Receivers should have lots of HDMI ports to be able to support your entire setup. They should also be able to connect to and amplify all of the speakers in your system. If you have a 7.1 surround sound system for instance, you’ll need a receiver that supports that type of setup, as some receivers only support 5.1-channel surround sound. You’ll also want to make sure your receiver supports the video and audio technologies you plan on using, so keep an eye out for 4K support, as well as different audio tech like Dolby Audio. You know you have a great receiver when there is hi-res audio, video switching and processing, and 4K upscaling. We examined dozens of mid-range home theater receivers, and our pick for the best is the Denon AVR-S960H because it offers 8K pass through, up to 7.2 channel support, and other high-end features at a mid-range price. If the AVR-960H isn’t for you, we’ve also included our picks in other categories like the best budget A/V receiver, and the best options for different surround sound setups. The AVR-960H allows for up to 7.2-channel surround sound. It boasts a seven-channel discrete amplifier with 90 watts (8 ohms) per channel, as well as dual subwoofer outputs for booming bass. If you connect a good projector and surround sound system, you’ll have a movie theater-like experience at home. The 960H supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and several other audio and video technologies. Plus, you can take advantage of Wi-Fi, Airplay support, and even voice assistant control via Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. If you’re looking for a receiver that offers flexibility, you can’t go wrong with this Denon model. Because this receiver costs significantly less than some of the other picks on our list, you’re going to give up some of the more advanced features like 8k pass through, a second HDMI output port, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with voice assistants. The receiver has four HDMI inputs and only one output, but that’s usually sufficient for most people. It has Bluetooth for wireless connections, and it supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio, so it has a few perks. It’s just a bit more basic than a higher-priced receiver. This is a good option for people who are just getting started with a home theater system, or for those who primarily watch movies and shows. Sports fans and gamers may prefer a different option. The AVR-X3700H supports 3D audio, as well as Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization for when you can’t have the perfect speaker placement. In addition to supporting numerous audio and video technologies, it has Wi-Fi, wired connectivity, Bluetooth, Airplay support, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. You can set up a rather advanced surround sound system, given this receiver has a nine channel amplifier at 105 watts per channel (8 ohms). It has 11 different connections for speakers, and dual subwoofer connections for a maximum of 11.2 channels. The 3700H is an ideal pick for those who are serious about their home theater picture and sound, but still want to stay in a reasonable budget range. Unfortunately, this model lacks Wi-Fi compatibility or an Ethernet port, but it does have Bluetooth. You can even use your smartphone to power on the receiver. Audio is where this model really shines though. It’s hi-res compatible, and you can set up a 5.1 or 7.1-channel surround sound system that’s uniquely calibrated to your space. The build quality is impressive too, and this receiver should last quite a while. The STR-DH190 uses four analog (RCA) audio inputs and one analog audio output. You can plug in your turntable via the phono input, and there’s a headphone jack as well. The two-channel receiver has Bluetooth, but it lacks Wi-Fi, HDMI, and many of the technologies you’d find on a home theater receiver designed for movies or gaming. However, if you’re a music buff who wants pure sound, this model might be worth a look. For video, the receiver provides six 3D, 4K, and HDR-compatible HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs —all of which are compatible with today’s 4K video sources and external media streamers that offer access to 4K streaming content from services like Netflix. In addition to core audio and video features, the STR-DN1080 includes both network and internet streaming access via either Ethernet connection or built-in Wi-Fi. It also provides Bluetooth and Airplay for direct streaming from compatible portable devices. If you’re looking for an affordable home theater receiver with connection/content access flexibility for a variety of setups and good sound quality, definitely consider the STR-DN1080. Robert Silva started reporting on consumer electronics in 1998. Since 2000, he’s focused more closely on home entertainment and home theater technology. Since studying electronics in high school, he’s been a fervent electronics and audiophile hobbyist.
The Ultimate Home Theater Receiver Buying Guide
By Robert Silva The home theater receiver also referred to as an AV receiver or surround sound receiver, is the heart of a home theater system. It provides most, if not all, the inputs and outputs that you connect everything, including your TV, into. A Home Theater Receiver provides an easy and cost-effective way of centralizing your home theater system.
The Home Theater Receiver Defined
A home theater receiver combines the functions of three components.
A tuner for AM/FM, and, in some cases, built-in, or the ability to add, access to HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and/or internet radio and music streaming services. A Preamp that controls which audio/video source is selected ( Blu-ray Disc Player, DVD player, VCR, CD player, iPod, etc…), processes the incoming stereo/surround sound signals and distributes audio to the channels and subwoofer output. Video from designated components is routed to a TV. A built-in Multi-channel amplifier (5, 6, 7, 9, or 11 channels) that sends the surround sound signals and power to the speakers. Also, one or two preamp outputs for connection of a powered subwoofer is also provided.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Theater Receiver
Now that you know what a home theater receiver is, it is time to learn about what to consider when purchasing one. First, there are the core features:
Power OutputSurround Sound FormatsConnectivity
In addition to core features, depending on the brand/model, you may have one, or more of the following advanced options available to you:
Automatic Speaker SetupMulti-Zone AudioWireless Multi-Room/Whole House AudioiPod/iPhone Connectivity/Control and BluetoothNetworking and Internet Audio/Video StreamingHi-Res AudioVideo switching and processingAdditional Control Options
Ready to dig into the details? Here we go…
Power Output
The power output capabilities of home theater receivers vary depending on the price you are will to pay and depending on what size room and the power requirements of your loudspeakers should be taken into consideration with regards which brand/model home theater receiver you might purchase. However, confronted by sales hype and reading specifications can be confusing and misleading.
Surround Sound Formats
The main feature attraction of home theater receivers for most consumers is the ability to provide a surround sound listening experience. These days, even the most basic home theater receivers offer several options, including not just standard Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding, but more advanced Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding (which are the primary formats used on Blu-ray Discs), as well as (depending on the manufacturer) additional surround processing formats. Also, as you move into mid-range and higher home theater receiver models, surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or even Auro3D audio may be included or offered as options. However, DTS:X and Auro3D Audio often require a firmware update. In addition, be aware that inclusion of the various surround sound formats also dictate how many channels a home theater receiver may be equipped with — which a can range from a minimum of 5 to as many as 11.
Automatic Speaker Setup
Although not always included in the more inexpensive home theater receivers, almost all mid-range and high-end home theater receivers provide a built-in automatic speaker setup system utilizing a built-in test tone generator and special plug-in microphone. Using these tools, a home theater can balance the speaker levels in accordance with speaker size, distance, and room acoustics. Depending on the brand, these programs have different names such as AccuEQ (Onkyo), Anthem Room Correction (Anthem AV), Audyssey (Denon/Marantz), MCACC (Pioneer), and YPAO (Yamaha).
Connectivity
All home theater receivers provide speaker connections, as well as special output for connection of one, or more subwoofers, and several audio connection options that include analog stereo, digital coaxial, and digital optical, and video connection options that may include composite and component video. However, composite/component options are becoming less available on receivers of each successive model year due to the increasing use of HDMI, which is discussed in further detail next.
HDMI
In addition to the connection options discussed above, HDMI connectivity is provided on all current home theater receivers. HDMI can pass both audio and video signals through a single cable. However, depending on how HDMI is incorporated, access to HDMI’s capabilities may be limited. Many lower-priced receivers incorporate pass-through HDMI switching. This allows the connection of HDMI cables into the receiver and provides an HDMI output connection for a TV. However, the receiver can’t access the video or audio portions of the HDMI signal for further processing. Some receivers access both the audio and video portions of the HDMI signals for further processing. Also, if you are planning to use a 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray Disc player with your home theater receiver, keep in mind that your receiver should be equipped with HDMI ver 1.4a connections. If you have a home theater that does not have that ability, there is a workaround that may work for you. It must also be noted that HDMI 1.4 and 1.4a connections also have the ability to pass 4K resolution video signals (30fps), provided that feature has been activated by the receiver manufacturer. However, since 2015, home theater receivers have been implemented HDMI connectivity that adheres to both the HDMI 1.4/4a standards as well as HDMI 2.0/2.0a and HDCP 2.2 standards. This is to accommodate 4K signals at 60fps, as well as the ability to accept copy-protected 4K signals from streaming sources and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc format, as well as sources that include HDR-encoded video content. Another HDMI connection option that is available on some home theater receivers is HDMI-MHL. This updated HDMI connection can do everything that a “normal” HDMI connection can, but has the added capability to accommodate the connection of MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets. This enables the receiver to access content that is either stored on or streamed to, portable devices, for viewing or listening through your home theater system. If your home theater receiver has an MHL-HDMI input, it will be clearly labeled.
Multi-Zone Audio
Multi-Zone is a function in which the receiver can send a second source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in another location. This is not the same as connecting additional speakers and placing them in another room. The Multi-Zone function allows a Home Theater Receiver to control either the same or a separate, source than the one being listened to in the main room, in another location. For example, the user can be watching a Blu-ray Disc or DVD in the main room, while someone else can listen to a CD in another, at the same time. Both the Blu-ray or DVD or CD player are controlled by the same Receiver.
Wireless Multi-Room/Whole House Audio
In addition to traditional wired multi-zone options, some home theater receivers also offer the ability to wirelessly stream audio to compatible wireless speakers connected via a home network. However, each brand has its own closed system that requires the use of specific brand-compatible products. Some examples include: Yamaha’s MusicCast, FireConnect from Onkyo/Integra/Pioneer, Denon’s HEOS, and DTS Play-Fi (Anthem)
iPod/iPhone Connectivity/Control and Bluetooth
With the popularity of the iPod and iPhone, some receivers are equipped with iPod/iPod compatible connections, either via USB, an adapter cable, or a “docking station”. What you should look for is, not only the ability for the iPod or iPhone to connect to the receiver but for the receiver to actually control all iPod playback functions via the receiver’s remote control and menu functions. Also, many home theater receivers incorporate built-in Apple Airplay capability, which eliminates the need to physically connect an iPhone to the receiver, you can just sit back and send your iTunes to your home theater receiver wirelessly. Also, keep in mind that if you connect a Video iPod, you may only have access to audio playback functions. If you desire to access iPod video playback functions, check the receiver’s user manual before you purchase to see if this is possible. Another addition now found on most home theater receivers is Bluetooth. This allows users to stream audio files directly from a compatible Bluetooth-enabled portable device.
Networking and Internet Audio/Video Streaming
Networking is a feature that more home theater receivers are incorporating, especially in the mid-to-high price point. Networking is executed via an Ethernet connection or WiFi. This can allow several capabilities that you should check for. Not all networking receivers have the same capabilities, but some features commonly included are: Streaming audio (and sometimes video) from a PC or the internet, internet radio, and firmware updating directly from the internet. To find out the networking and/or streaming features included in a specific receiver, check the user manual, feature sheet, or a review ahead of time.
Hi-Res Audio
Another option available on an increasing number of home theater receivers is the ability to access and play two-channel Hi-res audio files. Since the introduction of the iPod and other portable listening devices, although making access to music a lot more convenient, they have actually taken us backward in terms what we settle for as a good music listening experience — the quality is degraded from that of the traditional CD. The term, Hi-Res audio is applied to any music file has a higher bitrate than the physical CD (16 bit linear PCM at a 44.1khz sampling rate). In other words, anything below “CD quality”, such as MP3 and other highly-compressed formats are considered “low res” audio, and anything above “CD quality” is considered “hi-res” audio. Some of the files formats that are considered hi-res are; ALAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD (DSF and DFF). Hi-Res audio files can be accessed via USB, home network, or downloaded from the internet. Generally speaking, they cannot be live-streamed directly from the internet. However, there is movement from services, such as Qobuz (not available in the U.S.) to provide this capability via Android phones. If a specific home theater receiver has this capability, it will either be labeled on the receiver’s exterior or outlined in the user manual.
Video Switching and Processing
In addition to audio, another important feature in home theater receivers is the incorporation of video switching and processing. When buying a receiver for your home theater system, will you be connecting all of your video sources to the TV directly, or would you like to use the receiver as your central video hub for switching, and, or video processing? If you plan to use your receiver for video, there are two options, some receivers merely pass-through all video signals untouched to your TV or video projector and some provide extra layers of video processing that you can take advantage of. It is not a requirement that you pass video through your home theater receiver.
Video Conversion
In addition to using a home theater receiver as a central location for connecting both audio and video components, many receivers also feature video processing, just as they offer audio processing. For those receivers, a basic video processing feature available is the ability of many receivers to convert Composite video inputs to Component video outputs or composite or component video connections to HDMI outputs. This type of conversion may only improve the signals very slightly, but does simplifies connections to HDTVs, in that only one type of video connection is needed from the receiver to the TV, instead of two or three.
Deinterlacing
When considering a receiver, a second level of video processing to check for is deinterlacing. This is a process whereby video signals coming in from the composite or S-video inputs are converted from interlaced scan to progressive scan (480i to 480p) and then output via Component or HDMI outputs to the TV. This improves the quality of the image, making it smoother and more acceptable for display on an HDTV However, keep in mind that not all receivers can perform this function well.
Video Upscaling
In addition to deinterlacing, another level of video processing is very common in mid-range and high-end home theater receivers upscaling. Upscaling is a function that, after the deinterlacing process is done, mathematically attempts to match an incoming video signal to a specific screen resolution, such as 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and in a growing number of cases, up to 4K. However, keep in mind that this process does not actually convert standard definition to high definition or 4K, but improves the image so that it looks better on an HDTV or 4K Ultra HD TV. For more details on video upscaling, check out: DVD Video Upscaling, which is the same process, just substitute Upscaling receiver for upscaling DVD player.
Remote Control via Mobile Phone App
One feature that is really taking off for home theater receivers is the ability to be controlled by either an Android or iPhone via a free downloadable app. Some of these apps are more comprehensive than others, but if you lose or misplace the remote that comes with your home theater receiver, have a control app on your phone may be a convenient alternative.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind that when you buy a home theater receiver, that you may not initially use all of its features, especially if it is a mid-range or high-end model, that provides several surround sound decoding and processing formats, speaker configuration options, multi-zone, and network options. You may think that you have paid for a lot of stuff that you may never use. However, keep in mind that a home theater receiver is designed to be the centerpiece of your home theater system, so future expandability as your preferences and content sources change should be taken into consideration. Things change fast, and you have a home theater receiver that offers a little more than you need right now, you may have a cushion against rapid obsolescence. If you have the budget, buy as much as you can afford, with the strategy of leaving enough money to purchase any other needed times, such as loudspeakers and a subwoofer — you will be making a better investment. Of course, buying the home theater receiver of your choice is just the first step. After you get it home, you need to get it set up and running.
