In This Article:
The Case for AVRs
An A/V Receiver (also referred to as an AVR, home theater receiver, or surround sound receiver) is designed to be the central connection and control hub for both the audio and video needs of a home theater system. It provides three key functions — amplification, source switching, and surround sound processing.
AVRs include a minimum of 5 built-in amplifiers and a subwoofer preamp output. This enables the setup of a 5.1 channel home theater system that includes a front left, center, front right, surround left, and surround right channel loudspeakers, as well as a powered subwoofer. A Dolby Atmos A/V receiver usually adds amplification for two or more height speakers, though there are some 5-channel “Dolby Atmos” receivers which use height virtualization for the height channels, which isn’t as effective as discrete height channel speakers. So, to configure a Dolby Atmos speaker system, we’d recommend looking for AVRs with at least 7 channels of amplification for a 5.1.2-channel system: 5 surround channels at ear level, 1 subwoofer and 2 height channels.
Why Spend More on a A/V Receiver?
A/V Receivers vary in price from around $300 to over $10,000, but the sweet spot is around $500-$2000. There are Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on receivers at many different price points. But not all low-priced receivers are worth buying. As you move up the price ladder, A/V receivers offer greater amplification power, more channels to accommodate more speakers, more inputs and outputs and better calibration or room correction options. They also usually sound better.
Recent model AVRs come with built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and can decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats. Premium models can include THX certification which ensures they meet a minimum specification for specific room sizes. Another new feature available on some models is IMAX:Enhanced certification. This allows the receiver to handle both the video and DTS:X audio components of IMAX Enhanced movies on Disc and on select streaming services.
Internal build quality and the visual design also play a role in the cost of an A/V receiver. More expensive AVRs often have fancier casework or a more elegant design, better remote controls, and use higher quality parts.
A final reason to spend more is for brand specific features, such as multi-zone audio control (like Denon HEOS) or advanced system setup options such as speaker calibration and room correction. Check what comes bundled with purchase, but beware of optional software upgrades (e.g. Dirac) that can add to the final cost.
Note that the deals that we are recommending here are all models that we have personally tested or listened to in our labs or at events such as trade shows and press demos. Most of these models are in our “Best AVRs Available Now” guide which we update regularly as new models are introduced and some made the cut in our Editors’ Choice Awards for the Best AV Receivers of 2024.”
Without exception, these are all receivers that we would personally own or recommend to friends and family.
Best AVR Deals Under $400
Pioneer VSX-535
The VSX-535 is Pioneer’s entry–level 5.2-channel A/V receiver for 2024. It’s got built-in Bluetooth and features Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization processing. We prefer AVRs with discrete height channel outputs but if your budget (and space) are tight, this is a great choice. You can save $100 with this Black Friday deal.
Denon AVR-S760H/AVR-X1700H
Although it was introduced in 2021, the Denon AVR-S760H received our highest recommendation for an entry-level home theater receiver and is still on our list of recommended AVRs. It includes seven channels of amplification which means it can power a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X speaker system. It even includes a turntable input for you vinyl heads.
The Black Friday Amazon deal brings this receiver down from its usual sale price of $449 or $399 all the way down to $349. We’d recommend jumping on this deal while supplies last.
Note: The upgraded “X” version of this receiver (AVR-X1700H) is also available on Amazon and Costco. Specs are similar to the 760H but with a longer warranty and slightly higher power rating (80WPC vs. 75WPC).
Best AVR Deals Under $600
Sony STR-AN1000
Introduced in 2023, the Sony STR-AN1000 is a featured packed 7.2-channel A/V receiver that works with Sonos. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it’s the only AVR on our list which supports 360 Reality Audio and Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology.
We reviewed its “ES Series” counterpart, the STR-AZ1000ES which offers similar functionality and performance. The Black Friday deal cuts $300 off the list price.
Best AVR Deals Under $1,000
JBL MA710
Introduced in 2024, the JBL MA710 is the simplest to use of all the A/V receivers on our list and the only one that comes in white. But don’t let its minimalist appearance fool you. This middle-of-the-line model has more than enough power for a 7.2 or 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos home theater and visually matches with JBL’s Stage 2 loudspeakers.
Onkyo TX-NR7100
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 offers nine channels of amplification on board, which makes it capable of driving a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2-channel immersive surround sound set-up in larger rooms. With support for IMAX Enhanced, Works with Sonos, and DIRAC Live room correction built in, this receiver offers high end sound, optimization and flexibility without a high price tag.
With regular firmware updates, the TX-NR7100 continues to improve with time and it’s our current top pick for a budget 9-channel receiver. The Black Friday price brings this receiver down to about half of its original list price.
Best AVR Deals Under $2,000
Denon AVR-X3800H
Released in 2022, Denon’s AVR-X3800H 9.4-channel A/V receiver is still current and sits in the middle of the the company’s premium X Series range. It’s the most affordable AVR to support 4 independently controlled subwoofer outputs. And unlike the TX-NR7100, the AVR-X3800H can be upgraded to an 11-channel system by adding a two-channel power amp.
The AVR-X3800H includes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration and can be upgraded to use DIRAC Live Room Correction for a fee. As our Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan’s current reference receiver, the AVR-X3800H made our list for top receivers of 2024 and gets our highest recommendation.
How We Picked These Receiver Deals
All of the receivers on this list have been reviewed at eCoustics or have been auditioned at events such as manufacturers’ showcases and trade shows. These are all receivers that we would (or do) personally own or would recommend to friends and family.
For more details on some of the above suggestions, also check our companion article Best AV Receivers (AVRs) Available Now in 2024.
Need more ideas? Check out our latest gift guide or “Editors’ Choice Awards: Best AV Receivers in 2024.
