The High End Surround Sound Receivers For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Sony STRDH590  Home Theater Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sony STRDH590 Home Theater Receiver

Sony's STRDH590 is the perfect way to add connectivity and streaming capabilities to your home entertainment setup. This 5.1-channel, 120-watt receiver features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to wirelessly stream music from any compatible mobile device or audio source, or use the receiver as a remote control for connected devices. It also includes an FM tuner that lets you listen to your favorite station no matter where you are in the house. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel

With both Dolby Atmos & DTS Virtual:X, the AVR-S960H is a true 8K home theater receiver. With crisp, clean pictures and immersive surround sound, this high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Pioneer VSX-534 Home Audio

Pioneer's VSX-534-K is the perfect home theater receiver at a great price. Equipped with a sleek, modern design and Dolby Atmos technology, this receiver is designed to be your one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. A DTS:X playback engine delivers immersive sound that envelops you in rich audio. Read Review

4. Best Efficient: Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver

Now you can enjoy the ultimate in-home audio performance with Sony’s STR-DH790 7.2-channel AV Receiver. This receiver offers high-performance sound and sleek, modern design. The new Auto Calibration feature ensures that the sound is optimized for every individual room on the home theater system, which means that it is a perfect complement to your existing home theater setup. Read Review

If you want to get the most out of your home cinema setup, a receiver is essential. It’s what pulls all of your components together so you can watch movies, listen to music, and play video games in perfect harmony. In addition to processing the digital signals from your Blu-ray player, cable box, and other sources, receivers also have their own built-in decoder for decoding surround sound formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.

They’re also capable of displaying different visual effects as well as outputting high-resolution audio (up to 7.1 channels). If you have the cash, a high-end surround sound receiver is the way to go when it comes to upgrading your home cinema experience. Here are our top picks for the best high-end surround sound receivers in order of price and quality.

Our team had to focus on researching for 14 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Sony STRDH590 Home Theater Receiver is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony STRDH590  Home Theater Receiver
Our Score:
9.8
Sony
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
TOP Choice #2 Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel
Our Score:
9.7
Denon
  • ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 7.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA so you can adjust the volume, change tracks & switch inputs absolutely hands-free. Also works with Google Assistant, Apple Siri & integrates with home-automation systems like Josh.ai & Control4 SDPP
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
  • CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND - USB, 8 HDMI ports (6 In/ 2 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
  • GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV - Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the AVR-S960H is 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization & DTS Virtual:X and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
  • NEXT GEN GAMING - Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS like the Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
TOP Choice #3 Pioneer VSX-534 Home Audio
Our Score:
9.6
PIONEER
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
4 Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
Sony
  • AUTO CALIBRATION: Advanced D.C.A.C. analyzes and adjusts the audio for optimal sound in every room
  • CINEMATIC SOUND AT HOME: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • SMARTER CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • GET CONNECTED: 4 in/1 out HDMI each and 1 optical / 1 coaxial digital and analog audio connections
  • BREATHTAKING AUDIO: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X deliver multi-dimensional and object-based surround sound
  • LOW PROFILE DESIGN: STRDH790 Bluetooth receiver measures 5 1/4" tall to fit into most AV cabinets
  • STUNNING 4K QUALITY: 4K HDR pass through with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma provides greater and clearer color, contrast, and brightness
  • PURE DIRECT FUNCTION: Suppresses front panel noise to provide higher-fidelity sound from all inputs
  • IN THE BOX: AV receivers include a calibration microphone, FM antenna, remote control and batteries
5 Denon AVR-S750H Receiver
Our Score:
9.4
Denon
  • UNPRECEDENTED REALISM AND NEW FEATURES – eARC and heightened sound effects with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. Be it the sound of a helicopter or torrential rains, it’ll sound so real, you'll think it's happening right above you
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEW 4K ULTRA HD TV with this 7.2 Ch stereo receiver. Featuring HLG, HDR10, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut & 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, it DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST and COLOR enriching your movie and gaming experience
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. Denon's legacy and Japanese precision technology makes it a must-have for your home
  • All HDMI ports (6 In, 1 out) follow the LATEST REVISION TO HIGH-BANDWIDTH DIGITAL CONTENT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS (HDCP 2.3) and are backward compatible with the earlier versions. Don't fret if your devices have HDCP 2.2 - they'll work perfectly well
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS. No Command Center or extra hardware required. Get Hi-Fi sound around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer and more
  • SMOOTH, SOOTHING, CLEAR SOUND EVERY SINGLE TIME – During setup, the Audyssey Suite – an EQ calibration system – measures & dynamically optimizes all speakers in your home theater for all listening levels. No sudden blasts or muffled dialogues anymore
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote. Adjust the volume, change the track or switch the inputs absolutely hands-free
  • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* and DTS Virtual:X
  • 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • 160 watts per channel
  • AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
7 Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.0
Marantz
  • SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATES WITH SMART HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS like Josh or Control 4, and allows REMOTE MONITORING OF CONNECTED DEVICES, while you are vacationing or on the move
  • MULTI-ROOM AUDIO TECHNOLOGY – With the HEOS Home Entertainment App, 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
  • FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH 4K ULTRA HD TV – Featuring 60Hz full-rate content, pure color sub-sampling, BT.2020, HDR, HLG, eARC & Dolby Vision, enjoy an IMPACTFUL HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE with EXCEPTIONAL PICTURE QUALITY & A THRILLING SURROUND SOUND
  • 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 amplifier receiver
  • HANDS-FREE OPERATIONS – Command your favorite voice control agent - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri - to STREAM UNLIMITED MUSIC using popular services like Spotify, TuneIn, Netflix and more via Built-in HEOS, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
  • This 5 CHANNEL DISCRETE POWER AMPLIFIER (50W per channel) boasts 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output, full HDCP 2.2 support for copy protection - a must-buy for your home entertainment and speaker system
  • At 4-inches tall, this 5.2 channel stereo receiver is A COMPLETE HOME ENTERTAINMENT BOX LOADED WITH FEATURES. Connect all your audio sources, enjoy wireless streaming, plug your USB drives or play vinyls using the MM phono preamp – it’s got it all
  • 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
  • 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
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
9 Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel
Our Score:
8.7
Onkyo
  • Discrete Zone 2 Audio and Video
  • 8K with HDMI 2.1 40Gbps (3 ins)
  • 210 W/Ch THX Certified Select Dynamic Audio Amplification system
  • 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
  • THX Select Certification
  • HIGH POWER STEREO AMPLIFIER ---This is a peak power 110W x 2 dual-pass multifunctional stereo amplifier receiver driven by 2 Toshiba high power transistors, which is compatible with 5~8"/4~16Ω passive bookshelf speaker, front speaker, surround speaker, outdoor speaker, smartphones, iPads, iPhones and computers, suitable for most living room, bedroom to enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification
  • WIRELESS CONTROL --- The sound amplification mixer device can be the latest 5.0 Blue wirelessly connected to your phone, tablet, digital TV and other components within 40 feet. Equipped with high quality infrared remote control, allowing you to control the home audio receiver amplifier by it within 16 feet.
  • HD SCREEN AND KARAOKE AMPLIFIER--- The amplifier home audio stereo receiver has a LED display w/ front panel audio control center. Built-in dual microphone amplifier makes it drive wireless or wired dynamic microphones and 16 ~ 32 ohm headphones easily. Built-in reverb ECHO sound effect, allowing you enjoy the fun of a more unique karaoke amplifier.
  • EXCELLENT SOUND SYSTEM --- The home audio receiver comes with a unique HiFi audio circuit, which makes the signal-to-noise ratio up to 80dB, the distortion is only: ≤1%, and the frequency response range is 40-15000Hz. It is equipped with left and right audio balance adjustment and treble and bass adjustment knobs to allow you to enjoy professional amplified audio.
  • MULTIPLE INPUT AND OUTPUT MODES --- This receiver for speakers supports quick select (up to 32G only) after reading MP3 files from USB and SD card. The audio receiver has the audio input function of AUX, CD, DVD, projector, RCA audio output function, 2 pairs of banana plug speaker output, which is widely used in home audio, bedroom, conference, karaoke, bar, etc.
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What to Look For in a high end surround sound receivers?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of high end surround sound receivers will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of high end surround sound receivers you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with high end surround sound receivers issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of high end surround sound receivers in 2024:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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About Nicolas Ward

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.