Best AV receivers 2024: Top amps tested by home theater experts

Listing image for best AV receivers showing Denon AVR-X4800 AV receiver
(Image credit: Denon)

The best AV receivers will help you achieve the ultimate home theater experience. When partnered to a multi-channel speaker package, a dedicated AV receiver can get up to 9 discrete channels of sound and achieve the most tangible and immersive effect from the latest surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.

Although we've not covered all of these AV receivers as standalone reviews, they've all been tested by our home theater expert in a domestic situation with a big-screen TV like one of the best 75-inch TVs just as you would experience them in your own home. The best overall is the Denon AVR-X4800H, which ranks top for its elite construction, audio format support and calibration system. Although it's expensive, our reviewer said that it gave a rich, layered sound that was a thrilling experience with movies. 

Each has been given a multi-channel workout with high-octane movies via the best streaming services or a 4K Blu-ray player, as well as being assessed for their music performance.

All of the models listed here make an effective home entertainment hub. Read on to find the best AV receiver for your setup and budget.

The quick list

About the author

Portrait studio shot Lee Dunkley
Lee Dunkley

Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including maintaining buying guides on the best AV receivers, best audiophile headphones, best turntables, and best music streaming services (to name a few). I've been working in the consumer tech industry for more than 30 years and write about the finest audio products in the world. As an audio expert, I built my own home theater room to test AV setups including multi-channel AV receivers, speaker systems, and flatscreen TVs. As well as being fanatical about great sound with high-octane movies, I also love listening to music on components that get me closer to my favorite tracks and make a strong musical connection. I have been reviewing luxury Hi-Fi audio components since the mid-nineties, making me perfectly positioned to find the best-sounding AV receiver for all your home entertainment needs at the right budget.

The best AV receivers you can buy right now

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Best AV receiver overall

Denon AVR-X4800 listing imageEditor's Choice

(Image credit: Denon)
A future-proof home theater amp that sounds spectacular with all sources

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: Heos multiroom compatible; Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant; Bluetooth; USB; AirPlay 2
Power output (claimed): 9x 125W
HDMI: 7x in; 3x out
Phono stage input (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio compatible
+
8K/4K 120Hz HDMI ready
+
Clean, dynamic performance
+
Thrilling sound with blockbuster movies

Reasons to avoid

-
Classic AVR design not fashion forward
-
No front mounted HDMI input

A sonic tour de force, the X4800H is a home theatre amplifier with long-term appeal. The provision of a full board of 8K /4K 120Hz HDMI inputs, and coverage of all the significant home cinema sound formats, ensures that this Denon amp will partner any display or source you might acquire for a long time to come. 

The sound profile is best described as visceral. The soundstage is crisp and detailed, but there is a sense of power and precision as well; directional panning is totally convincing. While Denon rates on-board power at 9x 125W (into 8 Ohms) / 200W (into 6 Ohms), it sounds rather more muscular than that. This is a blockbuster amplifier designed for blockbusters but is also darn good with music, sounding light and agile with two-channel stereo and seamlessly immersive with 3D audio mixes.

Best value AV receiver

Best AV receivers: Denon AVR-X2700Hbest value awards badge

(Image credit: Denon)

2. Denon AVR-X2700H

The best value overall

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: Heos multiroom compatible; Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant/Siri voice ; Bluetooth; USB; AirPlay 2
Power output (claimed): 7x 150W
HDMI: 6x in; 2x out
Phono stage input (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Superb value for money
+
Dynamic, cinematic performer

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one HDMI 2.1 input

Denon’s AVR-X2700H provides an affordable jumping on point for the brand’s 2021 X-series AV receivers. The price tag hints at budget components, but in a smaller viewing room (rather than a cavernous theater), it defies expectations.

In our listening tests it gave a punchy delivery and has no problem with action-orientated soundtracks, plus it’s nuanced enough to portray subtle ambiance too. Power output is rated at 150W for multichannel, which is generous and it’ll support a 5.1.2 channel configuration or conventional 7.1 surround (depending on how you’ve set up your loudspeakers). There’s also 8K support, albeit via a single HDMI 2.1 input.

Best AV receiver for ultra-hi-res image support

Listing image on blue background showing front panel of Onkyo TX-NR7100 AV receiver

(Image credit: Onkyo)
A 9-channel receiver built for gamers and movie fans alike

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Alexa, Google Assistant
Power output (claimed): 9x 100W
HDMI: 6x in; 2x out
Phono input stage (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X compatible
+
Full 8K/4K 120Hz HDMI support
+
Crisp, dynamic performance
+
Dirac Live room correction

Reasons to avoid

-
Remote control lack backlit buttons 
-
Not overly musical

The TX-NR7100 is perfectly suited to movie and gaming fans alike. It has strong connectivity for hooking up ultra hi-res, or fast frame rate sources — all 6 HDMI inputs offer 8K and 4K 120Hz playback support. It boasts 100W per channel amplification and can be configured for up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos loudspeakers. There's also DTS:X compatibility, plus IMAX Enhanced certification and THX post processing. 

Installation is aided by a step-by-step onscreen guide. It’s similar to what we’ve seen on the Denon AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 50 AV receivers, albeit without the polish. There are two options when it comes to Room EQ: Onkyo’s own AccuEQ system, and Dirac Live room correction. Bothe deliver excellent results but Dirac Live was our reviewer's preference.  

THX is a feature that has fallen from favour when it comes to home theater, but it still has value when it comes to upmixing. It brought a huge improvement in staging and storytelling to sci-fi based TV dramas as the THX processing adds scale and extra ambience to onscreen drama. 

The AVR also handles complex sound sequences well with satisfying placement of objects and pans from stage left to right. It can sound ominous and heavy with deep rumbles rolling across the soundfield with thunderous LFE (Low Frequency Effects) you can almost feel. Stereo music is less effective and there are better AV receivers with audiophile sensibilities, but when it comes to value, features and overall performance for home theaters, the TX-NR1000 can deliver.

Best AV receiver for format support

Marantz Cinema 50 front on in black on a TG background

(Image credit: Marantz / Sound United)
Best format handling and top performance for movie and music fans alike

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay2, HEOS, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomePod
Power output (claimed): 9x 110W
HDMI: 6x in; 3x out
Phono stage input (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Cool design
+
Powerhouse performance
+
HDMI 4k 120Hz support

Reasons to avoid

-
No front-mounted HDMI input
-
High specs come at a high price

The Marantz Cinema 50 is one of the most future proof home theater amps we've seen. The connectivity on offer is truly impressive with 8K and 4K @120Hz support, 6 HDMI inputs plus three outputs, and an impressive auto calibration system. Format support is extensive with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D capable, as well as Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. It’s also IMAX Enhanced certified, which could come into its own when Disney+ starts streaming IMAX audio mixes. 

If you’re looking for an AV amp that can deliver massive dynamics, with whip crack fast transients and a fearsome bass extension, the Cinema 50 doesn’t disappoint. It’s a tremendously exciting listen and steers gunfire shootouts beautifully, with effortless panning, and even at high volume there's no hint of strain.

It does music well too. Marantz’s lauded HDAM amplification circuitry is warm and melodious. In 2-channel mode, we’d say the Cinema 50 is comparable to a high quality mid range stereo amp, and with strong format support is as future proof as they come right now.

Best AV receiver with spatial audio support

Sony STR-AN1000 AV receiver face on on a TG background

(Image credit: Sony)
Best for immersive spatial audio mapping

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, Works with Sonos, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect
Power output (claimed): 7x 85W
HDMI: 6x in; 2x out
Phono stage input (MM): No

Reasons to buy

+
Flexible 360 Spatial Sound Mapping wizardry
+
Impressive sound
+
360 Reality Audio compatible
+
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two HDMI inputs support 4K 120Hz
-
Build quality feels a bit cheap

The STR-AN1000 is a 7.2ch AV receiver, which is not only Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled but it supports native 360 Reality Audio, and also boasts 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. The latter is particularly interesting, and effectively provides virtual speakers to fill in the gaps. It applies psycho acoustic processing to subjectively move actual speakers into more immersive virtual positions. It can be applied to stereo sources to create a surprisingly convincing multichannel effect, and overlaid on native immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, to virtually enhance the soundstage.

Sony quotes a power output of 2x 120W (into 6 Ohms), or roughly 85W per channel. It’s not a volume monster, but will suffice in a typically living room or studio apartment. It's an exciting listen, with smooth sonic steerage of objects and real sense of drama. It sounds bigger than its power specification implies, and handles blockbusters with authority. Just take care with the set up.

Best AV receiver for small spaces

Marantz Cinema 70S

(Image credit: Future)
The best slimline AV receiver with a low profile

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: HEOS multiroom compatible; Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant ; Bluetooth; USB; AirPlay 2
Power output (claimed): 7x 50W
HDMI: 6x in, 1x out
Phono stage input (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Slimline design
+
8K / 4K 120Hz HDMI ready
+
Punchy cinematic sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one HDMI output
-
Only three HDMIs are 8K enabled

Available in silver-gold to U.K. buyers and black only in the U.S. and Australia, the Marantz Cinema 70S is a half-height lifestyle AV receiver perfect for smaller spaces and viewing rooms. The sonic signature has a warm sound that works with hi-res audio as well as movies and gamers. 

You can run a 5.1.2 Atmos setup with a uniform 50W delivered across all 7 channels and was peerless with movie soundtracks. In Army of Thieves (Dolby Atmos, Netflix), our reviewer really got the sense that they were travelling into the inner mechanism of the safe when Ludwig Dieter lays his hands on the lock, during the safecracking competition. The clicky travel of the dial is crisply delineated against the symphonic score, which rises all around. 

Hooked up to a Fire TV stick listening to Dolby Atmos music mixes from Tidal, our reviewer was thrilled at just how seamlessly the 360 presentation was. Billy Porter’s "Break A Sweat" places the listener firmly in the middle of the dance floor, with horns in the surround, the vocal dead center and the main beat gyrating across the LCR. In our 5.1.2 configuration, there were no sonic gaps or dips with any kind of content, just a totally immersive listening experience.

Best AV receiver for audiophiles

Best AV receivers: Marantz SR6015

(Image credit: Marantz)

7. Marantz SR6015

This stylish home theatre hero has a musical pedigree

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: HEOS compatible; Amazon Alexa; Siri; Google Assistant support; IMAX Enhanced
Power output (claimed): 9x 100W
HDMI: 7x in; 3x out
Phono stage input (MM): Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Hugely precise cinema sound
+
Excellent two-channel performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one 8K/4K 120fps input

There’s something enduringly elegant about Marantz’s AV component design. The curved fascia with small porthole display speaks of legacy and old-school musicality. But don’t let that fool you, this AV receiver is also a movie beast on the cutting edge. We found its audio performance to be sublime, with effortless control of the soundstage. Never feeling under pressure, sonic placement is always precise.

A 9 channel model, it can be configured for 7.1.2. There’s also Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and Virtual DTS: X, plus IMAX Enhanced certification, which means it’ll automatically change bass management handling for deeper bass when it recognises flagged content. The receiver has a single 8K-capable HDMI 2.1 input, while smart support covers Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as AirPlay 2.

Best high-end AV receiver

Best AV receivers: Arcam AVR30

(Image credit: Arcam)

8. Arcam AVR30

The best AV receiver for true home theater connoisseurs

Specifications

Dolby Atmos/DTS: X support: Yes
Features: AirPlay 2; Alexa voice control
Power output (claimed): 9x 150W
HDMI: 7x in: 3x out
Phono stage input (MM): No

Reasons to buy

+
Wonderfully, rich and energetic sound
+
Dirac Live room calibration

Reasons to avoid

-
No 8K/4K 120fps support
-
Usability is a little basic

Arcam is often cited as the connoisseur’s choice when it comes to home theatre. In addition to the usual list of immersive codecs, this high performing receiver comes with both Auro-3D compatibility and IMAX Enhanced certification. And, while the AVR30 is a 7-channel receiver, there’s processing headroom for 16 channels if you’re prepared to stack up extra amplification.

Calibration is best in class, thanks to Dirac Live, which does a first class job of optimising the AVR’s output to suit your listening room. Less exceptional is the lack of 2.1 compatibility; Arcam is offering a complete board swap, but this is a prohibitively expensive fix. Still, what the AVR30 lacks in mod cons, it makes up for in performance, proving capable of instantaneous highs, and solid plunging lows. Wireless support covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with Google Chromecast and AirPlay 2 talents too.

Specs compared

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 Power output (claimed)Dolby Atmos/DTS: X supportHDMI portsPhono stage (MM)
Denon AVR-4800H9x 125WYes7x in; 3x outYes
Denon AVR-X2700H7x 150WYes6x in; 2x outYes
Onkyo TX-NR71009x 100WYes6x in; 2x outYes
Marantz Cinema 509x 110WYes6x in; 3x outYes
Sony STR-AN10007x 85WYes6x in; 2x outNo
Marantz Cinema 70S7x 50WYes6x in, 1x outYes
Marantz SR60159x 100WYes7x in; 3x outYes
Arcam AVR309x 150WYes7x in: 3x outNo

How to choose the best AV receiver for you

Buying something as complex and multi-talented as an AV receiver can be overwhelming to a casual consumer, so if you’re serious about transforming your sound output into something more theater-like, start educating yourself on the necessities by familiarizing yourself with the things to consider.

Configuration 

Something to know right out of the gate is that most seven-channel AV receivers support a speaker configuration of 5.1.2, which is the standard 5.1 surround layout with two additional height/up-firing speakers. Models that feature nine channels of amplification can be used for either 5.1 with four Dolby height speakers (5.1.4) or 7.1 surround with two height channels (7.1.2). Speaker models such as those in the new Klipsch Reference series could make a great partnership for a home cinema setup, and has several upward-firing height speakers to meet Dolby Amos requirements.  

Connectivity

Finding the best AV receiver isn’t just about HDMI inputs. Sure we like plenty of inputs, but the number of outputs are important too, particularly if you plan on running both a flatscreen and a projector in the same room.

If you're considering an AV receiver as a connectivity hub for a music system as well as movies, then be sure to check out our guide to the best turntables for any budget. Many of the receivers available today come with a built-in moving-magnet phono stage to enable vinyl playback from any of the record decks we've tested.

Resolution and frame rate support

Do you need 8K or High Frame Rate HDMIs? If your AV receiver is unlikely to have a games console connected then the answer is no. In which case there’s some great deals to be had on AVRs with regular HDMI 2.0 inputs.

Surround sound

Dolby Atmos compatibility is a given (and by default that means you’ll get DTS:X too), but how many channels do you need? Given the option, 9 channels always trump 7, because it opens up more speaker options such as 5.1.4 or 7.1.2, for example.

Don’t have a full Dolby Atmos home theatre loudspeaker set up? Look for a model that offers height virtualisation technology, so you can enjoy an immersive audio experience even when you don’t have a full set of physical speakers.

Power output

Power isn’t just about roof-raising volume, and even if you’re not lucky enough to have a dedicated movie room, a model with big amplification makes sense. A high power output means an AVR can deliver dynamic transients, and pressure load a space without clipping or strain. 

8K AV receivers HMDI 2.1 bug explained

Best AV receivers: HDMI 2.1

(Image credit: Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

While 8K, or more likely 4K at 120fps from a next-gen games console, is a compelling reason to upgrade your dusty old AV receiver, there’s an elephant-sized HDMI bug in the room we need to address.

The first generation receivers with 8K HDMI 2.1 input/s you can buy right now are known to suffer a compatibility issue that means some new 8K/4K source devices that offer a 4K/120fps or 8K video resolution output (we’re looking at you Xbox Series X) do not always pass the video signal through to the display.

This has left the likes of Denon, Marantz and Yamaha scrambling to find a solution. Consequently, Denon is supplying buyers of affected Denon and Marantz AV receivers an HDMI adapter box free of charge. The SPK618 sits between your console and AV receiver, and corrects the HDMI data allowing it to pass. Inelegant perhaps, but effective.

Best AV receivers: HDMI 2.1 fix

(Image credit: Sound United)

An alternate workaround for owners of affected AVRs is to connect their console directly to their 4K/120fps capable TV, and then route audio back to the AVR using the eARC HDMI connection.

Alternatively, gamers can just output from their console at 4K/60fps resolution (effectively the default premium display option anyway) and all will be fine and dandy.

Then again, you could hang fire and wait for new models. Yamaha says its new RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A receivers use a next generation HDMI board which isn’t so afflicted.

How we test AV receivers

When testing models for inclusion in our best AV receivers page, we play a range of media — including movies, music and games — in order to evaluate overall sound quality performance. We also test 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.

Other features we consider include the different kinds of connectivity options, all of which determine how well it will work with your home entertainment setup. We also take into account power output, the number of supported audio channels and subwoofer outputs, and available processing software for decoding movie soundtracks as well as their ability to handle music sources — all factors that greatly affect how each speaker will sound in your living room.

Once we complete our testing, we rate each AV receiver based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded an Editor's Choice badge. 

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Lee Dunkley
Audio Editor

After 2.5 years as Tom's Guide's audio editor, Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

  • captainsemtex
    admin said:
    We’ve tested the best AV receivers for sound quality, power and connectivity. Find the cornerstone of your home Hi-Fi setup with our top picks.

    The best AV receivers in 2021 : Read more
    An excellent review thank you, which also introduced a couple of options I hadn't considered.
    I was surprised that there is no mention of any Onkyo A/V receivers, e.g. Onkyo TX-NR797. Any reason for this?
    Reply
  • Storkman
    Pretty disappointed in you Tom's Guide..You listed the Denon X2700H as your #1 on the AVR for 2021 however you didn't list the HDMI 2.1 bug as a con for this AVR. This AVR suffers from the HDMI 2.1 bug just as the X4700H you have listed further down the page on your listings. I personally own the X2700H & have had to suffer with this HDMI issue, it sucks. For me personally the "HDMI adapter kit fix" that Denon sent out to it's customers has not fixed the issue for me. I still have issues when using the adapter kit & my Xbox series X. Really disappointed in fact that Denon hasn't came up with a better solution for all of it's AVR 2020 models that have these issues. You should consider putting the HDMI 2.1 bug as a listing on the con list as well for any Denon 2020 AVR models you recommend.
    Reply
  • Blahman
    sponsored by Sound United, seriously not even one Onkyo on the list
    Reply
  • roboiii
    The Onkyo RZ50 should've definitely been mentioned. I like the Denons and own an older model myself but at the price point the RZ50 should've been the winner.
    Reply