We should note: there are still wall keypads out there, but many are now wireless, too. Though some receivers come with a wireless system already built-in, you can add wireless capability to almost any sound system.
Yamaha , Bose , and Sonos all make tiny boxes that connect to the receiver just like a CD player, and allow you to stream almost any music, wirelessly, through your sound system. Many of the newest home theater receivers are easily controlled through an app on your iPhone, tablet, or computer.
At your fingertips: full operational control from any room in the house. Grandma could take over, no problem. Receivers are often bigger than you think. An AV receiver with amps inside needs to dissipate heat, so I recommend leaving 6 inches inches above it for ventilation. The cooler a piece of electronics stays, the longer it lasts. AV receivers are typically deeper than stereo receivers, so I usually recommend allowing 20 inches for depth.
If space is tight, there are fan kits that can keep the air circulating to prevent your receiver from overheating. Or the mayhem and destruction in a typical monster movie might spill out at home. The most common questions we hear from customers. A multi-zone capable receiver gets it done by allowing you to hook up multiple video sources — your cable or satellite box, Apple TV, a Blu-ray player, and so on — and then sending that signal out to two different TVs in two different rooms.
You can even watch two live TV shows at the same time with one multi-zone receiver, though that requires an additional cable or satellite TV box. Yes, but all AV receivers nowadays have automatic speaker calibration. Most do a good job, but the best automatic speaker calibration we've seen is in NAD surround receivers. They have Diarc Live Room Correction built-in, and the quality difference is like night and day — you can easily turn it on and off to test it out.
In the PA area? Stop by one of our showrooms for a demo. This way, you get the latest features like Dolby Atmos. Translated: goosebumps! Further, the number of new features in a typical new AV receiver is proportional to the number of new features in a typical new TV. For specific models, our Top Receivers of guide slices, dices, and compares the best AV receivers of the year.
When you buy from an authorized dealer , your new AV receiver will come with the full manufacturer's warranty. Not to mention other AC-powered digital devices, like your computer. Lightning strikes, power outages, or brownouts can destroy delicate electronics in a flash, which is why we always recommend buying a power conditioner to protect your valuable equipment in the event of sudden over or under voltage.
Audioquest , Furman , and Panamax make some of the best. Step 1: Go to an AV showroom near you and plan on spending some quality time listening and asking questions. Call us. Happens every day.
Step 2: Go buy the model you like best right here from World Wide Stereo and get the best price, free shipping, expert advice, and award-winning customer support for as long as you own your new AV receiver. We give you a day audition to try the component out.
Both are unique and feature real rooms — living room, den, kitchen, bathroom — just like home, so you get a real feel for how things will look and sound at your place. How these particular speakers sound with that particular AV receiver, or how this particular AV receiver can stream multiple songs in multiple rooms, or how Dolby Atmos really does put you in the action.
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Holiday Deals. Shop now. Filed Under: articles home entertainment buying guides. Identify what you're hooking the receiver up to. This is the most important thing to consider. Are you connecting your receiver to stereo speakers? Or a TV? If your new receiver is for music only, you want a stereo receiver. Get enough channels for now and the future.
Make sure your new receiver has enough channels for all the speakers you have now, plus those you may want to get in the future. You must, therefore, be sure you are comparing like with like. You must compare power numbers that are rated using the same tests.
The common variables are:. On this site, I like to use 8 ohms, 20 Hz — 20 kHz and with 2 channels driven as the baseline. This is a common rating and I quote this where I can.
The very best measurement would be for when all the surround channels are driven at the same time. Not just two. Because this is what happens when you watch a surround sound movie. But very few brands give these numbers. A cynic might say that is because they like to use tests which makes the power output appear higher. Call me a cynic! Doubling the power only increases the sound level by 3 dB. It will be louder. I have written an article on understanding amplifier and receiver power ratings if you want more detail on this.
But, the differences might not be as big as the numbers suggest. Generally, AV receiver power ratings will range from around 50 to watts 8 Ohms, 20 Hz kHz, less than 0. Just make sure your speakers will be able to handle the extra power if you plan on turning it up really loud for long periods. If you have speakers which are harder to drive. Then a bit more power should help them sound better.
Or, you could buy more efficient speakers. The specifications of your speakers should give a guideline power range that they can handle. You will have plenty of wiggle room, so you are unlikely to have issues unless you take things to extremes. Speakers also have an impedance rating which the amplifier needs to support. But if you have some exotic speakers, you might want to check this. There are several different surround sound audio formats on a DVD or Blu-ray disc.
Some may be supported by your AV receiver and some may not. If you need something specific, then you might want to check the receiver supports it. Receivers also have several listening modes that can alter how you hear the sound on your speaker system.
Most brands have similar options. These are upmixing modes that make full use of your 5. Usually, if you play a normal stereo or 5. However, these upmixing modes create a virtual mix that moves some of the audio into your height speakers. I always have these enabled for legacy soundtracks. Plus, you get some more use from those extra speakers you spent all that time and money installing in your room.
You can use them to upmix stereo soundtracks to your 5. Again, I always have one of these enabled for standard stereo TV transmissions. However, some people prefer to leave stereo soundtracks in stereo.
Try both and see which you prefer. I draw the line at music though. For me, stereo music is always the front two speakers only. As nature intended! Feel free to go wild and spread that stereo music around your whole room. You rascal. Learn more about surround sound formats and AV receiver listening modes.
These areas are usually called zones. A zone can be anything you like. Another room. A living space outside your home. Another location in the same room.
A zone 2 output is often a line out like in the picture below. This would need to be connected to another amplifier. Some receivers also have powered channels for the second zone — which just need to be connected to another set of speakers.
In some AV receivers you can watch one thing in the main room and something different in another zone. Some will only allow you to watch the same thing in two different zones. Some zones will be audio-only.
Some zones may need an extra amplifier in the other room. It varies a great deal. They will also have a mid-range and value range set of receivers. These receivers can still give great value for money and fantastic quality. The quickest way to identify the right series for you is to start with the price. Setting your maximum budget will narrow down the ones you can buy. As a rule, you do get what you pay for with AV receivers.
The more you spend, the higher-quality sound and better features you will get. However, be sensible. Many of the AV receiver manufacturers will bring out a new model each year. If the receiver has all the features you need, you may not need to pay a premium for the latest model.
This can be one of the best ways to buy a high-end receiver at mid-range prices. Or a mid-range at budget prices. The stock levels of these older receivers can be limited. The retailers may run out of stock if you wait too long. Each offers both budget and high-end models for a range of budgets and needs. I think one of the most confusing aspects of buying an AV receiver, is trying to figure where each model fits into the bigger picture. This quick summary should help.
They began producing hi-fi audio components in and now specialize in home theater and wireless audio products. After many years of success in the hi-fi audio market, the company was sold to Marantz Japan in They are now a sister company to Denon. You can see a list of all the latest models, and compare their most useful features, in my guide to Marantz AV receivers. Onkyo has been producing consumer electronics since They are a Japanese company and specialize in audio products and home theater equipment.
Comparing the different models in a range can be difficult. Although they stopped making televisions in , they still produce many products for the home AV market. In , Pioneer sold their home AV business to Onkyo , and so they are now sister companies. However, Pioneer still releases products under its own brand name.
Their premium range of AV receivers is labeled the Elite Series. The aim is to produce high-end products aimed at audiophiles and sound purists.
Sony is one of the most well-known home electronics brands in the world. Among its many areas of business, this Japanese company produces many popular products in the home AV market. My guide to Sony AV receivers details the features of all the recent models. This should make it easier to find what you need. Yamaha is a Japanese company that has been producing a wide range of products for over years. They have a strong reputation in a diverse range of markets. Yamaha produces some of the best surround sound receivers and has a range of models to suit all needs and budgets.
You now understand many of the things you need to consider. But there are still dozens of AV receivers to choose from. Where do you start?
However, some people asked if I could make it easier to choose by listing them by price or category. And included a few general categories too. However, be aware that the prices of AV receivers can vary. You rarely see prices higher than the MSRP — but often below. However, in recent months, with the pandemic and supply chain problems, prices and stock availability have been all over the place.
But, you can sometimes pick up a bargain when a receiver in a higher price band gets reduced. Often at holiday times or when there is a newer model available. So, you might want to check out the price of a model that is in a higher bracket — you might get a pleasant surprise.
At the end of each section, I have a few more suggestions in that category. The right choice might be based on price — or features — or build quality. For all types of receivers, you can buy high-quality, expensive models — and cheaper, budget models. All with a similar number of channels. However, if you are sure that you only want 5. Remember, you can always buy a 7-channel receiver or higher and just connect 5-channels.
No matter if you are looking for a budget or high-end model — Yamaha is always a good choice for an AV receiver. If, like most people, you just use one subwoofer, just ignore the second connection. Please note, the new HDMI 2. And with MusicCast Surround , you can purchase either the MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers and add these as wireless surrounds in a 5. Perfect for those of you who are fed up with running those pesky speaker cables around your room. Onkyo TX-SR 5.
When we get to receivers with more channels, then looking for a particular number of channels is more useful. With a 9-channel receiver, you can have a 5. But 5. Denon is always a contender in any category. They make fantastic receivers that excel at movie audio. And they work great for music too. This model supports the very latest in video formats. You will be able to pass-through 8K at 60Hz and 4K at Hz. Plus, there is support for all the latest HDMI 2. As well as built-in amplification for a 5.
You will be able to get a tight and balanced sound in any room when you run the Audyssey setup routine. Marantz SR 9. Onkyo TX-RZ50 9. An AV receiver with channels is perfect for a complete Dolby Atmos surround sound system. You have all the built-in channels to install a 7. However, there are a few about. If audiophile sound quality is important to you, then the Anthem MRX might be better.
I currently have a decade old Denon AVR receiver, a pair of Ohm front speakers and a pair of wide range Niles in the ceiling.
I love my Ohm Walsh driver speakers 6 ohm and the soundfield they produce, but I can't figure out if the TVs have enough ooomph to drive them, how I would attach them, and if that would kill the efficacy of the fancy audio. I've noticed a lot of comments on issues with the eARC connections. So, do I need a receiver and my trusty Ohms , can I get by with the built in sound, or is there something I'm missing in all the new technology?
Why are the home theater receivers not in the stores yet? When should we expect to start seeing them? Very helpful as I am 88 yrs old and know a fraction of what a modern adult knows.
Thank you for the informative primer. I continue to work my way through the technology maze and tradeoffs to determine what I need versus the bells and whistles.
A home theater receiver has two main jobs: to provide sound and power to connected speakers, and to send video to your TV or projector. You need one channel of power for each speaker in your home theater.
For example, a 5. The ". It's okay to have unused amp channels since they let you grow your system down the road. Some receivers even let you use extra channels to power speakers in another room. A good rule of thumb is to stay within the power range of your speakers. Generally speaking, more power is better — it gives you stronger bass and clearer, louder sound, especially in larger rooms. It's okay for your receiver to have a little more power than your speakers are rated for.
If you're using high-end speakers, budget for a high-quality receiver to get the most out of them. All home theater receivers can play music through your front left and right speakers.
Some receivers even have additional modes for playing music through all the speakers in your surround sound system. Love playing vinyl? Look for models with a dedicated phono input for connecting a turntable. In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to set up your home theater receiver. Learn about placement, connections, calibration, network setup, and remote control.
Our top picks for home theater receivers in What's the best place to set up your home theater receiver? This article offers helpful tips for deciding on the perfect spot. Dolby Atmos Music is the first immersive music format you can stream via online music services like Apple Music. How do you get it? And how does it sound?
Which type of speakers should you use for the rear channels of your home theater system? Bipole, dipole, or monopole? Learn about surround sound system design for small rooms. Find home theater gear that fits your space. How to connect your video sources to one receiver and watch them in different rooms. A lot can change in a few years. Not sure which HDMI cable to get? For free personalized advice, call Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system.
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Comments 46 Read comments. Thanks for your question, Danny, and congrats on your new home! You'll likely want a seven-channel home theater receiver to power your speakers. We'll want to gather a little more info about the speakers to make a recommendation, so I suggest giving one of our Advisors a shout to go over your options.
Thanks again for reaching out! Thanks for reaching out, Shawn. Please give one of our Advisors a call for help mapping out the right equipment for your system.
Thanks for reaching out, Bernie.
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