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10 Best Surround Sound Receivers 2025 in the United States

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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
9.9
Chosen by1,317
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
870 reviews

Channels
The Denon AVR-X3800H can be paired with a second unit for a multi-room or whole-house audio experience.
Power Output
Fantastic hardware quality and output, coupled with easy Bluetooth connectivity and a user-friendly app, make this a standout choice.
Audio Formats
Packed with 8K HDMI connections, phono input, and comprehensive Dolby and DTS support, this receiver is future-proof and feature-rich.
Connectivity
Packed with 8K HDMI connections, phono input, and comprehensive Dolby and DTS support, this receiver is future-proof and feature-rich.
Room Calibration
The Audyssey Room Correction Suite makes room and speaker tuning straightforward, with easy-to-follow on-screen instructions.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setting up the Denon AVR-X3800H is a breeze with on-screen prompts and a sound test to balance speakers.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,317
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
870 reviews

Channels
The Denon AVR-X3800H can be paired with a second unit for a multi-room or whole-house audio experience.
Power Output
Fantastic hardware quality and output, coupled with easy Bluetooth connectivity and a user-friendly app, make this a standout choice.
Audio Formats
Packed with 8K HDMI connections, phono input, and comprehensive Dolby and DTS support, this receiver is future-proof and feature-rich.
Connectivity
Packed with 8K HDMI connections, phono input, and comprehensive Dolby and DTS support, this receiver is future-proof and feature-rich.
Room Calibration
The Audyssey Room Correction Suite makes room and speaker tuning straightforward, with easy-to-follow on-screen instructions.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setting up the Denon AVR-X3800H is a breeze with on-screen prompts and a sound test to balance speakers.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
829 reviews

Channels
Features tuning for each channel to specific speaker combos, enhancing audio performance with high-quality speakers.
Power Output
Great for gaming, automatically handling picture settings and delivering improved audio clarity with powerful highs and clear lows.
Audio Formats
Rated the best for 4K gaming and upper mid-range home theater, with the added bonus of IMAX and THX support and 8K at 60Hz.
Connectivity
Quick setup and seamless integration with Google Nest network, recognizing and adding itself automatically.
Room Calibration
Automatic setup is a breeze and works very well, resulting in great sound quality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Despite non-standard banana plugs causing initial setup frustration, the operation and sound quality are impressive.

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.

Rating
9.8
Channels
Power Output
Audio Formats

Most important from
829 reviews

Channels
Features tuning for each channel to specific speaker combos, enhancing audio performance with high-quality speakers.
Power Output
Great for gaming, automatically handling picture settings and delivering improved audio clarity with powerful highs and clear lows.
Audio Formats
Rated the best for 4K gaming and upper mid-range home theater, with the added bonus of IMAX and THX support and 8K at 60Hz.
Connectivity
Quick setup and seamless integration with Google Nest network, recognizing and adding itself automatically.
Room Calibration
Automatic setup is a breeze and works very well, resulting in great sound quality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Despite non-standard banana plugs causing initial setup frustration, the operation and sound quality are impressive.
#3

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
9.8
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
1390 reviews

Power Output
Great power output and sound quality for the price, providing excellent home theater experience without a hefty investment.
Audio Formats
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers great audio clarity and loudness, even with less efficient speakers, making it a solid choice for those looking for quality sound without breaking the bank.
Connectivity
The inclusion of Bluetooth is handy and works seamlessly with devices like Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Room Calibration
Setup is intuitive and straightforward, with an automatic speaker calibration feature that allows for easy customization to suit individual sound preferences.

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.

Rating
9.8
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
1390 reviews

Power Output
Great power output and sound quality for the price, providing excellent home theater experience without a hefty investment.
Audio Formats
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers great audio clarity and loudness, even with less efficient speakers, making it a solid choice for those looking for quality sound without breaking the bank.
Connectivity
The inclusion of Bluetooth is handy and works seamlessly with devices like Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Room Calibration
Setup is intuitive and straightforward, with an automatic speaker calibration feature that allows for easy customization to suit individual sound preferences.

Buying Guide for the Best Surround Sound Receivers

Choosing the right surround sound receiver can significantly enhance your home theater experience. A surround sound receiver acts as the central hub for your audio and video components, processing audio signals and distributing them to your speakers. 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 receiver.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of speakers the receiver can support. Common configurations include 5.1, 7.1, and 9.1 channels. A 5.1 system includes five speakers and one subwoofer, suitable for smaller rooms. A 7.1 system adds two additional speakers for a more immersive experience, ideal for medium-sized rooms. A 9.1 system includes even more speakers for a highly immersive experience, best for larger rooms. Choose the number of channels based on the size of your room and the level of immersion you desire.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. Higher wattage means louder and clearer sound, especially at higher volumes. For small to medium rooms, 50-100 watts per channel is usually sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer very loud sound, look for receivers with 100 watts or more per channel. Consider your room size and listening habits when deciding on the power output.
Audio FormatsAudio formats refer to the types of audio signals the receiver can decode and process. Common formats include Dolby Digital, DTS, and newer formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide a more immersive, 3D sound experience by adding height channels. If you want the latest and most immersive audio experience, look for receivers that support these advanced formats. If you are satisfied with standard surround sound, a receiver that supports Dolby Digital and DTS will suffice.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the receiver. Important connections include HDMI inputs and outputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and analog inputs. HDMI is the most common and versatile connection, supporting both audio and video signals. Ensure the receiver has enough HDMI inputs for all your devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. Additionally, look for wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for streaming music from your phone or other devices.
Room CalibrationRoom calibration technology automatically adjusts the audio settings based on the acoustics of your room. This feature uses a microphone to measure sound reflections and optimize speaker settings for the best audio performance. Receivers with room calibration can provide a more balanced and accurate sound experience. If you want hassle-free setup and optimal sound quality, choose a receiver with built-in room calibration technology.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use are important for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Look for receivers with intuitive on-screen menus, clear displays, and easy-to-use remote controls. Some receivers also offer smartphone apps for easier control and setup. If you are not tech-savvy, prioritize receivers with a user-friendly interface to ensure you can easily navigate and adjust settings.

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