10 Best AV Receivers 2026 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 Sony STRAZ7000ES Premium ES 13.2 CH 8K A/V Receiver stands out with its 13.2 channel configuration, offering an impressive power output of 150W per channel, which is ideal for creating a powerful and immersive home theater experience. Its support for 8K and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity with HDMI 2.1 ensures compatibility with modern high-resolution video formats, making it future-proof for upcoming advancements in video technology.

The receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats, providing a rich, object-based sound decoding that enhances the surround sound experience significantly. Additionally, with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, it offers advanced room calibration features that tailor audio output to your specific room setup for optimal sound quality. Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, allowing seamless streaming from multiple sources.

Its network and streaming capabilities are further enhanced by integration with Google Assistant and compatibility with SONOS systems. This makes it versatile for both entertainment and smart home integration. However, it is quite hefty at 55.8 pounds and may require a sturdy setup. Also, its complexity might be overwhelming for users who prefer simpler AV receivers. Given the advanced features and high-quality audio-visual processing, it is best suited for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek top-tier performance and flexibility. Customer reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5 stars reflect that it might not be the best choice for casual users looking for a straightforward setup.

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.