INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Trust us, no one wants to constantly move 15 cables around just to use your PS4
This is critically important because the best AV receivers are essentially the central base that all of your entertainment equipment will
need to connect and communicate with
should consider a wide range of different features that will make or break the best AV receivers, like the resolution of your TV, your
example, you should look for a receiver that has a wealth of HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI ports
And if you want to get really high-tech, and invest in multi-room streaming, you need to think about which wireless speaker system is best
people, Dolby Atmos will be the killer app
This 3D audio system has become the gold standard in immersive audio
It may be available on soundbars, but only an AV receiver offers true overhead Dolby Atmos audio
You only need to decide if you want a seven or a nine-channel system.However, you may not need Dolby Atmos at all, in which case a standard
today.Best AV receivers under $699Sony STR-DN1080An innovative, affordable Dolby Atmos AV receiver with plenty of cool tricksPower output
(claimed): 7 x 165W into 6 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 6-in, 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio | Dimensions:
430(w) x 156(h) x 331(d) mm | Weight: 9.7kgDynamic movie performanceVirtual surround speaker technologyFrustrating user interfaceFussy
which create a pseudo seven channel surround soundstage
The receiver can even virtually relocate the physical position of your speakers, to create a better sonic balance
This is no heavyweight, and the fascia looks overly fussy, but the hairline finish is a premium touch
We get six HDMI inputs, all HDCP 2.2 enabled
There are also two HDMI outputs, for combi TV and projector use
There are also two analogue AV inputs, plus a pair of stereo phonos and two digital audio inputs
features a 31-band graphic EQ and a stereo calibration microphone that adjusts phase, distance and level.Usability is average
The receiver relies heavily on its UI, which is pretty but sometimes a little frustrating
Tonally the STR-DN1080 may not be particularly warm, but it is exciting
Movies benefit from seamless panning and pronounced dynamics
The biggest surprise is the effectiveness of the phantom rears, which really do help fill out the rear surround stage
This sonic trickery positions the STR-DN1080 somewhere above a standard 5.1.2 design, but below a true nine channel amp.Overall, this is an
innovative, exciting AV Dolby Atmos receiver
Consider it a brilliant value home cinema offering
Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 1-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm
stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 440(w) x 376(d) x 105(h) mm | Weight: 8.3kgEasy to accommodate sizeGenerous feature
Wireless connectivity comes via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirPlay
This is joined by two digital audio inputs (one coaxial, one digital), plus three AV analogue inputs
It does a reasonable job EQing the receiver to the listening room
more than confident with two channel sources, although it lacks the sparkle of some of more expensive rivals
HDMI connectivity is class leading, and our only grumble is the solitary output, which could limit options if you want to run both a screen
output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio |
Dimensions: 435(w) x 171 (h) x 382 (d) mm | Weight: 10.5kgGreat all-rounder with movies and musicWorks with MusicCast wireless speakersOnly
as that offered on the Sony STR-DN1080
On the rear are seven HDMI inputs, plus two outputs, but only three support 4K HDCP 2.2 sources, which is a tad mean given the price point
Like many Yamaha AV components, the receiver is MusicCast enabled
The user interface is a bit uncoordinated though, with windows popping up hither and thither.Sonically, this receiver is smooth and powerful
Atmospheric TV shows and blockbuster movies both benefit from its easy fast delivery
The RX-A860 keeps its cool
Movies can be watched within Spectacle, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Music Video, or Video Game envelopes
product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing
output (claimed): 5 x 50W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: No | HDMI: 4-in 1-out | AV inputs: 2 x digital audio (1 x optical and 1 x coaxial),
3.5mm stereo minijack, stereo phono | Dimensions: 434(w) x 90(h) x 277(d) mm | Weight: 6kgRevolutionary designCompatible with wireless HEOS
world of AV receivers, but this HEOS model definitely qualifies
For starters, it looks fundamentally different to the herd
Rear connectivity has also been stripped back
There's just two digital audio inputs (coaxial and optical), plus analogue stereo, 3.5mm minijack, lone USB and Ethernet LAN
While there is provision for wired rear speakers, the system is designed to work with wireless HEOS rears
In most systems, only the front L/C/R will be tethered
With speakers grouped, the package becomes a working 5.1 system
The receiver delivers multichannel movie soundtracks with gusto
the DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack unloads chaos in every corner)
wireless rears can invite some problems
receiver, we rate this first HEOS AVR as an qualified success
The cosmetics are admirable, and for dedicated HEOS multiroom users the wireless interactivity is a boon
Employing an app for control seems to make perfect sense, the only snag comes if your streaming audio sources are also app controlled and
need to be juggled outside of the HEOS app
out our list of the best sci-fi movies.Best AV recivers over $1,000Denon AVR-X4300H Outstanding performance in every regardPower output
(claimed): 9 x 200W into 6 Ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (7.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 3-out | AV inputs: 4 x composite; 4 x digital audio (2 x optical and
2 x coaxial) | Dimensions: 434(w) x 389(d) x 167(h) mm | Weight: 13.5kgPowerhouse movie performanceNine channels of amplificationHEOS
compatibilityOverkill if you don't partner with kick-ass speakersIf you want a no-compromise Atmos experience, then stepping up to a nine
channel AV receiver is well worth the premium
With this big Denon, you can opt for 5.1.4, or 7.1.2 - and that makes a big difference to the overall performance
It can play, or route, content to and from other HEOS connected components
Spin a CD on your Blu-ray deck, and you can Party Zone the music through both your cinema system and any connected HEOS speakers.Build
The receiver has a copper plated chassis with monoblock construction
There are seven rear HDMI inputs, plus one on the front fascia
All support 4K HDCP 2.2 sources
and coaxial), six analogue stereo pairs and phono (MM) turntable support
You can also stream over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Power output is prodigious, at 9 x 200w into 6 Ohms
Auto calibration is via Audyssey
It does a fabulous job with multichannel Dolby Atmos soundtracks, both explosive and atmospheric, and is no slouch when it comes to music
it has a frugal specPower output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 3-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital
audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 433 (w) x 425
(d) x 171 (h)mm | Weight: 16.7kgSublime musical performanceClass leading auto calibration systemOnly seven channels of amplificationOutdated
and big central volume knob
It tips the scales at a reassuringly heavy 16kg
There are seven HDMI inputs, all with HDCP 2.2 support, plus three HDMI outputs
Audio options include six analogue inputs, and six digital audio inputs
calibration.Arguably the most sophisticated auto calibration technology available, it does a extraordinary job fine tuning the receiver to
Dirac tuning is not carried out by the receiver with a microphone, but via a laptop
Buyers will have room calibration done by the dealer that supplies the receiver.While Dirac is the height of sophistication, the user
interface is pretty basic, just a plain text box
That feature count may look frugal for the price, but when it comes to performance, your investment will be repaid in spades
