10 Best AV Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X4800H is a powerful 9.4-channel AV receiver designed for home theater enthusiasts seeking an immersive audio-visual experience. With a power output of 125 watts per channel, it is well-suited for larger spaces, delivering clear and vibrant sound. The inclusion of advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro enhances the listening experience, making it ideal for those wanting surround sound capabilities. Users can also enjoy high-quality 8K video compatibility, supporting the latest formats such as HDR and Dolby Vision, which is great for modern TVs.

One of the standout features is the extensive connectivity options, with 10 HDMI ports that allow for multiple devices, including gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. The built-in HEOS technology enables streaming across multiple rooms, appealing to users who enjoy listening to music throughout their home.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. Its weight of 34.8 pounds may make installation or placement a bit challenging for some users. Additionally, while it offers comprehensive features, newcomers to AV receivers might find the initial setup process complex, despite the on-screen setup assistant. The price point may also be a drawback for those on a tighter budget, as it sits in the premium range. The Denon AVR-X4800H is an excellent choice for serious home theater setups, particularly for users who prioritize high-quality audio and video performance and have the space and budget to match.

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a powerful 9.4-channel AV receiver with an impressive 105W per channel output. This makes it suitable for users looking for a robust home theater experience. It supports a wide array of audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, providing immersive 3D audio that can elevate your viewing experience. Additionally, it features Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X for enhancing legacy content, ensuring all your media benefits from its capabilities.

One of its standout features is its 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, making it ready for the latest high-definition video standards and ensuring compatibility with new 8K TVs. The receiver boasts extensive connectivity options with 9 HDMI 2.1 ports, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS multi-room streaming, offering flexibility in how you connect your devices and stream content. The inclusion of advanced video formats like HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR further enhances the visual experience.

Room calibration is made easy with the Audyssey Room Correction Suite, which fine-tunes the audio to suit your room’s acoustics. On the downside, the Denon AVR-X3800H is relatively heavy at 27.6 pounds, which could be cumbersome for some users. Its complexity and advanced features might also pose a learning curve for users not familiar with high-end AV receivers. However, the on-screen HD GUI setup assistant helps ease the initial setup process. This receiver is ideal for those who want a future-proof, high-performance AV receiver with extensive connectivity and superior audio-visual capabilities.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AV receiver packs a lot of power with its 11.2 channel configuration and 140 watts per channel, making it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts. It supports multiple subwoofers and offers the flexibility to create discrete audio zones in your home, which is great for customizing your entertainment spaces. The inclusion of Dirac Live Room Calibration ensures that your sound is perfectly adapted to your room’s acoustics, and future firmware updates will enhance bass control, adding to the receiver’s versatility.

Its studio-grade processing, featuring ESS Sabre DACs and THX certification, promises high-quality audio performance across various listening modes like cinema, gaming, and music. The IMAX Enhanced Mode improves the visual and audio experience, bringing a more immersive theater-like feel to your home setup. Connectivity is robust with HDMI, and it seamlessly integrates with Klipsch speakers for optimal sound settings.

The TX-RZ70 also supports a range of streaming apps and smart home assistants, making it convenient for modern users. The advanced features might be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler setup, and the high power output could lead to higher energy consumption. Additionally, while Dirac Live technologies provide excellent room calibration, some might find the need for firmware updates for full functionality slightly inconvenient.