10 Best AV Receivers 2025 in the United States

The YAMAHA RX-V385 is a 5.1-channel AV receiver that offers a robust surround sound experience. One of its strengths is the Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless streaming from various devices such as tablets, iPhones, and Android phones. The power output is substantial, with 100W per channel when driven at 1kHz with 1 channel, and 70W per channel when driven at a broader frequency range. This means it can deliver adequate sound levels for most home environments.

The receiver supports various high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, providing a rich and immersive sound experience. Its video processing capabilities are also impressive, with 4K/60 Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and more, ensuring excellent picture quality for your media. The YPAO automatic room calibration technology is a standout feature, simplifying the setup process by optimizing the audio settings based on your room's acoustics.

The HDMI connectivity is ample with 4 inputs and 1 output, accommodating multiple devices such as gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. However, one potential drawback is that it only supports a 5.1 channel configuration, which may be limiting for users looking for a more extensive surround sound setup. Additionally, the power output might not be sufficient for very large rooms or those seeking extremely high volume levels.

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a feature-packed 7.2 channel AV receiver designed to deliver a premium audio-visual experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their home entertainment system. One of its standout strengths is the THX certification, ensuring top-notch sound quality across different inputs and features. The receiver supports immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which help create an enveloping surround sound experience, further enhanced by the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer for those without dedicated height speakers.

Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Sonos systems, allowing for easy management and control through the Sonos app, which is a big plus for users with existing Sonos setups or those planning to start one. The discrete Zone 2 HDMI support is a handy feature for households wanting to enjoy different content in multiple rooms simultaneously, all in up to 8K resolution. For gamers, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 excels with HDMI 2.1 enhancements like 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, VRR, ALLM, and QFT, all of which contribute to a smooth and responsive gaming experience by reducing lag and frame tearing.

In terms of connectivity, the receiver offers plenty of options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and multiple HDMI ports, making it versatile and easy to integrate with a variety of devices. The Onkyo TX-NR6100 stands out as a comprehensive and modern AV receiver, well-suited for both movie enthusiasts and gamers who value high-quality audio and video performance in their home setups.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is a robust option for home theater enthusiasts. With 120 watts per channel and support for up to 11.2 channels of processing, it delivers powerful and immersive audio performance. Its Dirac Live room calibration feature ensures that your speakers are optimally positioned for balanced sound, which is a big plus for users who want to fine-tune their audio setup without hassle. Additionally, the receiver is THX Certified, meaning it meets rigorous standards for audio quality, ensuring nothing is added or taken away from the source material.

Connectivity is a strong point with HDMI 2.1 support, enabling 8K video processing and discrete zone 2 HDMI switching, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy different content in various rooms. The built-in streaming services and Bluetooth capabilities make it easy to stream audio from various sources. It also works seamlessly with Sonos systems, allowing for integration into existing Sonos setups. The unit's 4K/120Hz support is great for gamers looking for ultra-fast, sharp motion in their games.

However, it's worth noting that the receiver is somewhat heavy at 37.1 pounds, which might be a consideration for those with limited space or those who frequently rearrange their setup. Additionally, while the Klipsch Optimize Mode is convenient, it’s mainly beneficial for those using Klipsch Reference speakers. This AV receiver is well-suited for those seeking a high-quality, versatile home theater setup with advanced features and robust performance.