10 Best Av Receiver With Pre Outs 2026 in the United States

The Denon AVR-S770H is a solid choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade a home theater system with 7.2 channels and 75 watts per channel, which is enough power for most medium-sized rooms. It supports a broad range of audio formats including Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive 3D sound even without dedicated height speakers thanks to virtual surround technologies. On the video side, it’s future-proof with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, plus support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and other advanced gaming features like VRR and ALLM. Connectivity is well covered with 8 HDMI ports (including 3 for 8K devices), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and built-in HEOS for streaming music from popular services and multi-room setups.

The Audyssey room calibration system helps optimize speaker sound for your space, and the easy on-screen setup makes configuration straightforward even for beginners. Voice control via Alexa and others adds modern convenience. The 75W power rating is modest compared to higher-end models, so very large rooms or extremely demanding speakers may need more powerful amps. While the user interface is user-friendly, some advanced users might prefer more customization options. This Denon receiver strikes a good balance of features, sound quality, and ease of use, making it a strong contender for anyone wanting a versatile, future-ready AV receiver with strong multi-channel support and streaming capabilities.

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a powerful 9.4-channel AV receiver designed for those seeking a premium home theater experience. With an impressive power output of 105W per channel, it delivers robust sound for both movies and music. One of its standout features is its support for 8K video formats, making it an excellent choice for users with the latest TVs. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ensures an immersive audio experience, especially beneficial for movie enthusiasts who appreciate surround sound.

Connectivity is another strong point. With 9 HDMI 2.1 ports, it easily accommodates multiple devices, including gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. This model also supports various streaming options, like HEOS for multi-room audio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, making it versatile for different listening preferences. The Audyssey Room Correction Suite is a great addition, helping to optimize sound based on your room's acoustics, which is ideal for less experienced users who want a hassle-free setup.

The AVR-X3800H excels in many areas, but its size and weight (27.6 pounds) may pose challenges for some users in terms of placement and installation. Additionally, while the user interface is designed to be straightforward, non-tech savvy individuals may still find some features overwhelming. Furthermore, it might be more than what casual listeners need, given its advanced features that require a bit of learning to fully harness.

The Denon AVR-A1H is a robust AV receiver designed for serious home theater enthusiasts. With 15.4 channels and a power output of 150W per channel, it delivers powerful and immersive surround sound. This receiver supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, making it capable of providing a truly cinematic audio experience.

The video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 4K/120 and 8K resolution, ensuring top-notch video quality for your home theater setup. Connectivity is another strong suit, featuring 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, along with various analog and digital inputs, including a phono input for turntables. It also includes 4 RCA and XLR subwoofer outputs, providing flexibility in configuring your system.

Wireless streaming is made easy with built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HEOS multi-room audio, allowing you to stream music from services like Pandora, Spotify, and TIDAL throughout your home. The receiver's setup is user-friendly thanks to the on-screen HD GUI setup assistant and Audyssey Room Correction Suite, which calibrates your speakers for optimal sound. However, the unit is quite substantial, weighing 70.5 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, its extensive feature set and high-end components come with a higher price tag, potentially placing it out of reach for more budget-conscious consumers. This receiver is ideal for those looking to build a large-scale, high-performance home theater system and are willing to invest in top-tier equipment.