10 Best Cheap Av Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is a powerful 11.2-channel AV receiver delivering 140 watts per channel, making it suitable for users who want a rich home theater setup with multiple speakers and zones. It supports advanced audio features like Dirac Live room calibration, which automatically adjusts sound based on your room and speaker setup for better clarity and bass control. The inclusion of THX certification ensures high-quality sound performance that stays true to the original source, with modes tailored for cinema, gaming, and music.

Video-wise, it supports IMAX Enhanced mode to improve picture quality and provide a more immersive movie experience. Connectivity is strong with 10 HDMI ports, eARC support, and compatibility with popular streaming and smart home systems like Sonos and Apple HomeKit, making it easy to integrate with other devices. The receiver also offers special tuning for Klipsch speakers, simplifying setup for those owning those brands. However, the unit is fairly large and heavy (about 58 pounds), which might be a consideration for placement.

Packed with premium features, its price might be higher than typical 'cheap' AV receivers, so it is best suited for users looking for high-end performance rather than just budget options. The receiver effectively balances power, sound quality, and smart features, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a future-proof home theater system without complicated setup.

The Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver stands out with its impressive 105W per channel power output, making it a strong choice for those looking for powerful audio performance on a budget. Its 9.4-channel configuration supports a wide range of immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, providing a dynamic and rich sound experience.

The receiver is also geared for future-proofing with its 8K UHD video processing capabilities and support for the latest video formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring high-quality video output for modern TVs and content sources. Connectivity is robust with nine HDMI ports (six in, three out), built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS multi-room streaming, allowing for versatile and seamless integration with various devices and streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL.

The ease of setup is a notable advantage, thanks to the on-screen HD GUI setup assistant and Audyssey Room Correction Suite, which help users calibrate their system for optimal sound quality. However, at 27.6 pounds and 21.1 x 19 x 10.1 inches, the receiver is relatively bulky and may require ample space in your home entertainment setup. Additionally, while it offers extensive features, users primarily looking for a basic AV receiver might find it more complex and feature-heavy than necessary. For those seeking a powerful, feature-rich AV receiver that supports the latest in audio and video technology at a competitive price, the Denon AVR-X3800H is a solid option.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is a high-end AV receiver designed to deliver immersive home theater sound with its 11.4 channel setup and support for Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced audio. It offers robust connectivity, including 10 HDMI ports that support 8K video, making it future-proof for the latest video standards. The receiver also supports various audio formats and includes HiFi performance features like HDAM SA-2 for enhanced sound quality. Its video processing handles HEVC (H.265) encoding, which is good for modern streaming and high-resolution content.

With seven HDMI inputs plus digital, analog, and even phono inputs, it can connect to a wide range of devices, from gaming consoles to turntables. Built-in Wi-Fi adds convenience for wireless streaming and updates. The unit’s design reflects premium materials and craftsmanship from Japan, providing both a stylish look and reliable build. On the downside, this receiver is relatively heavy and large, which might be cumbersome for smaller spaces or casual users.

While it shines in performance, it is positioned above typical “cheap” AV receivers in price, so it may not suit those looking strictly for budget options. The user interface is reportedly straightforward but may require some setup knowledge to fully utilize its advanced features. The Marantz Cinema 30 is ideal for home theater enthusiasts seeking high-quality sound and video with broad connectivity and advanced audio formats, but it might be more than needed for someone seeking a simple, entry-level AV receiver.