AV Receiver Top PicksAn AV receiver is the nerve center of your home theater, accepting the audio and video signals from all your source devices, processing the selected signals as needed, and sending them to your video display and speakers.
We'll help you make the best choice with tips for each step, starting with our top picks in three different price ranges.
Audio decoding, video processing, HDMI…what you need to know to choose the perfect AV receiver for you.
Entry-Level (Less than $799)
At A Glance: 3D compatibility • Audyssey MultEQ auto calibration • On-screen display via HDMI • iPod/iPhone/iPad connectivity • no component-video I/O
At A Glance: iControlAV2 app for iPod/iPhone/iPad • AirPlay, Bluetooth, DLNA • Internet radio, browser control
At A Glance: THX Select2 Plus certified • Audyssey and THX loudness modes • iDevice Onkyo Remote app
Midrange ($800-$2,500)
At A Glance: Elite build quality • AirPlay, control app, iDevice USB • Great sound for under $1,000
At A Glance: Fabulous video processing • Outstanding audio performance • Nine channels of amplification
At A Glance: THX Select2 Plus certified for medium-size rooms • Audyssey MultEQ, DSX, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume • Loaded with networked audio features
At A Glance: Top-line model with porthole front panel • Step-up Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup • DLNA, Bluetooth, Pandora, vTuner, Rhapsody, Napster
At A Glance: Light on bells and whistles, heavy on high-end sound • Anthem Room Correction worth the additional effort • High value from a true high-end brand
At A Glance: Nine Class D amps that sound good • Most fun you can have with a remote smartphone app • Home networking champ, including Apple AirPlay
High-End (More than $2,500)
At A Glance: Beefy Class G amps deliver gushes of warm, dynamic sound • Dolby Volume enhances quality of low-level movie listening • Utilitarian front panel and basic remote
At A Glance: Decodes all audio formats known to man • Fine-sounding THX-certified amplification • WiFi, computer music streaming, HD and satellite radio • Audyssey MultEQ XT auto setup and room correction • Realta HQV video processing
In addition to getting the right amount of power for your room, there is a plethora of surround sound options available in AV receivers these days. What do you need, and what will get in the way? We help you find the answers.
Even if you know which technology is the best fit for you, the salesroom floor can be unforgiving terrain. We'll help you become a smart shopper.
Now that you've unboxed your new AV receiver, how do you hook it up and get all the performance you paid for? Want to know how to dial in your surround channels for the best sound? Find out here.
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