The top AV receivers evaluated for connectivity, power, and sound quality – these amplifiers shine on movie night
Top 5 Best AV Receivers Of 2024 You may have the best home theater experience possible with the aid of the best AV receivers. A specialized AV receiver can receive up to nine distinct channels of sound when paired with a multi-channel speaker set. This allows for the most realistic and immersive experience possible when using the newest surround sound codecs, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.
All of these AV receivers have been tested by our home theater expert in a domestic setting with a big-screen TV, such as one of the finest 75-inch TVs, much as you would experience them in your own house, even though we haven’t reviewed them individually. The Denon AVR-X4800H is the best all around, topping the list due to its superior build quality, compatibility with many audio formats, and calibration system. Despite its high price tag, our reviewer claimed that watching movies with it provided a fascinating experience thanks to its deep, layered sound.
Each has received a multi-channel workout using the hottest streaming services or a 4K Blu-ray player, along with a music performance evaluation.
These devices all function well as a hub for home entertainment. Find the ideal AV receiver for your needs and price range by reading on.
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Top 5 Best AV Receivers Of 2024
NO.1 : Denon AVR-X4800H
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Pros
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio compatible
- 8K/4K 120Hz HDMI ready
- Clean, dynamic performance
- Thrilling sound with blockbuster movies
Cons
- Classic AVR design not fashion forward
- No front mounted HDMI input
The X4800H is a long-lasting home theater amplifier that is a sonic marvel. This Denon amplifier will work with any display or source you purchase for a very long time because it has a full board of 8K/4K 120Hz HDMI inputs and supports all major home cinema sound formats.
The term “visceral” best describes the sound profile. In addition to being clear and precise, the soundstage exudes strength and accuracy, and the directional panning is incredibly realistic. Denon rates the on-board power as 9x 125W (into 8 Ohms) / 200W (into 6 Ohms), but that doesn’t seem very powerful. Despite being made for blockbusters, this amplifier sounds amazing when used for music. It has a light, agile sound in two-channel stereo and a smooth, immersive 3D audio mix.
NO.2 : Denon AVR-X2700H
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Pros
- Superb value for money
- Dynamic, cinematic performer
Cons
- Only one HDMI 2.1 input
The reasonably priced starting point for Denon’s 2021 X-series AV receivers is the AVR-X2700H. Although the pricing suggests inexpensive elements, it defies expectations in a smaller viewing room as opposed to a large theater.
It had a strong performance in our listening tests and had no trouble with action-packed soundtracks. It is also subtle enough to convey a subtle atmosphere. Depending on how your loudspeakers are arranged, the 150W multichannel power output can accommodate either a traditional 7.1 surround sound system or a 5.1.2 channel arrangement. Additionally, 8K is supported, but only with one HDMI 2.1 input.
NO.3 : Marantz Cinema 50
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Pros
- Cool design
- Powerhouse performance
- HDMI 4k 120Hz support
Cons
- No front-mounted HDMI input
- High specs come at a high price
Among the most future-proof home theater amplifiers we’ve seen is the Marantz Cinema 50. With support for both 8K and 4K @120Hz, six HDMI inputs and three outputs, and an amazing auto calibration system, the connectivity on offer is really remarkable. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, the format compatibility is wide. Additionally, it has IMAX Enhanced certification, which may be useful when Disney+ begins to stream IMAX audio mixes.
The Cinema 50 is a great option if you’re searching for an AV amp that can produce extreme dynamics, lightning-fast transients, and a powerful bass extension. It does firearms shootouts expertly, with smooth panning, and even at maximum intensity, there’s not even the slightest trace of strain. It’s an incredibly thrilling listen.
It’s also good at music. Warm and melodic is Marantz’s highly regarded HDAM amplification technology. We would compare the Cinema 50 in 2-channel mode to a premium mid-range stereo amplifier, and with its robust format compatibility, it’s as future-proof as they come at this point.
NO.4 : Sony STR-AN1000
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Pros
- Flexible 360 Spatial Sound Mapping wizardry
- Impressive sound
- 360 Reality Audio compatible
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Cons
- Only two HDMI inputs support 4K 120Hz
- Build quality feels a bit cheap
The 7.2ch AV receiver STR-AN1000 features 360 Spatial Sound Mapping in addition to native 360 Reality Audio support and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility. The latter is especially intriguing since it successfully fills in the blanks with simulated speakers. It moves real speakers into more immersive virtual settings by applying psycho acoustic processing. It can be used with stereo sources to produce an unexpectedly realistic multichannel effect, or it can be superimposed on naturally immersive audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, to essentially widen the soundstage.
A power output of two times 120W (into six ohms), or about 85W per channel, is what Sony quotes. It’s not a monster of a volume, but it’s good enough for a regular living room or studio apartment. It has a genuine feeling of drama and excellent acoustic object steering, making it a fascinating listen. It manages blockbusters with authority and has a louder sound than its power specification suggests. Just be cautious when arranging.
NO.5 : Marantz Cinema 70S
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Pros
- Slimline design
- 8K / 4K 120Hz HDMI ready
- Punchy cinematic sound
Cons
- Only one HDMI output
- Only three HDMIs are 8K enabled
A half-height lifestyle AV receiver ideal for compact areas and viewing rooms, the Marantz Cinema 70S is exclusively available in black in the United States and Australia, and silver-gold to purchasers in the United Kingdom. Warm tones in the sonic characteristic complement both high-definition audio and video games.
With a consistent 50W distributed over all 7 channels, you may operate a 5.1.2 Atmos configuration that excels at playing back movie soundtracks. When Ludwig Dieter touches the lock during the safecracking competition in Army of Thieves (Dolby Atmos, Netflix), our reviewer truly felt as though they were entering the inner workings of the safe. The orchestral soundtrack swells all around, crisply defining the clicky journey of the dial.
Our reviewer, who was enjoying Dolby Atmos audio mixes from Tidal while hooked up to a Fire TV stick, was ecstatic at how smoothly the 360-degree presentation worked. With trumpets in the background, the vocal in the foreground, and the main beat swaying over the LCR, Billy Porter’s “Break A Sweat” puts the listener squarely in the middle of the dance floor. We had an entirely immersive listening experience with no sound dips or gaps with any form of content in our 5.1.2 arrangement.
How we test AV receivers
We play a variety of media, such as games, music, and movies, while testing devices for our top AV receivers page to assess overall sound quality performance. We also assess any companion software that may come with an AV receiver, and factor in how easy it is to set up and use each receiver with a reference speaker system.
The many connectivity choices are among the other characteristics we take into account, as they all affect how well it will integrate with your home theater system. The power output, the quantity of audio channels and subwoofer outputs that are supported, the processing software that can be used to decode movie soundtracks, and the speakers’ compatibility with different music sources are all additional considerations that have a big impact on how each speaker will sound in your living room.
After testing, we assign a five-point rating system to each AV receiver (1 being the worst, 5 being the best). A product receives an Editor’s Choice label if it performs almost flawlessly.
Best AV Receivers Of 2024 : FAQs
Q. Main Difference between Denon AVR-X4800H vs Denon AVR-X2700H:
One is the Denon AVR-X4800H, which is a higher-end model with more channels, more advanced processing power, support for more speaker configurations, and higher wattage per channel. It also has such nice-to-have extras as Auro-3D support, which makes it a better fit for large home theaters. The AVR-X2700H is more budget-friendly and provides rock-solid 7.2-channel performance and Dolby Atmos support but fewer of the advanced features.
Q. Comparison of Marantz Cinema 50 vs Cinema 70S
Marantz Cinema 50 receiver is more powerful: With the 9.4-channel configuration, it offers a wider scope for immersive audio format systems such as Dolby Atmos and DTS.
. It is ideal for bigger rigs with additional speakers. The Cinema 70S, on the other hand is a 7.2-channel receiver, which has slender design, ideal for tighter spaces or those who do not require extra channels for height speakers or large rig.
Q. What are some of the features that make Sony STR-AN1000 stand out?
This device sports 360 Reality Audio on top of Dolby Atmos and DTS for richer immersive audio experiences that can be enjoyed at home with enabled home theaters. It also includes ‘good’ output, seven channels of audio, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 connectivity, among other attributes, but is surely a well-rounded product. End
Yes, with 8K video pass-through on multiple HDMI inputs, this Denon AVR-X4800H is future-proofed. If you are a gamer or need 4K at 120Hz, then that will be supported as well.
Q. How does the Marantz Cinema 50 approach multi-room audio?
The Marantz Cinema 50 comes with HEOS built right into the device, so you can easily stream your favourite music wirelessly to other HEOS-compatible speakers throughout your home. This feature is really great for a multi-room audio setup that can be controlled via the app.
Q. Which receiver would I need for smaller spaces?
For smaller spaces or setups that do not call for a full-on 9.4 channel, the Marantz Cinema 70S is a great choice. Cinema 70S offers a slim profile that makes it not very difficult to install in small spaces although it offers superb 7.2-channel audio performance.
Q. Does Denon AVR-X2700H feature Dolby Atmos and DTS?
Yes, Denon AVR-X2700H has Dolby Atmos and DTS
audio formats, so this receiver will deliver full 3D sound if your speaker layout will support it. It’s a very good option if you want to establish an entry-level home theater system with surround sound.
Q. Will the Sony STR-AN1000 work for 4K gaming?
Yes, the Sony STR-AN1000 has full 4K at 120Hz pass-through, so it is very well suited for the new consoles that will play 4K content at 120Hz like the new PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The unit also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), so you can be sure that game action will always be presented in the smoothest possible way.
Q. Which of these receivers would you consider best suited for a high-end home theater setup?
For a true audiophile high-end home theater, consider the Denon AVR-X4800H or the Marantz Cinema 50 for 9.4 channels, with immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D and more than enough power to drive more powerful speaker arrays.
Q. Are any of these receivers voice-control enabled?
As for the numerous of those receivers, with Denon AVR-X4800H, AVR-X2700H, and Marantz Cinema 50 among them, they support voice control using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. THE.
