10 Best Surround Sound Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a robust 9.4-channel surround-sound receiver designed for home theaters and large-scale audio setups. It delivers 105W per channel, which is ample power for creating an immersive audio experience. A standout feature is its support for 8K video passthrough and advanced HDR formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring top-notch video quality alongside its impressive audio capabilities.

Users will appreciate the broad compatibility with audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, which cater to a truly enveloping 3D audio experience. Furthermore, the receiver's Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixer enhance legacy content, adding to its versatility. Connectivity is another strong point, with 9 HDMI 2.1 ports (6 inputs and 3 outputs), supporting 8K and 4K/120, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS multi-room streaming for extensive device integration.

The receiver also includes analog and digital inputs, and a phono input for turntables, which makes it versatile for various audio sources. The built-in HEOS technology allows for multi-room audio streaming, making it perfect for spreading music throughout your home. Room calibration is handled via the Audyssey Room Correction Suite, which tunes audio output to suit your specific room setup, enhancing the listening experience. The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with an on-screen HD GUI setup assistant to guide users through initial setup and configuration.

However, the extensive features and high performance come at a premium price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the high power output and complex setup might be more suited for advanced users or those willing to spend time on fine-tuning their system. In conclusion, the Denon AVR-X3800H is an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, feature-rich receiver that excels in both audio and video capabilities.

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver stands out with several impressive features, making it a strong contender in the surround-sound receiver market. It offers a 7.2 channel configuration, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience. The THX Certification guarantees high-quality sound, and the compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X takes surround sound to the next level by delivering a dynamic and enveloping audio performance. Additionally, the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer enhances the experience even with traditional speaker setups, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re not equipped with ceiling speakers.

Connectivity is a strong point for the TX-NR6100, with options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, multiple HDMI ports, and Works with Sonos certification, making it highly versatile and easy to integrate into various home audio systems. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT make this receiver an excellent choice for gamers looking for a seamless, lag-free experience.

The user interface appears user-friendly, with support for Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, enhancing ease of use and smart home integration. On the downside, the physical dimensions of the receiver are quite large, so it will require adequate space in your entertainment setup. Also, while the Sonos integration is a great feature, it requires a separate Sonos Port, which is an additional cost. Those looking for a compact unit may find the size cumbersome, and the need for additional components can add to the overall expense.

The Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver is designed for users seeking an immersive sound experience with the added benefit of 8K Ultra HD video support. With 70 watts per channel and a 5.2 channel configuration, it suits most standard home theater setups. It's equipped with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and supports eARC, which will please those wanting to connect multiple 8K devices, making it future-proof for those with modern TV setups. It supports various audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master, ensuring high-quality sound for movies and music.

For gamers, the AVR offers features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduce lag and enhance gaming experiences. The room calibration is simplified through an onscreen HD setup assistant, aiding users in optimizing their sound system easily.

On the connectivity side, it includes Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, compatible with popular services like Spotify and TIDAL. However, it lacks Wi-Fi, which may be a limitation for those seeking to integrate with a broader smart home setup. The user interface is bolstered by app control availability, making it convenient to operate via a smartphone.

While the power output might be on the lower end for larger rooms, it's typically adequate for small to medium spaces. The straightforward setup process and the ability to use a single remote for both the receiver and TV add to its ease of use. Weighing in at a light 0.388 ounces, it’s easy to handle, but there might be a typo in the weight specification, as receivers are usually heavier.

The Denon AVR-S570BT is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their home theater experience with modern features, though those needing more connectivity, especially via Wi-Fi, might find it lacking.