Choosing the best receiver for gaming among a sea of receivers might be challenging. But not if you know not the nits and bits that a gaming receiver should possess. Based on your setup, a number of sources or room size, you should select a receiver. Some receiver has only 4 HDMI input others have 8.
If price isn’t an issue and you want a versatile receiver with HDMI 2.1 4k@120Hz, 8k@60Hz, phono input, preamp, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, Play-Fi, and many more. They will support all major surround sound protocols like Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, DTS: X Pro, etc.
Among all these features, two major factors are a must that will make it the best AV receiver for gaming. They are lag reduction features (ALLM, VRR, etc.) and HDMI 2.1 high processing speed. With these, the receiver will be compatible with next-generation gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox X. High-quality audio and video representation is also what makes it the best gaming receiver.
Best receivers for gaming: Top 5
YAMAHA RX-V4A 5.2
Features and benefits:
- Will support ALLM, VRR, QFT, and QMS with an update. This is crucial for gaming as it will help the gaming scenes to be smoother by reducing lag and framer tearing.
- Soundfield analyzed by DSP. The receiver can produce a concert or hall-like sound field which is ideal for watching movies.
- Yamaha Compressed Music Enhancer restores and fixes files that may have lost due to being compressed. It uses DSP with the algorithm.
- AV Setup Guide App makes setup procedure very easy. It also helps to perform different settings in speaker, TV, etc.
Yamaha HDMI 2.1 RX-V4A receiver replaces the RX-V485BL . The design is shiny with neatly arranged buttons and knobs on the front panel.
While Denon or Marantz uses Audyssey, Yamaha uses YPAO calibration system. Here you need to place the mic at the listening position and the YPAO will calculate distance and everything. With MusicCast, you can enjoy multi-room audio and it also supports Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz, WAV, FLAC and AIFF up to 192 kHz.
It is one of the best budget-friendly gaming receivers compared to other models. It doesn’t support the latest formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, neither does it has Dolby Vision. Apart from these, with the given formats, the video and audio is pretty impressive.
The power rating of 80W makes the Yamaha 4k@120hz receiver ideal for small to medium sized rooms. The audio has balance and good tonality. The receiver also has an Eco-model to save power. The receiver faces some problem for 4k@120Hz passthrough via HDMI 2.1 which is for Xbox X not for PS5.
To overcome this, you should connect the source to the TV, and then use eARC to connect TV to the receiver. You can also check out the YAMAHA RX-V6A .
Pros
- Will support 8K/60B, 4K/120AB with future update.
- MusicCast app makes it easy to control or adjust receiver
- Easy to control with simple voice commands
- Support connectivity with MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50
- Impressive sound quality
Cons
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
Denon AVR-X6700H
Features and benefits:
- Supports IMAX which allows you to watch high-quality 4k content with DTS sound.
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision: this ensures you to experience top-notch video quality
- Advanced Sound Processing like D.D.S.C, AL32 focuses on each part of the audio. Other features including Clock Judder Reducer focuses on minimizing jitter and phase noise.
- Audyssey Dynamic EQ: this helps in improving sound based on speaker placement, room size and décor.
- Best PS5 receiver: HDMI 2.1 and 4K/120 Hz + 8K/60Hz Pass-Through is ideal for gaming in PS5 and Xbox X.
Denon AVR-X6700H belongs to Denon X-Series AV. You can use it for creating a 5.2.6 or 7.2.4 system. It is one of the best receivers for gaming due to its versatility and advanced gaming features. Ypu can use this receiver as a standalone preamp processor.
With the help of software update, the Denon 4k@120hz receiver will support the newest audio format, DTS: X Pro. By using the latest HDMI feature known as Quick Media Switching, you can change the resolution or frame rate quickly.
If you have an 8k TV, then you can enjoy the up conversion of this receiver to 8k resolution. Although HDMI 2.1 should support 48Gbps, the Denon receiver supports HDMI 2.1 with 40Gbps. This is sufficient because users mostly use 10-bit video.
The Denon AVR Remote App makes adjusting settings or options easier. It has IR remote to control the receiver and it also allows you to use TV remote and control the receiver for simplicity. You can also see the Denon AVR-X2700H .
Pros
- Easy room calibration with Audyssey Editor App
- Compatible with next-gen gaming consoles
- Supports FLAC, ALAC, and WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Supports 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling and BT.2020
- Auro-3D creates a natural and lifelike sound
- receiver with 4k 120hz passthrough
Cons
- Very expensive
Marantz SR8015
Features and benefits
- Sturdy design: it has front metal body and has a pre-programmed LCD display. It is available is black and silver-gold color
- Built-in HEOS: this allows to you listen to internet radio, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, etc. you can also create wireless system by connecting to HEOS-enabled speakers and components.
- Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module minimizes noise and helps to achieve minute details and dynamic range. It is basically a discrete circuit board that performs better than standard IC op-amp
- MDAX2: since compressed files doesn’t have same quality like the original files, this MDAX2 helps to achieve clear sound with precision
This Marantz HDMI 2.1 receiver has 7.1 channel preamp inputs and 13.1 channel preamp outputs. It supports major 3D audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS: X and DTS Virtual: X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D processing.
Marantz 8015 comes after the popular 8012 model. You can easily create a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 system. With a firmware update, you can get the DTS: X Pro.
This helps to expand up to 13 channels with DTS technology. The receiver has HDMI 2.1 with support for 8k@60Hz or 4k@120Hz. With this and the advanced audio and video features, it is one of the best receivers for PS5 and Xbox X.
The setup is simple and you should use the Audyssey Dynamic EQ for room correction. Set the Dynamic EQ to 10dB for movies. You can stream from different types of sources like Apple AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. You can also connect turntable with the built-in phono input. Overall, it is the best HDMI 2.1 receiver.
Pros
- receiver with 120hz refresh rate
- VRR, ALLM and QFT smoothens out games
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth increases versatility
- Can produce excellent surround sound
- Best for gaming with reduced lag, minimized noise.
- HDMI with eARC supports DTS: X and Dolby Atmos.
Cons
- The device gets hotter with use.
Onkyo TX-NR575
Features and benefits
- With built-in AirPlay and Bluetooth, you can stream wirelessly from smartphone, MP3, and other sources.
- Dynamic surround sound formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD creates a cinematic environment just like it is meant to be.
- Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC) improves analog signal. It can eliminate pulse noise.
- With Zone 2 output, you can connect to speaker in another room. Line Out allows connectivity to another hi-fi system.
The Onkyo TX-NR575 receiver has a standard design with dedicated knobs on the front panel. The receiver has a metal body with a plastic front side. You can use this system to create a 5.2.2 or 7.2 systems.
The Onkyo AVR HDMI 2.1 receiver with DTS: X and Dolby Atmos make the ambient sound pronounced, the background sound becomes lifelike. The bass is also prominent and the audio sounds much better in movies or music instead of songs.
It has several control options but things like bass and treble adjustments are missing. The remote control is handy but a bit complex to use. It has a total of 6 HDMI inputs and 9 speaker ports. The Bluetooth connection supports SBC and AAC codecs.
The setup is easy but menus, remote control options, Chromecast, all these features could be improved. The receiver is capable of delivering Ultra HD image quality along with crisp and clear audio from the 2-bit/384kHz digital-to-analog converter. Onkyo HDMI 2.1 receiver will be available in 2021.
Pros
- Use Onkyo Controller app to control from your mobile
- It can be used as a preamp
- Supports multi-room audio
- AccuEQ uses AccuReflex technology for room correction
- Supports Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi
- Works with Sony PS5
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity isn’t very smooth
Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch
Features and Benefits:
- With the use of S-Force PRO, you can achieve virtual surround sound with two speakers. This is best for small rooms.
- HDR compatibility focuses on image detail. It causes the picture to be vibrant while maintaining all details.
- Simple and compact design to fit under TV or in a rack. The strong cabinet helps to minimize vibration and the control panel is easy-to-use.
- Power amplifier for minimal distortion
- Glass-epoxy circuit used in power amplifier. This minimizes vibration or any distortion delivery high power to the amp. The ‘large capacity power transformer’ ensures clarity.
This Sony HDMI 2.1 receiver supports 4K and UHD at up to 60Hz. You can use it for a 5.1 or 7.2 system. It is the improved version of
STR-DH770 . Although it doesn’t have any analog video connection, you will find 4 analog audio inputs, 1 coaxial, 1 optical digital input and a 6.35mm headphone jack. It also supports Bluetooth with AAC codec.
Unlike the receivers discussed above, this one doesn’t have any phono input. The receiver setup and auto-calibration procedure is simple and straightforward. The sound is decent which improves with auto-calibration and it has punchier bass compared to other similar units
The connections, connectivity and functions are decent which makes it one of the best entry-level receivers for beginners. It has only 4 HDMI connections labeled as media box, Blu-ray/DVD player, satellite, and game console.
The receiver doesn’t support Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. It has a simple design and has several buttons on the front panel with unreadable tiny labels. It also has a FM tuner with 30 digital presets. To play PS5, connect the PS5 to a TV that support 4k@120Hz, then use HDMI ARC to connect the TV to the receiver.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lifelike and natural sound
- Works with PS5 or Xbox X
- With updated firmware, it supports eARC
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance
- designed to protect circuit with metal and heat sink
Cons
- Spring clip terminal for speakers
- Doesn’t support 4-ohm speakers
Best receiver for gaming: 2021 update
While Denon, Marantz and Yamaha already updated their receiver technology to work with next-gen gaming consoles, some receivers are still working on it. Onkyo and Yamaha are going to release HDMI 2.1 8k receivers this year.
2020 gaming receivers are said to have a HDMI 2.1 bug where the HDMI 2.1 doesn’t allow 4k@120Hz/8k@60Hz which affects Xbox X. Xbox series X compatible receivers need to use a HDMI adapter. This will ‘meditate’ signals between the console and receiver.
The receivers will support 8k and Dolby Atmos along with HDMI 2.1, 8k video support and VRR needed for seamless and smooth gaming experience. Some of the Onkyo models are:
- Onkyo TX-NR5100
- Onkyo TX-NR6100
- The Onkyo TX-NR7100
- Onkyo TX-RZ50
The following are the Pioneer models:
- Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105
- The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305
- Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505
Best receiver for gaming: Buying Guide
Since the main purpose of our receiver is connecting gaming console, certain specifications are a must in an A/V receiver. The best receiver for PS5 or Xbox Series X should have the following features:
Future proof connection
The first and foremost point needed while choosing the best receiver for gaming is its compatibility with next-gen gaming consoles like Xbox series X and PS5. For that, the receiver should support 4k @ 60Hz or 8k @ 120Hz.
Popular brands like Yamaha, Denon and Marantz already have such receivers. Others like Onkyo and Pioneer will be releasing gaming console compatible receiver this year.
Channels
This indicates the sound system you are going to use. Receivers have 11.2, 13.1 channels and some has 7.2 or 5.2 channels. Some receivers support Dolby Atmos technology so it depends on the type of sound system you have and your preference.
If you have a small home theater, then a 5.1 or 5.2 system will be ideal to produce powerful surround sound. For large spaces a 7.2.4 or such should be good.
Connections
Since the main purpose of an A/V receiver is to connect multiple audio and video sources, make sure the receiver can support all your devices. Some users may have multiple consoles, they may also have Blu-ray player, DVR, media streamer. Ideally 5 HDMI ports might be sufficient for most users.
The receiver should also have digital and analog inputs to support other devices. If you want to connect a turntable without phono preamp, your receiver should include the phono input.
Gaming features
This feature is a must while shopping for the best AVR for gaming. A receiver with HDMI 2.1 is the first thing to look into. This is because we are using it for a specific purpose. For next-gen gaming consoles, HDMI 2.1 port with support of 4k @120Hz and 8k@60Hz is needed.
If your receiver doesn’t support it, you can still use gaming consoles. However, you may not view the ultimate or real smoothness of the games which the consoles intended to mean.
Minimizing lag
This is another crucial feature needed to improve gaming. Without these, the game scenes may suffer from tear, judder or stutter. So for gaming receiver, you need to look out for the one that supports the following: ALLM, VRR, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT)
Other features:
Since you are unlikely to use the receiver for gaming only, make sure the receiver has all your desired functions. For instance, if you want to connect wirelessly, the receiver should have Bluetooth.
Other receivers support Wi-Fi to connect to home network and also to Internet Radio, Pandora, Spoitify, AirPlay 2 and many more. If you want streaming to multi-room, then you should look for the receiver that supports multi-room audio.
Parting words:
The best receiver for gaming should have minimized lag and better processing. It should support the latest audio and video features to produce the best output possible. For instance, receivers that support all HDR formats, along with DTS: X Pro, Dolby Atmos will deliver the best scenes (games, movies).
Although not listed, the price remains the first and foremost factor while shopping for the best receiver for gaming. You will find affordable options but definitely with a sacrifice of certain features. Also, if you are a newbie or don’t have lots of sources to connect to, you can easily go with a standard receiver.
You should also look at the size of your room because that will suggest the number of channels needed. All receivers come with an auto-calibration method which improves audio in most cases. However, if you are new, then you may need some assistance to run the setup.
Till now, Yamaha, Denon, and Marantz manufacture some of the best gaming receivers. Others are working on it and are going to release receivers at a lower cost to grab the market.
FAQ
Well, we’ve come up with some of the most asked questions and their solution. let’s find out more about this subject matter.
What other factors should I consider while using an AV receiver?
once you connect an AV receiver with your speaker system, you need to look at other things like speaker placement, high-quality sound system, good cables, and finally room acoustics. Once you have decided the home theater system, whether you want a 7.1 home theater or less, you need to focus on speakers. The next thing is to choose the best monitor for PS5 and if you play Xbox, then a monitor for Xbox X.
How to Bi-Amp speakers?
if you have a 5.1 sound system and your speakers support Bi-Amp, then you can do so. It will enhance the lower and higher frequency region. The tweeter and woofer terminals will be connected to separate amplifiers. During the setup, you should remove the jumper bar between the tweeter and woofer jacks
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