INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
If you want to transform your living room into a cinema that you don’t have to pay ticket prices to visit, you need to pick up one of
Because even with the best TV, if you’re stuck with the poor speakers that are often built into TVs, you’ll have to settle for a sub-par
Do yourself, and your favorite movies and games, a favor – buy an AV receiver instead.When you’re out shopping for the best AV receiver,
it’s crucial to consider how many and what types of ports you need
Trust us, no one wants to constantly move 15 cables around just to use your PS4
This is critically important because the best AV receivers are essentially the central base that all of your entertainment equipment will
need to connect and communicate with
Even if you have a ton of devices, this means that the transition between devices will always be seamless – no matter what you’re trying
to play, watch or listen to, you’ll always get an amazing entertainment experience.Once you have your port situation is all squared away,
you should consider a wide range of different features that will make or break the best AV receivers, like the resolution of your TV, your
speaker setup, and whether or not the receiver you have your eyes on will support them.If you’ve already jumped on the 4K bandwagon, for
example, you should look for a receiver that has a wealth of HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI ports
And if you want to get really high-tech, and invest in multi-room streaming, you need to think about which wireless speaker system is best
for you – Chromecast, Heos, or even Yamaha MusicCast
Even if you’re not immediately planning on using this technology, what’s the harm in future-proofing your entertainment setupFor many
people, Dolby Atmos will be the killer app
This 3D audio system has become the gold standard in immersive audio
It may be available on soundbars, but only an AV receiver offers true overhead Dolby Atmos audio
You only need to decide if you want a seven or a nine-channel system.However, you may not need Dolby Atmos at all, in which case a standard
5.1 sound system will fill your surround sound needs nicely
So, if you’re shortlisting a new AV receiver, you’ve come to the right place, so let’s dive into the best AV receivers you can buy
today.Best AV receivers under $699Sony STR-DN1080An innovative, affordable Dolby Atmos AV receiver with plenty of cool tricksPower output
(claimed): 7 x 165W into 6 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 6-in, 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio | Dimensions:
430(w) x 156(h) x 331(d) mm | Weight: 9.7kgDynamic movie performanceVirtual surround speaker technologyFrustrating user interfaceFussy
cosmetic designIt might be late to the party, but Sony’s debut Dolby Atmos AV receiver entertains with some cool functionality
While it’s ostensibly a seven channel design (which means it can run in a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration) there are also two phantom
rears which create a pseudo seven channel surround soundstage
The receiver can even virtually relocate the physical position of your speakers, to create a better sonic balance
Build quality is commensurate with its price tag
This is no heavyweight, and the fascia looks overly fussy, but the hairline finish is a premium touch
We get six HDMI inputs, all HDCP 2.2 enabled
There are also two HDMI outputs, for combi TV and projector use
There are also two analogue AV inputs, plus a pair of stereo phonos and two digital audio inputs
The AVR connects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with NFC for quick pairing, plus Airplay
The AVR also boasts Chromecast Built-in
That’s all the main wireless boxes ticked.Setup is helped along by the latest iteration of Sony’s Auto Calibration software, which now
features a 31-band graphic EQ and a stereo calibration microphone that adjusts phase, distance and level.Usability is average
The receiver relies heavily on its UI, which is pretty but sometimes a little frustrating
Performance is excellent for the price
Tonally the STR-DN1080 may not be particularly warm, but it is exciting
Movies benefit from seamless panning and pronounced dynamics
Power output is quoted at 7 x 165W into 6 ohms
The biggest surprise is the effectiveness of the phantom rears, which really do help fill out the rear surround stage
This sonic trickery positions the STR-DN1080 somewhere above a standard 5.1.2 design, but below a true nine channel amp.Overall, this is an
innovative, exciting AV Dolby Atmos receiver
Consider it a brilliant value home cinema offering
Marantz NR1607This slimline Dolby Atmos receiver can slam loud and hard when it needs tooPower output (claimed): 7 x 50W into 8 ohms |
Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 1-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm
stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 440(w) x 376(d) x 105(h) mm | Weight: 8.3kgEasy to accommodate sizeGenerous feature
listNot a volume monsterSingle HDMI outputThe latest update to the popular slimline NR line, Marantz’s Dolby Atmos enabled NR1607 packs a
load of features into a low profile frame. Choose from either a 5.1.2 Atmos configuration, or 7.1 flatbed surround
Wireless connectivity comes via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirPlay
All seven rear-side HDMI inputs support 4K with HDCP 2.2
There’s only one HDMI output though
This is joined by two digital audio inputs (one coaxial, one digital), plus three AV analogue inputs
On the front panel, there’s another HDMI input and USB with iOS Digital Direct
Auto room correction is provided by Audyssey, viaa supplied microphone
It does a reasonable job EQing the receiver to the listening room
The 50W p/c power rating may be modest, but this little box can slam loud and hard when it needs too
The subtle, immersive 3D audio of Atmos is also well handled here; audio panning around and overhead is thoroughly engaging. The receiver
is more than confident with two channel sources, although it lacks the sparkle of some of more expensive rivals
While the power output is plenty good enough for smaller rooms, larger theater spaces could be a challenge
Edge past 80 on the volume gauge and the mid-range dries out. Overall, the NR1607 can be considered a potent slimline Dolby Atmos receiver
HDMI connectivity is class leading, and our only grumble is the solitary output, which could limit options if you want to run both a screen
and a projector. Best AV receivers under $1,000Yamaha RX-A860 AV receiverSmooth and very powerful - and it’s MusicCast compatible
tooPower output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio
| Dimensions: 435(w) x 171 (h) x 382 (d) mm | Weight: 10.5kgGreat all-rounder with movies and musicWorks with MusicCast wireless
speakersOnly three HDMIs support 4K with HDCP 2.2User interface is all over the placeYamaha’s RX-A860 is nothing if not versatile
A seven channel design, it supports Dolby Atmos in a 5.1.2 layout and classic 7.1, as well as 5.1 with front presence speakers driven by
Yamaha’s own Cinema DSP processing
Virtual speaker creation is available to help fill the rear channel hole if your speaker layout is 5.1.2, although this isn’t as effective
as that offered on the Sony STR-DN1080
There’s also a weird Virtual Cinema Front mode, in which rear speakers are placed at the front of the listening room - but we don’t
The cosmetic design, with its partly mirrored façade, is modernistic, while a fascia flap conceals front-facing HDMI, USB and analogue AV
On the rear are seven HDMI inputs, plus two outputs, but only three support 4K HDCP 2.2 sources, which is a tad mean given the price point
Connectivity embraces Ethernet and Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth and Airplay
Like many Yamaha AV components, the receiver is MusicCast enabled
This means it can be used within Yamaha’s own wireless ecosystem, which also includes small wireless speakers to soundbars and music
Yamaha YPAO room calibration is provided for setup, using the supplied mic
The user interface is a bit uncoordinated though, with windows popping up hither and thither.Sonically, this receiver is smooth and powerful
Atmospheric TV shows and blockbuster movies both benefit from its easy fast delivery
Even when driven hard, there’s no sense of distress
The RX-A860 keeps its cool
The receiver is sweet with music too. Yamaha has always been big on novelty DSP sound fields, and here we get an assortment of post
Movies can be watched within Spectacle, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Music Video, or Video Game envelopes
Try them when you’re bored. Overall, the RX-A860 warrants a cautious thumbs up
In performance terms, there’s much to like, but the limited provision of 4K capable HDMI inputs could hamper system upgradability. This
product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing
Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Denon HEOS AVR Denon HEOS AVRThis multiroom receiver is a bright, lively
listenPower output (claimed): 5 x 50W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: No | HDMI: 4-in 1-out | AV inputs: 2 x digital audio (1 x optical and 1 x
coaxial), 3.5mm stereo minijack, stereo phono | Dimensions: 434(w) x 90(h) x 277(d) mm | Weight: 6kgRevolutionary designCompatible with
wireless HEOS multi-room speakersNot Dolby Atmos compatibleFun for movies, music not so muchIt’s not often we see something radically
different in the world of AV receivers, but this HEOS model definitely qualifies
For starters, it looks fundamentally different to the herd
There’s no front panel display
Rear connectivity has also been stripped back
Standing just 90mm tall, it’s refreshing compact
Only a volume knob on the extruded aluminium fascia gives the AVR game away. There are four HDMI inputs, and a single output, all with HDCP
There's just two digital audio inputs (coaxial and optical), plus analogue stereo, 3.5mm minijack, lone USB and Ethernet LAN
Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.Perhaps surprisingly, this is a 5.1 channel design and doesn’t support Dolby Atmos
Key to the receiver’s appeal is HEOS wireless speaker integration
While there is provision for wired rear speakers, the system is designed to work with wireless HEOS rears
In most systems, only the front L/C/R will be tethered
It can also partner with a dedicated wireless HEOS subwoofer. While a remote is supplied, it’s a basic zapper
There’s no onscreen display either
Setup and control is done through a HEOS app. For our audition, we partnered the AVR with a pair of HEOS 1s at the rear, and the wireless
With speakers grouped, the package becomes a working 5.1 system
There’s no further calibration required.The HEOS AVR may not be a powerhouse, but it’s a bright, lively listen
The receiver delivers multichannel movie soundtracks with gusto
It’s crisp and exciting, particularly when there’s plenty going on around the soundstage (try it with Edge of Tomorrow Blu-ray, then
duck as the DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack unloads chaos in every corner)
This isn’t a particularly musical AVR though
Pop and rock are entertaining enough, but throw a throw it something classical or jazzy and its spatial delineation turns a bit
mushy. Using wireless rears can invite some problems
While latency isn’t an issue, we were aware of occasional low-level pops and fizzes.As an ambitious reworking of the classic home theater
receiver, we rate this first HEOS AVR as an qualified success
The cosmetics are admirable, and for dedicated HEOS multiroom users the wireless interactivity is a boon
Employing an app for control seems to make perfect sense, the only snag comes if your streaming audio sources are also app controlled and
need to be juggled outside of the HEOS app
This may not be the future of AV receivers, but it’s a refreshing rethink nonetheless. This product is only available in the US and UK at
Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Marantz NR1607 Looking for a great movie to put your sound system to the test Check
out our list of the best sci-fi movies.Best AV recivers over $1,000Denon AVR-X4300H Outstanding performance in every regardPower output
(claimed): 9 x 200W into 6 Ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (7.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 3-out | AV inputs: 4 x composite; 4 x digital audio (2 x optical and
2 x coaxial) | Dimensions: 434(w) x 389(d) x 167(h) mm | Weight: 13.5kgPowerhouse movie performanceNine channels of amplificationHEOS
compatibilityOverkill if you don't partner with kick-ass speakersIf you want a no-compromise Atmos experience, then stepping up to a nine
channel AV receiver is well worth the premium
With this big Denon, you can opt for 5.1.4, or 7.1.2 - and that makes a big difference to the overall performance
There’s actually processing for eleven channels if you want to add additional amplification. But there’s more than just wraparound
The H suffix denotes that it’s also HEOS multiroom compatible
It can play, or route, content to and from other HEOS connected components
Spin a CD on your Blu-ray deck, and you can Party Zone the music through both your cinema system and any connected HEOS speakers.Build
The receiver has a copper plated chassis with monoblock construction
There are seven rear HDMI inputs, plus one on the front fascia
All support 4K HDCP 2.2 sources
There are also three HDMI outputs. There’s also a forest of other inputs, including four digital audio inputs (split between digital
optical and coaxial), six analogue stereo pairs and phono (MM) turntable support
You can also stream over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Power output is prodigious, at 9 x 200w into 6 Ohms
This doesn’t mean you should go super-loud, more that it can effortlessly bludgeon without strain or distortion
The user interface is slick, with high-res graphics guiding you through the setup routine
Auto calibration is via Audyssey
The Denon’s performance is outstanding in every regard
It does a fabulous job with multichannel Dolby Atmos soundtracks, both explosive and atmospheric, and is no slouch when it comes to music
Beneath the hood are fourth-gen SHARC DSP processors
Spatial imaging and transient attack is excellent. Overall, we rate this class-leading Denon as a home cinema superstar
It’s feature heavy, and massively powerful
But there’s agility behind the brawn
In short, it’s a fabulous home theater performer. This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing
UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Denon HEOS AVR Arcam FMJ AV850Arcam's best sounding AV receiver to date, but
it has a frugal specPower output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 3-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital
audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 433 (w) x 425
(d) x 171 (h)mm | Weight: 16.7kgSublime musical performanceClass leading auto calibration systemOnly seven channels of amplificationOutdated
user interfaceWhile the Arcam AVR850 is unlikely to win any Best Value accolades – it’s unashamedly expensive for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos
design – its overarching musicality is hard to beat
This is arguably the UK audio specialist’s best sounding AV receiver to date
The AVR850 uses Class G power amps, conservatively rated at 100W-per-channel.The design is understated, with a nice matte cabinet finish
and big central volume knob
It tips the scales at a reassuringly heavy 16kg
There are seven HDMI inputs, all with HDCP 2.2 support, plus three HDMI outputs
Audio options include six analogue inputs, and six digital audio inputs
The really significant difference here, compared to previous Arcam home theater boxes, is the provision of Dirac Live room
calibration.Arguably the most sophisticated auto calibration technology available, it does a extraordinary job fine tuning the receiver to
Dirac tuning is not carried out by the receiver with a microphone, but via a laptop
Sounds complicated Don’t fret
Buyers will have room calibration done by the dealer that supplies the receiver.While Dirac is the height of sophistication, the user
interface is pretty basic, just a plain text box
Arcam isn’t even trying to impress here.Still, the receiver sounds sensational, with precise imaging that really makes the most of Dolby
It’s tight and forceful with action sequences, and delicious melodious with two channel music
That feature count may look frugal for the price, but when it comes to performance, your investment will be repaid in spades
The Arcam AV850 may be ruinously expensive for a seven channel amplifier, but tuned with Dirac, it’s clearly a premium performer
We’re prepared to forgive it any foibles.GfwtogXMRocjcin4QZzErE.jpg#
