For the ultimate in home cinema, you need an AV receiver (or AVR). Soundbars are fine for improving TV audio, but for a truly immersive experience, only a multichannel amplifier, partnered with at least a fistful of speakers, will do.
Movie soundtracks are designed to engulf you in story and action, with a wide front soundstage, centred dialogue, deep low frequency effects (otherwise known as LFE) and both height and rear channel surround information. An AVR brings all this home. Of course, it’s not just movies that boast multichannel sound. Big budget TV shows are routinely mixed in surround too. Even stereo content can be up-mixed to make full use of a multichannel speaker layout.
But an AV receiver isn’t just for surround audio. It’ll also act as a switching hub for all your AV sources (Blu-ray player, set top box, media streamer and games consoles), and many increasingly function as part of a multiroom Wi-Fi audio system too. If you’re streaming Spotify to one connected speaker, your AVR will simultaneously play the same on your cinema system, and vice versa. Want to sync that TV show you’re watching with a connected wireless speaker in the kitchen? No problem.
But with AVRs priced anywhere between £300 to £3,000, how much should you spend, and what features are worth looking for?
How to buy the best AV receiver
While all AV receivers share the same basic functionality, they vary dramatically in specification and performance. What’s best for you depends on your existing (and planned) system requirements and also the room you’re going to use it in - a small living space probably doesn’t need a 7x200W powerhouse pumping away (although that would be fun).
How much should I spend on an AV receiver?
Break down what you need and decide a budget.
One fundamental aspect of any AV receiver is the number of HDMI inputs on offer. Entry-level models will most likely have four, while higher end models will at least double that. More is always best. But remember, all modern AV receivers support ARC (Audio Return Channel) over HDMI, so if you have three more sources connected directly to the HDMI inputs on your TV, all can play through your AV receiver using ARC (provided your telly also supports the connection).
Be sure to check if the HDMI inputs on your shortlisted receiver support HDCP 2.2 (the copy protection protocol used by all 4K video sources) and 4K video @60Hz. Most will, but some might not, or at least have a mix. If you want to futureproof your system, make sure HDMI support is up to snuff.
Don’t forget to check the number of HDMI outputs too. If a receiver has two, you can connect both a TV and a projector.
Do I need Dolby Atmos or is regular 5.1 surround sound good enough?
Dolby Atmos is a sophisticated object based audio system which adds a height component to the audio mix. It’s often called 3D audio, because the soundfield is so immersive. Dolby Atmos is the defacto 3D audio standard. You’ll find it on Blu-ray soundtracks, sports broadcasts from BT and Sky, and even TV shows on Sky Q and Xbox One games.
You’ll need special loudspeakers to deliver that Atmos height channel. These can either be in-ceiling, or more likely upfiring models which bounce the height channel off the ceiling. There’s a variety of dedicated upfiring Dolby Atmos speakers available, as well as a number of models that combine upfiring and forward facing drivers.
Entry-level Dolby Atmos AV receivers typically have seven channels of amplification: five for standard left/centre/right and two rear speaker surround sound, plus two for height duties. This is know as a 5.1.2 layout (the .1 is the dedicated subwoofer channel). Higher end AV receivers may offer nine or even eleven channels of amplification, increasing the number of height and rear options (so 5.1.4 or 7.1.4).
If you don’t need Dolby Atmos, a standard 5.1 AVR will be all the multiplex you’ll want.
How important is power? How many watts per channel do I need?
Manufacturers often play Top Trumps when it comes to power output, but the numbers are hardly ever comparable, thanks to measuring methodologies. We quote them purely as a reference, but our advice is take them here with a pinch of salt. A high quality 50W amplifier will nearly always sound better than a poor 100w amplifier driven at volume.
Can AV amplifiers form part of a multiroom system?
You sure can. If you have already invested in a multiroom wireless audio system, it makes sense to buy a compatible AV receiver that works in tandem. For example, if you have Yamaha MusicCast speakers already, than a Yamaha MusicCast AV receiver would make perfect sense. The same goes for Google Chromecast multiroom and Heos.
Read next: The best TVs to buy from 40in to 100in
The best AV receiver to buy
Sony STR-DN1080: Best Dolby Atmos AV receiver under £500
Price when reviewed:£550 | Buy now from Amazon for £417.00
Do you believe in phantoms? You will, after listening to this impressive Sony Dolby Atmos model. That’s because it uses phantom imaging to create a rear surround channel, giving a 6.1.2 listening experience from just seven speakers. The psycho acoustic DSP effect places audio behind your head. Even better, this Sony has powerful Speaker Relocation processing and A.P.M phase frequency adjustment to virtually re-orientate your speakers if they’re not in optimum surround positions. Science or magic? We’re not sure.
The feature specification is impressive, with Bluetooth headphone pairing joining Wi-Fi and Chromecast support. Connectivity includes six HDMI inputs and two outs, plus two digital inputs and three analogue AV inputs. Sonically, this receiver isn’t what you’d describe as warm. It’s analytical and sharp, but if you like detail (and who doesn’t?), it’s a lot of fun to listen too. With action blockbusters, it’ll engulf you with sound, and it can drop deep bass when it needs it.
Key specs – Dolby Atmos: Yes, 5.1.2; Power output: 7 x 165W; HDMIs: 6-in 2-out; Dimensions: 430 x 331 x 156mm (WDH); Weight: 9.7kg
Marantz NR1608: Best slimline Dolby Atmos AV receiver under £600
Price when reviewed:£599 | Buy now from Amazon for £412.00
AV receivers have a reputation for being overly complex. The NR1608 goes some way to dispelling that with a well designed user interface that holds your hand during setup and use. It may not be a volume monster (a consequence of its relatively compact size), but 50W per channel is not to be sniffed at in an average living room. A seven channel model, it can be configured in either Atmos 5.1.2 or flatbed 7.1, depending on your room and speaker configuration. Either way, it sounds excellent.
The NR1608 is compatible with Heos-branded wireless multiroom speakers (so you can stream connected audio sources around the house). It’s also a powerful AV hub, with eight HDMI inputs, all of which support 4K 60Hz video with HDCP 2.2. This means that you can accommodate games consoles, a 4K Blu-ray player, Amazon 4K box and a Sky Q STB, and still have room for new toys.
Key specs – Dolby Atmos: Yes, 5.1.2; Power output: 7 x 50W; HDMIs: 8-in 1-out; Dimensions: 440 x 376 x 107mm (WDH); Weight: 8.3kg
Denon Heos AVR: Best multiroom AV receiver under £1000
Price when reviewed:£799 | Buy now from Amazon for £799.00
This Heos branded home cinema amplifier, made by Denon, doesn’t look like any other on the market. For starters, there’s no visual display. That’s because it’s driven by the Heos app rather than a conventional remote control, and secondly, it’s just 90mm tall and is pedantically angular. We think the futuristic cosmetics are exceptionally cool.
There are just four HDMI inputs, and a single output. Audio inputs are limited to two digital audio inputs (coaxial and optical), plus analogue stereo and a 3.5mm minijack. But with Bluetooth and Wi-FI, most users will be happy to stream content directly.
Sonically, it’s a classic popcorn thriller. While there’s no Dolby Atmos decoder on board, it’s fast and exciting to listen too. It also integrates seamlessly with Heos multiroom wireless speakers. Significantly, you can even use wireless speakers for the rear two channels. It also partners to a dedicated wireless subwoofer. Expensive for sure, but this Heos hero is cutting edge when it comes to wireless functionality.
Key specs – Dolby Atmos: No, 5.1; Power output: 5 x 50W; HDMIs: 4-in 1-out; Dimensions: 443 x 90 x 277mm (WDH); Weight: 6kg
Denon AVR-X3400H: Best AV receiver for movies and High-Res Audio under £1000
Price when reviewed:£650 | Buy now from Amazon for £569.00
Denon’s big Dolby Atmos AV receiver is well built, has scads of power, and is surprisingly versatile. Design wise there’s not a lot to enthuses over but connectivity is superb, with eight HDMI inputs (one front facing), all HDCP 2.2 compatible, plus a trio of outputs. The AVR also has a healthy selection of analogue stereo inputs too. A seven channel model, it offers the option of Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 or traditional 7.1. This big box supports Bluetooth, Airplay and Heos multiroom functionality.
The X43400H has the audio chops to rival dedicated two-channel Hi-Fi amplifiers. High-Res Audio support is extensive, with FLAC, WAV and DSD support to keep audiophiles happy. The AVR-X3400H may not employ quite the same big DSP science as the Sony STR-DN1080, but musicality, coupled with superior fire power and genuinely visceral attack, give it a sonic edge. Whatever your choice of content, movies or music, the AVR-X3400H is a compelling performer.
Key specs – Dolby Atmos: Yes, 5.1.2; Power output: 7 x 180W; HDMIs: 8-in 3-out; Dimensions: 434 x 389 x 167mm (WDH); Weight: 10.8kg
Yamaha RX-V583: Best budget Dolby Atmos AV receiver/under £300
Price when reviewed:£289 | Buy now from Amazon for £289.00
How low can you go? Well, it the Yamaha RX-V583 is anything to go by, remarkably low for a Dolby Atmos AVR.
A glance at the back panel reveals where corners have been cut. There are just four HDMI inputs (all HDCP 2.2) and one output, and next to no legacy connections beyond four digital audio inputs, Still, with Bluetooth on board and Apple Airplay, streamers should find that ample. The RX-V583 is also compatible with Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom speaker ecosystem.
High Res Audio support covers FLAC, WAV and AIFF files, but not DSD. By way of compensation, there’s a selection of Yamaha’s signature DSP sound modes, sampled from actual venues, to experiment with.
Sonically, it’s lithe. It may not dazzle, but it will certainly outperform more expensive soundbars, even if you haven’t invested in anything beyond a low cost 5.1 speaker package. Don’t over crank the volume though; the soundstage won’t thank you for it. But at less than three hundred notes, we’re not complaining.
Key specs – Dolby Atmos: Yes, 5.1.2; Power output: 7 x 115W; HDMIs: 4-in 1-out; Dimensions: 435 x 327 x 161mm (WDH); Weight: 8.5kg