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10 Best Av Receiver With Pre Outs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,174
Number of Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
775 reviews

Number of Channels
Ideal for upgrading from 5.1 to 7.1 and beyond with ample connectivity options and calibration tools.
Power Output
The AVR handles lower volumes perfectly in a theater setting, delivering balanced sound.
Connectivity Options
Feature-rich and future-proof with 8K HDMI 2.1 connections, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.
Audio Formats and Decoding
Feature-rich and future-proof with 8K HDMI 2.1 connections, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.
Room Calibration
Setup is a breeze with TV/onscreen prompts for general setup and room/speaker tuning.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup is a breeze with TV/onscreen prompts for general setup and room/speaker tuning.

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a powerful 9.4-channel AV receiver designed for those seeking a premium home theater experience. With an impressive power output of 105W per channel, it delivers robust sound for both movies and music. One of its standout features is its support for 8K video formats, making it an excellent choice for users with the latest TVs. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ensures an immersive audio experience, especially beneficial for movie enthusiasts who appreciate surround sound.

Connectivity is another strong point. With 9 HDMI 2.1 ports, it easily accommodates multiple devices, including gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. This model also supports various streaming options, like HEOS for multi-room audio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, making it versatile for different listening preferences. The Audyssey Room Correction Suite is a great addition, helping to optimize sound based on your room's acoustics, which is ideal for less experienced users who want a hassle-free setup.

The AVR-X3800H excels in many areas, but its size and weight (27.6 pounds) may pose challenges for some users in terms of placement and installation. Additionally, while the user interface is designed to be straightforward, non-tech savvy individuals may still find some features overwhelming. Furthermore, it might be more than what casual listeners need, given its advanced features that require a bit of learning to fully harness.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,174
Number of Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
775 reviews

Number of Channels
Ideal for upgrading from 5.1 to 7.1 and beyond with ample connectivity options and calibration tools.
Power Output
The AVR handles lower volumes perfectly in a theater setting, delivering balanced sound.
Connectivity Options
Feature-rich and future-proof with 8K HDMI 2.1 connections, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.
Audio Formats and Decoding
Feature-rich and future-proof with 8K HDMI 2.1 connections, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.
Room Calibration
Setup is a breeze with TV/onscreen prompts for general setup and room/speaker tuning.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup is a breeze with TV/onscreen prompts for general setup and room/speaker tuning.
#2

Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 120 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More

Rating
9.8
Power Output
Connectivity Options
Audio Formats and Decoding

Most important from
512 reviews

Power Output
The receiver's 120 watts per channel ensure ample power for a variety of speakers, and the inclusion of pre-outs allows for additional amplification if needed.
Connectivity Options
The receiver integrates seamlessly with other devices, including Apple TV and Samsung TVs, ensuring smooth operation and control via HDMI-CEC and ARC.
Audio Formats and Decoding
HDMI 2.1 compatibility and support for various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, provide a future-proofed and immersive audio-visual experience.
Room Calibration
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a significant upgrade in sound quality, especially with Dirac Live calibration providing improved clarity and flexibility.
User Interface and Ease of Use
User-friendly features like the Onkyo Controller app and Klipsch Optimize Mode simplify setup and enhance usability, even for those less tech-savvy.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is a powerful choice for home theater enthusiasts seeking rich audio performance and extensive connectivity. It offers 120 watts per channel, ensuring robust sound output suitable for a premium setup. With 11.2 channels of processing and pre-outs for a 7.2.4 layout, it's versatile enough for elaborate sound systems. The inclusion of Dirac Live for room calibration is a standout feature, as it helps optimize audio specifically for your room's acoustics, enhancing the listening experience significantly.

The THX certification guarantees high fidelity and performance consistency, making this receiver a reliable choice for audiophiles. The HDMI 2.1 compatibility with 8K support ensures future-proofing for high-definition video and gaming needs. Additionally, the receiver supports a variety of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide immersive sound experiences. The Klipsch Optimize Mode simplifies speaker setup, making it user-friendly even for those less tech-savvy.

Connectivity is robust with eight HDMI ports and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for versatile use with various devices. The 'Works with Sonos' certification integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, which is a great feature for those already using Sonos products. However, the receiver's weight of 37.1 pounds might be cumbersome for some users when setting up. Additionally, while it includes significant features, the high price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Some users might also find the initial setup complex due to the myriad of options and settings available. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is well-suited for a high-end home theater setup, delivering powerful performance, extensive features, and future-proof technology.

Rating
9.8
Power Output
Connectivity Options
Audio Formats and Decoding

Most important from
512 reviews

Power Output
The receiver's 120 watts per channel ensure ample power for a variety of speakers, and the inclusion of pre-outs allows for additional amplification if needed.
Connectivity Options
The receiver integrates seamlessly with other devices, including Apple TV and Samsung TVs, ensuring smooth operation and control via HDMI-CEC and ARC.
Audio Formats and Decoding
HDMI 2.1 compatibility and support for various audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, provide a future-proofed and immersive audio-visual experience.
Room Calibration
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers a significant upgrade in sound quality, especially with Dirac Live calibration providing improved clarity and flexibility.
User Interface and Ease of Use
User-friendly features like the Onkyo Controller app and Klipsch Optimize Mode simplify setup and enhance usability, even for those less tech-savvy.
#3

YAMAHA RX-A8A AVENTAGE 11.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

Rating
9.6
Audio Formats and Decoding
Room Calibration
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
72 reviews

Audio Formats and Decoding
The Surround AI feature creates a sense of immersion, making dialogue crystal clear and enhancing the overall audio experience.
Room Calibration
Despite some initial setup challenges, including HDCP 2.2 errors and calibration issues, the receiver stands out for its outstanding sound quality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Scenes are a powerful feature, allowing you to assign various functions to one button on the remote, adding convenience and customization.

The Yamaha RX-A8A AVENTAGE 11.2-Channel AV Receiver is a robust choice for those looking to enhance their home theater setup with high-quality audio and extensive connectivity. It offers an impressive 11.2 channel configuration, making it suitable for a comprehensive surround sound experience. The receiver supports HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC, providing versatile connectivity with seven HDMI inputs and three outputs.

It is also future-proofed with support for 4K60, 4K120AB, and 8K60AB video formats, making it capable of handling the latest video standards. Various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, allow for easy integration with various devices and streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music HD. The inclusion of Surround:AI and AURO-3D, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, enhances the audio experience by providing immersive soundscapes.

Additionally, room calibration features and voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant add convenience and customization to the user experience. However, its hefty weight of 53.8 pounds could be a drawback for some users, and the user interface, while feature-rich, might present a learning curve for those unfamiliar with advanced AV receivers. This receiver is an investment primarily suited for serious enthusiasts looking for high-end performance and extensive features.

Rating
9.6
Audio Formats and Decoding
Room Calibration
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
72 reviews

Audio Formats and Decoding
The Surround AI feature creates a sense of immersion, making dialogue crystal clear and enhancing the overall audio experience.
Room Calibration
Despite some initial setup challenges, including HDCP 2.2 errors and calibration issues, the receiver stands out for its outstanding sound quality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Scenes are a powerful feature, allowing you to assign various functions to one button on the remote, adding convenience and customization.

Buying Guide for the Best Av Receiver With Pre Outs

Choosing an AV receiver with pre-outs can be a great decision if you're looking to build a high-quality home theater system. An AV receiver is the central hub that connects and controls all your audio and video components, ensuring they work together seamlessly. Pre-outs are important because they allow you to connect external amplifiers, giving you more flexibility and potentially better sound quality. When selecting an AV receiver, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Number of ChannelsThe number of channels in an AV receiver refers to how many speakers it can support. This is important because it determines the complexity and immersive quality of your audio setup. Common configurations include 5.1, 7.1, and 9.2 channels. A 5.1 system includes five speakers and one subwoofer, suitable for smaller rooms. A 7.1 system adds two more speakers for a more enveloping sound, ideal for medium-sized rooms. A 9.2 system includes nine speakers and two subwoofers, perfect for large rooms and advanced setups. Choose based on the size of your room and how immersive you want your audio experience to be.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. This is crucial for ensuring your speakers perform well and produce clear, dynamic sound. Lower power output (50-100 watts per channel) is suitable for smaller rooms and less demanding speakers. Medium power output (100-150 watts per channel) works well for average-sized rooms and most speakers. Higher power output (150+ watts per channel) is ideal for large rooms and high-performance speakers. Consider the size of your room and the type of speakers you have or plan to get.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to the types and number of inputs and outputs available on the receiver. This is important for ensuring compatibility with all your devices, such as TVs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. Look for HDMI inputs and outputs, as they support high-definition video and audio. Other useful connections include optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB ports, and network connectivity for streaming. Ensure the receiver has enough inputs to connect all your devices and supports the latest standards for future-proofing.
Audio FormatsAudio formats supported by the receiver determine the quality and type of sound it can process. This is important for getting the best audio experience from your media. Common formats include Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. Dolby Digital and DTS are standard formats for surround sound. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide more advanced, immersive sound by adding height channels. Choose a receiver that supports the audio formats used by your favorite movies, games, and music for the best experience.
Room CalibrationRoom calibration technology helps optimize the sound based on your room's acoustics. This is important for achieving the best audio quality regardless of your room's shape and size. Receivers with room calibration use microphones and software to analyze your room and adjust the sound settings accordingly. Look for features like Audyssey, YPAO, or MCACC. These systems can make a significant difference in sound quality, especially in irregularly shaped rooms or rooms with challenging acoustics. Choose a receiver with room calibration if you want the best possible sound tailored to your space.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use refer to how intuitive and straightforward the receiver is to operate. This is important for ensuring you can easily set up and control your system without frustration. Look for receivers with clear, easy-to-navigate menus, remote controls, and mobile app support. Features like voice control and on-screen setup guides can also enhance usability. Choose a receiver that offers a user-friendly experience, especially if you're not very tech-savvy or want a hassle-free setup.

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