The Home Theater Receiver is the heart of a home theater system, providing centralized connection and control. High-end Home Theater Receivers also provide extensive audio and video switching and processing, and most also provide network connectivity and custom control capabilities.
Home theater receivers provide a great way to centralize the connections and functions of your home theater system. The great thing is that is even moderately priced home theater receivers now provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky-high prices.
Onkyo TX-NR575 ($279.99)
The Onkyo TX-NR575 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with exceptional connectivity, good power output and a time-proven design. It has a power output of 80 watts per channel when using 8-ohm speakers and 170 watts per channel when using 6-ohm speakers. The total power consumption is 560 watts. In other words, the amplifiers are more than capable of powering seven speakers. The two subwoofer pre-outs mean you can also add a lot of foundation-rumbling bass to the mix.
This receiver has some, but not all, of the audio decoders that are critical to getting the best surround sound possible. Like all receivers in this price range, it has the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders, which are the most common high-definition soundtrack formats for Blu-ray movies and the formats that most movies are mixed to. It also includes the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders.
This Onkyo AV receiver has excellent connectivity options. For example, it has six HDMI inputs, which gives you room to expand your home entertainment system in the future. The TX-NR575 has a bevy of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and Chromecast. These all allow you to stream music and video directly from your mobile devices. You can also play music from any of your favorite internet radio stations. One of the receiver’s best features is that it automatically switches to the correct input when you connect to it via Bluetooth.
Yamaha RX-V483 ($249.99)
The Yamaha RX-V483’s best feature is its power output. It has the most powerful amplifiers of all the receivers we researched that cost less than $400. With 6-ohm speakers, the receiver is rated for 130 watts per channel, and with 8-ohm speakers, it outputs 110 watts per channel.
Though the RX-V483 has the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio decoders, it doesn’t have them for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the premier formats. It’s also missing upmixing matrix decoders like Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Surround, DTS Neo:6 and DTS Neural:X. This means that you can’t upmix a stereo signal to surround sound.
For connectivity, the Yamaha RX-V483 includes all the common wireless formats: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and DNLA. However, it only has four HDMI inputs, which is disappointing. Most AV receivers have at least six, which allows you to expand your system when new devices become available in the future. However, it does have legacy inputs for DVD players and gaming consoles that aren’t HDMI compatible. It also has a USB port in the front to charge your phone or tablet.
Pioneer VSX-832 ($ 299)
The Pioneer VSX-832 is a home theater receiver that definitely offers more than you would expect for the price.
To start, this receiver provides a built-in 5.2-channel configuration (80 wpc with two channels driven) with Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and additional audio processing. However, an additional perk is additional support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoding (available via firmware update).
The VSX-832 has a full slate of connectivity options including whole home audio solutions like FireConnect and DTS Play-Fi, as well as tremendous streaming options like Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay. These join built-in dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a host of Internet streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora, Deezer and TIDAL.
Creating the perfect acoustic environment for both units is made easy by Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios. With the custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response.
Synchronized Sound with Phase Control is an innovative solution for the phase-lag between the subwoofer and the main channel speakers caused by the bass management filter. Phase Control compensates the delayed bass to improve sound synchronization.
Yamaha RX-V383 ($223.99)
The Yamaha RX-V383 offers a lot for its price tag, such as a powerful 5.1-channel amplifier (70 wpc), Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray Discs. Also, built-in Bluetooth allows direct streaming from compatible devices, such as smartphones, as well the ability for the receiver to send audio to Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.
The SCENE function allows preset or customized listening and viewing modes. One feature I especially like is the Silent Cinema headphone surround output.
For ease of speaker setup, the RX-V383 includes Yamaha's YPAO system. Using an included microphone, the receiver generates test tones that it can analyze to get the best sound from your speakers in a given room.
Also included are four HDMI inputs and outputs that, in addition to 1080p, 4K, and 3D video signals, are also pass-through compatible with HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma) and Wide Color Gamut. However, the RX-V383 does not provide additional video processing or upscaling.
Also, although Bluetooth is provided, as mentioned earlier, the RX-V383 does not include built-in internet streaming capability. However, the front-mounted USB port allows the playback of downloaded music files from stored flash drives.
If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance, the RX-V383 offers a worthy option.
Onkyo TX-SR373 ($199)
The 5.2 channel Onkyo TX-SR373 doesn’t include Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, however it does include a ton of useful features nonetheless. Based on the stats released by Onkyo, the SR373 can deliver about 80 watts into 8 ohms (0.08% THD). In total the amp has 4 HDMI inputs which are 4K ready. HDCP2.2 and HDR10 passthrough are both supported by the receiver. Along with HDMI, the Onkyo TX-SR373 also includes two digital inputs (one coaxial and one optical). For older equipment, the receiver also has three analog inputs. DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD can both be decoded by the amp.
The SR-373 doesn’t include an ethernet connection or WiFi, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send your music to it wirelessly. The receiver includes Bluetooth with aptX. This allows you to easily sync your phone or smart device with the unit and stream audio to the amp without a wired connection.
For the first time ever, Onkyo’s ACCUEQ calibration system makes an appearance on one of their entry-level receivers. ACCUEQ essentially calculates the correct crossover frequencies, speaker distances and speaker levels for your system based on your room’s acoustics. While room calibration isn’t a necessity with an amp, it does help you get the most out of your AV receiver and speakers.
Denon AVR-S530BT ($229)
The Denon AVR-S530BT is the latest entry-level AV receiver to roll off Denon’s assembly line. The budget-friendly 530BT sports a clean & minimal design. The face of the amp has a series of quick select buttons sandwiched between the input select and volume knobs and its black screen with white text is easy to use and navigate.
When it comes to connection choices, the Denon AVR-530BT has the basics. The amp has two analog inputs and three digital (two optical and one coaxial). The receiver also has dual subwoofer outputs. The 530BT uses spring clips for speaker attachments. This isn’t totally unexpected, however the competing Yamaha RX-V383 uses 5-way binding posts for the front left and right channels. There’s no difference in audio quality with spring clips or 5-way binding posts, but binding posts typically give you a more secure connection.
Along with the above inputs, the Denon 530BT has 5 HDMI ports. Three of the HDMIs support 4K video at 60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, HDR, HDCP 2.2, and BT.2020. The front of the 530 also has a headphone jack and a USB input that allows you to play MP3, WMA, FLAC and MPEG-4/AAC music files.
Entry-level amps typically aren’t endowed with networking capabilities and this holds true with the Denon AVR-530BT. However, this modest AV receiver does include Bluetooth. So if you have a Bluetooth enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer you can easily send music over to the receiver. Denon has also been building up their multi-room audio capabilities. They currently have an impressive list of Soundbars and wireless speakers that are compatible with their whole house audio system called HEOS. The 530 doesn’t have HEOS built-in, but if you have the HEOS Link, you can use it to attach the 530BT to your existing HEOS eco-system and send audio to other HEOS compatible speakers in your home.
Pioneer VSX-532 ($279)
The Pioneer VSX-532 AVR Surround Sound AVR (Black) is a 5.1 channel unit with Ultra HD pass-through. It’s yet another way to gain attention from the home theater crowd and reinforce the company’s reputation for innovative products over the past several decades. The MCACC calibration suite is a new feature for Pioneer entry-level models and promises a better home theater system thanks to auto calibration.
The VSX-532 is impressive because it provides enough options to demonstrate how much its small black box and low cost can deliver. A subwoofer preamp output provides a connection to a powered subwoofer. I tried to stay unbiased while checking out the results of its phase control and synchronized sound. It’s not certain how the results will be when the audio signals from multi-channels are amplified. Subwoofer output depends on the low pass filter, or LPF, to process low-frequency signals, resulting in delayed bass and phase shift with a significant lack of sound synchronization.
There’s no video upscaling in the Pioneer VSX-532, although the unit includes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. The AVR includes built-in Bluetooth and a USB port for flash drives and compatible USB devices.
Several features besides MCACC Auto Room Tuning and 4K/60p pass-through increase this AVR’s quality performance.
The Pioneer VSX-532 offers a refreshing way to get familiar with the perks of home theater processes, particularly setting up a room for surround sound and learning which features most strike a person’s fancy. It is an inexpensive AVR built by a reputable company. When advanced Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio decoding and internet radio and network streaming content are essential elements in a home theater receiver, look elsewhere because VSX-532 doesn’t have them. What it does offer is an attractive, durable box with an easy-access USB input terminal on the front panel.
Enjoy music by inserting a memory stick without fighting to find the access point. Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology supports the ability to play music files from compatible devices. It has one HDMI output that supports ARC to reproduce TV-based audio (including Netflix) and four HDMI inputs to support Ultra HD and HDR pass-through with HDCP 2.2. Dynamic synchronized sound is brought about by Phase Control and MCACC technologies. Bass, mid-range, and high-range sound is clearer and closer to the original version, while phase lag is virtually eliminated. Although the VSX-532 appears to be a no-frills unit on the surface, its features prove the thought and design that reinforce its value in today’s market.
Home theater receivers provide a great way to centralize the connections and functions of your home theater system. The great thing is that is even moderately priced home theater receivers now provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky-high prices.
Onkyo TX-NR575 ($279.99)
The Onkyo TX-NR575 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with exceptional connectivity, good power output and a time-proven design. It has a power output of 80 watts per channel when using 8-ohm speakers and 170 watts per channel when using 6-ohm speakers. The total power consumption is 560 watts. In other words, the amplifiers are more than capable of powering seven speakers. The two subwoofer pre-outs mean you can also add a lot of foundation-rumbling bass to the mix.
This receiver has some, but not all, of the audio decoders that are critical to getting the best surround sound possible. Like all receivers in this price range, it has the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders, which are the most common high-definition soundtrack formats for Blu-ray movies and the formats that most movies are mixed to. It also includes the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders.
This Onkyo AV receiver has excellent connectivity options. For example, it has six HDMI inputs, which gives you room to expand your home entertainment system in the future. The TX-NR575 has a bevy of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and Chromecast. These all allow you to stream music and video directly from your mobile devices. You can also play music from any of your favorite internet radio stations. One of the receiver’s best features is that it automatically switches to the correct input when you connect to it via Bluetooth.
Yamaha RX-V483 ($249.99)
The Yamaha RX-V483’s best feature is its power output. It has the most powerful amplifiers of all the receivers we researched that cost less than $400. With 6-ohm speakers, the receiver is rated for 130 watts per channel, and with 8-ohm speakers, it outputs 110 watts per channel.
Though the RX-V483 has the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio decoders, it doesn’t have them for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the premier formats. It’s also missing upmixing matrix decoders like Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Surround, DTS Neo:6 and DTS Neural:X. This means that you can’t upmix a stereo signal to surround sound.
For connectivity, the Yamaha RX-V483 includes all the common wireless formats: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay and DNLA. However, it only has four HDMI inputs, which is disappointing. Most AV receivers have at least six, which allows you to expand your system when new devices become available in the future. However, it does have legacy inputs for DVD players and gaming consoles that aren’t HDMI compatible. It also has a USB port in the front to charge your phone or tablet.
Pioneer VSX-832 ($ 299)
The Pioneer VSX-832 is a home theater receiver that definitely offers more than you would expect for the price.
To start, this receiver provides a built-in 5.2-channel configuration (80 wpc with two channels driven) with Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and additional audio processing. However, an additional perk is additional support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoding (available via firmware update).
The VSX-832 has a full slate of connectivity options including whole home audio solutions like FireConnect and DTS Play-Fi, as well as tremendous streaming options like Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay. These join built-in dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a host of Internet streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora, Deezer and TIDAL.
Creating the perfect acoustic environment for both units is made easy by Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios. With the custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response.
Synchronized Sound with Phase Control is an innovative solution for the phase-lag between the subwoofer and the main channel speakers caused by the bass management filter. Phase Control compensates the delayed bass to improve sound synchronization.
Yamaha RX-V383 ($223.99)
The Yamaha RX-V383 offers a lot for its price tag, such as a powerful 5.1-channel amplifier (70 wpc), Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray Discs. Also, built-in Bluetooth allows direct streaming from compatible devices, such as smartphones, as well the ability for the receiver to send audio to Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.
The SCENE function allows preset or customized listening and viewing modes. One feature I especially like is the Silent Cinema headphone surround output.
For ease of speaker setup, the RX-V383 includes Yamaha's YPAO system. Using an included microphone, the receiver generates test tones that it can analyze to get the best sound from your speakers in a given room.
Also included are four HDMI inputs and outputs that, in addition to 1080p, 4K, and 3D video signals, are also pass-through compatible with HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma) and Wide Color Gamut. However, the RX-V383 does not provide additional video processing or upscaling.
Also, although Bluetooth is provided, as mentioned earlier, the RX-V383 does not include built-in internet streaming capability. However, the front-mounted USB port allows the playback of downloaded music files from stored flash drives.
If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance, the RX-V383 offers a worthy option.
Onkyo TX-SR373 ($199)
The 5.2 channel Onkyo TX-SR373 doesn’t include Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, however it does include a ton of useful features nonetheless. Based on the stats released by Onkyo, the SR373 can deliver about 80 watts into 8 ohms (0.08% THD). In total the amp has 4 HDMI inputs which are 4K ready. HDCP2.2 and HDR10 passthrough are both supported by the receiver. Along with HDMI, the Onkyo TX-SR373 also includes two digital inputs (one coaxial and one optical). For older equipment, the receiver also has three analog inputs. DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD can both be decoded by the amp.
The SR-373 doesn’t include an ethernet connection or WiFi, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send your music to it wirelessly. The receiver includes Bluetooth with aptX. This allows you to easily sync your phone or smart device with the unit and stream audio to the amp without a wired connection.
For the first time ever, Onkyo’s ACCUEQ calibration system makes an appearance on one of their entry-level receivers. ACCUEQ essentially calculates the correct crossover frequencies, speaker distances and speaker levels for your system based on your room’s acoustics. While room calibration isn’t a necessity with an amp, it does help you get the most out of your AV receiver and speakers.
Denon AVR-S530BT ($229)
The Denon AVR-S530BT is the latest entry-level AV receiver to roll off Denon’s assembly line. The budget-friendly 530BT sports a clean & minimal design. The face of the amp has a series of quick select buttons sandwiched between the input select and volume knobs and its black screen with white text is easy to use and navigate.
When it comes to connection choices, the Denon AVR-530BT has the basics. The amp has two analog inputs and three digital (two optical and one coaxial). The receiver also has dual subwoofer outputs. The 530BT uses spring clips for speaker attachments. This isn’t totally unexpected, however the competing Yamaha RX-V383 uses 5-way binding posts for the front left and right channels. There’s no difference in audio quality with spring clips or 5-way binding posts, but binding posts typically give you a more secure connection.
Along with the above inputs, the Denon 530BT has 5 HDMI ports. Three of the HDMIs support 4K video at 60 Hz, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, HDR, HDCP 2.2, and BT.2020. The front of the 530 also has a headphone jack and a USB input that allows you to play MP3, WMA, FLAC and MPEG-4/AAC music files.
Entry-level amps typically aren’t endowed with networking capabilities and this holds true with the Denon AVR-530BT. However, this modest AV receiver does include Bluetooth. So if you have a Bluetooth enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer you can easily send music over to the receiver. Denon has also been building up their multi-room audio capabilities. They currently have an impressive list of Soundbars and wireless speakers that are compatible with their whole house audio system called HEOS. The 530 doesn’t have HEOS built-in, but if you have the HEOS Link, you can use it to attach the 530BT to your existing HEOS eco-system and send audio to other HEOS compatible speakers in your home.
Pioneer VSX-532 ($279)
The Pioneer VSX-532 AVR Surround Sound AVR (Black) is a 5.1 channel unit with Ultra HD pass-through. It’s yet another way to gain attention from the home theater crowd and reinforce the company’s reputation for innovative products over the past several decades. The MCACC calibration suite is a new feature for Pioneer entry-level models and promises a better home theater system thanks to auto calibration.
The VSX-532 is impressive because it provides enough options to demonstrate how much its small black box and low cost can deliver. A subwoofer preamp output provides a connection to a powered subwoofer. I tried to stay unbiased while checking out the results of its phase control and synchronized sound. It’s not certain how the results will be when the audio signals from multi-channels are amplified. Subwoofer output depends on the low pass filter, or LPF, to process low-frequency signals, resulting in delayed bass and phase shift with a significant lack of sound synchronization.
There’s no video upscaling in the Pioneer VSX-532, although the unit includes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. The AVR includes built-in Bluetooth and a USB port for flash drives and compatible USB devices.
Several features besides MCACC Auto Room Tuning and 4K/60p pass-through increase this AVR’s quality performance.
The Pioneer VSX-532 offers a refreshing way to get familiar with the perks of home theater processes, particularly setting up a room for surround sound and learning which features most strike a person’s fancy. It is an inexpensive AVR built by a reputable company. When advanced Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio decoding and internet radio and network streaming content are essential elements in a home theater receiver, look elsewhere because VSX-532 doesn’t have them. What it does offer is an attractive, durable box with an easy-access USB input terminal on the front panel.
Enjoy music by inserting a memory stick without fighting to find the access point. Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology supports the ability to play music files from compatible devices. It has one HDMI output that supports ARC to reproduce TV-based audio (including Netflix) and four HDMI inputs to support Ultra HD and HDR pass-through with HDCP 2.2. Dynamic synchronized sound is brought about by Phase Control and MCACC technologies. Bass, mid-range, and high-range sound is clearer and closer to the original version, while phase lag is virtually eliminated. Although the VSX-532 appears to be a no-frills unit on the surface, its features prove the thought and design that reinforce its value in today’s market.