10 Best Atmos Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a robust 9.4-channel receiver that excels in delivering immersive audio and video experiences, making it a suitable choice for home theater enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the support for multiple advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D, which create a richly layered soundscape. Furthermore, it offers 8K UHD pass-through, ensuring you can enjoy the latest visual technology along with high-quality audio. With 9 HDMI ports, connectivity is abundant, allowing you to hook up various devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more, making it flexible for different setups.

The built-in HEOS multi-room streaming feature is another highlight, allowing you to enjoy music throughout your home seamlessly. Coupled with excellent room calibration through the Audyssey Suite, it tailors sound to fit your specific space, enhancing audio quality. The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with an easy setup assistant that guides you through the installation process.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the power output of 105W per channel is commendable, those with larger rooms or more demanding audio setups might find it less adequate for truly large environments. Additionally, the weight and size of the unit (27.6 pounds and significant dimensions) may make it cumbersome for some setups, particularly if space is limited. The learning curve for those unfamiliar with advanced audio setups might be steep initially. The Denon AVR-X3800H presents a powerful option for those seeking an engaging home theater experience, especially if they are willing to invest the time to maximize its features.

The Denon AVR-X8500HA is a high-end 13.2 channel receiver designed for an immersive home theater experience. With a robust power output of 150W per channel, it is well-suited for large setups and can deliver powerful, clear sound. This receiver supports a wide range of audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D, ensuring comprehensive compatibility with cutting-edge sound technology. The advanced HDMI video section with 8K upscaling allows you to enjoy high-resolution videos, making it future-proof for upcoming media formats.

Connectivity is a strong point, with 8 HDMI inputs, multiple analog and digital inputs, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet options, providing great flexibility for various devices and setups. The built-in HEOS technology allows for seamless multi-room audio streaming, and voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, and Apple Siri adds convenience. Room calibration is handled by Audyssey MultEQ XT32, ensuring that the sound is optimized for your specific room layout.

The receiver's interface and ease of use are generally praised, though some users may find the initial setup complex due to the wealth of features and settings. At 51.4 pounds, it is quite heavy, which may require consideration for placement. Given its premium features and price point, this model is ideal for serious audiophiles and those looking to build a top-of-the-line home theater system.

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a robust 7.2-channel A/V receiver that delivers 165W per channel, ensuring powerful and immersive sound. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it ideal for a surround sound home theater setup. The receiver's HDMI 2.1 connectivity (with 6 inputs and 2 outputs) is excellent for handling 8K and 4K/120 video, providing compatibility with high-definition video sources. Additionally, it supports leading HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and IMAX Enhanced, enhancing your viewing experience with vibrant visuals.

One of its standout features is the room calibration technology, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, which adapts sound to your room's acoustics for optimal audio quality. The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping adds an extra layer of immersion, creating a more dynamic sound environment. On the connectivity front, the receiver offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, covering a wide array of streaming options. Integration with Sonos systems and compatibility with Google Assistant further enhance its versatility.

The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a graphical setup that simplifies installation. However, the receiver's power consumption is relatively high at 240W, which might not be energy-efficient for some users. Additionally, with its comprehensive feature set, it may be more complex for users who prefer a straightforward operation. The weight and large dimensions could also be a consideration for those with limited space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony STR-AN1000 is well-suited for users looking for a high-performance receiver with extensive connectivity options and advanced audio calibration features.