Originally published: November, 2022; Updated: November, 2024.
Skip Directly to Our Receiver Recommendations:
- Denon AVR-S760H/AVR-X1700H (and newer 770H) – Excellent budget performer with DTS:X and Dolby Atmos 5.1.2
- Sony STR-AZ1000ES/STR-AN1000 – Upgraded 5.1.2 choice with support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and IMAX Enhanced
- Onkyo TX-NR7100 – Most Affordable 9-channel receiver (5.1.4, 7.2.2) – Includes DIRAC Live room correction
- Denon AVR-X3800H – Most Versatile, Future-Proof Option with 9 channels (upgradeable to 11 channels), support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, AURO 3D, IMAX Enhanced and 360 Reality Audio, DIRAC Live calibration (optional)
The Case for AV Receivers
While soundbars have come a long way, nothing beats a good Audio/Video receiver (AVR) with a discrete set of surround sound speakers for a truly immersive surround sound experience at home. You’ll get more of everything: more inputs, more features, more flexibility and usually better sound to boot. Yes, it will take you a bit more time (and a roll of speaker wire) to set up, compared to a soundbar, and you’ll have to pair the receiver with a nice set of passive speakers and usually a powered subwoofer (or two), but the sonic rewards you’ll get will be well worth the effort.
Also known as a “surround sound receiver” or “home theater receiver,” the AV receiver market has undergone a bit of a renaissance in the past couple of years, starting with a flurry of new receiver announcements back in 2022. These included new models from Masimo’s top receiver brands Denon and Marantz announced at CEDIA Expo 2022 and a steady stream of new models since then. Sony released a new batch of receivers in February 2023 after a five year absence from the market and Premium Audio Company has continued to offer new models into 2024 from its Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer brands, with strong evidence of continued support for these brands via regular firmware updates.
All of the models we’re recommending here support video displays up to 8K in resolution, include HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 support and are compatible with the latest source components including next generation gaming consoles, 4K/8K media players and Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray Disc players. Also, all recommended receivers support DTS:X and Dolby Atmos immersive surround – not just the “virtual” kind but the discrete kind with real height speakers for the most immersive and enveloping surround sound experience.
In addition to the models recommended here, we have just received Onkyo’s latest 9-channel receiver, the TX-RZ30 and intend to put this through its paces in the coming weeks to see if it merits a place on this list. Also, JBL entered the consumer AVR market earlier this year and has a few options for prospective buyers to consider. Without further ado, here are our current AVR recommendations for 2024, based on hands-on/ears-on experience.
Solid Performance on a Budget: Denon AVR-S760H ($599)
The Denon AVR-S760H (available on Amazon and reviewed here) includes all of the features a burgeoning music and movie lover or budget-minded audiophile might crave including Dolby Atmos (5.1.2), DTS:X, six HDMI ports, network streaming and even a turntable input. It includes a reasonably powerful seven channel amplifier (75 Watts/Channel) which can power a Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker system or do a standard 5.1-channel surround system in the main room plus provide power to second zone or room.
The receiver also includes support for Denon’s multi-room music platform and app (HEOS) so if you’re thinking about putting speakers in multiple rooms, and don’t already have a Sonos system or something comparable, this is something to consider.
I tested the 760H in my home theater system for several months and found that it worked reliably, was easy to set up and customize, and was capable of reaching impressively loud reference levels in our 14 x 16 foot space. It’s equally well suited to movies and music, with great dynamics and detail. It locks onto a Dolby Atmos signal from Blu-ray Disc or streaming apps on an Apple TV 4K box, Roku stick or Amazon FireTV stick reliably and quickly. The receiver was first released in 2021 but remained current in Denon’s lineup until late 2023. It is still for sale in 2024.
The venerable 760H was replaced in late 2023 with the similarly functioned and powered AVR-S770H which is available on Amazon and should offer similar performance. The AVR-S770H offers comparable specs but removes the analog RCA video inputs and output and offers an improved Graphical User Interface (GUI) for smoother set-up and user adjustments. We believe the AVR-S760H is a better option for most buyers, particularly considering its discounted price (roughly $400 for the 760H compared to roughly $550 for the 770H as of October, 2024).
The Denon receiver is compatible with the top three voice assistant/home control platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. You’ll find Audyssey MultEQ on board for automated speaker level calibration.
The MSRP is $599 but we’ve seen it on sale regularly at Amazon and Costco (in stores and online) for under $500, and even as low as $399. If you’re looking for a solid entry-level receiver with all of the essential features, the AVR-S760H is worth seeking out. And when stock disappears, the replacement model (AVR-S770H) should prove to be a worthy successor.
It’s worth noting that Denon’s AVR-X1700H is quite similar to the AVR-S770H but offers a longer warranty (3 years vs. 2 years) as it’s part of the company’s upgraded “X” line, as opposed to the entry level “S” line. If you can find a deal on the AVR-X1700H, it should offer comparable, or even slightly better, performance compared to the AVR-S760H. The X1700H features a more advanced version of Audyssey’s room correction software (MultEQ XT vs. MultEQ). Otherwise, features are basically identical to the AVR-S760H but rated amplifier power on the AVR-X1700H is 80 WPC, compared to the 760H, which is rated at 75 WPC.
Pros: low price, true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, turntable input, six HDMI ports, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3
Cons: lacks support for 360 Reality Audio or IMAX Enhanced, cannot be expanded beyond 5.1.2 channels
Who Should Buy the Denon AVR-S760H or AVR-X1700H?
Those looking for a budget-priced performance AVR from an established name brand who want to deploy a basic 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X system can’t go wrong with either of these receivers. As of October, 2024, the AVR-X1700H is probably the better overall deal with its longer 3-year warranty and enhanced calibration system.
Where to Buy:
- Denon AVR-S760H (New Stock) – Amazon
- Denon AVR-S760H (Renewed) – Amazon
- Denon AVR-X1700H (New Stock) – Amazon, Costco
- Denon AVR-S770H (New 2024 Updated Model) – Amazon
Add 360 Reality Audio Support with Sony STR-AZ1000ES or STR-AN1000
Comparable in many ways with the Denon AVR-S760H, Sony’s STR-AZ1000ES ($1099) is Sony’s latest entry into the AVR world, having been unveiled in February 2023. It began shipping shortly after that announcement. It’s available on Amazon and is reviewed here. Like the Denon AVR-S760H, the Sony receiver has seven channels of built-in amplification for a 5.1.2-channel immersive surround system. What the Sony has that the Denon lacks is support for IMAX:Enhanced video and audio, Sony’s own 360 Reality Audio immersive sound, Chromecast Built-in functionality as well as “Works with Sonos” certification.
The STR-AZ1000ES model is part of the company’s “Elevated Standard” line with a longer warranty and more CI-friendly features like an RS232 port for integration with legacy home automation systems. The STR-AN1000 model ($799) offers similar performance and features, but without the ES badge and RS232 port at a lower price.
As for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio codec, this is a relatively new object-based immersive sound format that has begun to appear in music releases on streaming services such as Amazon Music and nugs.net. Similar to Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio allows music producers and engineers to create an immersive, three dimensional representation of new and classic songs, adding a level of involvement and immersion beyond what is possible with regular stereo or even traditional surround sound.
UPDATE (10/24): Sony 360 Reality Audio seems to be fading in popularity as it was recently dropped from the TIDAL streaming service. 360RA encoding is still available on Amazon Music Unlimited, but the format does not seem to be growing. Meanwhile Dolby Atmos is being incorporated into thousands of new and catalog music titles. We don’t believe that inclusion of a 360RA decoder in a receiver is essential for most buyers.
Who Should Buy the Sony STR-AZ1000ES or STR-AN1000?
Those who favor the Sony brand and want support for the latest immersive sound formats will appreciate these receivers. Also, support for third party products like Chromecast Built-in and Works with Sonos means these receivers play nicely with other products and ecosystems.
Where to Buy:
More Channels, More Power: Onkyo TX-NR7100 (MSRP $899, previously $1299)
With a recent price drop to $899 (and additional discounts online), the Onkyo TX-NR7100 just became the most affordable nine channel AV receiver from an established name brand. This is a great option if you have a larger home theater space or living room and you want to deploy a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos speaker system.
Onkyo receivers caught some flack several years ago thanks to a bad batch of HDMI boards that caused premature failure. This caused some fans to abandon the brand, even though the problem has been resolved now for over a decade. Also, the parent company of both Onkyo and Pioneer recently declared bankruptcy, but a new company has stepped in to take over production and distribution of Onkyo gear. The new owner is PAC (Premium Audio Company), a joint venture between VOXX International and Sharp. PAC has promised continued support for current products as well as development of new Onkyo products moving forward. The company has continued releasing firmware updates for its receivers and has even released new high-performance AV receivers in 2024, so we feel confident recommending the brand.
With nine channels of on-board amplification (100 Watts/Channel), the TX-NR7100 can fill a large room with immersive surround. You can choose between a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2-channel immersive surround system, depending on your room size, layout and preferences. Or you can go with a 5.1.2 or traditional 7.1 channel system and use the extra two amplifier channels to power a pair of speakers in another room (Zone 2).
What makes the TX-NR7100 receiver special is that it’s one of the first A/V receivers to include Dirac’s best of breed room correction software “Dirac Live” on-board at no extra cost. It even comes with a calibration microphone certified for use with Dirac in the box. The room correction routine itself is handled via a dedicated Onkyo app for Android or Apple devices. Seasoned Dirac professionals can also use Dirac software for Windows. Beyond what you can do with standard speaker calibration routines, Dirac Live makes adjustments in both the amplitude and time domain, compensating and correcting for anomalies in your listening room that may impact sound quality.
On the audio codec side, in addition to Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:HD Master Audio and DTS:X, the Onkyo TX-NR7100 includes “IMAX:Enhanced” certification as well. With bi-directional Bluetooth, you can either stream music to the receiver using your phone or you can stream sound from the receiver to a pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds for late night listening.
Because Onkyo doesn’t have its own multi-room wireless music platform, it plays particularly nicely with third parties. The 7100 is “Works with Sonos” certified, which means your living room or home theater system can become its own Sonos room (zone) by adding a Sonos Port. Volume and input switching can then be handled within the Sonos app.
The receiver also supports multiple streaming music services including Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora. It is also compatible with the three most popular smart home ecosystems: Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The receiver can be voice-controlled on any of these platforms using a compatible device. The Onkyo receiver supports DTS PlayFi for playback of your local digital music files, compatible apps and synchronization across multiple rooms. Finally, the TX-NR7100 has Google Chromecast on-board and Apple AirPlay 2 support built in.
Pros: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced Support, Dirac Live room correction, plenty of channels (up to 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channel immersive sound), plays nicely with 3rd party products, most affordable 9-channel AVR from a name brand
Cons: Dirac Live version lacks independent subwoofer support, lacks preamp outputs for channel expansion, lacks support for 360 Reality Audio
Who Should Buy the Onkyo TX-NR7100?
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 is an excellent choice for those looking for a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channel immersive surround sound set-up at a fairly affordable price (currently well under $900). With support for IMAX Enhanced, Works with Sonos, and DIRAC Live room correction, this receiver offers high end sound, advanced optimization and flexibility without a high price tag.
UPDATE (November, 2024) – with new models being released this year, the TX-NR7100 is available now for even less than it was previously. We’ve seen it as low as $629.99 brand new, including shipping. Check the Amazon link below for the latest price.
Where to Buy the Onkyo TX-NR7100:
One With Everything: Denon AVR-X3800H ($1,699)
Similar in some respects to the Onkyo model above, Denon’s AVR-X3800H receiver offers nine channels of on-board amplification with 105 Watts/channel. But unlike the Onkyo, the Denon AVR-X3800H can be upgraded to an eleven channel system by simply adding a two-channel power amp. It can even act as a full preamp/processor with all eleven channels output to external power amplifiers if you really need to fill a large space with sound or just want to upgrade the on-board amps. This receiver was announced at CEDIA Expo 2022 and began shipping in late 2022. As of November, 2024, it is still current in the Denon line-up.
The AVR-X3800H includes the latest features and technology for future compatibility and covers all the bases for audio and video format support. I’ve been using it in my reference home theater system for two years now, and have found it to offer excellent sound and reliability and simple intuitive operation.
You’ll find Audyssey’s advanced MultEQ XT32 calibration software on board as well as an optional upgrade for Dirac Live room correction. But unlike the Onkyo receiver (and most other A/V receivers on the market today), the Denon AVR-X3800H supports connection of up to four subwoofers, with independent controls for each. Most receivers have only a single subwoofer output (or at most two, which are not independently adjustable). By having four independent subwoofer outputs, you can install two, three or even four subwoofers in your listening room and adjust them so they complement each other instead of working against each other. And no, this is not to annoy your neighbors (well not only that) but it will allow you to get truly uniform deep bass response anywhere in your room.
The tricky part about bass frequencies is that they tend to interact with the room and with each other, creating areas where the bass is too strong (room modes) and areas where the bass disappears (bass nodes). With proper placement of multiple subwoofers – and proper calibration or correction – you can get deep, solid low frequency response no matter where you sit. With both Audyssey MultEQ XT32 built-in and a DIRAC Live option, hobbyists and professional calibrators alike have numerous options to dial in the best possible sound for your specific room.
We should mention that Dirac offers three add-on options for the AVR-X3800H: limited bandwidth correction ($259), full bandwidth correction ($349) and full bandwidth correction plus bass control ($599). Pricing is current as of November, 2024.
With its nine on-board amps and four sub outputs, the AVR-X3800H can be configured right out of the box for a 5.4.4 or 7.4.2-channel immersive Dolby Atmos surround system. If you need even more channels, the 3800 actually has 11 channels of processing, so you can add a 2-channel power amp for a 7.4.4 channel system. Eleven speakers plus four subwoofers. That’s a lot of speakers. This makes the AVR-X3800H an excellent choice for a large home theater room or living room where you’ve got a lot of space to fill with sound. I’ve tested this configuration using two monoblock Marantz amps for the front channels and found it offered excellent performance in a 7.2.4-channel configuration.
The AVR-X3800H also has Denon’s HEOS whole home music and streaming platform on-board so it will easily integrate in a multi-room speaker system along with other HEOS devices. Install the HEOS app on your Apple or Android phone, link it up with the receiver, add your music streaming apps and you’re ready to rock.
For immersive surround, the 3800 supports pretty much every 3D audio format known to man (and woman): Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX:Enhanced, Auro 3D, 360 Reality Audio and MPEG H. For legacy stereo and surround sound content, the receiver includes Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X and Auro-Matic processing to enhance the immersiveness of the sound. If you’re into 3D audio, in virtually any format, on virtually any streaming service, the Denon AVR-X3800H has got you covered. And the receiver has only gotten better since launch with Dirac Live room correction now available as an optional software update.
Pros: Comprehensive immersive audio support, nine channels upgradeable to eleven channels, Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 calibration, upgradeable to Dirac Live, up to four independently controlled subwoofers
Cons: A bit pricey, Dirac Live room correction costs extra, no built-in Sonos compatibility or Chromecast built-in support
Who Should Buy the Denon AVR-X3800H?
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a superb option for those looking for immersive surround sound in a large room with wide format support for the best future-proofing. It has nine channels of amplification, but can be upgraded to 11 channels with a 2-channel amp (for 7.1.4, or even a 7.4.4 channel system). It is the most affordable receiver to support four independently controlled subwoofer outputs. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, AURO 3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, IMAX Enhanced and MPEG-H immersive sound as well as DIRAC Live room correction via an optional upgrade. Truly “One with Everything.”
Where to Buy Denon AVR-X3800H:
Receivers Recommended in this Article:
- Denon AVR-S760H (New Stock) – Amazon, Costco
- Denon AVR-S760H (Renewed) – Amazon
- Denon AVR-X1700H (New Stock) – Amazon, Costco
- Denon AVR-S770H (New 2024 Updated Model) – Amazon
- Sony STR-AZ1000ES on Amazon
- Onkyo TX-NR7100 on Amazon
- Denon AVR-X3800H on Amazon
Related Reading:
- Yes, You CAN Get a Dolby Atmos Home Theater System for Under $1,000
- Dirac is Bringing Its Groundbreaking Room Correction to Denon and Marantz Receivers
- Denon AVR-S760H A/V Receiver Review
- Sony STR-AZ1000ES A/V Receiver Review
- JBL Unveils New MA Series AV Receivers for Consumers
- Onkyo TX-RZ30 AVR Offers Nine Channels and Dirac Live
- Editors’ Choice Awards: Best AV Receivers in 2024
ORT
November 9, 2022 at 5:51 pm
I own two Denon AVRs and just gave one to my brother and his wife. I also set them up with two HEOS speakers. I have 10 of them throughout our home. For me the best choice is Denon and Marantz.
I have had equipment from Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Onkyo and Yamaha. All make superb equipment but none of them have been as good for my needs as is Denon/Marantz.
Thanks for the heads up on what’s new!
ORT
Chris Boylan
November 10, 2022 at 4:30 pm
I have had excellent experiences with Denon and Marantz as well and have two in my house at the moment plus one more at my mom’s cabin upstate. I have reviewed, set up and owned multiple Yamaha and Onkyo models as well, over the years. Yamaha makes great gear but I can’t find any current models that stand out. Hopefully they’ll have a new batch soon. Also, the last Yamaha I set up for a friend was confusing as hell to configure and getting ARC/eARC to work reliably with his LG TV was a real challenge. I would have included the Marantz Cinema 40 in here as well but it isn’t available yet. The Marantz AV 10 and AMP 10 preamp/power amp combo looks amazing. For $7000 each, they should be. Not technically a receiver, but when you put them together they might as well be.
ORT
November 11, 2022 at 5:01 am
Hi Chris! Marantz equipment is so gorgeous…I am a shallow individual, I know. The 40N and the CD60 still beckon but I can not afford them at this moment in life.
I am listening to Jane Olivor right now on my Denon AVR-X4300H. She was and remains so beautiful, both visually and vocally.
My mom and my aunties have ever called me their “old soul”. I was born too late. Again.
I look forward to reading more of your reviews and thoughts on audio here. Thank you!
ORT
Frank Malitz
May 27, 2023 at 3:58 pm
Denon and Marantz are two different products. Denon is cheaper to build and uses more integrated circuits. The Marantz uses more discrete componentry, and the circuitries are more advanced. They’re targeting Denon for big box stores and Marantz to the specialist.
Lash
May 28, 2023 at 9:35 pm
Oh my. Who told you that?