Best AV receiver under $1000 : Buying Guide

When it comes to buying an av receiver, there are a lot of factors to consider. This buying guide will help you find the best av receiver under $1000. We have compiled reviews and ratings from other buyers who have bought this product, we’ve compared features with similar receivers on the market, and we’ve summarized what customers say they like and dislike about their purchase experience.

The AV receiver is the hub of your home theater system and it can make a world of difference in how you experience sound. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, we have created this guide for purchasing an AV receiver to help you decide what features are important to you and which ones will suit your needs best.

Buying guide for AV receivers

The features you want in an AV receiver will depend on a number of different factors including your budget, the size and complexity of your room or home theater system, whether you’re planning to set up surround sound for movies with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X formats, and what types of music you like best.

For example, if you are looking for a high-end model that has all the latest audio technologies built right in it then chances are some other things might not be as important to you such as connections ports. On the flip side if staying within a certain price range is more important than having every cutting edge feature available then maybe something less expensive would work better.

Regardless of where your priorities lie, we have compiled this list to help you.

Best Music receiver

Denon AVR-X3600H

Usually music receivers are a bit too expensive. But the Denon AVR-X3600H is the best 5.1 receiver with a lot of features and a low price. At this price point, it’s difficult to find a more flexible and capable AV receiver. This is one of the best denon AV receiver.

Features and benefits

A calibration microphone, remote, power cord, and user manual are included with the AVR-X3600H. You should use the MultEQ XT32 calibration tool during the setup process (the same one that comes with much pricier Denon receivers).

There are some simple buttons and a pair of I/O on the front (headphone OUT, mic IN, one HDMI IN, and a USB port). There are 7 more HDMI inputs and 3 outputs on the back. Both HDMI inputs are HDCP 2.3 compatible and accept 4K/60Hz as well as all of the more recent image specifications (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG).

The receiver also has 11 speaker outputs, nine of which are driven. So you can build a 5.1.4 or 5.2.4 surround sound setup without any extra equipment. You will run 11 channels concurrently with an extra stereo amp for Zone 2. There are also dual subwoofer pre-outputs and 11 extra preamp output values for all available channels on the receiver. The maximum power output is 105W (two 8 channels powered, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08 percent THD).

On all frequencies, the Denon receiver AVR-X3600H uses AKM’s 32bit DAC processors for audio signal transfer. FLAC, ALAC, and WAV (up to 24bit/192kHz) are all supported, as well as DSD128. One of the key reasons we think the X3600H is one of the best AV receivers for music under $1000 is because of this.

The receiver also comes with a slew of extra options, including Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi networking. It also has the ability to function in several zones. The receiver is also compatible with other HEOS wireless speakers thanks to Denon’s HEOS technology (multiroom capabilities). Finally, the receiver works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, among other common voice assistants. All new denon receivers have this feature. If you want to spend some more, check the best AV receivers under $2000

Pros and cons

Pros

• Many Channel Processing
• Dolby Atmos
• Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
• Works with Amazon Alexa
• Many HDMI Inputs and outputs
• Analog Tuner

Cons

• No Front Wide Channel Support
• There is No HDR10+
• No Dynamic HDR
• Does Not Work with SONOS

NAD T 758 v3

Listening to music is something that we all enjoy, and NAD is a company that has been in the business for years. They are back with their latest version of their T 758 v3 receiver, which offers up some solid features. The first thing to mention would be the fact that this device supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. It also has many other features such as WiFi connectivity if you want to stream content from your smartphone or tablet through it rather than an antenna input. This is one of the best AV receiver under $1500

Features and benefits

The device is very durable. The control and input/output systems are simple and straightforward. The overall architecture is quite simple. There are some simple controls on the front, as well as a hidden compartment with four inputs (RCA x1, composite video IN x1, optical audio IN x1, and mic input).

Three HDMI inputs and one HDMI ARC output are located on the back of the unit. They’re all HDPC 2.2 compatible and 4K UHD pass-through is supported. There is one USB port, two coax audio inputs, two optical audio inputs, and four RCA inputs in addition to HDMI inputs. A range of 7.1 analog inputs is also included. There are 7 speaker terminals, 7 preamp outputs, and one subwoofer pre-output on the unit. The maximum power output is 110W (two 8-channels powered, 0.08 percent THD). This is one of the best 4k receivers.

You can use the supplied Dirac Live room correction for initial setup and sound tuning. You may use the remote or the NAD AV remote software to power the device. The device is equipped with the latest generation of multi-core DSP processors, which allow high-resolution audio playback as well as MQA. It also has BluOS wireless listening technology built-in, allowing you to broadcast lossless audio wirelessly and build a multiroom speaker system by combining the receiver with BluOS wireless speakers. This is one of the best 7.1 receivers out there.

Pros

• 1. The NAD T 758 v3 receiver has a built-in DAC for improved sound quality
• 2. It is compatible with all major streaming services, including Spotify and Pandora
• 3. The NAD T 758 v3 receiver comes in a sleek black design that will fit any home’s decor
• 4. A USB port allows you to plug in your own music files or device for playback of your favorite songs
• 5. Comes with an IR remote control so you can change the volume without having to get up from the couch!
• 6. You’ll have access to clear FM radio stations as well as AM stations

Cons

• 1. The NAD T 758 v3 receiver is very expensive
• 2. The remote control does not have a backlight, making it difficult to use in dark rooms
• 3. It’s difficult to sync the remote with the receiver
• 4. There are no inputs on the front of the unit – they’re all on the back
• 5. It doesn’t come with any HDMI cables or speaker wire, so you’ll need to purchase those separately
• 6. You can’t turn off video processing – which means that if you want your TV setup for gaming, this isn’t an ideal option because it will always be reducing input lag and other features like dynamic contrast ratio won’t work properly

Best receiver for games

Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-channel AV Receiver

There are perhaps more important things for your gaming experience than Dolby Atmos, and the Yamaha RX-V4A has them. This AV receiver is ready to deliver a thumpy experience with its 5.2-channel surround sound, and you can take advantage of DTS:X and Dolby Digital audio to make your games more acoustically immersive. It is one of the best Yamaha Av receivers out there.

Let’s talk more about the best av receiver under $500.

Features and benefits

HDMI (4 in / 1 out) with HDCP 2.3 and eARC

HDMI 2.1, 4K/60, 4K/120AB, 8K/60B (via future update)

AirPlay 2, MusicPlay (iOS and Android), and Spotify Connect are all supported by Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz. With MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless surround speakers, you can enjoy multi-room audio and MusicCast Surround.

Pandora, Spotify, Napster, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, and Amazon Music can all be controlled with Alexa and Google Assistant smartphones, or Siri via AirPlay 2.

Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma, and BT.2020 YPAO room calibration Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma, and BT.2020 YPAO room calibration

But, beyond audio, the Yamaha RX-V4A is prepared for the future of gaming. This is due to the fact that it has four HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 output. That means it can accept and send 4K/60Hz video, and a firmware update can increase that to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz. This receiver also includes gaming features including variable refresh rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, in addition to a high level of quality. This lineup of Yamaha new AV receivers is very budget-friendly.

Pros

• Great sound
• 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs
• Great new design
• Many streaming options

Cons

• No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
• HDMI 2.1 has problems with certain 4K/120Hz signals
• Less legacy ports than last year
• Uninspiring remote

Pioneer VSX-934 7.2-channel AV Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-934 7.2-channel AV Receiver is a technologically advanced receiver that will transform your home theater experience into something you have never seen before. The Pioneer VSX-934 features Dolby Atmos and DTS: X to provide an immersive sound system, with precision audio settings to make sure it’s perfect for you. Need more power? Turn on the Zone 2 pre outs and enjoy another room of quality entertainment in stereo sound! This is also one of the best home cinema receiver. 

Features and benefits

The Pioneer VSX-934 is a great place to start dipping your toes into the AVR tub. With a price tag of about $300, this AVR is a good place to start with plenty of space to expand. The seven amplified channels can support a variety of speaker setups, including 5.1 with bi-amped front channels, 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos, and even less popular configurations including 3.1.2. 

The VSX-934 features Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, which simulates Atmos sound without the use of additional speakers. It actually works very well, but it does necessitate a firmware update that was released in early 2019. It also has DTS Play-Fi and Sonos connectivity.

Room correction is integrated into most surround AVRs, except for the VSX-934, it’s Pioneer’s MCACC. Sadly, this is one of the model’s flaws, but it’s easy enough to get through. Speaker spacing can be manually adjusted in the AVR settings, and relative channel levels can be adjusted with a free or inexpensive SPL program. And, since low-frequency room correction issues are the most common, look for a subwoofer with built-in area correction. It can handle any rogue low-end better than MCACC.

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Pros

• Dolby atmos
• Wifi and bluetooth
• USB input 
• Analog tuner
• New HDCP version
• HDR 10

Cons

• No front wide channel support
• There is No DLNA 1.5
• without eARC
• No multi channel input

Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2-channel AV Receiver

If you want to go all out on your video output, the Denon AVR-X6700H receiver offers 8K or 4K/120Hz options. You can run video and video games directly through this receiver for the best quality or a combination of quality and smooth graphics, and you’ll always be able to see the material with HDR and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub filtering, thanks to the new HDMI spec.

 The Denon AVR-X6700H also supports the majority of HDR formats, including premium models such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, as well as the latest Dynamic HDR and the broadcast standard HLG. It is the best budget 4k receiver. Denon new AV receivers are very demandable in the market.

Features and benefits

Immersive surround sound with advanced video processing Auro-3D, ImaX Enhanced, DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos, 8K/60Hz and 4 K/120 Hz passing through the clean, crisp, pure sound

Enjoy high-definition 3D audio and video with the assurance that the AVR-X6700H will be ready for 8K when you are. This high-power amplifier with 13.2 channel processing helps you to customize your speaker setup to suit your own entertainment needs.

With 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Fast Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode, you can enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag, and frame tearing (ALLM)

Link ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER, AND TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 11 HDMI ports (8 In/ 3 Out) with HDCP 2.3 encoding, Digital In, Phono input, and Network support with a variety of wireless connections

HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS, such as the Denon Home range, EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to every room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, or Bluetooth, with no additional hardware.

Pros

• 1. The Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2-channel AV Receiver has a sleek design that will look good in any room
• 2. It is easy to set up, with the help of a clear instruction manual and video tutorials on YouTube
• 3. The Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2-channel AV Receiver has an intuitive interface that makes it simple to navigate through all its features without having to read the instructions first
• 4. With 11 channels, you’re sure to get surround sound no matter where you are in your home theater space
• 5. You’ll be able to enjoy immersive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio effects from any seat in your home theater space thanks to this receiver’s built-in height channel capability
• 6. There are two HDMI inputs for connecting media players like Apple TV or game consoles like PlayStation 4 Pro

Cons

• 1. The remote control is too complicated
• 2. It’s hard to connect all your devices
• 3. There are no pre-programmed settings for popular inputs like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
• 4. You can’t use it as a Bluetooth speaker because there’s no Bluetooth connectivity
• 5. It doesn’t have enough HDMI ports for modern TVs, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes 
• 6. The sound quality isn’t the best

Top AV receivers under  $1000 

Yamaha RX-V6A

The Yamaha RX-V6A is an outstanding receiver for audiophiles who want to use it as the hub of a smart listening space or entertainment device. It has wired inputs to support up to a 7.2-channel speaker system and wireless inputs that support up to 5.1-channel speaker systems, allowing users a lot of flexibility in their setup.

Pros 

• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
• Wireless speakers have seamless communication.
• MusicCast and AirPlay2 allow you to stream or cast material.
• Upgradable to 8K
• Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Room filling sound with good acoustics 

Cons 

• Limited outputs
• No height virtualization

Marantz NR1711

For those setting up home theaters, the Marantz NR1711 is a perfect budget-friendly receiver. It has the sophisticated audio and video technologies that you’ll need to create a fully immersive movie-watching experience. With support for a variety of HDR formats and an 8K resolution, you’ll be able to see content the way it was meant to be used. It also supports the most recent audio formats, such as overhead speakers and Dolby Height Virtualization for 3D sound. This is one of the best budget home theatre receiver

Pros 

• HDMI inputs with 8K pass-through and upscaling
• High-definition visuals with HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision in a slim profile that blends into every entertainment center
• Dolby Height Virtualization is supported for 3D sound.
• Voice activation compatibility is extensive.
• For gamers, low latency and a fast refresh rate are ideal.

Cons 

• Sound quality for music isn’t as high
• Setup process can be tedious

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX104

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX104 is intelligent in a way that most receivers aren’t. It comes with a built-in microphone and a smart acoustic calibration system (MCACC) that monitors and optimizes audio performance for the room and speakers. Upmixing and 3D sound are also supported, giving you the option of using a 5.2.2 channel setup for a more immersive sonic experience. It looks like Yamaha and Devon are leading the industry in the case of AV receivers but pioneer is a very respected brand and it isn’t lagging behind.

Pros

• 4K resolution has excellent image consistency.
• Optimizes sound for speakers and space automatically
• 3D surround sound is supported.
• On the front screen, you can save up to three personal presets.
• AirPlay2 and Siri have streaming and voice access.
• Compatible with the Sonos Connect app

Cons

• Not a great choice for gaming
• Input and output options are limited

Sony STRDH590

The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Multi-Channel 4K Receiver provides excellent sound and a slew of other features, making it an excellent option for a home theater system. It has 5.2 multi-channel surround sound with a powerful 145W per channel capacity, as well as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio that is much superior to the price tag. Let’s look at the best 4k receiver under $500.

This is the best avr under $500. Passthrough support with 4K and HDR (high dynamic range) means your TV will be able to display the bright images that come from the receiver without distortion. Sony is here to provide you the Best budget 4K receiver.

Pros 

• 5.2 multi-channel surround
• 4K HDR passthrough
• Bluetooth audio playback

Cons

• Can’t connect speakers via Bluetooth

Final Talk

There is no replacement for a collection of surround sound speakers operated by an AV receiver if you really want the full home theatre experience.The home cinema amplifier is the brains and brawn of any home theater device, ensuring that your TV and movies sound solid, informative, and dynamic, completely immersing you in the experience.

Most AV receivers now accept Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for adding many more sound channels with the inclusion of height channel microphones, or they can play standard 5.1 surround sound. On a lot of models these days, you can expect HDMI inputs that can move through 4K and HDR recording, as well as voice assistant support, Bluetooth wireless audio, and Apple AirPlay extras.

Most importantly AV receivers deliver the best quality sounds and audio experience. We talked about all the popular and affordable AV receivers of the market. Hope it helps your experience.