10 Best AV Receivers 2025 in the United States

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.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is an impressive home theater receiver that stands out with its 11.4 channel configuration, offering powerful audio capabilities for immersive sound experiences, especially with formats like Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced. It supports a wide range of power output options, making it suitable for both small and large setups. With 10 HDMI ports, this receiver excels in connectivity, allowing you to connect multiple devices without hassle, which is fantastic for anyone looking to organize their home theater system.

On the audio front, it supports various audio formats and features advanced video processing, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals through 8K video capability. Network features like Bluetooth and USB connectivity enhance streaming options, making it easy to enjoy music from services like Spotify. Plus, its app control adds convenience for users who prefer a modern, tech-savvy approach to operating their devices.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. One potential drawback is that while the extensive features and channels offer flexibility, they may also be overwhelming for beginners or those who don’t require such high specifications. Additionally, the price point may be on the higher side, which could be a barrier for casual home theater users who might not need all the advanced features. Lastly, users should be aware of the room calibration setup, which, while beneficial for optimizing audio, may require some technical knowledge to get just right.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is a robust option for home theater enthusiasts. With 120 watts per channel and support for up to 11.2 channels of processing, it delivers powerful and immersive audio performance. Its Dirac Live room calibration feature ensures that your speakers are optimally positioned for balanced sound, which is a big plus for users who want to fine-tune their audio setup without hassle. Additionally, the receiver is THX Certified, meaning it meets rigorous standards for audio quality, ensuring nothing is added or taken away from the source material.

Connectivity is a strong point with HDMI 2.1 support, enabling 8K video processing and discrete zone 2 HDMI switching, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy different content in various rooms. The built-in streaming services and Bluetooth capabilities make it easy to stream audio from various sources. It also works seamlessly with Sonos systems, allowing for integration into existing Sonos setups. The unit's 4K/120Hz support is great for gamers looking for ultra-fast, sharp motion in their games.

However, it's worth noting that the receiver is somewhat heavy at 37.1 pounds, which might be a consideration for those with limited space or those who frequently rearrange their setup. Additionally, while the Klipsch Optimize Mode is convenient, it’s mainly beneficial for those using Klipsch Reference speakers. This AV receiver is well-suited for those seeking a high-quality, versatile home theater setup with advanced features and robust performance.