Denon AVR-X6700H. 13.2 channel receivers. One of the main new features in this years release is support for 8K video. It works well, but it could be time for an update with a slicker interface. DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround modes are available if you want to upmix stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 soundtracks to your 5.2.4/7.2.4 speaker system. One of the rear inputs is HDMI 2.1 and supports uncompressed 8K/60p and 4K/120p. We found that the type of room correction employed had the biggest impact on sound quality, providing big benefits for some receivers and only smaller improvements for others. Looking at all the features on offer here, you might notice fewer bells and whistles than on other brands. All of our current recommendations support 4K HDR displays and sources, and our top pick and upgrade pick support 8K or 4K at a 120Hz refresh rate. As someone whos spent countless hours tinkering with home theater setups, I can tell you that having the right AV receiver is crucial to achieving the ultimate cinematic experience. Of course, we dont yet know, without extensive head-to-head testing, what difference Dirac Live Bass Control might make a year from now, but if youre already sold on Dirac room correction and know that you would prefer it over Audyssey MultEQ XT32, you might consider a receiver like Pioneers Elite VSX-LX505 instead, which is similarly priced but lacks some of the AVR-X3800Hs other niceties, such as its four subwoofer outputs, its Auro-3D support, its less-cluttered back panel, and its superior setup wizard. Copyright 2009-2023 Home Cinema Guide | All Rights Reserved. Most receivers priced around $400 or less are 5.1-channel designs. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can add Auro-3D support via a firmware update. If you are interested in buying a Marantz receiver, it doesnt get any better than this. All six of the AVR-X3800Hs HDMI inputs support 8K video at 60 Hz (compressed and uncompressed), as well as 4K at up to 120 Hz, along with HDMI 2.1 features such as auto low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, quick media switching, and auto lip sync (when the receiver is connected to displays that support that feature), so its a great choice for gaming. Are you searching for a new AV receiver to elevate your movie-watching experience? For instance, when going through the guided setup, we reached a screen that asked us to choose a time zone, but a list of time zones wasnt available. We independently review everything we recommend. If you really want to take advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can have a 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 surround sound speaker system. When you fire the receiver up for the first time, you see a setup wizard that explains how to connect speakers, source devices, and the like. But when you invest in a more advanced room-correction technology such as Audyssey MultEQ XT32 or Dirac (both of which are available on AV receivers of various brands), you get the ability to customize the type of corrections and account for multiple subwoofers, and these systems do a better job of tuning the sound without making it seem overly processed. And if you prefer a more traditional approach, some receivers allow you to distribute audio sources (and sometimes video, too) to a second zone via wired connections. Even if you have only a 5.1-channel speaker system right now, its nice to have the two extra amp channels to add more speakers or a second audio zone down the road. With full support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X this unit can fully use your complete speaker system. Like Dirac Live, you must install the software on your laptop and connect the supplied microphone to make the measurements. Add any HEOS-compatible speakers, and you can enjoy wireless audio in every room in your house. It has enough inputs for all of your source devicesfrom your 4K Blu-ray player to your streaming media device to your turntableand its much easier to install and operate than similarly priced competitors. After we ran the Audyssey room correction, the bass from the AVR-X1700H was much better controlled than that of its competitors, and the upper frequencies werent flatted or deadened the way they were with Onkyos AccuEQ or Pioneers MCACC room-tuning software. In our testing, MultEQ XT32 proved to be a significant upgrade over the MultEQ XT room correction in our top pick, the AVR-X1700H, producing even more controlled bass, less seat-to-seat variation in the sound, and decidedly improved dialogue clarity. Our upgrade pick has four independent subwoofer outputs, so Denon markets it as a 9.4-channel receiver. If you want to assemble a simple 5.1-channel surround-sound systemor you already have a 5.1-channel system and need to upgrade to a receiver that supports 4K, 8K, or high dynamic range videothe Denon AVR-S570BT is a good option under $500. The Yamaha is the mostexpensive stereo receiver you can buy for good value, Its sound is good and it has an amplifier design. Whatever some may say, there is no perfect AV receiver. There are many ways to connect this amplifier for internet and network content. All offer excellent. This unit also has an Auro-3D decoder built-in, which is rare in many AV receivers and is a bonus if you are interested in Auro-3D surround sound. It does come at a hefty price, but if you want a receiver with the lot, this beauty could be the one for you. You can also find AVRs with seven channels of amplification, microphone-based auto calibration, adjustable crossover frequencies and even HDMI switching for well under $1,000. And, at 435 mm wide and 476 mm deep, you will also need plenty of space to install it. Software, microphone, tripod even all the required cables, and you just need to supply the laptop. If your current AV receiver works with all your AV components and has all the features you desire, you dont need to upgrade, as you likely wouldnt hear improved sound quality with a newer model unless you were to upgrade to one with better room correction. Many receivers include built-in support for music streaming services such as Sirius XM, Spotify Connect, and Tidal, along with the ability to connect directly to internet radio stations and local DLNA media servers. However, recently they have introduced the HDA series of amplifiers and players, which are now considered their top-performing products. Take a look at this official Denon video to get a better look at this top AV receiver: If you want a high-end Yamaha AV receiver, look no further than the RX-A8A. In fact, there is a complete set of 13.2 pre-outs on the back if you want to power all your speakers from external power amps. Anthem doesnt have a long list of AV receivers to choose from. Talking of HDMI, there are 7 HDMI connections on the rear and 3 outputs. In this price range, you are looking at 5.1 or 5.2 ch. We also like that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas for the AVR-X1700H have little plastic clips at the top of the chassis that keep them locked in place and out of the way. Another noteworthy feature that we wouldnt have necessarily expected from a receiver at this price is Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, which mimics the effect of overhead speakers surprisingly well even if all the speakers are at ear level. This receiver sounds better than the under-$1,000 models we tested, thanks largely to its more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction. Remember, an HDMI 2.1 input will only likely benefit gamers with the latest consoles. Our only minor qualms with the AVR-X1700H are that the remote controls infrared signal can be finicky and the receiver can run a bit warm when youre pushing your speaker system to high volumes. The Polk MagniFi Mini AX is the all-around best soundbar because of its big, immersive sound, small footprint, affordable cost, and easy operation. Cheaper AV receivers can be a great place to begin if you have a limited budget, but if you want a top-end AV receiver, you must make a more significant investment. The sound quality of this machine is right up there with the best. Plus, in my experience, they are reliable. The AVR-X3800H has more amp channels and more connection options than the AVR-X1700H, so the back panel is more crowded. So youll need to narrow down your choice by thinking about the issues most important to you. Alternatively, you could reserve two of those channels for a separate stereo audio zone in another room. The quality of a receivers room correction hugely impacts the sound. There is also support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Anything that might compromise this is not present. Bluetooth 5.0-capable. Since the subwoofer is typically self-powered, to figure out how many amplified channels a receiver has, you simply add the first and third numerals: A 5.1.2-channel receiver, for example, has seven amplified channels and might also be referred to as a 7.1-channel receiver. You can also enable the unique Yamaha Surround: AI technology which adjusts the sound in real-time depending on what is happening on the screen. But we did run into a few hiccups during the setup process. There are 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, which should be plenty for most setups. The Denon AVR-X1700H is a great all-purpose 7.1-channel receiver that includes all the latest features and some nice installation flexibility but is still priced well below $1,000. The AVR-X4800H, meanwhile, generally sells for $600 more the AVR-X3800H, but the only meaningful differences are 25 watts of extra rated power per channel (although the power supply is rated for only 50 watts of additional power overall) and an additional HDMI input. One thing to consider is that you will need some serious space to install this monster. Therefore the complete range was upgraded in 2022, so all HDMI inputs allowed for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video plus the other features of HDMI 2.1 like VRR, QMS and ALLM. If you want 8k support and find an older AVR-X8500H, you can buy an upgrade from Denon that will swap one of the original HDMI ports and allow support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. This inexpensive model features 2 channels and 220-watt power for superior audio. A bigger concern is that we couldnt upgrade the receivers firmware without jumping through some hoops. But you may have specific needs that make one of the companys other models a better pick for you. Theres a lot to unpack in that sentence, so lets walk through it step by step. For example, a scene with loud sound effects and music will be optimized differently from one with quiet dialogue and ambient sound meaning the surround effect will change depending on what you are watching. The Cinema 60, for example, is comparable in many respects to the Denon AVR-X1700H on paperat least in terms of channel count, room-correction capabilities, HDMI inputs, and the likeyet it sells for the same price as the AVR-X3800H. Denon AVR-X8500H. But this is overkill. The connector remains the same, but version 2.1 adds many new features, including support for 8K resolution by way of an increase in the maximum bandwidth from 18 gigabits per second to theoretically as high as 48 Gbps, though all of the currently available HDMI 2.1equipped receivers max out at 40 Gbps. These are pre-outs for the front left/right speakers for connecting a balanced signal into a power amplifier. Honestly, though, unless you know a good bit about room acoustics, were not convinced that Dirac Live can give you substantially better results than what you can get from the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction thats already built into the AVR-X3800H. The company now offers free HDMI board replacements for anyone with an afflicted receiverincluding the RX-A2A, RX-V4A, RX-V6A, and TSR-700but it took a long time to do so, and the company was not as transparent or communicative about the delays as we wouldve liked. Room correction adjusts your speakers performance to suit your room. For one thing, both models proved far too complicated to install and configure, especially compared with similar offerings from Denon. The receiver can also upscale 1080p and 4K video to 8K for output to your TV if required. No matter what kind of turntable and audio gear you have, it is possible to get them working together. If youre trying to get as close as possible to re-creating a genuine movie-theater experience at home, theres no replacement for a good AV receiver. However, it is also a very efficient way of driving your speakers and provides very low levels of distortion, which is perfect for delivering high-end audiophile sound. Another feature that might make the AVR31 a good choice for you is also surprise, surprise aimed at getting the best sound in your room. People rarely have perfect listening rooms, and speakers (especially subwoofers) often end up in spots where they are unobtrusive instead of where they sound the best. Buying guide FAQ. The Denon AVR-X3700H has just about every feature in a receiver, including seven HDMI inputs and three outputs and a dedicated port that supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through and upscaling. For most users, 7.1 capacity is more than enough, and that's what we . Admittedly, eliminating the surround speakers during our head-to-head testing may have given a slightly unfair advantage to receivers with weaker power supplies that might struggle to drive multiple speakers simultaneously, but it made direct comparisons more manageable and allowed us to focus more on pure sound quality, as well as on the quantifiable and repeatable benefits of one room-correction system over another. I have been reviewing AV equipment for two decades, for publications from Robb Report Home Entertainment to Home Theater magazine to HomeTheaterReview.com to SoundStage. For the movie lover willing to spend more for better sound quality, more amp channels, and some pretty tweaky customization capabilities, we recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H. Anthem is a Canadian company that has been making high-quality audio products for 20+ years. Our tests consistently show that, in this price range, the effectiveness of the room-correction system is the differentiating factor in sound quality between AV receivers. Yamaha RX-V385 - under $300. The company also offers a number of AV receivers at prices below, between, and above those of our picks. Room-correction systems make the biggest impact on how a receiver sounds to most listeners. With all this technology, there is always a balance that you need to find between features and cost. It is rated slightly differently from most other receivers. So, you get 8 HDMI inputs (1 at the front) and 3 outputs. The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). This unit also has built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio support. If you dont want to install height speakers in your room. But the reason this model is no longer a pick has less to do with price hikes and shelf-life concerns (though those things matter) than it does with how Yamaha handled the HDMI 2.1 issues that plagued all of the first-generation 8K-compatible receivers. Just be aware that you will need an Internet connection for this to work because the measurements are sent online to the Dirac servers to make the complex calculations and number-crunching. Thats because our hands-on testing has shown that the brands lineup consistently offers the best bang for the buck in performance and features, and that it does a better job of simplifying the potentially complicated process of setting up a home theater system. AV receivers run the price gamut from a couple hundred dollars to well into four-figure territory. Its all perfectly logical, though. As you would expect from a high-end Marantz product, this receiver is built using their famous HDAM technology. You probably noticed that all of our current picks come from Denon. Your receiver needs to be able to connect all the HDMI source devices you have, which could include, for instance, a media streaming device, a cable or satellite box, a disc player, and a gaming console. It is possible to play 3D content. As you would expect for a high-end unit like this, there is a complete set of pre-outs for powering external power amps instead of using the built-in channels. There is no substitute for first-hand experience, and you might have a different opinion than me on what sounds good youre mistaken, of course. You have an Ethernet port for those who like using a trusty cable, but you can also connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and more. However, all Arcam products should be considered for sound quality first and fancy features second. For example, it will allow for separate connections to a main TV screen and projector and you can still send additional video content to another screen elsewhere. Of course, if you only want to use the built-in class G channels without buying more power amplifiers then you can set up a very nice 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system. Because the AVR-S570BT doesnt have a lot of features, its particularly easy to set up, even if you dont have much experience; on-screen prompts and a well-labeled back panel help you get everything running correctly even if youre a rookie. HEOS controls wireless speakers around your house, which can be managed via the HEOS app or Amazon Alexa. It also allows support for new gaming and media features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). AV Receiver Reviews Review Denon AVRX4000 AirPlay AV Receiver Review Cliff Heyne May 27, 2013 15:00 The Denon AVR-X4000 AV Receiver is more than worthy successor to the AVR-3313CI. Our focus here is on receivers that strike a good balance of performance, features, and value, so all of our picks are priced around $1,700 and below. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. In most cases, you would probably use the built-in Class G channels to run your basic 5.1/7.1 speaker layout then add external amplifiers to add the extra height channels to a maximum of 8 more speakers. Heres how. However, I assume you are here to understand more about your options at this high-end level, so lets compare the receivers here in a little more detail and give you an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. This is especially useful as more streaming video apps and soundbars begin to offer higher-resolution audio. Yes, many of the other AV receivers here will be able to power more speakers out-of-the-box but they dont offer Class G amplification. The Marantz Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules have been developed over many years in their hi-fi products. This unit has dual 32-bit ESS SABRE ES9026PRO DACS for delivering high-quality sound that should satisfy all but the most demanding audiophile. . How much of that extra power you actually need depends on the size of your room and the efficiency of your speakers (that is, how loudly they play when powered by a 2.83-volt input), but with our test system in a 12-by-15-foot room with 8-foot ceilings, we were able to play the AVR-X3800H louder than we could comfortably listen to. It does an exceptional job of producing a balanced and immersive surround sound experience. The first thing that takes the eye on the Denon AVR-X8500HA is the remarkable 13.2 channels. Its somewhat telling that these brands are the only two that most curious parties mention when asking for advice, but the truth is that Marantzs receiversespecially its new Cinema Seriesare a bit more luxury-oriented and as such dont represent as good a value for most people. The connected speakers and how they interact with the room are the most significant impact on the sound that you hear. Thats handy because youll find quite a bit to configure with the AVR-X1700H. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the channel counting gets a little more complicated. This receiver takes everything we like about the AVR-X1700H in terms of performance, features, and user-friendliness and improves upon all of those aspectsas it should, since it costs roughly $1,000 more. It is worth remembering that, at present, only the new game consoles will output these video formats. The SR8015 also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS Virtual:X listening modes. Of all the models here, my choice for the best high-end AV receiver is the Arcam AVR31. If you have a good AV store near you, see if you can listen to these models in their listening room, and try to get it hooked up to similar speakers to your own.
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