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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-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver - 8K Ultra HD Audio & Video, Enhanced Gaming Experience, Wireless Streaming via Built-in Bluetooth, (4) 8K HDMI Inputs, Supports eARC, HD Setup Assistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
1402 reviews

Power Output
It powers all 5 of the passive Pioneer Andrew Jones Design speakers very well, with great clarity.
Audio Formats
Good power output and clear audio with plenty of Dolby and DTS surround modes.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connection works very well with Samsung Galaxy Smart Phones and is a handy feature.
Room Calibration
The automatic speaker calibration and setup is pretty accurate, and it allows tweaking to individual sound tastes.

The Denon AVR-S570BT is a 5.2 channel AV receiver suited for enhancing your home entertainment experience. With a power output of 70W per channel, it delivers ample sound for most home theater setups. Its 8K Ultra HD capability, supported by four HDMI 2.1 inputs and one output, ensures you're set for the latest video quality standards. This receiver also supports eARC, providing a bandwidth of up to 40 Gbps for improved audio quality and easier connectivity with your TV and other devices.

The support for advanced audio formats like DTS HD Master and Dolby TrueHD helps create immersive soundscapes, making your movies and games more engaging. For gamers, features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduce lag, offering a smoother gaming experience. The built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming from popular music services, enhancing the versatility of the receiver. Denon's setup assistant simplifies the installation process, guiding you through each step.

This model may lack some advanced room calibration features found in higher-end models, which could affect the audio optimization in complex room layouts. Additionally, the power output, while sufficient for typical home use, might not satisfy users seeking extremely high power for large rooms. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Denon AVR-S570BT stands out with its combination of cutting-edge video processing, good audio performance, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for most home entertainment enthusiasts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
1402 reviews

Power Output
It powers all 5 of the passive Pioneer Andrew Jones Design speakers very well, with great clarity.
Audio Formats
Good power output and clear audio with plenty of Dolby and DTS surround modes.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connection works very well with Samsung Galaxy Smart Phones and is a handy feature.
Room Calibration
The automatic speaker calibration and setup is pretty accurate, and it allows tweaking to individual sound tastes.
#2

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
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
881 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
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
881 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.
#3

YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth

Rating
9.9
Channels
Connectivity
Room Calibration

Most important from
3069 reviews

Channels
The receiver supports a range of speaker configurations, delivering detailed and immersive sound for movies and programs.
Connectivity
The receiver's Bluetooth connectivity and customizable audio presets enhance versatility and user experience.
Room Calibration
The YPAO automatic room calibration feature is remarkably clever and saves time by tuning the audio to the listening environment with ease.
Video Processing
Upgrading to high-quality HDMI cables is essential for optimal 4K performance, especially if using older cables.

The Yamaha RX-V385 is a 5.1-channel AV receiver that offers a powerful surround sound experience with a range of useful features. It provides reliable power output with 100W per channel when driven at 1kHz and 70W per channel across the full spectrum of 20Hz to 20kHz. This makes it suitable for both movies and music, offering clear and dynamic sound. The receiver supports advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction. It also includes YPAO automatic room calibration, which helps optimize the sound based on your room's acoustics for a more immersive experience.

The device is well-equipped with 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output, all supporting 4K/60 Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and more, making it future-proof for modern media formats. Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy wireless streaming from your devices, which adds to its versatility. On the downside, it lacks some higher-end features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and more advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. Additionally, while the power output is sufficient for most users, those with very large rooms or high-end speaker setups might find it slightly lacking.

With a user-friendly remote and a good balance of essential features, the Yamaha RX-V385 is great for those looking to enhance their home theater system without breaking the bank. It’s especially suitable for users who value ease of use and solid performance in a mid-range AV receiver.

Rating
9.9
Channels
Connectivity
Room Calibration

Most important from
3069 reviews

Channels
The receiver supports a range of speaker configurations, delivering detailed and immersive sound for movies and programs.
Connectivity
The receiver's Bluetooth connectivity and customizable audio presets enhance versatility and user experience.
Room Calibration
The YPAO automatic room calibration feature is remarkably clever and saves time by tuning the audio to the listening environment with ease.
Video Processing
Upgrading to high-quality HDMI cables is essential for optimal 4K performance, especially if using older cables.

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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