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10 Best Surround Sound Av Receivers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,268
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
885 reviews

Power Output
Handles lower volumes perfectly in a theater setting while allowing customization for more powerful bass if desired.
Audio Formats
Packed with future-proof features, including ample 8K HDMI 2.1 connections and support for all the latest audio formats.
Connectivity
The app is user-friendly, offering several options for adjusting sound quality and easy connectivity to Bluetooth devices.
Room Calibration
The sound test for balancing all speakers and the Audyssey Room Correction ensure optimal audio performance tailored to your room.

The Denon AVR-X3800H is designed to elevate your home theater experience with impressive 9.4 channels of surround sound and powerful 105W output per channel. One of its standout features is the support for the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring captivating 3D audio that immerses you in your favorite movies and shows. It's also future-proofed for video, offering 8K resolution pass-through and support for advanced formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it a great match for modern 8K TVs.

Connectivity is another strong point, featuring 9 HDMI 2.1 ports, which include both inputs and outputs, and options for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming. This allows seamless integration with various devices including Blu-ray players and turntables, plus the ability to stream music throughout your home via HEOS multi-room capabilities.

Setup is user-friendly, thanks to the on-screen GUI setup assistant and Audyssey Room Correction, which helps tailor audio performance to your specific room layout. This makes it accessible even for those who may not be very tech-savvy.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,268
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
885 reviews

Power Output
Handles lower volumes perfectly in a theater setting while allowing customization for more powerful bass if desired.
Audio Formats
Packed with future-proof features, including ample 8K HDMI 2.1 connections and support for all the latest audio formats.
Connectivity
The app is user-friendly, offering several options for adjusting sound quality and easy connectivity to Bluetooth devices.
Room Calibration
The sound test for balancing all speakers and the Audyssey Room Correction ensure optimal audio performance tailored to your room.
#2

Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver - THX Certified, Works with Sonos Certified, and Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience

Rating
10.0
Channels
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
837 reviews

Channels
Audio performance is top-notch, with clear channel definition, powerful highs, and soft lows. 5.1 upmixed to ATMOS sounds spectacular.
Audio Formats
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 excels in 4K gaming and upper mid-range home theater setups, with added bonuses like IMAX and THX support.
Connectivity
Setup is quick and seamless, especially with integration into Google Nest networks and advanced speaker tuning features.
Room Calibration
Automatic setup is a breeze and works really well, making the overall experience very pleasing.

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a feature-rich 7.2 channel AV receiver designed for an immersive home theater experience. A standout feature is its THX certification, ensuring high-quality audio performance with various listening modes for cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX. This receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a dynamic surround sound experience that adapts to your speaker setup, even if you don't have dedicated height speakers.

The Works with Sonos certification makes it an excellent choice for users with existing Sonos systems, offering seamless integration and control through the Sonos app. Connectivity is robust, with options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and multiple HDMI inputs, supporting up to 8K resolution and enhancing the ultimate 4K gaming experience with features like VRR and ALLM for smoother gameplay. Additionally, the discrete Zone 2 HDMI output allows for different content to be played in two rooms simultaneously.

Those who prioritize the latest video and audio formats, along with multi-room capabilities and gaming enhancements, will find the Onkyo TX-NR6100 a strong contender in the surround-sound AV receiver market.

Rating
10.0
Channels
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
837 reviews

Channels
Audio performance is top-notch, with clear channel definition, powerful highs, and soft lows. 5.1 upmixed to ATMOS sounds spectacular.
Audio Formats
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 excels in 4K gaming and upper mid-range home theater setups, with added bonuses like IMAX and THX support.
Connectivity
Setup is quick and seamless, especially with integration into Google Nest networks and advanced speaker tuning features.
Room Calibration
Automatic setup is a breeze and works really well, making the overall experience very pleasing.
#3

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth,Black

Rating
10.0
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
5719 reviews

Channels
Enabling audio passthrough on connected devices is necessary to get all five speakers to work with 2.0 content.
Power Output
The sound is very clear and the amplification is powerful, suitable for a typical home setup.
Audio Formats
The receiver plays good stereo content from various sources like turntables, radios, and DVD players.
Connectivity
The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly, making it easy to stream music and control the receiver.
Room Calibration
The system requires an active (powered) subwoofer, which is important to note if you have a passive subwoofer.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward and quick, taking less than 20 minutes without a subwoofer.

The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver offers a solid home theater experience with its 5.2 channel setup, providing immersive surround sound. With a power output of 725W, it is capable of delivering robust audio performance suitable for most home entertainment needs.

This receiver supports 4K HDR pass-through, ensuring high-quality video signals from source to screen, which is great for users with 4K TVs and content. Additionally, it has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy streaming of music and the convenience of turning on the receiver from your phone using Bluetooth standby. It also includes multiple HDMI ports (4 in/1 out), providing ample connectivity options for various devices like TV and speakers.

The S Force PRO feature creates virtual surround sound with just two speakers, which can be a cost-effective solution for users without a full surround sound speaker setup. It lacks advanced room calibration features, which means it may not adapt as well to different room acoustics compared to higher-end models. The user interface is straightforward but might feel outdated to some users. The Sony STRDH590 is a good fit for those seeking an affordable yet capable receiver for enhancing their home theater experience without requiring advanced calibration and ultra-modern interfaces.

Rating
10.0
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
5719 reviews

Channels
Enabling audio passthrough on connected devices is necessary to get all five speakers to work with 2.0 content.
Power Output
The sound is very clear and the amplification is powerful, suitable for a typical home setup.
Audio Formats
The receiver plays good stereo content from various sources like turntables, radios, and DVD players.
Connectivity
The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly, making it easy to stream music and control the receiver.
Room Calibration
The system requires an active (powered) subwoofer, which is important to note if you have a passive subwoofer.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward and quick, taking less than 20 minutes without a subwoofer.

Buying Guide for the Best Surround Sound Av Receivers

Choosing the right surround sound AV receiver can significantly enhance your home theater experience. An AV receiver acts as the central hub of your home audio system, processing audio and video signals and sending them to your speakers and display. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a surround sound AV receiver.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of speakers the receiver can support. This is important because it determines the complexity and depth of your surround sound setup. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers and one subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers and one subwoofer). If you have a smaller room or are just starting, a 5.1 system might be sufficient. For a more immersive experience, especially in larger rooms, a 7.1 or even 9.1 system could be better. Consider the size of your room and how many speakers you plan to install when choosing the number of channels.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. This is crucial for determining the loudness and clarity of the sound. Lower power output (50-80 watts per channel) is generally adequate for smaller rooms or less demanding listening environments. Higher power output (100-150 watts per channel) is better for larger rooms or if you prefer listening at higher volumes. Think about your room size and listening habits to decide on the appropriate power output.
Audio FormatsAudio formats refer to the types of audio signals the receiver can decode and process, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and others. These formats are important for achieving high-quality, immersive sound. Basic receivers may support standard formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, which are sufficient for most users. However, if you want the latest in surround sound technology, look for receivers that support advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Consider what types of content you will be watching and whether you want the latest audio technologies.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include the types and number of inputs and outputs available on the receiver, such as HDMI, optical, and coaxial ports. This is important for ensuring compatibility with your other devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. Basic receivers may have fewer HDMI inputs, which could be limiting if you have multiple devices. More advanced receivers offer numerous HDMI inputs, as well as wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Think about the devices you plan to connect and ensure the receiver has enough ports and the right types of connections.
Room CalibrationRoom calibration features automatically adjust the audio settings based on the acoustics of your room. This is important for optimizing sound quality without manual tweaking. Basic receivers may not include this feature, requiring you to adjust settings manually. More advanced models offer automatic calibration systems like Audyssey or YPAO, which can significantly enhance your listening experience. If you want the best sound quality with minimal effort, look for a receiver with a good room calibration system.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use refer to how simple it is to set up and operate the receiver. This is important for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Basic models may have simpler interfaces but could lack advanced features. More advanced models often come with user-friendly interfaces, on-screen displays, and even smartphone apps for easier control. Consider your comfort level with technology and how much time you want to spend setting up and adjusting your receiver.

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