Best 9 AV receivers in 2020 – Buyer Guide and Review

A high-quality AV receiver is an integral part of every home theater. If you want to enjoy films and series in the best quality, you should not make any false compromises when buying this device. The most important thing is the sound quality so that you can really enjoy the programs of your choice. The AV receiver can be connected to your DVD player , Blu-Ray player and other devices and can rightly be called the control center of your home theater.

 

In the future, you will no longer need separate amplifiers – the AV receiver will do the job and combine audio and video into one overall experience. In the following, we will show you which points you should pay attention to when buying, which manufacturers and models are recommended and what distinguishes these devices in detail.

 

Yamaha RX-S602 AV Receiver

 

 

You can purchase the Yamaha RX-S602 AV Receiver at a comparatively low price. If you take a look at customer opinions and expert judgments, however, you will quickly see that it is a very high quality device. So you get a lot of quality for relatively little money.

 

Thanks to the discrete expansion of the amplifier, you can look forward to powerful 5-channel surround sound that should also convince discerning connoisseurs. Four HDMI outputs and one HDMI input are also part of the equipment of this Yamaha receiver as well as 4K Ultra HD support. Watch HDR videos in pure picture quality. The device also supports the new, expandable BT.2020 color space.

 

While the sub-woofer trim provides an improved sound image, Yamaha’s exclusive Extra Bass technology stands for a powerful bass that appears particularly present. The AV Setup Guide app, available for iOS and Android, supports you in setting up your Yamaha AV receiver quickly.

 

The scope of delivery of your Yamaha RX-S602 AV receiver includes the device itself, an AM / FM antenna, a YPAO microphone , a remote control, batteries , a user manual and a quick start guide .

 

Denon AVR-X540BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver

 

 

The Denon AVR-X540BT 5.2 channel full 4K Ultra HD AV receiver knows how to impress with its excellent price-performance ratio. For a fair price, you get an AV receiver with convincing technology and good features. The range of functions is impressive.

 

This device is a 5.2 channel AV receiver with an output of 130 watts per channel. With its elegant, black look, it makes an elegant impression in your living room. But let’s take a look at the most important product features of this Denon AV Receiver:

 

• 4K / 50 Hz full-rate pass-through
• Five HDMI inputs, three of which have full HDCP 2.2 support
• Bluetooth function for music streaming is integrated
• Automatic calibration of the loudspeakers via the supplied measuring microphone
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio

 

Whether MP3, WMA, FLAC or MPEG-4 and AAC – the most diverse file formats can be played via the USB input on the front of the device. The intelligent eco mode ensures that you can save a lot of energy. If you want, you can control your AV receiver using the Denon 500 series Bluetooth remote app on your smartphone . It is also compatible with Denon’s HEOS music streaming system.

 

When you order your Denon AVR-X540BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver, you will also receive an FM indoor antenna, an AM loop antenna, a microphone for sound calibration, a power cord, a remote control, batteries and a quick guide with safety instructions.

 

Onkyo TX-SR252 home theater receiver

 

 

The Onkyo TX-SR252 home theater receiver is available for very little money. And yet, if the various reviews are to be believed, the device is one of the best AV receivers in its class. We have taken a closer look at the Onkyo Receiver for you here at Cableuniverse.co.uk.

 

The home theater receiver delivers first-class surround sound at an affordable price. The naturally 4K-capable device connects your Blu-Ray player, DVD player, game console or other devices with your television in no time at all. If desired, set the Onkyo AV Receiver so that you can switch it on and off with your normal TV remote control.

 

The ability of the receiver to decode Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio makes watching HD films particularly enjoyable. The 5-channel surround sound lets you experience a special kind of home theater experience.

 

There is a USB port on the front of the device. Here you can connect compatible drives at any time and play MP3s, WMA files or AAC files, for example. With the remote control of your TV you can easily browse your music collection.

 

When you order the Onkyo TX-SR252 home theater receiver, you will also receive an FM antenna, an AM antenna, a remote control, two suitable AA batteries and an operating manual in the package as accessories.

 

Pioneer VSX-S520-B 5.1 channel AV receiver

 

 

With the Pioneer VSX-S520-B 5.1 channel AV receiver you get a device that can be classified in the middle price segment. Customer reviews and expert opinions show that it is an AV receiver that knows how to score with its diverse equipment. The user-friendliness of the receiver is also emphasized. This Pioneer AV Receiver is characterized by the following features and functions:

 

• Six channels with 80 watts of power per channel
• Automatic calibration system MCACC
• HDMI with audio return channel
• WiFi and Bluetooth
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD
• FM tuner

 

The particularly flat AV receiver comes with a variety of connections. Whether USB, four HDMI In, one HDMI Out, Ethernet and Phone – these are just some of the connections that the device has.

 

The functions of this HiFi receiver also include an automatic switch-off and a sleep timer. The supplied remote control is particularly user-friendly. You will also find matching batteries and an AM / FM antenna in the package of your extra slim Pioneer VSX-S520-B 5.1 channel AV receiver.

 

Onkyo TX-NR474-B 5.1 channel AV receiver

 

 

In terms of price, the Onkyo TX-NR474-B 5.1 channel AV receiver is in the upper mid-range. The device in stylish black is a network receiver based on a high-current amplifier system. Whether it’s a Hollywood blockbuster, your favorite music or a live football broadcast on TV – this 5.1. Receiver from Onkyo ensures the right sound. The main features of the device include:

 

• Support of 4K / 60 Hz
• Integrated Chromecast technology for uncomplicated music enjoyment
• WLAN, Bluetooth, AirPlay and Spotify
• 135 watts per channel
• 4 HDMI inputs and one HDMI output
• 3.1.2ch Dolby Atmos and DTS: X playback

 

Thanks to FlareConnect, audio content can be played back wirelessly in several rooms . You can listen to your CDs, LPs or music via streaming services throughout the house. The free Onkyo Controller App also supports you in networking the AV receiver with ease.

 

A standard size remote control is supplied with your Onkyo TX-NR474-B 5.1 channel AV receiver so that you can operate it comfortably from your sofa.

 

Pioneer VSX-531-B 5.1 channel AV receiver

 

 

The Pioneer VSX-531-B 5.1 channel AV receiver is in the lower middle price segment . It comes in classic black and has five channels with 130 watts each. The device offers you a variety of connections and great sound at a humane purchase price.

 

The four HDMI inputs on this AV receiver are Ultra HD compatible. The device also comes with Bluetooth and USB so that you can spontaneously decide which way to connect. Thanks to the MCACC automatic calibration , the multi-channel film sound is also shown to advantage in your living room with this HiFi receiver.

 

The Pioneer Receiver also decodes the high-resolution surround formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. Even data-reduced music files sound full, which the Advanced Sound Retriever takes care of. The product features also include a modern on-screen display, an eco mode and an auto power down function, a sleep timer and an AM / FM tuner with a total of 30 memory locations.

 

When you order your Pioneer VSX-531-B 5.1 channel AV receiver, you get a remote control, batteries and a power cable included.

 

Sony STR-DN1080 7.2 channel 4K UHD AV Receiver

 

 

The Sony STR-DN1080 7.2 channel 4K UHD AV Receiver can be found in the somewhat more expensive area . If you have particularly high demands on sound quality, then you should take a closer look at this model.

 

One of the most important features of this AV receiver is high-resolution audio . This technology ensures that you can feel even the smallest nuances of sound and enjoy music in studio quality. Dolby Atmos brings 360 degree surround sound into your living room and DTS-X ensures that the multidimensional sound is adapted in real time to the configuration of your speakers. Flexible speaker solutions help you to find the optimal positions for unrestrained audio enjoyment.

 

Look forward to consistently high 4K quality . High Dynamic Range stands for a quantum leap in terms of brightness and image contrast. Chromecast is already integrated in this Sony AV Receiver. Use your Spotify app as a remote control, play music from AirPlay-compatible devices or transfer your music around the home with SongPal Link.

 

The AV receiver is equipped with six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, so that there are enough options to connect external devices. A special HDMI output for side rooms is included. DSD native playback is possible via HDMI, USB or the DLNA network.

 

All in all, the Sony STR-DN1080 7.2 channel 4K UHD AV Receiver offers you a variety of features. If you want to enjoy home cinema in the finest surround sound, you have made a good choice with this device.

 

Denon AVRX1400H 7.2-channel AV receiver

 

 

The Denon AVRX1400H 7.2-channel AV receiver can be grouped in the middle price segment and offers you a lot of performance for comparatively little money. Look forward to modern 3D surround sound and a performance that can be seen and heard.

 

In order to give you a quick overview of the most important product features, we have compiled them for you in a clear form:

 

• 7.2-channel AV receiver with 145 watts of power per channel
• 4K / 60 Hz full-rate pass-through
• Dolby Vision compatible, HDR, HLG and BT.2020
• Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and DTS Virtual: X
• Six HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.2 support (one at the front)
• Integrated wireless multiroom audio technology from HEOS
• WLAN, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect

 

The Denon AV Receiver also has an eco mode that automatically adjusts the power consumption depending on the volume. This saves you electricity and, on balance, money. The setup wizard makes configuring the device a breeze. Even as a technical layman, you will have no difficulty in optimizing the sound and video quality.

 

You can connect your AV receiver wirelessly via Bluetooth and WLAN. You can also use Apple AirPlay without any problems, listen to your favorite station via Internet radio or listen to streaming services . Whether Spotify, SoundCloud, JUKE or Amazon Music – select the music source you want to listen to.

 

The Denon AVRX1400H 7.2-channel AV receiver, for example, was rated “outstanding” by the magazine “TechRadar”. You benefit from an excellent price-performance ratio.

 

Pioneer VSX-932-S 7.2 Network AV Receiver

 

 

The Pioneer VSX-932-S 7.2 network AV receiver is a recommended entry-level device in the seven-channel class. For a comparatively low purchase price, you get an AV receiver that can effortlessly drive an entire Dolby Atmos speaker set.

 

The device has seven channels with 130 watts each . Playback of Dolby Atmos is possible as well as DTS: X. The AV receiver is Ultra HD capable with HDCP 2.2. Whether Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus, all formats are supported here.

 

An MCACC automatic calibration ensures the optimal configuration, while the Advanced Sound Retriever noticeably improves the sound quality of compressed music formats. The FM / MW tuner has storage spaces for 40 stations .

 

Wireless multiroom audio is possible via FireConnect, which is supported by this AV receiver. In addition, was Chromecast technology built in, so you can stream songs easily, radio, or podcasts to your device.

 

Pioneer’s “Direct Energy” technology lowers power consumption and is easy on your wallet. The AV receiver has four HDMI inputs, an HDMI output, a USB connection, a phone input and a few other connections.

 

When you order the Pioneer VSX-932-S 7.2 network AV receiver, a user-friendly remote control is included for convenient control of the device.

 

What is an AV Receiver?

 

AV-HIFI receiver an AV receiver should not be missing in any well-equipped living room these days. It is the heart of your entertainment center and creates a real home cinema atmosphere in your own four walls. Thanks to him, the good old stereo system has become obsolete in most households and is being adequately replaced by the HiFi receiver.

 

From a technical point of view, it is a multichannel hi-fi amplifier that is capable of reproducing a wide variety of audio and video sources . For example, you can connect Blu-Ray players, DVD players, digital cameras, MP3 players and all sorts of other devices to it. The output takes place via devices connected to the outputs of the AV receiver, such as speakers, televisions or power amplifiers.

 

What can an AV receiver do?

 

It is no exaggeration to describe an AV receiver as a true multi-functional device. Because it combines the functions of several other devices in your living room . In terms of versatility, the AV receiver can hardly be surpassed. If it didn’t exist, you would have to use up to five other devices that would take up space:

 

• Surround decoder
• Prepress
• Power amplifier
• Radio tuner
• Network player

 

The list alone shows what an important role AV receivers play today. Depending on the equipment, it usually has five to seven power amplifiers . While you can buy high-quality 5.1 receivers at sometimes surprisingly favorable conditions, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for a 7.2 AV receiver.

 

A modern AV receiver is not only characterized by the number of power amplifiers, but also has a wide variety of connections. Make sure that there are enough HDMI connections to be able to connect your various end devices. 

 

Which AV Receiver is the Best?

 

Which AV Receiver do I need? Which AV Receiver should I buy? These are questions that probably concern everyone who is concerned with the purchase of such a device. To make one thing clear: the best model in every respect does not exist. Above all, it depends on your own wishes and requirements for such a device – and of course also on the available budget. If you want to invest a four-digit sum for an AV receiver, you can do this effortlessly. However, there are models for a few hundred euros that are absolutely fine in terms of functionality and performance . The most common types of AV receivers are:

 

• 5.1 Receiver – such a receiver is the heart of a system that is made up of a total of six loudspeakers, with a center box located in the center, for example under the TV set. There are also two side speakers, two surround speakers and the subwoofer.

 

• 7.1 Receiver – here it is basically similar to a 5.1 receiver, only that two additional speakers are added, which are supposed to provide an even better surround sound overall .

 

• 9.1. and 11.1 Receiver – these devices add a component on top and provide a 3D sound with sound from above.

 

So, as you can see, there are very different types of AV receivers. It can still be a touch more luxurious, but in the end it is up to you to decide how much money you can and want to invest.

 

What to look out for when buying an AV receiver?

 

Warning: you should know that!Some points are particularly important when buying an AV receiver. We have put together a few key points for you that you should keep in mind when you are looking for a suitable device:

 

Which sound formats are supported? Whether Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD or Dolby Atmos – the variety of high-resolution formats is large – a good AV receiver should be able to decode as many of them as possible.

 

Which HDMI interfaces are on board? In order to be able to enjoy content in 4K quality, at least an HDMI 2.0 interface should be available. The more HDMI inputs and outputs the AV receiver has, the better.

 

What audio jacks are there? If you want to connect a turntable, for example , the easiest way to do this is to have a special phono input.

 

What other connection technologies does the device bring with it? WLAN and Bluetooth can provide a significant plus in convenience and options.

 

Are streaming services directly supported? No matter if Spotify, Deezer or JUKE – the corresponding providers are now widespread and should ideally be directly involved.

 

Are there ways to reduce power consumption ? An intelligent eco mode and / or an automatic switch-off can provide valuable services here.