The Best Multimedia Receiver For 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo

Bring your music to life with this Sony STRDH190 8-channel high-quality 2-way stereo system. With a phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, and stereo RCA output, this home surround sound system is perfect for your style and budget. Control the sound from any room with the included wireless remote that you can use anywhere in the room. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Moukey Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receiver

This is the perfect amplifier for your home audio system. The dual-pass Moukey Bluetooth stereo amplifier receiver is perfect for your karaoke, home theater, acoustic sound system, and monitor headphones. It comes with enough powerful power amplification to accommodate 2 sets of speakers, so that you can enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver

Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver is a powerful and versatile 4K receiver. It is designed to deliver crystal clear audio and video in your living room, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, which supports HLG, HDR and BT.2020. In addition, the Denon AVR-S540BT has an impressive 140W per channel of power with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. Connect this receiver with your Smart TV remote and use one universal remote to control Read Review

4. Best Audio Performance: Pyle 300W Digital Stereo Receiver System

The Pyle 300W Digital Stereo Receiver System is a compact, powerful amplifier giving amazing sound quality in your car. It has a built-in AM/FM antenna and auto station seek, which lets you enjoy listening to your favourite stations with the capability of storing up to 50 radio station presets. It also has a quartz tuner so you can enjoy listening A/B. Read Review

If you have the spare cash and a hankering for owning the best, here’s what you need to know before buying a new receiver: There are several different types of home audio systems. If you’re not sure what your needs are, we recommend reading through our Home Theater Guide first. Each type has its own pros and cons and will depend on your individual tastes. 

If you’re looking for the best multimedia receiver, then keep reading. In this article, we will be discussing five of the best multimedia receivers that you can buy. These devices are great in terms of their features and performance. They offer top-notch audio performance, excellent video quality, and responsive network connectivity.

Our team spent about 14 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo
Our Score:
9.8
Sony
  • Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home
  • FM Radio with 30 station presets;
  • Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
  • Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
  • Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
  • Full size (1/4 inch) headphone jack
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AA400U), batteries, FM antenna
  • 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
  • Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
TOP Choice #2 Moukey Home Audio Amplifier  Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
Moukey
  • ☑️EASY BALANCE CONTROL: The improved professional compact bookshelf sound amplifier with clear, responsive buttons for mode control. Knobs control microphone echo / volume, balance, bass, treble, master volume, input source and unique folder / track.
  • ☑️HD SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo has a built in LED display w/ front panel audio control center. FM antenna and remote control are included in the stereo amplifier package for distant audio adjustments.
  • ☑️MULTIPLE INPUT AND OUTPUT MODES: The digital amplifier box supports various external signal sources. 2 RCA audio inputs for tuner, CD player, tape drive, two 2.5-inch / 6.35 cm microphone inputs, headphone output port, USB, SD card, 3.5mm AUX IN and FM radio antenna. With RCA audio output, 2 pairs of banana plug speaker output. With the special monitor headphone output design, so you can enjoy audio all the time without the worry that bother others.
  • ☑️BLUETOOTH 5.0 WIRELESS CONNECTION: The sound amplification mixer device is equipped with Bluetooth music streaming with a wireless range of 40 feet / 12 meters or more. Compatible with today's latest devices (including smartphones, iPads, iPhones and computers), this stereo amplifer is easy to pair with the receiver.
  • ☑️220 WATTS PEAK POWER: The dual-pass Moukey Bluetooth stereo amplifier receiver is perfect for your karaoke, home theater, acoustic sound system, and monitor headphones. Provide you with enough powerful power amplification, which can accommodate 2 sets of speakers, so that you can enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification.
TOP Choice #3 Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
Denon
  • OUR EASY ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound
  • YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth, play music from eight different devices, and create an integrated multi-room audio system with Denon HEOS LINK. Allows wireless music streaming from Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora and more
  • With its 100-year legacy and Japanese precision technology, Denon AV Receiver S540BT DELIVERS MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SURROUND SOUND with 5.2 channel compatibility and SUPPORTS 4K ULTRA HD PICTURE QUALITY, perfect for your home theater and entertainment system
  • CONVENIENT CONTROL - Connect the AVR with your Smart TV Remote and access all your speaker sources and surround mode selections using just one remote, or download the Denon 500 Series Remote App for iOS and Android and control the AVR through your phone
  • FOUR QUICK SELECT BUTTONS ON THE FRONT PANEL help you store your preferred audio settings for television, Blu-Ray, and more, and allows you to switch between them quickly
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 4K UHD TV – At 140W per channel, the Denon AVR-S540BT receiver delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, and supports HLG, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling for realistic display and immersive sound
4 Pyle 300W Digital Stereo Receiver System
Our Score:
9.3
Pyle
  • AM/FM MODE: This amplifier has AM & FM antenna for the signal. It also has auto station seek helps you to enjoy listening to your favorite stations with capable of storing up to 50 radio station presets & quartz tuner to enjoy listening
  • 300W POWER OUTPUT: With a maximum output of 300 watts, the PT270AIU has the power to fill your room with sound. This amplifier also has the brilliant digital fluorescent display comes in clear and shows vivid information
  • 4 STEREO RCA INPUTS: 3 Stereo RCA inputs along with 1 RCA stereo input for play media. SD memory & USB ports will also let you play your favorite media. It also has 2 1/4 inch mic inputs & mic volume, tone & echo controls for voice effects
  • MP3 PLAYER PLUG-IN: With this amplifier, you can enjoy listening to your favorite music. It has an iPod docking station, suitable for all iPod & iPhone models. With this docking station, you can connect your iPod while listening to different music
  • A/B SPEAKER OUT SWITCH: This amplifier includes banana-plug speaker terminals, plus two mono RCA outputs which made for the subwoofer output, with its own separate gain control. It controls multiple sets of speakers with the A/B speaker out switch
  • Adopt 2 x 6J4 tubes to get clear audio sound, tubes can be replaced by 6K4, 6J1, GE5654, 6AK5, 6ж1П, 6BC5, 403A/B, EF40, EF95 and so on, with headphone output for 16-64ohm headphones.
  • QCC3031 wireless Bluetooth 5.0 core support aptX and aptX HD, Streaming range up to 39ft(12m), with Bluetooth and AUX selector, no pop when Bluetooth connecting;
  • Small simple compact design but practical and powerful, Hi-Fi Bluetooth amplifier receiver exclusively designed for the customers who pursue HiFi sound;
  • 50W RMS X 2 power output(4 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.04% THD), built-in speakers protection circuit, best for outdoor/ bookshelf/ computer/ desktop /ceiling /floor standing speakers, can use iPod, Phone, MP3 players, TV, Echo Dot, CD players, or Streaming Media players as input;
  • Power amp + Headphone amp, perfectly suited for your desktop or a smaller space in your home or office, digital amplifier is easy to connect to your audio system with no software to install or settings to change;
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
  • Dolby Atmos height virtualizer* and DTS virtual: x
  • Accueq with subwoofer EQ and accureflex
  • 155 watts per Channel
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
  • DTS:X PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences.
  • RANGE CONTROL. With this unique mid-range sound control feature, you can make independent volume adjustments to the range including dialogues in films, with the up/down key on the remote control.
  • PERSONAL PRESET. Press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode. Up to three presets can be registered and called up from the front panel button or remote control.
  • BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This smart receiver remembers your device and starts playback whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
  • DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without employing additional surround or height speakers. 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos.
8 Yamaha TSR-700 7.1 Channel AV Receiver
Our Score:
8.6
YAMAHA
  • Feel every dimension in Dolby Atmos. Enjoy a 5.1 surround speaker system and two additional overhead speakers or two Dolby Atmos elevation speakers, delivering dramatic overhead effects for truly enveloping audio.
  • Enhanced media and gaming features ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video.
  • This unique Yamaha proprietary sound field creation technology was created by combining measured sound field data with digital signal processing
  • 7.1-channel 100 Watt surround sound with Zone 2
  • DTS:X immersive audio formatting places sound where it would naturally occur in space, creating life-like, multi-dimensional audio. The included spatial remapping engine of DTS Neural:X offers improved immersion and heightened realism in all your favorite movies
  • UPGRADED 7.2 CHANNEL DISCRETE HIGH-CURRENT POWER AMPLIFIERS ON ALL CHANNELS – Refine your home theater experience with the new Marantz SR5015 stereo receiver (100 W x 7) with ADVANCED 8K HDMI UPSCALLING for extraordinary visuals and superb sound quality
  • SUPPORTS ALL YOUR FAVORITE VOICE ASSISTANTS – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri or any Smart Home Automation system – use your voice to play, pause and stop music, and adjust volumes, as well as to control the thermostat, lights, and home appliances
  • BUILT-IN DUAL SPEAKER PRESET MEMORY – In addition to the Audyssey MultEQ XT32, SR6015 lets you customize your listening experience by storing two Audyssey settings for your preferred content type or mood, so you can switch between them on the fly
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • THE MOST MUSICAL SOUND – Extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters at the most state-of-the-art facilities to deliver an exquisite sonic signature. No component leaves the hands of the Marantz sound masters until it passes rigorous testing
  • MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO WITH HEIGHTENED REALISM – Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X & DTS Virtual:X that delivers a premium, life-like cinematic experience in a 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1 speaker set up, even without in-ceiling speakers
  • ELEVATED HOME CINEMA – Enjoy all your entertainment in the highest quality formatting. Screen movies in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through or upscaling with HDMI technologies like Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching (QMS) to eliminate video delay
  • STREAM MUSIC FROM YOUR FAVORITE SOURCES – Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, Tidal, Netflix, Amazon Prime & others via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or HEOS app across one room, or multiple rooms with built-in WIRELESS HEOS MULTI-ROOM AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
  • ADVANCED 8K HDMI CONNECTIVITY – 6 HDMI In / 2 Out (HDCP 2.3 compliant), dedicated 8K input, USB port, phono & Aux inputs, with analog & digital inputs for audio sources like DVD & Blu-ray player, subwoofer & speakers for a cohesive surround sound system
  • SUPERIOR LAG-FREE GAMING with 4K/120Hz* pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which reduces or eliminates lag and frame tearing for a smoother, lag-free gaming experience
  • With its 100-year legacy & Japanese precision technology, Denon BRINGS PURITY OF SOUND AND JOY TO YOUR LIVES. Immerse yourself in multi-dimensional audio and Hi-Fi surround sound with this receiver for an unmatched home entertainment system!
  • CHOOSE HIGH QUALITY AUDIO WITH THE BUILT-IN CD PLAYER - In addition to the basic functions of Play/ Pause/Stop, Repeat/Random, Forward/Rewind, this receiver cum CD player allows direct song access and program playback (up to 25 tracks)
  • A BLEND OF SOPHISTICATION & OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE IN A SMALL FOOTPRINT - From the award-winning CEOL series, this Network CD Receiver has a minimalistic design in matte-finish & comes with both Analogue & Digital inputs
  • CONNECT A WHOLE-HOME WIRELESS AUDIO SYSTEM including your TV, other media devices or gaming console to the receiver and redefine your movie, music, sports and gaming experience
  • A COMPACT & VERSATILE SOLUTION - Easy setup, additional connections with USB, subwoofer output, built-in Wi-Fi, AM/FM Tuner, Headphone jack, and simple controls. Perfect for smaller footprint rooms, apartments and condos!
  • HEOS MUSIC STREAMING WITH AMAZON ALEXA COMPATABILITY - Enjoy the benefits of multi-room HEOS wireless streaming with voice commands & use popular services like Spotify, Internet Radio, Tidal, TuneIn, Pandora and more via Bluetooth or Airplay 2
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best multimedia receiver?

You may have some trouble making a purchase if you don't research it thoroughly. You are expected to invest time and focus on best multimedia receiver before investing in them. Usually, it will take you a long time to research a favorite product. But rest assured, we are here to assist you with your best multimedia receiver issue, no matter what time of day or night.

Although choosing a product is complicated, it will be more accessible and more available to everyone with today's information technology network. You are now given available sources of information such as famous websites, sale forums, or even customer's feedback. It can be said that information from these sources about best multimedia receiver will be beneficial to you.

So now you are expected to focus on needed criteria about best multimedia receiver. All of them will come with your investment. 

Power

Power is not simply another term for volume, it's also measured in Watts. This also affects the receiver's ability deliver dynamic and detailed sound. A high-wattage receiver produces better sound quality, regardless of the volume.

Network Connectivity

Some receivers come with both wired or wireless network support. You can either connect them to your router using an Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi. You can stream media from any device connected to the same network, such as laptops and smartphones. AirPlay will only work with Apple devices. It is not compatible with other AV receivers. If you live in a house where everyone uses Apple devices, make sure that the model supports AirPlay.

Interface

If you don't know how to use your high-tech receiver, it is useless. A well-designed receiver panel that is easy to navigate can make the difference between having high quality sound and picture quality or having your costly system go stale because it's difficult to get on. It's important that you use the receiver display panel to navigate and learn all functions. A graphical interface is the screen that allows users to set up the receiver and operate it. The viewer must display song information and album art when AirPlay is used.

Calibration

Audio-video beginners will find it difficult to set up an entertainment system in their home.
Automatic speaker calibration is an option on many receivers that makes it easier to calibrate the speakers. The receiver sends test sounds to each speaker and subwoofer, and monitors the sound with a microphone. This allows it to determine the size of the speaker, to measure distance between the speaker and the listener, and to check that the connections are correct. This technology is compatible with surround sound as well as traditional 2-channel home entertainment systems.

Inputs And Outputs

This is because the device has more outputs and inputs than it can handle. A receiver might accept audio signals from a television via the input, and then send them via an out to speakers. There should be enough outputs and inputs for all your equipment. You can also have a few more in case of expansion.

Total Harmonic Distortion

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of how much distortion the sound produces. THD can be measured as a percentage. It is the amount of deviation from the original signal. THD is a measure of distortion. The higher the THD the more beneficial. THD is a norm in most receiver amplifiers, and it should be below 0.1%.

Multi-zone Audio Feature

Some models of amplifier-receivers support the ability to use one or more speakers in a different room. Some receivers can support multiple zones while others allow you to play different sources simultaneously in two rooms. One person may enjoy surround sound in their living room while another can listen to music through the speakers connected to the receiver. If you want to enjoy a great audio experience in your bedroom and living room, but don't have the budget to purchase two speakers systems or amplifiers to achieve it, this feature will be a huge help.

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FAQs

What Is The Difference Between An AV Receiver And An Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier that includes a preamplifier as well as a power amp in one box is called an AV receiver. It is also known as a receiver. It could be called an amplifier.
A receiver can be described as an integrated amplifier and a tuner that receives AM/FM radio signal. Technically speaking, an AV amplifier should not be used if it doesn't include a tuner. An AV receiver can be used, but it is still a common term.

Is An A/V Receiver Good For Gaming?

You might find it possible, particularly if surround sound is important for immersive gaming. Before you purchase, make sure it supports the most recent standards, such as Dolby Atmos (one of the newer HDMI standards), and HDR compatibility. You can also find features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh rate support on the Denon AVRX4700H. While an A/V receiver doesn't need to be used for gaming, it is a great addition if surround sound is important.

What Is The Difference Between 5.2 And 7.2 Receivers?

Five surround sound speakers can be connected to a 5.2 receiver, as well as two subwoofers. For the surround sound speakers, there are five options: front left, front right and center.
Seven channels are available for surround sound speakers, and two subwoofer channels. A 7.2 receiver can handle both. The 7.2 speaker arrangement is identical to a standard 5.1 setup, with two additional surround sound speakers at the back and one more in the back.

Which A/V Receivers Are Better For Music Or Movies?

No. Music can reveal more about sound quality and character than movies soundtracks. Those who listen to music may prefer one brand over another.

Does An AV Receiver Improve Video Quality?

Advanced video processing abilities can be found in some AV receivers that improve image quality. The best performance is only possible with high-end, expensive models.
Even if your receiver is not high-end, modern televisions are equipped with excellent video processing algorithms, which will produce a stunning picture, regardless of source.

What Is The Difference Between A Stereo Receiver And A Surround Sound Receiver?

Stereo receivers have two channels, and can be used to play stereo audio. Surround sound receivers have five channels or more and can connect to surround sound speakers.
To get surround sound, most people desire surround sound speakers. Stereo amplifiers can be used to enhance the sound quality in your home.

What Is Upconverting In An AV Receiver?

You connect the player to the receiver with one type of connection and expect that the receiver will output the video using another type.
You might, for example, connect an analog DVD player to the receiver and ask it to transmit this via HDMI.
Only the most expensive receivers are capable of upconverting different video inputs to HDMI output. You will need to transmit the component video signal through a component attached to the receiver if the receiver is unable to upconvert.

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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.