If you're a gadget enthusiast, own a large collection of consoles and multimedia devices, and are looking to set up a Dolby Atmos or surround sound system, what you need is an AV receiver . Don't know how they work? Not sure which model to choose? Keep reading.
What is an AV receiver?
An AV receiver or AV amplifier is a device that centralizes all the audio and video signals in your living room to control what you're watching on your TV or projector and deliver the best possible sound with the help of external speakers. Its main function is to supply sufficient power to the speakers, which typically have very specific characteristics to achieve high-quality sound, although it also manages all the video signals from the multimedia devices you want to connect to the TV. Instead of cluttering your TV with cables, you'll only need a single HDMI cable to connect the screen to the AV receiver, and it will handle everything else.
In addition, these devices are capable of obtaining the signal from your TV thanks to eARC technology through an HDMI cable, so you can start the Netflix application on your Smart TV or watch TV and listen to the sound of these sources through the speaker system, enjoying 3D audio and all kinds of formats.
How to choose the best AV receiver
When choosing an AV receiver you must take into account several factors, since, depending on one functionality or another, you will need equipment from one category or another. The aspects that you should take into account are the following:
- How many HDMI do I need?: Do you have more than one console at home? Do you want to connect your old VHS player? Do you have a satellite receiver? Finally gather all the HDMI and video sources you have.
- How many speakers are you going to connect?: You could mount a traditional 5.1 system, or bet on something more current and take advantage of Dolby Atmos technology by placing a pair of speakers in the ceiling. All of this should be taken into account when choosing the receiver.
- Do you need a secondary screen?: If you are going to connect a projector to watch movies in large inches or if you simply want to have a second screen to which you can send the image from the game console to another room, certain models of receivers can offer you just that without problems, a second additional output so you don't have to be disconnecting and connecting cables all the time.
Thinking in the future
Now that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are about to hit the market, it's a bit of a tricky time to buy an AV receiver, since not having one that supports 4K at 120Hz would limit the gaming experience in many situations. Obviously, this also requires a television that supports this mode, so it'll be a never-ending process that could result in a hefty bill just to have everything up-to-date.
As always, prices will drop in the market, cheaper models will appear that allow it and both 8K and 4K at 120 Hz will be within everyone's reach, but for now, they are quite prohibitive features for other mortals.
Main brands to consider
In the market you will find a lot of references as far as AV receivers are concerned, but the main models will move between brands such as Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, Marantz and Sony. All these brands offer very similar models in terms of features, and they will basically differ in the implementation of proprietary technologies that will offer features and functionality that are different from the rest.
AV receivers with 8K resolution
If you are looking to prepare for the next big wave and you want to have a receiver that is ready for all types of content at full resolution, then you will have to get a receiver that is compatible with resolutions 8K at 60 images per second and 4K at 120 frames per second (perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X).
The available options are currently quite limited, as there are only a couple of manufacturers that offer this solution. The options that you could consider are the following:
Denon AVR-S960H
It is possibly the cheapest option with which to get an AV receiver compatible with 8K resolutions. It has a total of 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs for independent displays and a total of 7.2 channels with 145 W per channel. It is a very interesting option for PS5 and Xbox Series X thanks to the fact that it includes VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (automatic low latency mode).
It will have an approximate price of 650 euros.
Denon AVR-X3700H
A high-end within the Denon catalog that jumps up to 9.2 channels, being able to include an additional amplifier to obtain a Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 system. It has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs (one of them for a second zone), and like its little brother, it accepts 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz signals.
Marantz SR8015
If you are looking for the most of the most, you can go to this 11.2-channel Marantz with 3D sound and an infinite number of options and connections that will not leave any of your gadgets without connection. It has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, and offers no less than 205 W per channel, so you can configure a set of large and powerful speakers. It's not short of audio certifications, including DTS X: Pro, or technologies like VRR, ALLM, and QFT. It shares a platform with the Denon AVC-X6700H, so both amps are technically similar (Denon and Marantz are part of the same company).
Its price is 2.999 euros.
AV receivers with 4K resolution
If you are looking for something more down-to-earth, that fits your budget and without looking too far into the future, the options multiply, since there are a large number of options on the market that could meet your needs. These are some of the models that you can find on the market:
Onkyo TX-NR696
Critically acclaimed, this receiver offers an extremely comprehensive set of specifications at a very reasonable price. It has 7.2 channels with 175 W per channel, 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs and all kinds of technologies, however, being a 2019 model it will become obsolete very soon (even more so having options like the Denon S960H with the same price range).
Onkyo TX-SR494
One of the most economical and complete options you will find on the market. It offers 4 HDMI inputs and one output with support for 4K/60 Hz resolutions, offers a total of 7.2 channels with 160 W per channel, supports HDR and is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Sony STR-DH590
Another option to take into account due to the good price it offers. It is designed for simpler configurations without too many speakers (5.1 configuration with 145 W per channel) and without too many video inputs (4 HDMI inputs and 1 output), but without sacrificing excellent image quality thanks to its compatibility with sources 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and surround sound.
Its official price is 350 euros.
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