The Best AV Receivers in 2022

If you want to set up a home cinema, you’re going to have to do more than just a good TV set and speakers. The heart and soul of any good home cinema setup has to be an AV receiver. It might not seem like the ideal piece to finish your home cinema with but without an AV receiver, you wouldn’t have much to connect to your TV and player which makes it more necessary.

Despite being an essential part of a home cinema set, few people take the time to buy an AV receiver, let alone invest in one that’s good. With so many options to choose from, finding the best AV receiver might seem a lot harder than it actually is. With this list, you’ll find the best AV receiver in no time. Let’s get this list started.

Those who focus too much on spec sheet comparisons may have missed the JBL Synthetic SDR35. Format support is thorough, but the lack of gain of just 7 channels and the (current) HDMI 2.1 port is beaten by the Denon receiver, which costs about one-sixth the price.

The thing is, the spec sheet doesn’t tell you the sound of the product. In that respect, the JBL Synthesis SDR35 sets itself apart from all other AV amplifiers tested in recent years. The JBL Synthetic SDR35’s build is based on the very impressive Arcam AVR30, but with some upgrades. When it comes to sound quality upgrades, there’s no doubting the transition is highly similar to how the ESS Sabre 9026 Pro DAC went to the very impressive 9028 Pro.

This is said to reduce distortion and improve detail and dynamics. Both the JBL and Arcam utilize the highly advanced Dirac Live Room Correction. This is basically a more sophisticated and advanced version of the microphone control calibration found in the latest AVRs, but with Dirac’s bass control capabilities that use machine learning and AI more accurately.

It balances bass response with coherence in the listening room. This is especially useful if your system contains multiple subwoofers. The SDR35 also features Logic 16 processing designed to produce a more engaging 3D soundscape. All signals, including monaural signals, can be upconverted to 15.1 using Logic 16. At the end of the AVR30 upgrade list is the inclusion of Dante. This allows lossless transmission of hire AV signals over standard Ethernet cables. If you installed the system all over the house, you may be grateful for it. You can also reduce wiring costs.

As expected from a brand like JBL, this amazing AV receiver is undoubtedly one of the best that your money can buy right now. Thanks to its impressive performance and top-of-the-line build, it’s worthy of being called the best AV receiver around.

Pros

• Clean and crisp sound
• Good mixing
• Great format support

Cons

• Doesn't come with HDMI 2.1

Specification

• Price $8,250.00
• Video Support 4K HDR
• Surround Formats Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced

The X3700H has a total of 7 HDMI inputs for better connectivity. It also has 3 HDMI outputs, all capable of handling 4K at 60 Hz. Even more impressively, it can also handle HDR10, HLG, HDR10 +, and even the sought-after Dolby Vision. There’s also one input and output that supports the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications such as 8K at 60Hz, It can also support previous high-end formats such as  4K at 120Hz and VRR.

There are also various older inputs, WiFi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Denon’s HEOS multi-room system. The Denon HEOS multi-room system adds wireless speakers and even some subwoofer options. Additionally, it also ensures that the X3700 works with a variety of smart speakers including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. There is also Audyssey RoomCorrection, which uses the included microphone to gauge all speakers and subwoofers to help eliminate the challenges of room shape and create a cohesive multi-channel system.

Intuitively, Denon also comes with a cardboard stand that you can use for the microphone. The Denon AVC X3700H is a seasoned performer capable of processing fed audio signals. Whether it’s 2-channel music or even if you choose the Dolby Atmos object-based soundtrack, this amazing device easily recognizes, decodes, and processes audio. This high performance receiver can decode all some of the best audio formats. These include Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, IMAX Enhanced, and more.

Additionally, it has enough gain to drive nine channels at the same time. This helps in creating a dynamic immersive feel. The overall sound quality is excellent, allowing for large cinematic playback and accurate placement of audio objects in space. Speaker-to-speaker effect control is seamless, and with overhead channels, the X3700H creates a vast hemispherical sound.

It doesn’t matter how challenging the mix is. The AV receiver’s dialogue is always clear and action-focused. Thanks to the Audyssey room correction, the subwoofer integrates well with the other speakers in the system, perfectly intersecting and producing deep, controlled bass. The Denon’s 2-channel feature is equally impressive, allowing for clean playback and even distribution of music across the front sound stage. Whether it’s a pair of large floor-standing speakers or a multi-channel subwoofer and satellite system, you’ll love the X3700.

Pros

• Clear and detailed audio
• Very dynamic
• HDMI 2.1 and 8K

Cons

• Isn't a big upgrade from predecessor

Specification

• Price $1,599.00
• Video Support 8K HDR
• Surround Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced

Denon’s AVRX6700H made in Japan is one of the four new models under the company’s X Series AV receiver family. The AVRX6700H offers 11 onboard channels with Class A/B amplification. This is enough to cover various audio systems that you might have at home right now.

This Denon AV receiver comes packed with two fully functional preamp outputs, adding an external stereo amplifier to increase the total processing power to 13 channels. The X6700H also features Audyssey MultEQ XT32 which is a room equalization feature. This is one of the best technologies to come from Denon right now. All of these are readily available in this Denon AV receiver but if you want to, there is an optional $ 20 Audyssey Editor app for added flexibility.

The device is also compatible with some of the latest in immersive audio formats such as DTS: XPro. However, these will come through future software updates. DTS: X Pro can handle up to 32 rendered channels, but the X6500H is limited to 13 with the addition of the above two external amplifier channels.

Each Denon amplifier has a corresponding preamplifier output. You can use the X6700H as a standalone AV preamp processor now or in the future, there is a preamp mode that disconnects all internal preamps from the internal amps. (The latter remains on, but is not driven.) This feature is all or nothing, as the internal amplifiers cannot be individually disabled.

As per Denon, the receiver’s preamp output can deliver up to 4.8 Vrms with preamp mode enabled. This is enough to drive an external amplifier at full power. Using the preamp output (always active) with the internal amplifier connected is limited to 1.44 Vrms. This is sadly not enough to drive some external amplifiers to maximum output.

Pros

• Powerful audio
• Great detail and expression
• 8K support

Specification

• Price $3,099.00
• Video Support 8K Ultra HD
• Surround Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced

Denon has dominated the home theater receiver category for the past few years. By using the 2020 XSeries AVR in the high-end and mid-range of the market, we have already been able to continue the 5-star tradition and now move on to the next AVR the brand has to offer, the Denon AVR X2700H.

On the paper, the most notable addition compared to its predecessor is a single 8K/60 Hz HDMI 2.1 input. Surprisingly enough, this can also reach 4K video running at a 120 Hz refresh rate. This is most likely done to help support the potential demand for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It’s a mistake to dismiss this year’s model extras as purely for gamers. Every year, Denon engineers tweak the AVR components and the firmware that manages them to squeeze out even better acoustics. 2020 was no exception.

In terms of the look and feel, there is little that sets the Denon AVRX2700H apart from its predecessor, the AVRX2600H. This is a rugged device that requires rugged shelves and ample breathing space. However, there are some notable structural changes. The X2700H offers its 8K support, but it’s reduced from a total of eight HDMI inputs to six, and also loses the quick-access AUX1 and AUX2 next to the powered USB 2.0 socket (remaining). The AVRX2700H doesn’t support as many 3D audio formats as the top models. The good news is that some essential audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Atmos Height Virtualization are readily available. 

If you are considering decoding IMAX Enhanced and Auro3D soundtracks, you might want to consider buying the Denon AVRX3700H. Voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri-enabled devices remains the same as all music wireless standards on previous models, including AirPlay 2, Spotify, and a few others. A great addition in that regard is that all of Denon’s 2020 X Series AVRs are now tested to be compatible with Roon. In other words, you can also play Roon’s music from your speaker pack.

Pros

• Good spatial control
• Good sense of rhythm
• HDMI 2.1 and 8K

Cons

• Calibration tech lags behind

Specification

• Price $1,089.56
• Video Support 8K HDR
• Surround Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced

The Yamaha RX-A2A is a highly anticipated AV receiver for a while now. Thanks in large part to the world’s recent events such as the pandemic, it’s been 3 lengthy years considering the fact that its predecessor changed into first launched.

Much of the features and build of the device have been modified during that time frame. Most notably, we have got visible the advent of 8K TVs and next-gen consoles, each of which can manage new, extra superior video codecs. This is an AV receiver that can easily be the star of your home cinema. It is critical that it is able to take care of each format it is thrown at it, or that is probably thrown at it in the following few years.

The RX-A2A is a part of Yamaha’s top rate Aventage variety, with “Aventage” being short for “AV enjoyment for a brand new age”. It’s the maximum inexpensive Aventage model, though, so there are a few restrictions involved when it comes to the build.

Even earlier than when you use the actual device, the RX-A2A has inspired us with its amazing visuals and build style. The Aventage variety has had a complete aesthetic revamp considering the fact that final we noticed it. The huge relevant show with small lighting fixtures and symbols has been changed through a stable reflective the front panel wearing a big relevant extent manipulate with an enter pick out dial and big textual content LCD show at the right. Also eliminated is the duvet flap to hide inputs and controls.

The few front-panel ports are a good addition. They allow for a 6.3 mm jack, a USB A port, and even a mini jack plug. While the materials don’t seem particularly top-of-the-line, the layout is glossy with the handy, vented pinnacle floor. 

Pros

• Very responsive
• Focused presentation
• Good design

Cons

• Lacks authority

Specification

• Price $699.95
• Video Support HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ (via future update)
• Surround Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization

The Sony STRDN1080 is the successor to one of 2016’s most popular receivers, the STRDN1070, and fixes the lack of Dolby Atmos, the only hole in the original device. The sound of the two receivers is a little different; the sound of the old receiver is a little warmer, and the sound of the new receiver is more home cinema oriented.

Compared to competing products, DN1080 still offers significant improvements in sound quality. Sony receivers over the last decade have actually set the standard in terms of design with a bulldog-like look, but the new model is a bit less flashy. The STRDN1080 design is fairly blocky, a sturdy rectangular box with thin glossy stripes for the display. The device is also equipped with a volume control and a small select button next to it. 

Pros

• Great budget option
• Strong low end AV receiver

Cons

• No HDMI 2.1 support

Specification

• Price $992.86
• Video Support 4K HDR
• Surround Formats N/A