Best Surround Sound AV Receivers of 2026
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Surround sound AV receivers are a must-have for any home theater enthusiast looking to take their audio experience to the next level. These devices act as the central hub for all your audio needs, allowing you to connect multiple devices such as speakers, subwoofers, and gaming consoles. With advanced features such as 4K video pass-through and compatibility with popular streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, these receivers are perfect for those who want a seamless audio experience. Surround sound AV receivers come in a variety of price ranges and feature sets, making it easy to find one that fits your specific needs and budget.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Surround Sound AV Receivers
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Ch Home Theater Receiver with Bluetooth
The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver provides cinema-like sound experience at home. It features S Force PRO that delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup, allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and more. The receiver also has smart connectivity, making it easy to stream music and use Bluetooth Standby to turn on the receiver from your phone. You can enjoy a multi-channel stereo setup, FM radio tuner, and 1/4 inches headphone jack with the multi-function system. The dynamic setup includes 4 stereo RCA audio inputs and 2 digital audio outputs. This AV receiver has 5.2 channels, 725W, and 6 ohm, 1KHz, THD 0.9 percent with 4 in/1 out HDMI and Audio Return Channel. The package includes calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, and batteries.
YAMAHA RX-V385 AV Receiver
The YAMAHA RX-V385 AV Receiver is a 5.1 channel powerful surround sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. It features HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4 in/1 out), 4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma, and BT.2020. The YPAO auto calibration technology ensures ideal sound quality, and the Exclusive Yamaha Cinema DSP technology supports playback of HD Audio. The AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video at 60 frames/second pass-through, and supports HDR Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma.
Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver offers high-performance 7-channel amplifier with next-gen movie immersion, advanced 8K HDMI video section, multi-dimensional audio, multi-room, multi-source streaming, versatile connection options, and full voice control. This receiver is perfect for those who want to enjoy Denon sound in movies, games, and music with full 3D audio support, exceptional color, contrast, and clarity, and immersive experience without the height channels. The on-screen quick setup guide and color-coded connections make organizing simple, while the external control and IP control capabilities allow seamless integration with home automation systems.
Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver with 8K Ultra HD Audio & Video
The Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver offers a high-quality home theater experience with 8K Ultra-HD picture quality and immersive audio. It features (4) HDMI 2.1 8K inputs and (1) HDMI output, supports eARC, and has convenient controls, including built-in Bluetooth and an easy on-screen HD setup assistant. With compatibility for the latest formats, including HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, and more, and wireless music streaming from popular apps, this receiver is perfect for your entertainment system.
Denon AVR-X1800H AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-X1800H is a high-performance AV receiver designed to elevate your home entertainment experience. With its advanced 8K HDMI video section, you can enjoy stunning visuals and seamless gaming, thanks to its multiple 8K inputs and support for HDR formats. The multi-dimensional audio capabilities provide an immersive sound experience, making you feel like you're part of the action. The user-friendly on-screen setup guide simplifies the connection process, ensuring you can easily optimize your surround sound and enjoy your favorite content without hassle.
Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver
The Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver is an advanced AV receiver with 8K & 4K/120 HDMI connectivity and HDMI 2.1 support, delivering immersive audio with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. It also supports leading HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10, and is compatible with “Works With Sonos” to integrate with your Sonos system. You can stream easily with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, and connect to your home's other devices with Google Assistant. The graphical interface makes it easy to set up, while Zone 2 & Zone 3 provides flexible, multi-zone distribution capability.
Onkyo 9.2-Channel THX AV Receiver
The Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV Receiver features DIRAC Live Room Correction, Discrete Zone 2 HDMI Switching, IMAX Enhanced, Enhanced Gaming, and streaming from various services. The Dirac Live technology automatically calibrates sound in your room using a microphone and delivers a uniquely pristine listening experience. The Discrete Zone 2 HDMI Switching allows you to set up different high-definition entertainment options with up to 8K60 resolution. IMAX Enhanced uses DTS: X technology to deliver IMAX Enhanced content as the filmmakers intended. Enhanced Gaming provides HDMI 2.1 enhancements for gamers. You can stream your favorite music from Works with Sonos 1, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi; includes Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TIDAL, Deezer, or TuneIn streaming services.
Pyle 5.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Pyle Home Theater Receiver is designed to enhance your audio and visual experience at home. With 4K Ultra HD support, you can enjoy stunning picture quality on your compatible TV, making movie nights truly memorable. The 5.2 channel surround sound feature immerses you in rich, cinematic audio, providing clarity and depth. Additionally, the receiver includes a digital audio connectivity option, allowing you to connect to your computer for high-quality sound. You can also easily stream music and podcasts thanks to its built-in Bluetooth capability, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your favorite audio wirelessly.
Onkyo TX-RZ50 AV Receiver
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a 9.2-channel THX certified AV receiver that offers a range of features to enhance your audio and video experience. With DIRAC LIVE ROOM CORRECTION, the receiver automatically optimizes the sound according to your room's acoustics. The KLIPSCH OPTIMIZE MODE allows you to fine-tune your speakers for a personalized listening experience. For gamers, the receiver offers an ULTIMATE 4K GAMING EXPERIENCE with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. With 11.2-Channel Processing, it delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience.
Pyle PT888BTWM.5 Bluetooth Home Theater
The Pyle Home Theater Receiver offers a powerful 1000W peak power, enhancing your audio experience with crisp sound for speakers and subwoofers. Enjoy seamless music streaming through Bluetooth, making it easy to connect your smartphone or tablet without messy wires. The receiver also supports 4K Ultra HD TV, allowing you to enjoy high-quality video and audio from various devices via HDMI or USB. With advanced EQ controls, you can customize your sound settings, adjusting the bass, treble, and microphone levels to fit your preferences perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a surround sound receiver do?
Put simply, a receiver has two main functions: firstly, it amplifies the sound so it can be fed to your speakers, and secondly, it allows you to select the audio and video you wish to watch. You can use it to switch from a DVD to free-to-air TV, for example, with the touch of a single button.
2. Do you need an AV receiver for 5.1 surround sound?
So do you need a receiver for surround sound? For traditional speakers, a receiver is highly recommended, almost always required. For active Soundbars with wireless or satellite speakers, a receiver is not needed. Passive Soundbars will require the use of a receiver.
During our surround sound av receiver research, we found 24 surround sound av receiver products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 56,979 customer reviews through our big data system to write the surround sound av receivers list. We found that most customers choose surround sound av receivers with an average price of $470.45.
The surround sound av receivers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of surround sound av receivers, including Sony, Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Pyle. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 629 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Jerry Franklin's persistent curiosity and research inspire a love of writing how technical things work and help him build a wealth of knowledge in computer equipment and other electronic tools. He has always enjoyed great pleasure in taking all things apart and researching how to put them together again since his childhood.