The 10 Best Thx Receivers Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Onkyo TX-NR696 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Onkyo TX-NR696 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver

This AVR can be added to the Sonos ecosystem, waking, changing inputs, and playing at the desired volume from the Sonos app. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Marantz NR1711 8K Slim 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

This powerful 7-channel unit delivers identical power on all seven channels and features immersive surround sound with heightened realism. Read Review

3. Best Performance: Onkyo TX-RZ820 THX-Certified 7.2-Channel 4K Network A/V Receiver

With 7.2 channels with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it's easy to enjoy your movies and music wirelessly from any room in the house. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver

Combining excellent audio with seamless WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, this unit delivers the ultimate home cinema experience. Read Review

THX is the certification of quality, reliability, and performance, and it is widely acknowledged in the market of audio products, especially receivers. To guarantee that goods accurately convey the artist's intended message, THX combines art, technology, and the dynamics of real-world listening and viewing situations. That's why many people seek for THX-certified devices to ensure they get the best model for the money.

To help you choose the right product, we have compiled our top choices for the best THX-certified receivers on the market. As most Onkyo's receivers come with THX certification to ensure the finest audio quality, we picked out some of the best Onkyo models for you. Our  Onkyo TX-NR696 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver  is not only compatible with the Sonos home system but also a cutting-edge device that's perfect for streaming music.

Since there aren't many THX-certified receivers nowadays, we also included some wonderful models that support the Dolby Atmos sound format that delivers a similar high-quality sound experience for your home.

Our Top Picks

  • THX CERTIFIED SELECT. Take movie night to the next level. THX Certified Select guarantees the same reference volume level of a commercial theater in rooms where the viewing position is about 10–12 feet from the screen. 210 W/Ch THX Certified Select.
  • SONOS COMPATIBLE. This Onkyo receiver can join your existing Sonos Home Sound System, or start a new one, by pairing with a Sonos Connect. The AVR ties into the Sonos ecosystem, waking, changing inputs and playing at the desired volume from the Sonos app.
  • SMART AVR. This is the heart of your entertainment system. Stream from Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and TuneIn to share sound as part of a multi-room system. Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect.
  • DTS ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect. Dolby Atmos and DTS formats provide advanced sound mapping so effects move from speaker to speaker. 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos.
  • GOOGLE CHROMECAST. Cue, play, and control music playback by voice with your Google Assistant smart speaker. Control playback with Chromecast-enabled apps from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, Mac or Windows laptop or Chromebook.
TOP Choice #2 Marantz NR1711 8K Slim 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.6
Denon
  • IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND WITH HEIGHTENED REALISM - Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X & DTS Virtual:X. Enjoy virtual sound effects without installing in-ceiling or upward firing speakers in a humble 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup
  • STREAM MUSIC FROM YOUR FAVORITE SOURCES - Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, Tidal, Netflix, Amazon Prime & others via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or HEOS app. Plus, enjoy popular voice command services such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri
  • ENDLESS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Features 6 HDMI In / 1 output for your favorite audio & video sources. Connect a turntable, subwoofer, speakers & a host of other devices like DVD & Blu-ray players, USB and more for comprehensive surround system
  • ENJOY MOVIES AND LAG-FREE GAMING WITH THE LATEST CONNECTIVITY - Masterful 8K HDMI upscaling, advanced technologies like HDR10, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, Quick Media Switching (QMS) and ALLM. Upgrade your home theater and gaming experience
  • EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND & USER-FRIENDLY SETUP ASSISTANT comes with an ADVANCED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE that guides you through the step-by-step process and connects all your audio sources to the stereo amp
  • WHOLE-HOME ENTERTAINMENT BOX - With built-in HEOS Wireless Multi-room Technology, play the same song in every room, or a different one in each room. Connect all your HEOS speakers to the app and get full control everywhere in your home.
  • A MUSICAL MASTERPIECE CRAFTED TO FIT IN A SLIM 4" TALL PROFILE - This powerful 7-channel discreet amplifier delivers identical power on all 7 channels (50W x 7). AUTO ECO MODE reduces power consumption without compromising on that superb Marantz sound
  • Supports 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback as well as Dolby surround and DTS: neural: x mixing for legacy soundtracks
  • THX-Certified 130 W/Ch. (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels Driven, FTC) and 250 W/Ch. (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 Channel Driven) from custom rz grade parts
  • Dynamic Audio amplification, 5 hz-100 kHz frequency response, and VLSC on all channels. Ready for Chromecast built-in*2 and DTS Play-Fi*2
  • 6 rear HDMI inputs/ main out/Sub out supporting Dolby vision, HDR10, and 4K/60p pass-through and HDCP 2.2 (front HDMI input Supports 4K/60 video at 4: 2: 0)
  • Powered zone 2a/2b speaker outputs and zone 2/3 Pre-/line output with dedicated DAC supporting network, S/PDIF, HDMI, and analog Audio
4 Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.3
Onkyo
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
  • 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
  • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* and DTS Virtual:X
  • 160 watts per channel
  • Dynamic Audio amplification with 4-Ohm speaker driving capability
  • Ready for Chromecast built-in and DTS Play-Fi and features 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, airplay, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, and tune in (require firmware updates)
  • THX Certified select Reference sound with 220 W per Channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 Channel Driven); 110 W/Ch. (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels Driven, FTC)
  • Supports 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
  • HDMI 7 in (1 front)/ 2 out supporting 4K/60 Hz, HDR10, Dolby vision, hlg, BT.2020, and HDCP 2.2 pass-through
6 Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel Network Receiver
Our Score:
9.1
Onkyo
  • Discrete Zone 2 Audio and Video
  • 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • THX Select Certification
  • 210 W/Ch THX Certified Select Dynamic Audio Amplification system
  • 8K with HDMI 2.1 40Gbps (3 ins)
7 Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel
Our Score:
8.9
Onkyo
  • HDMI Sub/Zone 2 Out for media transmission to a second display
  • Works with Hey Google or Alexa
  • 220 W/Ch THX Certified Select DAA system
  • 5.2.4-ch/7.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
  • 5.2.2-Ch Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
  • 250 watts Channel
  • Dolby Atmos height virtualize* and DTS virtual: x
  • Accueq with subwoofer EQ and accureflex
  • HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7 in / 1 out)
  • Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma and BT.2020
  • A.R.T. Wedge (Fifth Foot)
  • 4K60, 4K120AB*, 8K60B*, HDR10plus* and HDMI 2.1* (*via future update)
  • MusicCast multi-room audio and MusicCast Surround capable with MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless surround speakers
  • Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant devices or Siri via AirPlay 2
  • Pandora, Spotify, Napster, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz and Amazon Music
  • Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos with Height Virtualization and DTS:X
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
  • YPAO - R.S.C. and multipoint
  • Output wattage: 100.0 watts
  • INTEGRA DRX-3.4 9.2 CHANNEL AV RECEIVER
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best thx 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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are numerous points to pick from in general, but doing so well may help you be more convenient and save time! When selecting a best thx receivers, pay close attention to the elements listed above, and don't forget to verify the safety.

Have you picked a product like that after reading our article on how to choose and top the best thx receivers? Hopefully, the information provided will assist you in selecting the best option for you.


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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.