The spectacular image and enveloping audio of a movie theater cannot be matched, however, it is not always possible to catch up with all the latest blockbusters on the big screen due to various reasons. Using an AV receiver though, you can have a partial movie theater experience in the comfort of your own home. The most outstanding models available provide?8K video quality, advanced?Dolby Atmos?technology and the convenience of?Wi-Fi music streaming. Despite its detailed specifications and sophisticated hardware, searching for the perfect receiver can be overwhelming. Luckily, CNET is here to offer assistance by presenting the finest AV receivers that you can purchase right now.
If your leisure time is divided between watching television and listening to music, there are a number of models that excel in both areas, such as the TX-NR6100 and TX-RZ50 receivers from Onkyo. Another worthy contender, the Sony STR-AN1000, has also garnered positive reviews and is priced under $1,000, albeit somewhat higher than its competitors.
Therefore, how can you determine the optimal AV receiver that suits you? To assist you in finding the top AV receivers of 2023, I have tested the most sought-after models ranging from $500 to $2,000. Yet, it is worth noting that some of these items might be out of stock, so we recommend checking back frequently.
The Onkyo TX-NR6100, which is the successor to the TX-NR696, has been named as the top AV receiver overall. Similar to its predecessor, the NR6100 has excellent sound and a variety of connectivity options such as 4K/120Hz support for gaming consoles. Its streaming features include Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Sonos, AirPlay and Bluetooth. With its superior power in comparison to Sony STR-AN1000 and more competitive pricing than its rivals, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is the ultimate choice for AV receivers under $1,000.
$799 at Crutchfield$600 at Best Buy$799 at B&H Photo-Video
(without the dollar signs)
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Sony STR-AN1000
Best Receiver for Gamers
After a brief hiatus, Sony has returned with an even better offering in the form of the STR-AN1000. This particular model is packed with all the latest features, including HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120Hz. It also comes with “works with Sonos” certification, but what truly sets it apart is its outstanding performance. Additionally, its setup routine is one of the most advanced available, making it incredibly easy to achieve exceptional sound.
$748 on Amazon, $800 at Crutchfield, and $750 at Best Buy.
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has been hailed as the best receiver under $2,000. It serves as an ideal upgrade for those wishing to enhance their system by acquiring better-quality speakers or adding a turntable. Along with its budget-friendly counterpart, the TX-NR6100, the TX-RZ50 comes equipped with a plethora of features which include top-of-the-line calibration technology called Dirac Live and the most extensive streaming suite available in an AV receiver. Moreover, the ability to directly request songs from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is a significant advantage.
What are the enhancements provided by the $1,600 TX-RZ50 in comparison to the $800 TX-NR6100? To begin with, it has twice as many inputs that are compatible with 8K (six in contrast to three) and it also offers more output power (120 watts compared to 100 watts). Moreover, it features two-way Bluetooth connectivity that enables both streaming and listening via wireless headphones.
The sound quality was outstanding, whether it was streaming music or watching a movie. Dolby Atmos sounded incredibly authentic, which I hadn’t experienced for a while. However, the inclusion of Dirac Live adds a bit of complication during the setup process. It’s recommended to only use the Onkyo Controller mobile app in combination with the provided microphone. But, if you follow these steps, you’ll be rewarded with an immersive and engaging audio experience.
Please note that the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is frequently out of stock. As a substitute, the Yamaha RX-A4 is an even superior choice particularly for watching movies. You can find additional information on the Onkyo TX-RZ50.
It is priced at $1,599 at Crutchfield, $1,300 at Best Buy, and $1,249 at B&H Photo-Video.
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Yamaha RX-A4A
Best movie sound under $2,000
Being a huge admirer of the Yamaha RX-V6A, I was eager to know the advancements offered by the upgraded version RX-A4A. I found out that this Yamaha has superior construction quality and delivers an immensely cinematic sound.
Peeking through the stylish upper grille, you’ll notice neatly arranged elements and a distinguished stamped transformer. The device boasts an impressive 110 watts per channel (stereo) and features seven HDMI ports to cater to all your connectivity requirements.
I pitted the Yamaha A4A against the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X3700 in a test. The Yamaha leaned more towards cinematic sound quality than musical and provided a spacious and grand sound that would be ideal for big-budget movies or suspenseful conspiracy thrillers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the onboard phono preamp was superior even to the one on the competing Onkyo RZ50. As a result, I would recommend it to individuals who do not wish to have a separate preamp for their turntable.
The Yamaha RX-A4A delivers impressive performance for movies, but when it comes to music streaming, it falls short compared to its competitors. However, the Onkyo provides an even and well-rounded performance for both movie and music playback, making it my top choice currently.
Learn more about the Yamaha RX-A4A by clicking the link.
$1,300 at Amazon, $1,640 at Walmart, $1,300 at Crutchfield.
Which receiver should I buy?
If your budget is under $1,000, there are four main receivers to consider – the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100, and the Denon AVR-960H. All four options provide excellent performance, so the answer to which one to purchase depends on which one is available at the lowest price. Currently, the Denon and the Onkyo are on sale for around $549. I suggest purchasing the Onkyo TX-NR6100 because of its outstanding performance and connectivity. The Onkyo is easy to set up, has excellent usability, a sleek design, and useful features that include the best streaming suite along with Sony. Additionally, the Onkyo does not have the 4K issue that earlier versions of the Yamaha RX-V6A were prone to.
In the meantime, if you’re seeking an upgrade from sub-$1,000 models, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an outstanding receiver that delivers advanced features and a performance boost. It boasts an exceptional calibration process by Dirac Live, albeit slightly intimidating, and the most impressive range of streaming features available. Its audio quality is exceptional for both music and movie playback.
Lastly, for those seeking thrilling home theater experiences, the Yamaha RX-A4A delivers crisp and dynamic sound, along with exceptional build quality, all for a price of $1,650.
CNET’s testing process involves evaluating audio equipment ranging from compact soundbars to surround sound systems. Regardless of the device being tested, the methodology remains consistent. The products are always compared against one or more reference devices that offer optimal performance at a similar price point.
Regarding receivers, I’m interested in observing the system’s performance with both music and movies, as it is the most common usage scenario. I evaluate the Dolby Atmos surround sound quality and the clarity of dialogues by watching some testing scenes from 4K Blu-ray or 4K streaming services like Vudu. Additionally, I use various test music tracks to evaluate the streaming features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Systems that excel in both categories tend to receive the highest scores.
To learn more about the features and considerations to keep in mind when searching for a new system, be sure to check out CNET’s receiver buying guide.
Here are some other AV receivers I’ve evaluated:
Denon AVR-S960H ($599, save $250): While not as flashy as the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Denon offers exceptional sound quality. This receiver is laid-back and blends well with forward-sounding speakers, delivering beautiful music playback. While it lacks the home theater capabilities of the Yamaha RX-V6A and the streaming options of the Onkyo TX-NR6100, it is currently on sale and a great value. You can learn more by reading CNET’s review of the Denon AVR-S960H.
Yamaha RX-V6A ($850): With its futuristic edges and simple controls, the Yamaha RX-V6A boasts a fresh take on AV receiver design that maximizes sound quality. This receiver might even convince you to skip your next trip to the cinema, and it’s no slouch with music either. It offers ample connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming from your devices. Although the price of the RX-V6A increased by $200 in September 2022, the TSR-700 is identical and sold exclusively through certain outlets for $550 at Amazon. CNET’s review of the Yamaha RX-V6A can provide you with more information.
The Marantz SR6015 is a top-performing receiver that delivers Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz throughput, and music streaming features. Despite its excellent sound quality, it falls short of being as versatile as some of the other top receivers available, such as the Onkyos that allow users to watch a video source while listening to music. Additionally, it does not have the capability to play songs on command from a Google Nest device. While the Marantz SR6015 has been replaced by the Cinema 500, it is still a highly recommended buy at its original price, which offers savings of $600.
The Denon AVR-S960H is an AV receiver that allows HDMI switching and audio-video playback. Unlike a stereo receiver, which is an audio-only, two-channel amplifier that typically includes source switching and an AM/FM tuner, an AV receiver is a surround sound amplifier that usually includes onboard tuners and enables HDMI switching and audio-video playback. That said, an AV receiver can be used as a stereo amp or with as many speakers as desired, making it a versatile option.
Is it worth purchasing a receiver that supports 8K content?
Technological standards are continuously evolving, but currently, the essential requirements for a receiver are compatibility with HDR and Dolby Vision along with HDMI version 2.0 or higher. All of the available models can handle 4K and HDR video, along with providing support for 8K content regardless of its scarcity.
Note that there was an issue with all 2020 receivers that are compatible with 8K, which caused variable refresh rate video to not be displayed, especially with the Xbox Series X. Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha have released updates for their existing models, and Yamaha’s RX-V6A compliant models started shipping in the summer of 2021. For those who have purchased Denon and Marantz receivers after April 2021, they should be compatible with 4K/120Hz. Yamaha users can check for 4K compatibility by visiting here, while Denon and Marantz users are advised to consult with their dealer.
The TX-NR6100 is the first receiver I have tested that not only supports 4K/120Hz but also recommended for new buyers.
How can I connect my AV receiver to my TV?
If you have a modern TV, using a single HDMI cable is likely sufficient for the connection. To connect your receiver to your TV, connect the ARC/eARC HDMI port on your TV to the main HDMI ARC output of your receiver. This will allow you to access onboard Netflix audio through the “TV” input of your receiver, while also transmitting video from other AV sources.
If your TV is an older model that lacks an ARC-compliant port, you’ll need to use both an HDMI cable and an optical cable to connect to it. However, if you have a CRT or rear-projection TV with composite or component inputs, you’ll need a high-end receiver such as the Marantz SR6015 or Onkyo TX-RZ50, which can cost over $1,000. A lot of receivers these days don’t support these legacy connections anymore.
Is having support for 4K/120Hz a significant matter?
In brief, it depends on whether you possess an Xbox Series X and a latest television. At present, several Xbox Series X games, like Halo Infinite and Fortnite, provide this optional mode, but the benefits of 4K/120Hz as compared to 60Hz are minimal to the best of my knowledge. Nonetheless, forthcoming games and video sources might highlight the disparities, which is why having a fully compatible receiver could be favorable.
If purchasing an older receiver, not having an interest in Xbox Series X or not wishing to send your early 8K model to the repair shop, one can simply connect a new and sophisticated console directly to the television and utilize eARC to transmit audio to the receiver.
The TX-NR6100’s back panel provides 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, as per Ty Pendlebury of CNET. When purchasing a new AV receiver, it can be challenging to distinguish between numerous features and perplexing technical specifications. It can be challenging to identify what matters most. Nonetheless, I will outline the essential features to consider.
HDMI inputs: It is advisable to purchase a receiver with several HDMI input ports and outputs, as HDMI is supported by most TVs and set-top boxes. Front-mounted HDMI ports are not always necessary, as users seldom hot-plug HDMI devices. The number of rear inputs is more crucial, as this is how you will connect all of your devices such as Roku, Blu-ray player, and Nintendo Switch. The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, while the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A surpass this with seven. If you want to link two different displays such as a TV and a projector, most brands except Yamaha offer a second HDMI output. Do not forget to have extra HDMI cables on hand, as they always seem to get lost when you need them the most.
Dolby Atmos capability: Most receivers priced $500 and above have Dolby Atmos capability and DTS:X. However, their effect on movie-watching can be imperceptible or nonexistent. It is not worth fretting about missing out on these formats if you don’t have extra speakers for height. To achieve quality, immersive sound, you can put your rear surround speakers high up on the wall.
Wi-Fi music streaming: Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi network connectivity for wireless music streaming through your speakers. There are many standards for wireless streaming services, but the most widespread are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 1 and 2, and Google Chromecast built-in. If you plan to construct a multiroom system with an assortment of AV systems and wireless speakers, you must concentrate on these three kinds. Only Onkyo and Sony support all three. The Denon model lacks wireless streaming through Chromecast, but upgrades to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. Yamaha has its own MusicCast system.
For a broader understanding of things to consider, refer to this AV receiver buying guide.
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