The 10 Best Home Theater Receivers

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Your home theater receiver — also called an A/V receiver — is the command module that runs all the components of your home theater system. It performs a few essential functions, such as switching between video and audio components and decoding Blu-ray and DVD sound formats. It’s also often the device that drives your loudspeakers. Because of the many purposes a home theater receiver serves, you want it to be effective and affordable. At the same time, you want to make sure you have the features you need to make the most of this purchase. Check out the 10 best A/V receivers.

Best Overall: Pioneer 9.2-Channel 4K UltraHD Network A/V Receiver

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This Pioneer 9.2-Channel Receiver is a reviewer favorite for a few reasons. Many reviewers note that they love its sound quality, while others also like the fact that it’s Dolby Atmos compatible. While the unit is designed for 8-Ohm speakers, it works with speakers that have lower outputs, too.

Best Value: Pyle Wireless Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier

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The best-selling Pyle Wireless Home Audio Amplifier has five channels and 100 watts of power, and it’s perfect for a smaller home theater system. Reviewers praised its value for the money, sound quality and easy-to-use included remote control. The bright LCD front panel was also a hit with buyers because it helps with making selections readable.

Best Multi-Use Receiver: TEAC LP-Cassette to CD Recorder/USB Home Theater Receiver

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A different take on a regular receiver, this TEAC USB Home Theater Receiver hooks up to your home theater system. However, you can also use it for home audio dubbing. Reviewers like the fact that it had a cassette deck (so retro-cool!) and a tone arm. Plus, you can use it to burn tapes and records to CDs. Reviewers also thought it offered good value for the money.

Best Compact Receiver: Pyle Hybrid 300W 4-Channel Power Amplifier

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If you’re short on space (or your entertainment center is), the Pyle Hybrid 4-Channel Amplifier may be an ideal option for you. Don’t let the small size fool you; it has four channels and 400 total watts of power. Reviewers like its Bluetooth compatibility and convenient USB port, and they frequently call out its exceptional sound quality.

Best High-End Receiver: Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver

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One of the best of the best, the Marantz 4K UHD AV Receiver is packed with features, such as Pure Color sub-sampling and integration with your Amazon digital-assistant devices. Reviewers rave about this receiver, praising its sound quality and ease of use, in addition to the powerful punch that it packs in terms of volume depth and range.

Best Complete System: Yamaha 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System with Bluetooth

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If you’re starting from scratch and want an entire system that comes complete with a receiver, then this Yamaha 4K Home Theater System could be a perfect fit. Reviewers like its surround sound’s immersive qualities, and they note that you get a lot of value for the money. Many say it’s also a good choice for beginners because setup is easy and the system comes with everything you need.

Best Multi-Room Receiver: Yamaha 7.2-Channel MusicCast AV Receiver with Bluetooth

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If you need to project sound to multiple rooms but don’t want to completely break the bank, then this Yamaha 7.2 Channel AV Receiver is a good choice. It has features such as Alexa capabilities and Dolby Atmos compatibility, and reviewers love that it has excellent sound and screen quality. It also comes with an easy-to-use remote control that reviewers say simplifies operation.

Best 4K Receiver: Onkyo THX-Certified 7.2-Channel 4K Network A/V Receiver

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If you need a receiver that has 4K capabilities to match your home theater system, consider the Onkyo 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver. It’s a high-end model that’s THX-certified, and it’s also compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Reviewers have many good things to say about this pick, praising its screen and sound quality as well as its simple, easy setup.

Most Streamlined: Denon HEOS AVR 5.1-Channel Network A/V Receiver

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The sleek, powerful Denon HEOS is a premium piece of world-class tech. The 5.1-channel receiver can handle a HEOS subwoofer to complete your system — without the tangled wires altering the look of your space. Reviewers love its high-quality sound and the fact that it supports multiple HDR platforms.

Best Wireless: Pyle 4-Channel Wireless Bluetooth Amplifier and Receiver

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In a wireless world, nobody wants a million cords cluttering up their home theater system. Enter the Pyle 4-Channel Wireless Bluetooth Receiver. Reviewers rate it highly based on its value for the money — and for its Bluetooth capabilities and superior sound quality. Love to sing? This receiver also doubles as a karaoke sound system.

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