10 Best Airplay Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Marantz AV8805A AV Pre-Amplifier stands out in the airplay-receiver category, especially for those looking to create a high-end home theater experience. It supports a robust 13.2 channel setup, which is excellent for immersive surround sound, including advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering lifelike audio that can fill your space beautifully. The 8K upscaling feature ensures that you enjoy pristine video quality, making it ideal for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.

Connectivity is a strong point, with eight HDMI inputs and three outputs, along with support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and the HEOS multi-room audio system. This variety allows you to connect multiple devices such as turntables, Blu-ray players, and smart home systems, making it versatile for any setup. The product also excels in ease of use, featuring voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, which simplifies operation and adds convenience to your audio experience.

While the AV8805A offers exceptional audio quality and numerous features, it may be more complex for casual users who simply want a straightforward streaming experience. Its hefty weight and size may also pose installation challenges in smaller spaces. Additionally, the premium performance comes at a higher price point, which may not be justified for users with basic audio needs.

The Denon AVR-X2800H is a solid choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade a home theater setup with AirPlay and multi-room streaming capabilities. It supports 7.2 channel surround sound with 95 watts per channel, offering clear and immersive audio including advanced 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its sound quality is impressive, especially with room calibration features that help tailor audio to your space.

In terms of connectivity, it has plenty of HDMI ports (6 inputs, 2 outputs) including three that handle the latest 8K video, making it future-proof for high-resolution TVs and devices. Wireless options are robust, with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS technology for streaming music from popular services and extending sound throughout multiple rooms easily. The setup process is user-friendly thanks to an on-screen guide and automatic speaker calibration, which is great if you want to avoid complex manual adjustments. Compatibility is broad, supporting various video formats and devices, plus Apple HomeKit control adds convenience for iOS users.

On the downside, while the power output is enough for most home environments, it’s not the highest in its class, so extremely large rooms or very demanding speakers might need more powerful gear. The design is practical and well-built but not especially compact or stylish compared to some competitors. If you want a feature-rich, reliable receiver that balances modern streaming and home theater needs without overwhelming complexity, the Denon AVR-X2800H fits well.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is a powerful and versatile option for anyone looking to enhance their home audio setup. With 120 watts per channel and THX certification, it promises excellent audio quality, making it ideal for both music lovers and movie enthusiasts. The inclusion of Dirac Live Room Correction technology means that you can fine-tune the sound to fit your room's acoustics perfectly, which is a standout feature for audiophiles. Additionally, the Klipsch Optimize Mode further tailors the audio experience when paired with Klipsch speakers.

For gaming enthusiasts, the receiver offers an ultimate 4K gaming experience, ensuring top-notch audio-visual performance for your games. The receiver supports a robust set of connectivity options including 8 HDMI ports, Bluetooth, and app control, providing flexibility for various devices. Its multi-room capability allows you to enjoy high-quality audio throughout your home, though it might require a bit of setup. Ease of use is bolstered by its compatibility with Sonos, making it easier to integrate into existing smart home systems.

However, the unit is quite hefty at 37.1 pounds and may require a sturdy shelf or cabinet. While it boasts an array of advanced features, its power consumption is relatively high, particularly in operating mode at 850 W. Users who prioritize energy efficiency might find this a drawback. All things considered, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a solid choice for those looking for a high-performance, feature-rich AV receiver that excels in audio quality and connectivity, suitable for both entertainment and gaming purposes.