Top 10 Best AV Receivers 2021: To Bring Your Home Theater Next Level !!

Are you looking to get excellent sound quality while watching your favorite movie, listening to music, or playing video games? With the best AV receiver 2021, you are sure to achieve maximum entertainment within the comfort of your room. If you are a sound lover, then you can never go wrong with this.

Not only does it give you a wide variety of input and output ports, but it also connects to every device to produce superb sound. Moreover, some are highly advanced, supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.

They perform much better than any other regular soundbar or home theaters. Using these receivers, you can turn your living room into a cinema as they boost your television’s sound performance to bring out a brilliant experience. They work perfectly with 4K TVs.

However, there are many brands of AV receivers in the market having different features. Definitely, it gets a little bit tricky to make a choice that is appropriate to fulfil your sound needs.

But we make this an easier task for you by breaking it down to the top 10 best receivers. This article reviews the 10 best AV receivers of 2021 together with their pros, cons, and buyers guide.

What Is An AV Receiver?

Not everyone understands the difference that is there between an AV receiver and soundbars or home theaters. An audio/video receiver is a sound component that receives audio, and video signals from a variety of sources process them and provide amplifiers to drive loudspeakers and route the video to displays such as a TV or projector.

It comes with a remote controller that allows you to source select and adjust settings such as volume. Besides, others support Bluetooth connection that does not need you to use a remote entirely. Some input sources of an AV receiver include; radio, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, video game consoles, and many more.

You may wonder if a receiver is a type of amplifier. That is right. An amplifier turns low voltage signals from your source into a signal used to power, multiple speakers.

While a receiver is an amplifier having a radio section built-in, an amplifier, unlike a receiver, only receives, processes and amplifies the audio signal to different speakers.

What Is An AV Receiver Used For?

The essential function of an AV receiver is to receive an audio signal from a source, amplify the signal to drive the speakers available, and allow video signals displayed on devices such as TVs or projectors.

This single device performs actions that would otherwise be performed by multiple devices to get desirable sound quality.

In short, AV receivers let you decode your DVD’s sound format, drive your multiple speakers, and switch between audio and video components. It also allows you to tune in your favorite radio stations. Further, it can decode analog and digital surround-sound formats.

The receiver works by sending video to your display component, such as a TV, and sends audio to a decoder. The decoder then sorts out different channels of sound from the video signal, and after that, the amplifiers receive the information for each channel.

Top Rated Best AV Receivers 2021 Reviewed

1. Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver: 4K HDR

You can give your home a whooping cinematic experience with the Sony Surround home theater AV receiver. Therefore, you are sure to enjoy movies that you like most, video games, and music at the comfort of your living room with much precision.

It features two powerful speakers; DTS X and Dolby Atmos that deliver a rich audio quality with 360 degrees surround sound to reach every corner of your room. The DTS X decoding ensures you get the utmost clarity of sound, whether around or above you.

With a 7.2 channel speaker setup, you get a real big-screen experience that provides good picture quality. Furthermore, it is suitable for smaller rooms as its compact design enables it to fit perfectly into AV cabinets.

Using only two speakers, it boasts of a pro S-Forcefront surround that makes it possible for you to receive virtual surround sound.

Additionally, you can never go wrong with its signal decoding abilities as they are usually accurate, supported by three powerful digital signal processors. Moreover, its auto-calibration feature allows for analysis and adjustment of audio sound

Similarly, it supports Bluetooth connection with other devices. Thus you can control it using the app on your phone. You rarely have to worry about panel noise as it blocks it to provide clear sound from the receiver.

The 4K HDR pass-through supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 to give out better brightness and contrast.

Pros

Cons

2. Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth

Known to be among the world’s best manufacturers of the best av receiver 2021 under 300 instruments and audio components, Yamaha delivers an authentic sound for a full entertainment experience. The Yamaha RX-V385 receiver features high technology features that add life to your home entertainment.

It features a built-in Bluetooth function that allows you to enjoy wireless music playback from other devices such as your smartphone, iPod, or tablet.

Yamaha uniquely has a compressed music enhancer that optimizes Bluetooth audio transmissions to make sure you receive the clear and dynamic quality of sound as the music plays through the wireless connection.

Additionally, this receiver is compatible with current HDMI standards and thus enhances transmission of the 4K video for 60 frames per second pass through. Also, picture quality improves automatically as the receiver supports high dynamic range video, including Dolby vision that features bright colors and better contrast to boost your entertainment.

Furthermore, with the Yamaha Parametric room Optimizer, it is able to analyze your system and room acoustics, thereby clearly adjusting different audio parameters so that to upgrade sound for your room.

All you need to do is place the microphone then switch on the YPAO, which tunes the system automatically to provide optimum performance.

No worries about how you will be able to get the receiver to function as there is a particular app that guides you through all the connections to get you set. Further, bass reproduction and the sound balance is a sure thing with this receiver.

Pros

Cons

3. Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver

Be sure to experience full 360 degrees sound in your room using the Sony STR-D receiver.

Its Phantom surround back speaker setting copies the sound of physical surround back speakers, thus allowing you to enjoy the 7 channel sound experience with a setup of a 5 channel speaker.

It boasts of six HDMI inputs and two outputs, a USB port at its front and optical analog and digital connections. All these ensure that you connect to your source, i.e., television, smart phone, projector with much ease to attain entertainment at maximum.

The unique digital cinema auto calibration ex feature with relocation speaker technology adjusts your speaker’s output so as to closely simulate the sound of speakers that are in an optimal position.

This generally improves the surround sound to give out excellent results without any physical space restrictions.

Additionally, using the Chrome cast built-in feature and Spotify connect, you gain easy access to your favorite music without any hassle. Besides, it is compatible with Google home, thus convenient for playing music.

The 4K passes through matches with 2.2 HDCPsupport to produce high clarity image qualities.

The  stereo multi-channel setup with preset FM channel or AM tuner radio or  allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations with much precision. It comes with an FM wire antenna, remote control, I lithium-ion battery and calibration antenna.

Pros

Cons

4. Sony STRDH590 5.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver

The Sony STRDH590 features excellent upgrades such as HDCP 2.2 signal handling. 4 HDMI inputs, 4K HDR Dolby vision, etc. These entire features combine together to produce high performance video capability and improved sound quality without forgetting surround sound that is very much flexible.

It is relatively easy to achieve cinematic sound for your favorite music using its 5.2 channel surround sound at your own comfort home. Clarity, brightness and better contrast of images is made sure with the support of 4kHigh

Dynamic Range signal pass-through. Additional shadow detail and highlights improve picture detail for more clarity.

Furthermore, there is a pure direct button at the minimal front that passes sound to the receiver’s amplifier directly, thus increasing clarity and preserving signal therein. Besides, it makes it easy for connection to your sources such as games console through the 4 HDMI inputs, one output, and optical digital and analog audio connections.

Additionally, its compact and low profile design makes it easy to store as it fits merely into AV cabinets. The headphone jack on this receiver allows you to listen to music through your headphones when you do not want to use speakers.

Using the Bluetooth connectivity feature, you are able to play music from your smartphone or even power on and off the receiver.

Pros

Cons

5. Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver, 5.2-ch, 4K Ultra HD Audio, and Video Home Theater System

Giving you a variety of channel options to choose from, the Denon AVR-S540BT receiver serves the purpose of producing high quality sound for your home entertainment. There is a 5.2 channel with an optional second sub woofer, a 3.1 track, and a 2.1 channel that gives out a room-filling surround sound.

The 4K ultra UHD video and HDR support enable you to watch your favorite movies and TV shows with improved clarity, brightness, and contrast.

Further, the HDR technology that comes with this receiver features stunning colors that transform your watching experience, making it the best av receiver 2021 under 500. Also, it supports Dolby’s vision, which enhances the picture quality.

Additionally, it comes with 5 HDMI inputs that ensure you have a connection to your television, projector, gaming console, or any other streaming device you are using. Playing music via your smart phone is a good thing as you can connect your receiver and phone using the Bluetooth feature and play music wirelessly.

Usually, the receiver boasts of an auto-calibration feature that calibrates audio settings to fit your room comfortably with dynamic precision. No worries about setting up your receiver like the Denon’s on-screen setup assistant allows you to connect your TV to the receiver through HDMI with ease.

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Cons

6. Yamaha RX-V485 5.1-Channel AV Receiver with Music Cast

The Yamaha RX-V485 receiver supports music cast, wireless speakers, whether music cast 50 or 20, to create an unforgettable music experience. With its 5.1 channel system, you are very sure of clear surround sound whose setup is clean and free from clutter.

It turns your home into a whole entertainment zone whereby you get to enjoy your music, movies, and games hence becoming the best av receiver 2021 under 1000.

Additionally, this receiver is ultimately compatible with the latest HDMI upgrades, including HDR video, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. With such features, you are sure of great bright colors, smooth tone, and better contrast than improve picture quality.

Besides, the receiver transmits a 4K video at 60 frames per second.

Furthermore, if you have a wireless router, you are able to stream your music online through a built-in Wi-Fi connection. Playing music wirelessly is also possible using the Bluetooth feature in your receiver.

Not only does it play music wirelessly, but it also enables you to power on and off the receiver without using a remote controller.

Similarly, it has in-built streaming services that allow you to explore various types of music. All you need to do is sync your playlists from your smart device and get to discover new music.

However, the music streaming service availability is limited to particular regions. Also, you can use Alexa’s voice control integration to give commands to your receiver.

Pros

Cons

7. Denon AVR-X3600H UHD AV Receiver (2019 Model)- 9.2 Channel, 106 W each

Get entertained with the Denon AVR-X3600H receiver featuring a high performance 9.2 channel system with 105 watts of power to give out maximum entertainment at your home. Further, it supports three fantastic sound formats, including; Dolby Atmos, DTS X, and the all-new IMAX enhanced.

Imax Enhanced technology is the latest upgrade from DTS that improves the clarity of pictures, sound quality, and theater imaging. It also provides room for brighter images and heart-pounding audio, thus giving you excellent results. Further, the Dolby AtmosVirtualization Height technology ensures that the surround sound is unmatched.

Additionally, it features 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs that support 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video that provides exceptional image clarity. Besides, it is easy to set up using the award-winning Denon setup assistant that gives simple instructions and guidelines to get you started. The instructions appear on your TV once you connect it to your receiver.

Importantly, you can make voice commands such as adjusting volume and switching inputs for your different media players using the Alexa voice control. With the HEOS built-in wireless technology, you are able to enjoy your music from any room as long as there is a wireless connection between your device and receiver.

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Cons

8. Marantz NR1711 Slim 7.2ch 8K Ultra HD AV Receiver with HEOS Built-in

If you are looking to invest in a remote but sleek AV receiver that produces high fidelity audio? Look no more for the Marantz NR1711 fits the description. Generally, it is half the height of other receivers by this brand hence distinguishing it from the rest. Even though it is slim, it surprisingly gives excellent results.

It features a 7 channel amplifier with 50 watts of power per channel to cater for all your entertainment needs. With the latest HDMI support, it has one 8K input and one output that ensures 8K quality video from 8K compatible source devices. All its 6 HDMI ports have an 8K upscaling that improves audio and image quality.

Additionally, its enhanced audio return channel output that supports HDMI transmits audio formats that are object-based and which are not compressed like the Dolby Atmos directly from a smart TV app to the receiver. Moreover, it supports the latest video formats, such as the HDR10+, to give you the utmost clarity and high-quality picture brightness.

Finally, it gives you a variety of music collections to choose from with its ability to support Hi-res formats and compatibility with music streaming services and voice control apps, including Siri and Alexa.

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9. Denon AVR-X1600H 4K UHD AV Receiver/ 2019 Model/ 7.2 Channel, 80 Watt each

Almost similar to the Denon AVR-X3600H receiver, the Denon AVR-X1600H receiver also offers good quality audio with its 7.2 channel system

It features an inbuilt HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology that allows you to play music from any room in your house for as long as your source device and the receiver have a wireless connection.

Moreover, you can still download the HEOS app to help you gain control of the receiver with much ease as you will not need a remote. Further, it has 6 HDMI units and one output that transmits 4K video at 60 frames per second pass-through. This automatically improves the audio and picture quality for excellent results by enhancing contrast, brightness, and clarity.

Additionally, the enhanced audio return channel supports 3D audio transmission directly from the TV to your receiver to give out high fidelity audio. Do you know you can operate this receiver hands-free? Yes, you can. It supports the Alexa voice command integration that lets you adjust the volume or move to the next track via voice command.

Similarly, the Dolby height virtualization technology ensures there isimmersiveaudio that has no channel of any height, thus creating virtual effects of height ineither a 2.2, 7.2 and even on5.2 speaker setup. Through the Bluetooth function, it makes it possible to play your music from any room wirelessly through your smartphone or tablet.

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Cons

10. Yamaha RX-A780 Aventage 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with Music cast

Not any different from The Yamaha RX-V485, the Yamaha RX-A780 receiver supports a 7.2 channel system, whereas the former features a 5.1-ch design. If you want to enjoy an excellent home theater experience with this receiver, you may need to combine it with music cast 20 or 50 wireless surround speakers.

It is worth noting that this receiver comfortably supports HDMI 4K ultra standards, thereby delivering a transmission of 4k video at 60 frames per second of pass through. Following its compatibility with HDR videos such as Dolby Vision and Gamma Hybrid Log, it ensures you receive better contrast, smooth tone, and a wide variety of bright colors.

Additionally, because of its built-in Wi-Fi, you can connect to your wireless router for streaming of various music collections or enjoy networked audio. It works with airplay 2. Bluetooth connectivity makes it possible to play music wirelessly from any room for as long as your smartphone and receiverare paired.

Furthermore, you get to experience a fantastic surround sound because of its compatibility with remarkable sound technologies such as DTS:X. They shift individual sounds to any virtual point in your room, not forgetting objects that are moving overhead. Usually, it has a phono input terminal that ensures you enjoy music from your favorite collection.

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You Should know before buying a perfect AV receiver In 2021

FAQs on the Best AV Receivers 2021

Conclusion

Having discussed the 10 best AV receivers of 2021 in-depth, we are sure you have a sneak peek of what to expect as you shop for a receiver that suits your needs. The most common receivers like you have seen from the article are Yamaha, Sony, and Denon. Therefore, if you ever need to get a receiver, be sure to choose among the above brands.

It is also essential to consider the HDMI inputs and outputs, app control, channel options, highly advanced features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections as you shop around for a good quality receiver. Last but not least, price is vital. Shop for quality always so as you will not regret it.

All said and done, and we surely hope that this article will help you make the perfect purchase decision in regards to the best AV receiver 2021 high end.

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