Take the next step when it comes to your improving home media center. Go shopping for the best AV receiver you can find. Even though some may think such technology is outdated, they could not be more wrong. Nowadays a receiver supports Blu-ray and provides top end audio experiences. It is the perfect investment to make if you love to party or even if you love to kick back and relax by listening to some classical music. Choosing the right device can be a tough process. We’ve decided to make things easier for you by answering a few of your most common questions regarding the basics of buying an AV receiver.
Why should you buy an AV receiver?
The AV receiver is one of two types of receivers out there. The other one is the stereo receiver. The audio video receivers are built for an improved media experience within the comfort of your own home. It is basically stereo upgraded to surround. With the AV device you will also get digital audio processing, switching and digital video processing. Other features include automatic speaker adjustments or network video and audio support.
Table of Contents
- Top 8 Best AV Receiver Reviews
- 1. Yamaha RX-V677 7.2-channel Wi-Fi Network AV Receiver with AirPlay
- 2. Onkyo TX-NR636 7.2-Ch Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver w/ HDMI 2.0
- 3. Pioneer VSX-823 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver
- 4. Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver
- 5. Denon AVR-E300 5.1 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver
- 6. Sony STRDH750 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
- 7. Pioneer VSX-824 5.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)
- 8. Denon AVR-S700W 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver
- Best AV Receiver Buying Guide
Top 8 Best AV Receiver Reviews
Everyone who loves movies and music knows that a home cinema will never be complete without the best AV receiver. Why not go all the way and invest in a top end gadget which will enhance your audio experience dozens of times compared to any other ordinary gadget. If you know little about these pieces of audio equipment, it can be hard to decide which one to buy. Luckily our experts have made a list of their eight favorite AV receivers which they’ve decided, is worth sharing. All eight devices have been chosen depending on sound quality, durability and functionality. Hopefully this list will help you narrow things down to one or two products you feel are better suited for your needs.
1. Yamaha RX-V677 7.2-channel Wi-Fi Network AV Receiver with AirPlay
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
AV receiver reviews claim that this Yamaha model is the best one on the current market. It allows people to play music from their Android and iOS devices, and also features an HTC Connect technology.
The receiver can easily connect to Wi-Fi networks from the area, and is therefore capable of streaming music from online radios, Spotify and play any tunes that exist on PCs and laptops. Is your internet connection down? No problem. Just use the receiver’s USB digital feature and play some tunes from all your USB devices. With a surround sound system and a top-notch video quality, this Yamaha item is hard to say no to.
2. Onkyo TX-NR636 7.2-Ch Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver w/ HDMI 2.0
Our Rating: 
(4.0 / 5)
One of the most reliable products, this Onkyo product is bound to sweep you off your feet. Amazing sound and movie quality come from the seven HDMI inputs and its ability to decode HD audio files. As is the case of other AV receivers from the line, this one also comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allow you to stream music from anywhere around the house. Let’s not forget about the built-in internet radio and streaming.
The receiver is capable of playing 60 frames per second. Buyers can enjoy an experience resembling going to the theater thanks to the room equalization feature.
3. Pioneer VSX-823 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
The Pioneer VSX-823 is one of the best AV receivers. It is packed with Dolby technology and it provides one of the most impressive audio experiences you will ever get chance to undergo. It is easily calibrated but it also has some predefined settings to help with the results. Even though a bit more expensive than the others, it is definitely worth the effort. This 140 watt receiver is compatible with Android and Apple products. It comes with HTC Connect, iPhone certification and Windows certification. It can be accessed by remote or by using the ControlApp which can be downloaded onto your phone.
4. Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver
Our Rating: 
(3.8 / 5)
This 5.1 channel, 100 watt/channel gadget is definitely worth your time. It is both Android and iOS compatible and it can be easily connected to your home network. It provides access to AirPlay and it can also connect to different devices via USB. It is compatible with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio technology and it can function in Harman headphone surround mode. It comes with 3D HDMI, Deep Color and CEC. It has a very well-thought out design and it can tune in to internet radio. It is easy to calibrate and it even uses eco-friendly materials for those who love the environment.
5. Denon AVR-E300 5.1 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
The AVR-E300 is Denon’s best-selling AV receiver. It comes with a 5 channel amplification setting which will provide a maximum 175 watts per channel. It is effortless to figure out and it is easy to set up. You can use it with Apple products and you can also run it with Android using gadgets. It has 5 HDMI inputs and an impressive surround sound ability. You will be able to control all the functions of this device by using your smartphone. Just download a specific app and you will have access to all of the receiver’s features. It is delivered with Audyssey Bronze support for Audyssey technologies.
6. Sony STRDH750 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
This Sony receiver might as well be one of the best AV receivers, partly because of its features and partly because of its price. As is the case of other receivers from the line, the Sony one is also able to play music and videos at a satisfactory rate. What sets this item aside from the others is the fact that it is highly compatible with all 3D content.
Smartphone connectivity is also available with this one, thanks to the Mobile High-Definition Link it comes with. Video lovers can rejoice: the HD Digital Cinema Sound system of this Sony receiver turns watching movies into cinematic experiences.
7. Pioneer VSX-824 5.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)
Our Rating: 
(3.1 / 5)
Pioneer is a well-known brand among sound engineers and music aficionados. The company has a long history of manufacturing top-notch products, and this model is no exception. The receiver can stream music from smartphones (Android, iOS and HTC devices included) and is able to play various files: WAV, FLAC, AAC and MP3.
The item comes with a remote control app that’s free to download both in the App Store and in Google Play. Watching a movie with the help of this receiver is a unique experience thanks to its HDMI 2.0 feature, which largely contributes to the increase in image quality.
8. Denon AVR-S700W 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver
Our Rating: 
(3.2 / 5)
This Denon product might as well be the best AV receiver, given the fact that it comes with multi-room listening. The Denon is not only easy to set up by users with no former experience, but it’s also Wi-Fi certified and can therefore be used from anywhere around the house. Bluetooth connectivity is also available, which makes the Denon capable of streaming music from any mobile device.
As for the video quality, it’s certainly top-notch, thanks to high resolution color sub-sampling, the latest feature of the HDMI technology. The product can also play video via Blu-Ray and Game inputs.
Best AV Receiver Buying Guide
Is price really going to make a difference quality wise?
Most wonder if the sound quality will be poor with entry level AV receivers. The answer is no especially for the best AV receivers which are not necessarily the most expensive. Keep in mind though that in order to make the right choice you will have to follow our pointers as some devices tend to offer less value for money than others. We recommend getting the Sony STRDH750.
How much power do you really need from an AV receiver?
Don’t think for a second more is better when it comes to power. More watts will not increase the quality of your sound. Balance is key when looking for the perfect AV receiver. Look for testing results from each manufacturer as they are all obligated to make the numbers public. We recommend getting the Yamaha RX-V677.
What to do in order to make the most out of your AV receiver?
There are a few things to consider in order to make the most out of your AV receiver. Check out a series of specs and match them to your speakers. Only then you will find out how great these devices really are.
For great performance get a device with an 8-ohm impedance. You will not need too much power to run it. As the number of ohms gets lower the more energy will be required.
Check the decibel level. A decent AV receiver should have between 80dB and 100dB per watt. Last but not least make sure you have the necessary power to handle the bass. If you are into this aspect of the AV receiver we suggest getting a device which is more sensitive. This means you will get more bass with a whole lot less power.
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