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10 Best Surround Sound Av Receivers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,410
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
940 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 by1,410
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
940 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-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 120 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More

Rating
8.2
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity

Most important from
623 reviews

Channels
The receiver's 9.2-channel processing, including support for ATMOS and DTS:X, delivers an immersive audio experience.
Power Output
The 120 watts per channel provide ample power for a variety of speaker setups.
Connectivity
The receiver is packed with features like THX Certification, multiple HDMI ports, and seamless integration with Sonos systems.
Room Calibration
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers excellent sound quality, especially with the premium Dirac Live Room Correction software.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a feature-rich 9.2-channel AV receiver designed for a high-quality audio and video experience. With 120 watts per channel, it provides robust sound that can fill large rooms. One standout feature is the DIRAC Live Room Correction, which automatically adjusts the audio to suit the acoustics of your room, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality.

This receiver is THX Certified, guaranteeing cinema-quality audio at home, and it also works seamlessly with Sonos systems for multi-room audio setups. Additionally, its Klipsch Optimize Mode enhances the performance of Klipsch speakers, making it a good match for those who own this brand of speakers. Gamers will appreciate the Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience mode, designed to optimize audio and video for gaming.

The receiver supports all major audio formats and comes with 8 HDMI ports, providing ample connectivity for all your devices. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy streaming from mobile devices. However, the unit is relatively heavy at 37.1 pounds, which might make installation a bit challenging. It also consumes a fair amount of power when in use (850 watts), so it's something to consider for energy-conscious users. This AV receiver is ideal for home theater enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, feature-packed unit that delivers excellent audio and video quality.

Rating
8.2
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity

Most important from
623 reviews

Channels
The receiver's 9.2-channel processing, including support for ATMOS and DTS:X, delivers an immersive audio experience.
Power Output
The 120 watts per channel provide ample power for a variety of speaker setups.
Connectivity
The receiver is packed with features like THX Certification, multiple HDMI ports, and seamless integration with Sonos systems.
Room Calibration
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers excellent sound quality, especially with the premium Dirac Live Room Correction software.
#3

Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Stereo Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (95W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier

Rating
8.2
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity

Most important from
940 reviews

Channels
The Denon AVR-X2800H steers the correct surround channels to the correct speakers, unlike some competitors.
Power Output
The receiver drives low sensitivity speakers with enough power to deliver nuanced and lively music.
Connectivity
The eARC and settings make turning on the TV, PS5, and AVR easier and quicker.
Room Calibration
The sound quality is superior, especially after running the Audyssey Room Calibration.

The Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Channel Receiver is a feature-packed option for a home theater setup. It boasts 95 watts per channel and supports the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring an immersive 3D audio experience. This receiver is built for the future with 8K/60Hz pass-through, which means it can handle the highest quality video and audio formats currently available, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Its wide range of connectivity options, including 8 HDMI ports and built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS, make it versatile for different devices and streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL. The Audyssey Room Calibration Suite helps fine-tune the audio to your room's acoustics, enhancing your listening experience further. On the downside, this receiver might be overkill for smaller setups or those who don't plan to upgrade to 8K anytime soon.

Additionally, its abundance of features could be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler, more straightforward system. At 0.388 ounces, it is quite lightweight, but this might raise questions about its durability. Still, it is a well-regarded product that offers a lot of value for home theater enthusiasts looking to future-proof their system.

Rating
8.2
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity

Most important from
940 reviews

Channels
The Denon AVR-X2800H steers the correct surround channels to the correct speakers, unlike some competitors.
Power Output
The receiver drives low sensitivity speakers with enough power to deliver nuanced and lively music.
Connectivity
The eARC and settings make turning on the TV, PS5, and AVR easier and quicker.
Room Calibration
The sound quality is superior, especially after running the Audyssey Room Calibration.

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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