performance.

Definitely, there are more models worth considering but which we had to leave out. In particular, we would have liked to cover the Yamaha RX-V667 (pictured above) 90W/Channel receiver. Cnet classified the RXV-667 as one of the best AV receivers thanks to its excellent sound, while customer reviews posted on amazon rated the RX-V667 at 4.6 out of 5 stars in 29 submissions - one of the highest. This is no surprise; at under $550, it is among the least expensive 7.1 AV receivers. The only thing we did not like is the expensive $100 dock for iPod/iPhone connectivity. Otherwise, the Yamaha RXV-667 delivers excellent sound and comes with an impressive feature set, complemented by a great graphical user interface and six HDMI inputs with 3D support and standby pass-through; the latter is often missing even on more expensive models.

Practical Home Theater Guide Top Choice: Pioneer VSX-1021-K

The VSX-1021-K is the updated 2011 version of last year extremely successful VSX-1020-K AV receiver.  In fact, the new model is basically the VSX-1020-K but with the added AirPlay feature to stream music from iTunes over a wired or wireless network - using the optional wireless adaptor. Like its 2010 predecessor, the Pioneer VSX-1021-K has 110W per channel rating and comes in one of the most stylish designs characterized by two large knobs, each positioned on either side of the front panel.

The feature list is typical of what one finds on similarly priced midrange home theater receivers - nothing really special here but you will find most of the latest features you would ever want at this price bracket.

Main features include:

1] An efficient graphical user interface which makes system setup and control much easier to handle than just using the remote control; the latter is somewhat cluttered with small buttons that makes it rather unpractical in use.

2] Extensive connectivity complemented by six (with one on the front panel) HDMI inputs ver. 1.4a with 3D compatibility, wired Ethernet for audio streaming from networked PCs and Internet radio playback, and a front USB port that is 'Works with iPhone' certified so you can easily incorporate your iPod or iPhone into your home theater as your control center.

3] Supports full analog video upconversion and digital upscaling up to 1080p irrespective of source.

4] Extended audio format support, including decoding for high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as the latest Dolby's Pro Logic IIz format; the latter replaces the two back surround channels with two front height channels for added front speaker setup flexibility.

5] Instead of the Audyssey sound-processing modes found on the Onkyo TX-NR708 AV receiver, the Pioneer uses its proprietary advanced calibration and control technology such as Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) to provide an almost perfect receiver setting. Many professionals agree this is one of the best calibration systems around. The VSX-1020-K comes with an advanced MCACC version that uses a 9-band equalizer during calibration, auto-crossover settings, and can even send charts of its measurements to your PC via USB.

6] As with most 7.1-channel AV receivers, the Pioneer VSX-1021-K can be configured as a 5.1 home theater receiver with the two extra channels used as part of a zone B audio system.

Overall Performance

What really gets our thumbs up for the Pioneer is not the feature set - in that most midrange AV receivers come with similar features - at times even better. Rather it is its excellent sound performance - one that almost sounds perfect, partly thanks to Pioneer's advanced calibration technology. This is complemented by an equally excellent video handling.

The only compliant we had about the 2010 model was the absence of features like the audio return channel (to avoid an extra audio cable connection between your HDTV and the AV receiver) found on similar systems. However, Pioneer has now included this feature on its 2011 model. It is still not the perfect AV receiver but it delivers a lot for the price.

User Reviews: Despite being one of the latest, this AV receiver is gathering considerable positive feedback on amazon, averaging 4.8-stars out of 5 in four reviews. These all agree on its excellent sound and video quality, with the only few complaints being related to issues with the receiver feature set, e.g. analog sources only limitation for zone 2 audio or the absence of Airplay Video; the latter is something which in our opinion may be corrected via a future firmware upgrade.

Runner-Up: Onkyo TX-NR708 7.2-Channel 3-D Compatible Network AV Receiver

This Onkyo AV receiver comes with THX Select2 Plus certification. As further detailed in our THX home cinema guide,  THX Select2 Plus certification is specified for the small to medium size rooms where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is close to 10 feet and the room volume is around 2000 cubic feet.

You will also find extensive connectivity complemented by six HDMI ver. 1.4a inputs with 3D compatibility and audio return, Ethernet with DLNA for audio streaming, and Internet access. The latter brings with it a huge array of Internet radio channels from Pandora, SIRIUS and the like, apart from the possibility to update your home theater receiver firmware straight from the Internet.

This receiver supports all imaginable surround sound formats, from high-definition Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks, to the latest Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX formats. This means that the two surround back channels may be configured also as either front High channels or as front Wide channels. In addition, as with most 7.1/7.2 receivers, this receiver may be configured to operated in a 5.1 speaker setup to free the two surround back channels for use in a Zone 2 configuration. However, as with most midrange AV receivers, Zone 2 works only with analog audio sources.

Other features include bi-amping capabilities, virtual surround, HDMI upscaling with the Faroudja Dcdi Cinema™ chip, iPod support, on-screen GUI via HDMI which makes setup pretty simple, and a full suite of Audyssey features designed to help bring about the best listening environment through the use of auto setup routines, dynamic volume controls and dynamic equalization processes.

Overall Performance

This Onkyo AV receiver is capable of doing a pristine job especially when handling movie playback and uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, with an almost spot on performance, clear dialog and great enveloping sound.

Hometheatereveiw.com says that while this Onkyo AV receiver is capable of a satisfying 2-channel music playback, performance with 2-channel music does not match its movie playback performance. However, we have to say that this is typical of most midrange home theater receivers. In addition, the Onkyo performance is very much dependent on the settings you select - whether you opt to go through a manual tuning of the AV receiver to your liking or by activating the appropriate built-in features. For example, activating the 'Pure Audio' feature would result in a more natural sound with 2-channel sources without that extra bass push often associated with movie playback material.

The TX-NR708 also exhibits solid video handling - with hardly any artifacts when converting between sources and upscaling. In general, upscaling and processing of the video signal is best left either to your TV itself or to the video source; but if you have a problem with either, there is no reason why you should not use the video processing on the Onkyo receiver.

In use, this Onkyo home theater receiver does get warm - depending on the volume of the music; but then remember that here we are dealing with a 110W x 7-channel receiver. In other words, allow for proper ventilation especially if you plan to run the receiver at higher volume levels for extended periods of time in an enclosed AV rack.

User feedback posted on amazon rates this home theater receiver at an average 4.3 stars out of five in almost 50 reviews - with the majority assigning a 4- or 5-stars. In general, users were more than satisfied with the features and overall sound performance; and this applies even when it comes to handling of 2-channel music playback.

At the time of this write-up, there were only six users which assigned 1- or 2-star ratings. The main complaints relate to the analog limitation associated with the Zone 2 setup, poor network playback support which may make browsing through a large collection of songs on your media server a lengthy process, and issues with initial setup.

The bottom line: Do not expect a home theater receiver within this price bracket to deliver the perfect sound, but then the Onkyo TX-NR708 AV receiver is one of the best AV receivers, capable of delivering a sound that is better than most of the competition. If you are in the market for a well equipped network capable 3D-compatible AV receiver with the latest features, you would be hard pressed to find a better AV receiver at this price than the Onkyo TX-NR708.

Editor's note: The Onkyo TX-NR708 is being replaced by the Onkyo TX-NR709 receiver - which comes with a very similar feature set except for a few minor enhancements like the addition of an extra HDMI input for a total of 8 and two HDMI outputs, and upscaling up to 4K via its built-in Marvell QDEO processing chip.

Third Place: Harman Kardon AVR-3600 7.1-Channel AV Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR-3600 7.1-Channel AV Receiver Maybe a bit expensive but it is rated as one of the best AV receivers thanks to its excellent audio, enhanced features and easy-to-use GUI. Available from amazon US and B&H

Harman Kardon home theater receivers are generally more expensive than the competition. Therefore, the whole issue is what you will get for the more expensive price. Well... The AVR-3600 is one of the most elegant AV receivers around; it comes with a number of interesting features, including 3D support on its HDMI inputs, and solid overall audio performance.

This Harman Kardon receiver is a step-up over the less expensive AVR2600 Harman Kardon AV receiver; main step-up features include more audio power output, an included Bridge III iPod docking station for full audio and video playback and control even from an iPhone, A-BUS support for full integration into an A-BUS distributed audio system, and an included zone 2 remote.

In terms of audio power, the Harman Kardon AVR-3600 AV receiver is rated at 80W per channel. This may appear a bit on the low side for the price, but Harman Kardon generally applies more conservative ratings to its receivers. In other words, it would probably require a 100W per channel receiver from another brand to deliver the same dynamics in audio performance as the 80W per channel amplifiers found the AVR3600.

The AVR3600 comes with an excellent graphical user interface that guides you through the setup process; system calibration and equalization are equally simple processes thanks to the EzSet/EQ calibration system which uses the included microphone to automatically configure the receiver for the best settings with your speakers and home theater room.

Connectivity is adequate for a midrange AV receiver with four HDMI ver. 1.4a with 3D compatibility. However, this is two short from the average in terms of HDMI inputs compared with most of the competition. In addition, there is no Ethernet connectivity as found on some of the similar priced competition; therefore, there is no Internet access or audio streaming. On a positive note, this AV receiver comes with Dolby Volume processing, which means that once you set your preferred volume, it maintains that level across all inputs.

More important for most users is that this Harman Kardon home theater receiver comes with one of the best audio and video switching capabilities. One particular feature in this respect is its solid analog video upscaling to 1080i and analog to HDMI conversion at 1080p. All related display settings can be independently optimized for each video input, while all receiver video processing can be bypassed (HDMI Bypass mode) should the user desires so, say to minimize lag when playing games.

As one may expect, this receiver will play all common Dolby and DTS surround sound formats - including high-definition Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.

Included is a Zone 2 option; you may configure this 7.1 AV receiver for use in a 5.1 multi-channel speaker configuration by freeing the surround back channels for use in Zone 2 operation. Harman Kardon also provides a second remote for the Zone 2 operation - something missing on the less expensive Harman Kardon models. But as with the rest of the other midrange AV receivers featureless in this review, Zone 2 operation only supports analog sources. In other words, the CD/DVD player you will be using for Zone 2 audio have to be connected via its analog outputs to the AV receiver.

Overall Performance

Both professional and user reviews agree that the AVR3600 is one of the very best AV receivers; it is capable of very good audio performance with a relatively warm sound, and excellent dynamic response despite its 80W rating. The later gives the impression that the Harman Kardon is capable of delivering more power than its actual rating.

Main user complaints posted online relates to a rather bulky main remote that accompanies this receiver, and the presence of some video artifacts when upscaling video content through the AVR3600. However in our opinion, both are non-issues. The remote may be a bit uncomfortable in use but this does not impact performance, while you can always bypass the video processing on the Harman Kardon and use your DVD or Blu-ray player, or even use your HDTV to upscale video content.

The only real problem we see is the higher price with respect to the competition for an 80W/Channel 7.1 receiver, especially when considering that it lacks networking and Internet support.

The bottom line: This is not among the cheapest home theater receivers but if audio performance is your priority, then there is definitely a lot like about the Harman Kardon AVR-3600 especially at its present reduced price. Add the stylish design, excellent easy-to-use user interface, the included Zone 2 remote and iPod dock, and there you have one of the best AV receivers within the midrange category.