The Best Receiver Surround Sound For 2024

By, Nicolas Ward
Updated 14 Dec 2024 21:06

Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound AV Receiver — *Image credit: Amazon.com*

Have you ever considered the audio receiver, which is at the core of your entire home-theater system? An AV receiver's main job is to accept audio or video signals from various sources and channel them through devices like a television, speakers, monitor, or projector.

There are a plethora of AV receivers on the market, each with its own sets of capabilities and features, such as 8K video, Dolby Atmos, and Wi-Fi music streaming. These modern home cinema receivers offer everything you need for your home theater setup, including high-quality audio. So, how do you know which AV receiver is ideal for you?

We researched the best receiver surround sound on Amazon for this review to help you pick the appropriate product for you and your home.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound AV Receiver

Best Overall
Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound AV Receiver

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.7

Brand: Sony

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Brand: Sony
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
Color: Black
Compatible Devices: Speaker
Control Method: Remote
Audio Encoding: DTS
Number of Channels: 7
Total HDMI Ports: 5
Item Weight: 18.85 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 17 x 11.75 x 5.25 inches

The Sony STR-DH790 is a well-equipped receiver that can deliver a good surround sound experience. This is an excellent place to start if you're interested in diving into the realm of home theater.

TOP Choice #2 Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver

Best For The Price
Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.5

Brand: Onkyo

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Brand: Onkyo
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
Supported Internet Services: Pandora
Color: Black
Compatible Devices: Speaker
Output Wattage: 160 Watts
Audio Encoding: DTS
Number of Channels: 7
Item Weight: 21.27 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 17.13 x 15.94 x 6.3 inches

The Onkyo TX-SR494 receiver includes a number of appealing features, including Dolby Atmos, built-in Bluetooth, and 4K HDR passthrough. It does not, however, come with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. Overall, this receiver appears to be a solid fit for your home entertainment system

TOP Choice #3 Denon AVR-S750H Receiver, 7.2 Channel

Best Feature
Denon AVR-S750H Receiver, 7.2 Channel

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.3

Brand: Denon

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Brand: Denon
Connectivity Technology: HEOS, AirPlay, Bluetooth, HDMI
Color: Black
Supported Internet Services: Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify
Output Wattage: 165 Watts
Compatible Devices: Television, Speaker
Control Method: Voice
Audio Encoding: Stereo
Item Weight: 22.15 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 17.1 x 6 inches

Denon has its own distinct sound, and if you like it, the AVR-S750H will be right up your alley. Along with a satisfyingly strong home theater performance, the musical warmth remains.

Best Design
Pioneer VSX-534 Home Audio Smart AV Receiver

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.1

Brand: PIONEER

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Brand: PIONEER
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Supported Internet Services: Pandora
Color: Black
Compatible Devices: Universal
Control Method: Remote
Audio Encoding: DTS
Number of Channels: 7
Item Weight: 12 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 17.1 x 12.6 x 6.8 inches

The VSX-534 AV receiver is unquestionably among the best at its price range – it just edges out the competition in terms of power and accuracy. The best option will always be whatever is the best value at the time, but the VSX-534 is a great option for anyone with a less-than-advanced machine.

Best with MusicCast
YAMAHA AVENTAGE RX-A780 7.2-Channel AV Receiver

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.0

Brand: Yamaha Audio

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Brand: Yamaha Audio
Connectivity Technology: AirPlay, Bluetooth, HDMI
Color: Black
Supported Internet Services: Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify
Output Wattage: 160 Watts
Compatible Devices: Speaker
Control Method: Voice
Audio Encoding: DTS
Number of Channels: 7
HDMI Input/Output: 5 in/2 out
Item Weight: 24.3 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15 x 17.18 x 6.75 94 inches

The RX-A780 performed admirably in our movie and music tests, which was more or less expected. The build quality was excellent, as is typical of the AVENTAGE series, and there are numerous functions and streaming options to meet practically all needs

Best Lightweight
Marantz NR1711 8K Slim 7.2 AV Receiver (2020 Model)

Product Highlights

Our Score:

8.8

Brand: Marantz

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Brand: Marantz
Supported Internet Services: Netflix, Amazon Prime, TuneIn, Deezer, TIDAL, Spotify
Output Wattage: 50 Watts
Connectivity Technology: HEOS, HDMI
Compatible Devices: Television, Speaker
Control Method: Voice
Audio Encoding: DTS
Item Weight: 0.33 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 7.87 x 2.16 x 3.35 inches

With another yearly update, the NR1711 includes everything from the previous year's NR1710, plus a few new features that may or may not be useful to you, depending on your needs. The NR series will continue to provide a lot of value in a small package, and it will undoubtedly find an audience among those who require something smaller than usual to fit into their limited space.

Best High-Performance
PIONEER Elite VSXLX105 Surround Sound Receiver

Product Highlights

Our Score:

8.7

Brand: PIONEER

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Brand: PIONEER
Connectivity Technology: USB, MCACC, Mini Stereo Jack, Phones, HDMI
Control Method: Remote
Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Speaker
Number of Channels: 2
Item Weight: 12.5 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 17.13 x 14.59 x 6.81 inches

You may enjoy 5.2.2-channel surround sound delivered by Dolby Atmos or DTS:X with the VSX-LX105. Using Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X, you may get similar effects without using height or surround speakers.

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What Does Our Expert Advise You To Consider best receiver surround sound?

best receiver surround sound is chosen based on a number of parameters. Depending on the product category, the learning process differs. And so, we're here to consult, guide, and address your product-related problems.

The most effective ones have indeed been proven to work. Prior to purchasing things, do some research on best receiver surround sound. Here are some questions to consider.

Is there a site on the internet where I can comprehend more about this product?
How about it leads you to think they'd be interested?
Why is it vital to evaluate certain qualities while selecting the best product for your requirements and circumstances?
What are the pros of acquiring this merchandise?
Can you receive the worth of buying this product?

Due to market volatility, we are unable to react to all of our clients' requests. By undertaking a proactive search of credible sources, as many materials as feasible should be gathered. Wir uses artificial intelligence, massive data, and a well-calibrated product listing system to provide product suggestions.

It would be beneficial to examine these features more deeply because they were produced and reviewed by people and technology. Keep in mind the following points:

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.

Network Connectivity And Internet Streaming

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.

Auto-calibration Capabilities

While wiring up the home theater system is easy, calibrating it so it sounds good can be difficult. Calibration is the process of setting the speakers at the correct volume level so that the whole setup works well with your furniture. A few amplifiers come with an automatic calibration feature that requires you to position a microphone exactly where you would normally sit. After sending test tones, the amplifier analyzes how each speaker sounds. The amplifier then adjusts the volume and setting until everything sounds normal. You can also adjust the volume and settings manually if necessary.

Supported Media Formats

Each receiver includes a pair of audio decoders to decode the audio it receives from different sources. Receivers support Dolby Digital and DTS files, while newer receivers can support Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD. These decoders should be included in amplifier receivers.

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.

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.

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.

AirPlay Compatibility

AirPlay compatibility can be found in many of the newer receiver models. This technology allows you to stream music wirelessly from your iOS devices (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) and digital apps such as Pandora directly to the receiver. [source: Moskovciak].
AirPlay is worth it if you have most of your music stored on these devices. You can save money if you don't like the nostalgia, comfort and character of vinyl music, or if you have lots of music on tape or CD, then skip AirPlay.

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.

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%.

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.

Does An AV Receiver Need An Amplifier?

No. A AV receiver can be equipped with an amplifier that will power your speakers.

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.

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 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.

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

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

What Is The Best Way To Use A/V Receivers With Turntables?

Yes, as long as the turntable has phono input. To boost the low signal coming from your turntable, a preamp will be needed. For entry-level models, preamps are quite inexpensive.

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.

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.

Because we are product consulting professionals with much expertise, we believe the data is credible. Aside from that, the best receiver surround sound data is kept up to date, and you may feel confident that the information is up to date and correct.

We can help you in addition to best receiver surround sound. If you want to support, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks for reading!

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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.

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