It works well, but it could be time for an update with a slicker interface. Best universal remotes in 2023 | Tom's Guide It also offers good room correction, which allows you to fine-tune your speaker systems performance to suit your room. The contestants were systems composed mostly of recent Wirecutter picks: the Vizio SB46514-F6 from our best soundbar guide versus a full 5.1.4-channel system comprising the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, B5 . These are the most expensive amps ever made, with one model around 2m / $2m - roughly 10,000 times more expensive than the cheapest amp we'd recommend someone (the Onkyo A-9010 ). The receiver has Bluetooth support for streaming audio, as well as a handy setup wizard that walks you through the process of setting up a complete surround-sound system. Firstly, any of these receivers will be an excellent addition to your home theater. The good news is that this is up there with the best room correction software. The AVR-8500HA has 7 HDMI inputs on the rear and one on the front. 10 of the world's most expensive stereo amplifiers So, you need to decide what is more important to you. In selecting which specific models to recommend, we looked for the best mix of features, performance, and price, keeping in mind the needs of most people. Moukey. 5 Best High-End Receivers in 2023 [Premium AVR's] - DownHomeDigital Soundbar vs. Surround-Sound System | Wirecutter - New York Times The best high-end AV receiver (Image credit: Denon) Denon AVR-X6700H Upgrade to the AVR-X6700H to get more power per channel and DTS:X Pro Specifications Power output (claimed): 7 x 140W at 8. Perhaps the biggest difference between the AVR-X3700H and AVR-X3800H is that the newer receiver features four independent subwoofer outputs that you can configure in different ways. Admittedly, eliminating the surround speakers during our head-to-head testing may have given a slightly unfair advantage to receivers with weaker power supplies that might struggle to drive multiple speakers simultaneously, but it made direct comparisons more manageable and allowed us to focus more on pure sound quality, as well as on the quantifiable and repeatable benefits of one room-correction system over another. AV Receiver Reviews Review Denon AVRX4000 AirPlay AV Receiver Review Cliff Heyne May 27, 2013 15:00 The Denon AVR-X4000 AV Receiver is more than worthy successor to the AVR-3313CI. There is also another stereo pair of XLR audio outputs. Therefore, if you dont need the new features, you may get a bargain if you can find the older model in stock. Of course, you can also have a smaller speaker layout like 7.1 or 5.1.4 and save the spare channels for powering speakers in other zones. Or, you can watch videos in zone 2 or 4 while enjoying something else in the main room. Was $599.95. It also offers better multiroom audio and video support than the AVR-X1700H. this is a Rotel's flagship receiver. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receiver. Many new AV receivers also support the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. Automatic room correction is handled by the excellent Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system, which will give fantastic results for cleaning up and balancing the sound in your room. The first thing that takes the eye on the Denon AVR-X8500HA is the remarkable 13.2 channels. The best universal remotes can help clean up the clutter on your coffee table. AV Receivers - Home Theater & Cinema Systems | Denon US The highest-quality AV receivers tend to have a lower total harmonic distortion, a wider frequency range, and lower impedance. Room-correction systems make the biggest impact on how a receiver sounds to most listeners. Able to support a 5.1, 5.2, or 7.2 channel home theater system setup and rated at 145 watts power-per-channel, it's got plenty of options and power for most needs. Plus, in my experience, they are reliable. Its Heos multiroom streaming platform integrates a number of music streaming services into one app, including Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn. Bluetooth 5.0-capable. In Directional mode, each subwoofer receives low-frequency sounds from the main speaker nearest to it, along with the .1 (or LFE) channel from the surround soundtrack being decoded. I have always found the Audyssey system does a great job of correcting and balancing your rooms sound, and this unit comes with the top-end Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version. Considering the AVR-X1700Hs price, its surprising how few concerns we have regarding this receiver. Even music fans with extensive physical music collections stream much of their music from the internet, so a receiver needs some way of supporting streaming audio apps like Amazon Music and Spotify. Through online research, we learned that, to get around this hitch, you have to unplug the HDMI cable running between the receiver and display, turn the AVR-X3800H off and on, and allow the firmware to update before reconnecting the HDMI cable. So, if you want to support the latest display resolutions, this receiver will have you covered. If youve ever owned an AV receiver with wireless capabilities, you know how easily such antennas can break, so this is a nice touch that wed like to see extended all the way up the Denon line. The good news is that a high-quality home theater receiver will last for years. Expensive. These can create an effect that is like having height speakers installed. It features seven amplifier channels that can power a surround-sound speaker system or a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X home theater setup with two overhead speakers. The Marantz SR8015 is an 11.2-channel AV receiver with discrete power amplifiers for each channel. Performance? However, I assume you are here to understand more about your options at this high-end level, so lets compare the receivers here in a little more detail and give you an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, when going through the guided setup, we reached a screen that asked us to choose a time zone, but a list of time zones wasnt available. Of course, you dont have to use Dirac Live and can make manual measurements and adjustments yourself. But going this route doesnt give you access to a number of worthwhile benefits of the MultEQ Editor app, including the ability to limit the frequencies that the room correction addresses. Stylish design and great sound make the Polk Signature Elite ES15, ES10, and ES30 combo our pick for the best surround-sound system. The 11 channels of amplification mean you can install an impressive 7.2.4 speaker system without needing extra amplifiers. AV receivers run the price gamut from a couple hundred dollars to well into four-figure territory.