Choosing a home theater receiver

The receiver is the main part of any stereo system. An AV device combines the work of a switch, amplifier and decoder. Using this equipment, all elements of the speaker system are connected and controlled.

Home theater receiver: selection criteria

There are two main types of these devices - DVD combo or standard AV. Inexpensive home theaters are equipped with the latest types of devices. Combined models are usually installed in the design of large cinemas. This equipment is a combination of an AV receiver and a DVD player. Features of these models:

• ease of control;
• ease of connection;
• Fewer wires coming out.

The receivers have control buttons on the front and the required connection ports on the back. Using the instructions, you can understand the purpose of any connector.

The most important thing to pay attention to is the HDMI contacts. They are required to support connections:

• projector, television receiver;
• DVD player;
• game console.

Reference! Almost all speaker systems are multi-channel. The sound quality will depend on this parameter. Indicated by numbers, for example, 5:1. The number 5 indicates the number of speakers, 1 - subwoofers.

AV receivers have power amplifiers.The more amplifiers, the better the sound. The number of amplifiers is selected taking into account the size of the room, as well as the characteristics of the connected device. For a room measuring 25 square meters. A 5:1 system with a single speaker power of approximately 120 W is sufficient.

The best home theater receivers

The source for choosing a high-quality multifunctional receiver will be the 2019 rating of these devices.

Denon AVR3100W

Seven-channel model that supports 2 subwoofers. Designed for professional and home use. Can play all existing audio formats. The power of one speaker is up to 130 W.

Main advantages:

• low cost;
• complete set of connections;
• ease of settings.

Reference! Based on consumer reviews, no shortcomings were identified.

Onkyo TX-NR 737

It has seven-channel surround sound and supports 2 subwoofers. Characterized by high power.

Advantages:

• two HDMI ports;
• great wireless connection capabilities;
• supports Ultra HD.

Pioneer Elite-VSX80

Has seven-channel sound with support for 2 subwoofers. It is slightly inferior to other models in terms of power, but this has virtually no effect on the sound effect.

Advantages:

• works with many mobile devices;
• HDMI ports for 3D;
• availability of all audio decoders.

Yamaha RX-V 777BT

The receiver supports 7 channels. According to its characteristics, it is the most technologically advanced device in the RX model range.

Advantages:

• technology allows you to install all speakers in one line;
• 3D sound;
• supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Which receiver to choose?

Budget AV device models are low cost and have good sound quality, unlike their plastic counterparts.

AV devices of the middle group have an ideal price-quality ratio, developed technical and functional equipment, more powerful amplifiers with the number of supported speakers.

Receivers of the Premium group have significant weight, and within this model range they differ in cost and functional equipment.

High-end devices are piece goods that can sometimes compete with cars in cost. But the exclusivity of the equipment, made as if to order, justifies the cost of the system.

The cost of inexpensive AV equipment starts from $350, this is an excellent price/quality ratio. High-end AV devices start at $2,800. It is not recommended to buy “nameless” receivers. Also, it makes sense to go to an audio salon and listen to the system first.