Do you want to find the best Home theatre receivers for your money? We tested some of the most popular big-black-box options from the major brands, and the feature sets, connectivity options, and performance levels. These receiver models have everything a home-theater enthusiast needs.
Home theatre receivers will sit at the heart of your entire setup, connecting every device for complete control and ease of use.
Many TVs and soundbars try to do that now by offering several input ports, but a good Home theatre receiver has far more going on.
In addition to the many ports they offer for channeling video streams to your TV, they also have the power and control you need to set up a truly immersive, surround sound array.
Many newer Home theatre receivers also support advanced connectivity features with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available. As we’ve picked out only the best AV receivers, you’ll find all those features and plenty more here.
1. Sony STR-DN1080 Receiver
The fact that this was our Product of the Year for two years in a row – and picked up a fourth Award in 2020 – tells you all you need to know.
his hugely talented Home theatre receiver was best in class when we originally tested it at around £500/$650, but now that it has dropped in price it is sensational value for money.
And as for the sound it makes. well, let’s just say you’ll have to spend an awful lot more cash to get better performance.
The feature-packed Sony STR-DN1080 sounds fantastic, reaching deep into its reserves to deliver a performance packed with punch, dynamism, and authority in a way we haven’t heard from home cinema amplifiers at this sort of price.
There’s an incredible amount of detail, from natural, expressive voices to layers of insight and depth surrounding each sound effect.
Dynamically-speaking, it’s a fun and exciting listen, equally at home rendering tranquil, quiet moments as it is huge, wall-shuddering explosions. In a word, enthralling.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Punchy, agile, and precise
- Enjoyable and dynamic performance
- Exhaustive features
WHAT ARE THE SET BACKS:
- A backlit remote would be nice
2. Denon AVR-X2700H Home Theatre Receiver
There’s very little we can hold against the Denon AVR-X2700H, one of the world’s first 8K receivers and winner of a number of accolades this year.
It’s what we consider the best overall AV receiver in 2021 in terms of what it offers for the money.
What Denon’s entry-level 8K AVR brings to the table is an incredible feature set comprising of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode.
For the exceptionally stringent viewers out there, the AVR-X2700H also supports IMAX Enhanced, too.
In terms of audio formats, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X are all present and accounted for, plus with eARC support, you don’t have to juggle multiple remotes.
Of course, if you want to go remote-free there is voice support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri-enabled devices, making it truly egalitarian.
REASONS TO BUY:
- World’s first 8K AVR
- 4K/120Hz passthrough with VRR
- eARC support for Dolby Atmos
WHAT ARE THE SET BACKS:
- Only one 8K-compatible port
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3. Arcam FMJ AV850 Home Theatre Receiver
While 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 a big central volume knob. It tips the scales at a reassuringly heavy 16kg.
Connectivity is good. There are seven HDMI inputs, all with HDCP 2.2 support, plus three HDMI outputs. Audio options include six analog 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 an extraordinary job fine-tuning the receiver to the listening room.
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.
REASON TO BUY:
- Sublime musical performance
- Class-leading auto-calibration system
WHAT ARE THE SET BACKS:
- Only seven channels of amplification
- Outdated user interface
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