An AV receiver is one of the simplest methods to bring the movie theatre experience into your living room if you adore movies but would rather watch blockbusters at home. The top models have features like 8K video, Dolby Atmos, and Wi-Fi audio streaming, but choosing the perfect one may be difficult because specs can become rather convoluted. Thankfully, CNET is here to assist, and we’ve compiled a list of the top AV receivers available right now.
There are several models that can do both tasks well if you spend a lot of time watching TV and listening to music, including the outstanding Yamaha RX-V6A and Onkyo TX-RZ50. Remember that a fresh batch of receivers, including the Denon AVR-X4800H, are anticipated in the new year, so it might be worthwhile to hold off for a few weeks to see what’s in store.
So how do you know which is the best AV receiver for you? I’ve tested the most popular models between $500 and $2,000 to help you find the best AV receivers 2023 has to offer. One thing you should consider, though, is that some of these products could be on backorder, so check back periodically.
Yamaha RX-V6A
With its cutting-edge edges and straightforward controls, the Yamaha RX-V6A delivers a novel perspective on AV receiver design while enhancing sound quality. The Yamaha is no slouch when it comes to music, and it could even convince you to stop going to the movies altogether. With Wi-Fi delivering AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Yamaha’s MusicCast technology for streaming from your devices, it gives lots of connection. The V6A is no longer as economical as it once was thanks to a $200 price increase in September; if the rival TX-NR6100 is less expensive, you should certainly take it into consideration.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is the successor of the Onkyo TX-NR696, which I’ve been using for the previous few years. The NR6100, like its predecessor, provides excellent sound and a wide range of connectors, including support for 4K/120Hz from game consoles. Additionally, it offers the best variety of streaming formats, including Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay. However, because it is now $150 more expensive and the Yamaha RX-V6A provides significantly higher audio performance for around the same money, the NR6100 is not nearly as good of a value as its predecessor.
Onkyo TX-RZ50
The TX-RZ50 from Onkyo is the ideal step-up model for people wishing to improve their systems so they may add a turntable or bigger speakers. It has the greatest streaming suite available in an AV receiver, as well as the audiophile-level calibration dubbed Dirac Live, just like its more affordable label mate, the TX-NR6100. Direct music requests from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa are a huge plus in this regard.
What enhancements do the $1,600 TX-RZ50 and the $800 TX-NR6100 provide? Six as opposed to three 8K compliant inputs are available, and it also has greater power (120 watts versus 80 watts). Additionally, it supports two-way Bluetooth for streaming and cordless headphone listening.
I hadn’t recently heard Dolby Atmos sound this realistic, whether I was watching a movie or listening to streaming music. Dirac Live complicates setup in its own ways (please only use the Onkyo Controller mobile app in conjunction with the included microphone), but it pays off with a really engaging performance.
Be aware that the Onkyo might not be available right now, however the Yamaha RX-A4 works even better with movies as a substitute.
Yamaha RX-A4A
I’m a great admirer of the Yamaha RX-V6A, so I was interested to see what the RX-A4A, the step-up model, has to offer. Unexpectedly, this Yamaha has an even superior build quality and a powerful dramatic tone.
You can see well-organized parts and a distinctive, stamped transformer if you look through the elegant top grille. For your networking needs, the system offers seven HDMI connectors and a powerful 110 watts per channel (stereo).
I put the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X3700 up against the Yamaha A4A. The Yamaha delivered a broad, expansive sound that was ideal for blockbusters or brooding conspiracy thrillers, with a sound quality that skewed more toward the cinematic than the musical. The inbuilt phono preamp was surprisingly even better than the rival Onkyo RZ50’s, so I can suggest it to those who don’t want a separate preamp for their turntable.
The Yamaha sounds excellent with movies but not as well with streaming music. However, the Onkyo is still my current favourite since it provides balanced performance across the board.
Which receiver should I buy?
There are three major receivers to pick from if your budget is less than $1,000: the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100, and the Denon AVR-960H. All of them provide outstanding performance, therefore the best option is the one that is most affordable. That model is the Denon right now since it is $599 off, but I actually like the Yamaha RX-V6A. The Yamaha has a stunning appearance and performance to match. The Xbox Series X and other devices may be connected to it via the many HDMI 2.1 connectors that are available.
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a fantastic alternative if the Yamaha is out of stock, which it frequently is. The Onkyo is a top performer with simple setup, great use, attractive design, and practical functions, including the greatest streaming suite. It never had the 4K problem that affected early models of the Yamaha RX-V6A.
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a great receiver if you want more advanced capabilities and an improvement in performance over sub-$1,000 devices. It delivers the most streaming features available on the market, along with a great, albeit little frightful, calibration method from Dirac Live. It works well with both music and movies.
Last but not least, at $1,650, the Yamaha RX-A4A provides clear, powerful sound and excellent build quality if home theatre thrills are what you’re looking.
How The Tech Fun tests
I evaluate audio equipment for The Tech Fun, ranging from small soundbars to surround sound systems, but my testing approach is generally the same regardless of the product. I consistently evaluate products against one or more reference items that provide the best performance at a reasonable cost.
The majority of people will want to watch movies and listen to music simultaneously, so when it comes to receivers, I want to examine how effectively a system handles both. I view a few test scenes on 4K Blu-ray or streamed from a 4K streaming service (like Vudu, for instance), and I assess elements like dialogue clarity and Dolby Atmos surround performance. Additionally, I analyse any streaming services like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi using a variety of test songs. Systems that excel at both sorts of entertainment inevitably receive the greatest ratings.
For additional information on the features and factors you should take into account while shopping for a new system, consult The Tech Fun receiver purchasing guide.
Other AV receivers I’ve tested
- Denon AVR-S960H ($599): The Denon may not be as glittering and shiny as the Yamaha RX-V6A, but it still offers excellent sound quality. The receiver is laid-back, blends well with forward-sounding speakers and replays music beautifully. It’s not quite as good as either the Yamaha RX-V6A or the Onkyo TX-NR6100 as it has neither the former’s home theater chops nor the latter’s streaming options. It’s currently available for $599 (save $250), however, which makes it an excellent deal. Read CNET’s Denon AVR-S960H review.
- Marantz SR6015 ($2,179): The Marantz SR6015 does everything you’d expect — Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz throughput — and with a good deal of aplomb. It sounds great, but it’s not as flexible as the best receivers here — for instance, you can’t watch a video source while listening to music, like the Onkyos can, and neither can you ask a Google Nest to play a song on it. Add to that a recent $500 price hike and this receiver has sadly been pushed out of contention.
AV receiver FAQs
What is the difference between a stereo receiver and an AV receiver?
A stereo receiver is a two-channel, audio-only amplifier with source switching and an AM/FM tuner; without a tuner, it is referred to as an integrated amplifier. A surround sound amplifier that supports HDMI switching and audio and video playback is an AV receiver. The majority also have tuners onboard. Although they are rather adaptable, AV receivers may also be used as a stereo amplifier or to add as many speakers as you need.
Should I buy an 8K receiver?
While standards are always evolving, at this moment they must at the very least support HDR, Dolby Vision, and HDMI 2.0 or above. Even though 8K content is hard to come by, all of these models support 8K in addition to 4K and HDR video.
Be advised that the Xbox Series X in particular was susceptible to a problem that prevented all 2020 8K-compatible receivers from showing variable refresh rate video. Yamaha RX-V6A compliance versions started coming in summer 2021, while Denon and Marantz receivers sold after April 2021 should be 4K/120Hz compatible. Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha all announced solutions for current models. Denon and Marantz customers should verify with their dealer while Yamaha users may check for 4K compatibility here.
The first receiver I tested that passed 4K/120Hz and that I would also suggest to potential purchasers is the $600 TX-NR6100.
How do I connect my TV to my AV receiver?
If your television is relatively modern, you should be able to connect your receiver to it using just one wire—more specifically, an HDMI cable. You can connect the primary HDMI ARC output of the receiver to the HDMI port on the TV that is marked ARC/eARC if it has one. By doing this, you may broadcast video from your other AV sources while also listening to onboard Netflix from your TV when the receiver is set to the “TV” input.
You will need to attach both an HDMI cable and an optical cable to the back of your TV if it’s an older model without an ARC-compliant connector. However, you will want a receiver costing more than $1,000, such as the Marantz SR6015 or Onkyo TX-RZ50, if you have a CRT or rear-projection TV with composite or component inputs. Switching for these outdated connections is no longer commonly available on receivers.
Is 4K/120Hz support a big deal?
Only if you have an Xbox Series X and a brand-new TV, is the succinct response. Although an increasing number of Xbox Series X titles, like Halo Infinite and Fortnite, support this optional mode as of this writing, the benefits of 4K/120Hz above 60Hz are currently limited from what I can see. The changes could become more apparent in future games and perhaps video sources, so you might want a receiver that is entirely compatible.
You can always connect a fancy new console straight to the TV and then utilise eARC to deliver audio to the receiver if you decide to purchase an older receiver, don’t care about the Xbox Series X, or don’t want to send your early-8K model to the shop.
Other features to look for in an AV receiver
AV receivers are notoriously complex, with reams of features and confusing technical specifications. (For example, what’s 4K/120Hz anyway?) Yet, what are the things that really matter when buying a new model? I’m going to sum up the most important ones right here.
- HDMI inputs: With most TVs and set-top boxes supporting HDMI, you should buy a receiver that has as many of these HDMI input ports and outputs as possible. Front-mounted HDMI ports are kind of like an appendix — unneeded, because most users don’t hot-plug HDMI devices — making the number of rear inputs what’s most important. (How else are you going to connect your Roku, Blu-ray player, Nintendo Switch and all your other devices?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, while the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A go one better with seven. If you want to connect two different displays — a TV and a projector, for example — all but the Yamaha offer a second HDMI output. You should also be sure you have an extra HDMI cable or two on hand — these things are like the second sock of a pair in that you can never find them when you need them.
- Dolby Atmos capability: Most receivers in the $500-and-above price range include Dolby Atmos capability and DTS:X, but the effect they have on your home theater movie-watching can be subtle, or in most movies, nonexistent. In other words, don’t worry about missing out on these formats if you don’t install an extra height speaker or two. Mounting your rear surround speakers high on the wall will get you halfway there in terms of quality, immersive sound.
- Wi-Fi music streaming: Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi network connectivity for wireless music streaming through your speaker system. There are plenty of standards for wireless streaming services, but the most universal are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 1 and 2 and Google Chromecast built in. If you’re looking to build a multiroom system with a variety of AV systems and speakers with wireless connectivity, these are the three flavors to aim for. Onkyo is the only device that supports all three. The Denon receiver model lacks wireless streaming via Chromecast, but ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. Meanwhile, Yamaha has its own MusicCast system.
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