10 Best Atmos Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a robust 9.4-channel receiver that excels in delivering immersive audio and video experiences, making it a suitable choice for home theater enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the support for multiple advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D, which create a richly layered soundscape. Furthermore, it offers 8K UHD pass-through, ensuring you can enjoy the latest visual technology along with high-quality audio. With 9 HDMI ports, connectivity is abundant, allowing you to hook up various devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more, making it flexible for different setups.

The built-in HEOS multi-room streaming feature is another highlight, allowing you to enjoy music throughout your home seamlessly. Coupled with excellent room calibration through the Audyssey Suite, it tailors sound to fit your specific space, enhancing audio quality. The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with an easy setup assistant that guides you through the installation process.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the power output of 105W per channel is commendable, those with larger rooms or more demanding audio setups might find it less adequate for truly large environments. Additionally, the weight and size of the unit (27.6 pounds and significant dimensions) may make it cumbersome for some setups, particularly if space is limited. The learning curve for those unfamiliar with advanced audio setups might be steep initially. The Denon AVR-X3800H presents a powerful option for those seeking an engaging home theater experience, especially if they are willing to invest the time to maximize its features.

The Denon AVR-S970H is a 7.2 channel AV receiver designed to enhance home entertainment systems, especially in medium-sized rooms. With 90 watts per channel, it offers solid sound output that supports 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enriching your surround sound experience. This receiver is particularly suitable for users with an 8K TV, thanks to its 8K/60Hz pass-through, which ensures top-notch video quality and smooth animations.

For gaming enthusiasts, the AVR-S970H promises an advanced experience with features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which help reduce lag and improve image stability. With six HDMI inputs and two outputs, including three 8K inputs, it provides flexibility in connecting multiple devices.

The connectivity options are vast, supporting both wired connections (USB, HDMI, phono input) and wireless technologies (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), making it versatile for different audio sources. The integration with HEOS allows multi-room audio, a great feature for those looking to extend music throughout the house. The user interface is noted for its ease of use, aided by an on-screen HD setup assistant that simplifies the installation process. The Audyssey Room Correction Suite further enhances user experience by optimizing speaker calibration based on the room's acoustics.

However, the AVR-S970H does come with some drawbacks. Its 90W per channel power might not suffice for larger rooms requiring more robust sound. Additionally, while the feature set is comprehensive, users new to AV receivers might find the setup process initially overwhelming despite the setup assistant. Weighing just over 20 pounds, it’s relatively compact, but users should ensure they have adequate space for its dimensions. The Denon AVR-S970H is a formidable choice for those seeking a balance between audio performance and connectivity in a modern home theater setup.

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a robust 7.2-channel A/V receiver that delivers 165W per channel, ensuring powerful and immersive sound. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it ideal for a surround sound home theater setup. The receiver's HDMI 2.1 connectivity (with 6 inputs and 2 outputs) is excellent for handling 8K and 4K/120 video, providing compatibility with high-definition video sources. Additionally, it supports leading HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and IMAX Enhanced, enhancing your viewing experience with vibrant visuals.

One of its standout features is the room calibration technology, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, which adapts sound to your room's acoustics for optimal audio quality. The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping adds an extra layer of immersion, creating a more dynamic sound environment. On the connectivity front, the receiver offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, covering a wide array of streaming options. Integration with Sonos systems and compatibility with Google Assistant further enhance its versatility.

The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a graphical setup that simplifies installation. However, the receiver's power consumption is relatively high at 240W, which might not be energy-efficient for some users. Additionally, with its comprehensive feature set, it may be more complex for users who prefer a straightforward operation. The weight and large dimensions could also be a consideration for those with limited space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony STR-AN1000 is well-suited for users looking for a high-performance receiver with extensive connectivity options and advanced audio calibration features.