Best AV receivers for 2022
Are you looking for the best AV receiver for the money? You probably aren’t alone. We’ve tested most of the popular options from the major brands in the $500 to
$800 range, and the connectivity, performance levels and feature sets are impressively high. From 8K video to Dolby Atmos to Wi-Fi music streaming – and high-quality audio – modern home cinema receivers offer everything a home theater enthusiast could need.
The latest such feature is 8K compatibility, which is available on many of the best models we’ve reviewed. Actual 8K video – and 8K TVs – are relatively scarce today, but 8K compatibility could still be important for future-proofing. That is, in case you get an 8K TV in the future – and for gamers with an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 who want the latest video features. Such gamers should be aware, however, that until fairly recently, 8K-compatible receivers had issues displaying video from certain types of gaming consoles and PCs.
YAMAHA RX-V6A
Best 8K receiver
CNET take: This Yamaha AV receiver is the best 8K receiver we’ve tested, but it comes with a caveat. The early 2021 models are not compatible with 4K/120Hz, and we’re still waiting on Yamaha’s 8K board upgrade program to start. Video compliance aside, the Yamaha RX-V6A offers a fresh look at AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and simple controls, and it also maximizes sound quality. The RX-V6A could even make you forget about visiting a cinema again, and it’s no slouch with music, either. This Yamaha receiver offers Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming from your devices.
ONKYO TX-NR6100
Best receiver for music streaming
CNET take: The TXNR6100 is the follow-up to my favorite receiver of the past few years, the Onkyo TX-NR696. Like its predecessor, the NR6100 offers great sound and a wealth of connectivity, which now includes support for 4K/120Hz from gaming consoles. It also boasts the best selection of streaming formats, including Chromecast built in, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, AirPlay and Bluetooth. However, the NR6100 is not quite as good a deal as its predecessor because it now costs $150 more, and the Yamaha RX-V6A offers better performance for less.
DENON AVR-S960H
Best for gamers, music fans CNET take: One of only two mainstream designs released in 2020, Denon’s AVRS960H may not be as glittering and shiny as the Yamaha RX-V6A, but it still offers excellent sound quality. The receiver is laid-back, blends well with forward-sounding speakers and replays music beautifully. It has almost everything you need, including 8K video, voice control via both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant speakers, Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2.
Be aware that versions of the Denon AVR-S960H bought before April 2021 are affected by the 4K/120Hz bug and owners should sign up for one of the free dongles the company is offering as a fix.