How to choose the best AV receiver: independent Top 6

Neither a demanding movie buff nor an avid audiophile can do without such an important component as an AV receiver when assembling or upgrading a home audio system. In fact, this is the same amplifier, only not stereophonic, but multi-channel, equipped with switching, decoding and processing systems. More complex digital components, on the one hand, make it possible to accurately convey the smallest sound changes and powerful effects when listening to audio, but on the other hand, it significantly complicates the choice of device. So that our readers can narrow it down to 2-3 options and select an AV receiver with the functionality that suits them, we have prepared a rating of the best models from trusted manufacturers with a brief description of key characteristics.

Best receivers

In 2021, a certain rating has emerged regarding the quality of receivers

Rating of the 7 best AV receivers for 2021 according to users

Pioneer VSX-323

The front panel has a volume control, input switch, screen and control buttons. It is possible to connect flash drives or headphones. You shouldn’t expect stars from the sky from this model, because it belongs to the entry level. It will be ideally combined with inexpensive acoustic sets. However, despite its reasonable price, the device has a number of interesting functions that will prove very useful in the process. One of these is establishing a balance between musical compositions or sources.

Those. When watching movies, there will be no sudden loud moments or, conversely, very quiet ones, which forces you to constantly adjust the volume. The point of another useful option is to noticeably improve the sound of compositions in compressed formats. Both musical dynamics and harmonics are restored. Thus, the user has the opportunity to enjoy creations without loss of sound quality. Among other things, the model differs from its predecessors in its higher power. The device supports surround sound codecs, which makes it suitable for home theater installations.

Cost: 17,990 rub.

• Thoughtful placement of controls;
• Availability of a number of useful functions;
• Great power.

• Not detected.

AV receiver Pioneer VSX-323

Pioneer VSX-832

The model is one of the latest developments by the manufacturer. It is capable of reproducing Dolby Atmos1 and DTS:X sound. This is achieved by channel allocation 3.1.2. When connected to Wi-Fi, the operation is stable. Thanks to this, a function becomes available with which the composition is played in several rooms at once.

The power of the unit is quite high, so the listener can fully enjoy full-fledged surround sound. Many praised the system for its ability to reproduce sound at wideband frequencies. At the same time, any distortions are reduced to a minimum. Thanks to this, a realistic effect of presence is obtained and even the smallest details are clearly felt.

Cost: 38,990 rub.

• Excellent functionality;
• Stable signal when connected to Wi-Fi;
• High power.

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• High price.

AV receiver Pioneer VSX-832

Onkyo TX-NR686

The manufacturer is famous for its products for home cinema. This is especially true for AV receivers, where both budget and expensive products are of high quality. The design of the device is disappointing, because, as you can see, it has not changed in the brand’s developments for 8-9 years. It is important to note the fact that the design is quite large and has a large mass. Therefore, when purchasing, you should make sure that there is room for the model.

In addition, the system heats up quickly and strongly, which makes you think about the availability of free space around. It is also impossible not to note the company’s strange policy: while most manufacturers are now trying to minimize the number of buttons on the panel, Onkyo, on the contrary, does everything in its power to prevent this for unknown reasons. But when studying the remote control, the opposite is observed. There are critically few buttons, and their placement is very poorly thought out. Therefore, the model here did not impress. But despite all this, the unit boasts a large number of functions and advanced technologies.

Cost: from 49,990 to 59,990 rubles.

• Many functions;
• Use of the latest technologies;
• Excellent performance.

• Large size and weight;
• Inconvenient remote control.

AV receiver Onkyo TX-NR686

Sony STR-DN1080

The description of this model should begin with the instructions that are included in the kit. All information presented in it is reduced as much as possible, i.e. sections related to fine-tuning the receiver cannot be found. The complete manual can only be found on the official website, and in English. Hence the conclusion that not everyone will be able to cope with this device, because you will have to configure it either “at random” or devote several hours, or even days, to studying the system.

There are no problems with workmanship: all parts fit perfectly together, which makes the unit stylish. The design can be called strict and laconic. There are no surpluses, only the essentials are included. The most useful buttons are located on the panel; there is also a remote control, with which setup will be much more convenient.

On the right side there is a wheel that switches inputs. It allows you to navigate between connected devices, so there is no need to constantly disconnect something. Each of the HDMI inputs is labeled, but according to the instructions, it absolutely does not matter which device is connected to a specific port. This is just a recommendation and does not have to be followed. The only caveat is that in some cases the sound quality may differ. The only drawback is the fact that the terminals for the speakers are located quite close to each other, which makes connection difficult.

Cost: from 48,990 to 49,990 rubles.

• Classic design;
• Excellent functionality;
• Good build quality.

• Poor management;
• Terminals are too close to each other.

AV receiver Sony STR-DN1080

Denon AVR-X1500H

The model stands out from the rest with its low body. The main highlight of the receiver is the powerful modern DSP processor Cirrus Logic. It is capable of performing more than a billion operations per second. Powerful amplifiers make it possible to interact with low-impedance speakers. The device copes well with sounding medium-sized rooms under any conditions.

With all this, an eco mode is available. It adjusts the maximum power consumption according to the volume level. The ability to work with modern 3D sound formats is also noted. You can connect not only using Bluetooth, but also using Wi-Fi. Communication always remains reliable and fast.

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There is a special system that allows you to create a wireless multiroom installation. And thanks to a special application, the user can easily control the receiver, assign the order of the content being played, separate the speaker systems from each other, or, conversely, force them to play the same song synchronously. The increased convenience of connecting speakers is due to the individual color coding of each of the seven pairs of terminals.

Cost: from 29,990 to 35,990 rubles.

• Excellent functionality;
• Support for wireless interfaces;
• High quality processor.

• Not detected.

AV receiver Denon AVR-X1500H

YAMAHA RX-V385

The receiver is placed in the original box, which already indicates the high quality of the product. The package includes everything you need, including a remote control. If we compare the unit with previous models, the external design, button placement and dimensions remain the same. This, oddly enough, pleased fans of the brand, because... you don’t have to get used to innovations.

The lower part of the front panel is plastic, but this is normal for this price category. More expensive devices, accordingly, use metal. The body of the receiver itself is metal. It’s worth noting the screw terminals, which are much more reliable than those used in the model’s predecessors.

The on-screen menu is Russian, so understanding it won’t be difficult. In addition, the set comes with clear instructions that will help even inexperienced users understand the principle of operation of the device. The design includes all the necessary connectors and ports. Studying the characteristics in detail, one notices the fact that the FLAC format is not supported. Wireless connection is made only using Bluetooth. Other delights are already in a different price category. The remote control is very convenient, which cannot be said about previous models in the line. The most important buttons are large in size, while the others are perfectly grouped according to their purpose.

Cost: 23,990 rub.

• Excellent packaging;
• Metal body;
• Use of screw terminals;
• Russian on-screen menu.

• Not supported.

AV receiver YAMAHA RX-V385

Marantz SR5013

The receiver is a modern solution for home theaters, and the device can be combined with surround sound in various formats. The model also stands out from others with its high power. A specially designed system immerses the user in full three-dimensional sound. Moreover, wireless connection is available with various devices.

What's really impressive is the built-in Phono input, which allows you to directly connect turntables. And with the help of a number of systems, you can auto-calibrate speakers for the acoustic conditions of a separate room. The intelligent ECO mode saves significant energy, which is often a very useful feature.

Cost: 106,000 rub.

• Possibility of energy saving;
• Interaction with vinyl record players;
• Three-dimensional sound;
• Auto-calibration of speakers;
• Great power.

• High price.

AV receiver Marantz SR5013