AV Receiver Under $1000 Reviews
There are so many AV receivers in the world so it is no surprise that you can just be lost in the world of master sound and have no idea what features you actually need. Let’s agree, nobody wants just to waste money, and there is no point in buying something pricey if you don’t use most of its functions, right? Therefore, I hope that this article will help you choose a decent receiver, and you will find the best AV receiver under 1000 after reading this.
Don't think that if some receivers don’t cost more than $1000, they are necessarily bad and that the upgraded version of the receiver is always better. Despite not that high price, the best AV receiver for you will be most likely under $1000 as you will definitely use the most features; such features like Dolby Digital Plus support and the ability to remotely control the AV receiver, for example, won’t get out of date for a long time. Moreover, with the receiver, it is important to understand your needs first and go for something long-lasting rather than new. So, here is a list made of best AV receivers based on receiver reviews and that are proven by time.
Denon AVR-X4500H — the best AV receiver under 1000
The 9-channel AVR with 123W per channel and two outputs for subs is remarkable for its ability to support 3D formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D) and enhance video and audio via IMAX. The receiver’s Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration system can take up to 32 measurements and remembers various settings for each connected device. Besides, this unit is compatible with several control systems to choose from to manage the smart home devices. The AVR is also integrated with the HEOS app to play various streaming services to a receiver.
This model has the AL32 processing to enhance the waveform and restores data lost while digital recording. It reduces noise and makes lows clearer when it deals with subtle musical nuances. The unit has two extra amps for 9-channel processing (for instance, 7.1.2 or 5.1.4) with the ability to expand the system to 11-channel processing using an external 2-channel amp. The AVR-X4500H also allows arranging a 2-channel stereo system in the second zone.
The receiver has eight inputs and three outputs, five RCA terminals, and a phono input to connect a turntable. The AVR-X4500H features durable construction with a metal front panel, gold-plated connectors, and high-quality binding posts for every channel. The AVR’s front panel is not overwhelmed with buttons, having only the 2-line display, crossover and main zone settings, USB port, phono input, buttons to adjust the sub’s on/off, distance, and level.
Pros
- This model can decode lossless files (FLAC, WAV, and ALAC).
- The AVR has Apple AirPlay 2, meaning the option of voice control via Siri.
- The unit provides bright and precise overall sound with clean high levels.
Cons
- The Wi-Fi connection is not stable.
- Despite two internal cooling fans, the AVR gets hot and needs large surrounding space.
Denon AVR-X3600H
This device is a 9-channel, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capable receiver with voice control, delivering 105W to each channel into 8 Ohms. It allows hooking up two subs, arranging a 9.2-channel system to ensure a louder sound and smoother frequency response at many listening positions.
The Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) passes through a signal with higher speed and wider bandwidth, providing high-quality audio sent from the TV. The Denon AVR-X3600H fits home theater systems thanks to an IMAX tech that allows tweaking the current video and audio signals to improve the image clarity and reduce unwanted noise. The unit features Dolby Atmos surround option to produce natural audio images despite the speakers’ placement.
The Denon has 8 HDMI inputs, and its 3 outputs with the HDCP 2.3 support make it possible to connect a smart 4K TV, a Blu-ray player, or an external media player (a Roku or a Fire TV) to play 4K HDR content. The appliance captures the main zone and zone 2. Still, it’s possible to run preamp out to an external amplifier to run extra zones for audio. The Audyssey EQ32 auto calibration makes accurate adjustments, considering the room issues.
The receiver’s front panel has a large-sized LCD, rotary input source selector and volume control on its sides, and a series of selectors underneath the screen. The USB inputs and headphone jack are also there for easy and fast access.
Pros
- The AVR is compatible with Crestron to control all the automated devices in the house via an iPhone or Android mobile device.
- The unit has a phono input for turntables.
Cons
- The receiver has one trigger cable output, meaning the opportunity to control the powers of a single connected device only.
- The Audyssey settings cannot be saved, making it necessary to set an AVR up each time a home theater or acoustic system is used.
Denon AVRX4400H
The Denon AVR-X4400H is armed with eight HDMI inputs and also has a good selection of other inputs. Among them, there are options for component and composite video, for digital and analog audio, and for a phone. Such a combination makes it the best AV receiver under 1000 dollars.
Wireless inputs include AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The feature that I liked most is the built-in support for the HEOS system, which allows the Denon to integrate into the system as a separate zone.
Despite such an abundance of inputs and the possibility of their use, the AV receiver will not be able to operate at full power unless it is configured correctly. Fortunately, the X4400H setup wizard is intuitively simple and has a lot of graphical images and clear descriptions of all its options.
When the time to install Audyssey has come, I used the Audyssey MultEQ for my smartphone. This application provides much more control and helps in adjusting and fine-tuning of Audyssey filters. Also, I used the free Denon app which was very easy to use. The Alexa voice control fine-tuning is also possible.
Due to the fact that the Denon is equipped with analog inputs for zones 2 and 3, it is possible to easily connect the additional zones, even if the receiver's internal amplifiers are used for the main zone.
The updated HEOS system has become a fully functional multi-room system that I regularly use since the AVR-X4400H gives me the opportunity to use it at full capacity.
A slight disappointment was the fact that the Denon AV receiver does not have a DLNA certificate which is found in many similar products from the same price category. Although you can always use the HEOS interface with DLNA servers without any problems.
After I installed this AV receiver, I tested it for sound in movies and with music. I was most impressed by the multichannel movie soundtracks. Even when all channels were used with complex soundtracks and at the same time with the volume close to the maximum, the sound is clear without any signs of clipping or overload.
As a result, the Denon AVR-X4400H allows me to watch and listen to everything that I want with ease. It is much more effective with a large set of useful features. The performance of this model is at a high level, but with all this, the simplicity of its use makes the Denon AVR-X4400H receiver really the best in the price segment up to $1000.
Pros
- This AV receiver supports eARC.
- The sound is loud, clear, and crisp.
- Supports Spotify, Apple Airplay.
Cons
- The playlist needs to be re-coded.
- To conveniently calibrate the acoustics for a room, you need a special application.
- The receiver can get really hot if not placed on a ventilated rack.
Denon AVR-X2600H
This model is a 7-channel device with 95W per channel into 8 Ohms and two subwoofer outputs to boost the volume and frequencies’ balance of the sound environment in the room. So, the unit is designed for a 5.2.2 or 7.2 application, allowing a user to send it a 2-channel or 5.1 input signal. In that case, the AVR simulates extra channels using one of its sound modes.
The implemented HEOS tech allows playing audio in multiple rooms, controlling it via a mobile app, tuning Internet radio, and streaming from music services like Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, etc. Besides, HEOS makes it possible to listen to tracks directly from the smartphone, tablet, or a USB drive. The AVR doesn’t require turning the TV on since it can be also used for stereo listening (for example, one can connect it to a turntable with the TV off).
It supports the 4K UHD via two outputs and has eight HDMI inputs to connect Blu-ray players, game consoles, and other video or audio sources. The TVs display a clear picture with optimal contrast and brightness thanks to the unit’s eARC and the ability to match the latest video and audio formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, 3D, and BT.2020). The unit is compatible with Bluetooth but requires a transmitter to convert the outgoing signal to Bluetooth.
Pros
- This model turns on automatically when the TV is switched on.
- The unit can handle a 6-Ohm load after calibrating the amp to this level.
- The user interface (Setup Assistant guides) provides the speaker layout’s easy and fast configuration.
- The cardboard tripod is in the package.
Cons
- The video toggled between sources cuts out and takes a couple of seconds to load the other source.
- No IMAX technology to enhance video and audio, depending on the source and content.
Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080
The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 can deliver a quite good sound thanks to the ESS technology, symmetrical amplifier configuration and a rigid chassis. In addition, this Yamaha 7.2-channel network AVR supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, with seven input and two HDMI output connectors fully compatible with the HDCP2.2 standard.
The combination of DTS: X and the Yamaha AV receiver filled my room with a high sound even on high volumes. Of course, this AV receiver supports Bluetooth technology, so it can operate remotely from smartphones and similar devices.
As I mentioned above, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 supports the latest HDMI standards. During the test, due to 4K high-resolution video transmission with 60 FPS, there was no slightest deterioration in image quality.
This AV receiver is equipped with a wide range of pre-programmed sound reproduction modes. Most of them use the unique Yamaha digital signal processing technology. However, I cannot say that they are better or worse than any other modes in other non-Yamaha AVR under $1000.
Also, there is a special free AV Controller application used to adjust the digital signal processing parameters according to specified settings for each type of music or movies.
Pros
- Receiver sounds really good due to its really excellent features.
- The FM Tuner from Yamaha receives stations with no issues.
- The Yamaha "AV Controller" app works great and allows you to adjust everything with the help of the phone only.
Cons
- Multi-track files are not working.
- AVR runs too hot.
Yamaha RX-V685
Sometimes people just want to have a clear sound of their favorite tracks to be heard well around the house, and the earphones don’t seem so good anymore. For these people, this AV receiver will be the best choice. It supports most known audio formats, and you will be able to connect your devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and control your music remotely using an app. It also has low standby power consumption – only 0.1W that makes it an ideal choice for someone who uses receiver not so often. It has only five HDMI inputs and 90W output per channel, so even though it has Virtual CINEMA sound effects, I would use it for radio purposes only in the first place.
Pros:
- Almost everything in terms of settings and even the display menu can be customized to suit your needs.
- Great YPAO sound calibration; I found what sound is actually there in my favorite tracks.
Cons:
- It took me quite a lot of time to figure out how to get the optical audio inputs to work with the CD player and my Xbox One.
Onkyo TX-RZ820
The main advantage of this Onkyo model is a unique frequency response — 5 Hz – 100 kHz. Together with 130W output per channel, built-in decoders of Dolby and DTS family, I find this AV receiver the best home theater receiver at this price with which you can enjoy Virtual Cinema DSP effects. Apart from the great sound, you will be pleased with some extra features that it supports: ARC, Bi-amplifying, auto-power off, and Smartphone remote control. Now you can even go to bed while watching the movie — there is a sleep timer that will automatically turn off the receiver so it won’t consume a lot of power when you are already asleep and can’t turn it off.
Pros:
- THX feature lets you adjust sound levels so that you can hear the effects even at low volumes.
- Re-mappable 12V trigger, I loved it.
Cons:
- Awful remote, it would be better they left the old ones in place.
- Apple app deserves better development as well.
Denon AVRX3400H
In this review, I will tell you about the Denon AVR-X3400H, equipped with Focal acoustics of the Chorus series with mode 5.2.1.
One of the basic configurations is 7.1, but a more modern 5.2.1 version with 3D sound is also available. The USB and HDMI for quick connection is available is well.
In the movie mode, the Denon AVR-X3400H pleased me with the comfortable mid and high-frequencies sound quality at the most aggressive soundtracks and without even any noticeable damage to the tonal balance and resolution.
When listening to music, the Denon AVR-X3400H offers a large number of sound modes and can even work in two zones at once. All modes are available to control directly from the HEOS application.
The bass is well controlled, and although on some dance tracks the bass was a little more echoing than necessary, in my case, it happened due to room size.
The applicability of the AV receiver as a universal device is always a matter of compromise. Someone prefers to divide the cinema and stereo systems, and someone specifically chooses the more expensive AV receiver to use it for stereo as well. In the case of Denon AVR-X3400H, the second strategy seems quite reasonable. This receiver can easily be used to listen to music.
The Denon AVR-X3400H AV receiver is very versatile. By combining such an AV receiver with a highly developed HEOS ecosystem, you can easily and quickly resolve the issue of sounding large houses and apartments. The main thing is to have enough power of Wi-Fi routers, and then you can literally fill all the rooms with music without any exceptions.
Pros
- Easy to set up and adjust.
- Audyssey software provides easy calibration process.
- Low power consumption, so it is very economical.
- It works with Alexa.
- Excellent channel separation with a comparison with older Denon options.
- Highly tunable.
Cons
- Lack of instructions for work with Alexa adjustment.
- Very limited capability of working with Alexa.
- Lack of settings information.
- Difficulties with connecting to new Wi-Fi routers.
Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A880
The new Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A880 was upgraded just a little bit comparing to the old one. The biggest change is an implemented Reflected Sound Control with Multipoint technology. This technology helps you analyze the room’s acoustics so you can tune the system, especially for your room. To add, DSP Effect Normalization adjusts the room acoustics according to the reflected sounds of each Cinema DSP program. One negative thing though, in this model, there are only seven HDMI inputs compared to those eight that the RX-A870 had. Do you need to connect to a lot of equipment? If yes, you'd better choose the previous model rather than go for the upgraded one.
Yamaha RX-V685BL
Sometimes people just want to have a clear sound of their favorite tracks to be heard well around the house, and the earphones don’t seem so good anymore. For these people, this AV receiver will be the best choice. It supports most known audio formats, and you will be able to connect your devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and control your music remotely using an app. It also has low standby power consumption – only 0.1W that makes it an ideal choice for someone who uses receiver not so often. It has only five HDMI inputs and 90W output per channel, so even though it has Virtual CINEMA sound effects, I would use it for radio purposes only in the first place.
Pros:
- Almost everything in terms of settings and even the display menu can be customized to suit your needs.
- Great YPAO sound calibration; I found what sound is actually there in my favorite tracks.
Cons:
- It took me quite a lot of time to figure out how to get the optical audio inputs to work with the CD player and my Xbox One.
Onkyo TX-RZ830
The Onkyo TX-RZ830 is an upgraded version of the Onkyo TX-RZ820. The biggest difference is that the manufacturer has implemented Sonos synchronization in the newer model so the receiver can now be a part of Sonos Home Sound System, they also added AccuEQ Advance that is great for speaker calibration precision settings. Overall, I would say that changes are great; however, would you use them a lot to pay more for them? Just think about it once more.
Yamaha Aventage RX-A3080 — Honorable Mention
The 9.2-channel AVR with 11.2-channel processing via an external amplifier supports the three-dimensional format, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It also features Smart AI DSP processing, meaning the ability to analyze an audio signal’s source to produce the proper sound, as long as many other AVRs require changing settings. The appliance has a built-in MusicCast tech to stream audio content to multiple rooms via a mobile app.
The device has 7 HDMI inputs, and all of them support 4K to play well regardless of the system’s other components. Three HDMI outputs allow connecting a TV, a projector, and arrange a stereo in the next room. The unit features good network connectivity, supporting the dual-band Wi-Fi with Ethernet, Apple AirPlay, and Bluetooth. The RX-A3080 comes with the YPAO room correction to reduce the impact of furniture and walls and produce high-resolution sound at all volume levels and frequencies.
The aluminum front panel has a drop-down cover to hide the controls (2 phono inputs, the USB port, YPAO microphone input for room EQ, and a headphone jack.). The input and volume dials are on the sides. A glossy finish covers the top half of the AVR. An H-shaped cross member frame houses the receiver’s hardware to decrease vibrations even at the unit’s peak power. The receiver has a fifth foot in the middle of the cabinet’s bottom that makes it more stable and helps reduce resonance.
Pros:
- The XLR connectors are on board to hook up professional equipment to this AVR.
- The phono-preamp (MM) allows connecting a turntable to the entire sound system.
- The internal power amplifier features high-speed thermal feedback.
Cons:
- The AVR needs an external amplifier to arrange a 7.1.4 configuration.
- The Bluetooth connection needs repeating the same connect procedure to be paired with headphones.
Denon AVRX4300H
Denon traditionally produces strong amplifiers. The AVRX4300H is not an exception. This product can handle a huge set of music formats. MP3 is very easily perceived by this receiver as well as it can also process high-expansion audio files such as ALAC, FLAC, WAV, and 2.8 / 5.6-MHz DSD. In terms of online broadcasting, the Denon AVRX4300H supports Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, Amazon Music, Napster, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Tidal, and Deezer.
Another pleasant moment is that Denon has always paid high attention to simplifying the configuration of its products. The AVRX4300H despite the wide range of functions is one of the straightforward receivers for tuning and further work. As soon as you turn it on, it will guide you through the entire configuration step-by-step. The Denon AVRX4300H uses the Audyssey x32 calibration system. As soon as you reach this point, the receiver prompts you to place the microphone in one of eight places in the listening area. The cardboard microphone stand also included in the kit.
The overall calibration process took about 15 minutes. In general, the Denon AVRX4300H is a great receiver, and thanks to 9 amplification channels you have a lot of speaker layout options. The support of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS, Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, and 4K makes this product simply unsurpassed in terms of functionality. Great sound quality will allow this receiver to remain relevant for many years.
Pros
- Optimized ARC feature for television.
- Easy to set up.
- MutliEQ XT32 with "Dynamic Volume" (aligns the sound level in all movies).
Cons
- Inconvenient remote control.
- Media player does not support Ogg Vorbis.
- In the case of technical faults, there will be no warranty change to the new one, but there will be endless repair.
Marantz SR5012
The Marantz SR5012 is a great mid-range home cinema receiver that has enough channels to power the left, right, and center channels. There are also two side and rear surrounds and two subwoofers. Power of 100 watts per channel should be loud enough for most rooms. What I liked the most is that it works great with Alexa. My house is very automated and so I can ask Alexa. It is possible to control the volume and inputs with voice commands.
The amplifier can be used as a pre-amplifier. Thus, if you need more power this can be done very simply.
When the SR5012 is working, the sound is simply great and I could not find any other receiver that works same well, in this price category of course.
I like the Marantz SR5012 and I like the sound that can only be played through class A and B amplifiers. This device will become very hot at high volume levels. Still, this is not a design flaw. It's all about the way the power is supplied to AV receivers of class A-B. A side effect of this flaw is a much higher temperature. Most receivers in the category up to $1000 have class D amplifiers which are much cooler. However, they do not sound as good as this Marantz product.
Pros
- Eight Audyssey channel calibration points.
- It is less heavy than previous Marantz models.
- Has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Volume control with voice commands.
Cons
- Switching between inputs is painfully slow and forces to go to the on-screen menu (OSD) to simplify setup.
Yamaha R-N602
Another model that won’t suit movie theater lovers with only one correction — it will most likely not suit rock music fans also. Let’s agree, 80W output power per channel won’t scale up the sound volume a lot, and there are only two channels available to you. So, why is it on this list then? Apart from some drawbacks, this receiver has the lowest total harmonic distortion I know — only 0.04%! The signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB will also please every music lover, and 0.1W standby power consumption will stop you from worrying whether you turn it off or not. To sum up, if the volume scaling is not that important for you, you will find this receiver a perfect choice to listen to music on a new level.
Pros:
- It can connect speakers in another room via Wi-Fi; this system works perfectly and provides great connectivity.
- Even its specifications state 0.1W standby power consumption; my home measurements show just a 0W reading.
Cons:
- The smartphone app doesn’t allow you to rename inputs or customize them.
- If you turn off the receiver while listening to Internet radio, the next time you turn it on, you will need to re-select the station, as it won’t remember it.
Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A870BL
Everybody wants great sound, yet nobody wants to get huge electricity bills after buying a receiver. However, with this Yamaha model, you won’t face this issue at all – it consumes only 0.2W in standby mode! I also would like to bring your attention to the fact that while at work it has an output power per channel up to 160W – sounds like a great deal, isn’t it? This model also supports all audio formats possible (including Apple lossless) and has a full set of built-in decoders (all existing Dolby and DTS technologies are there). In combination with a total harmonic distortion of 0.06% and 106 dB signal-to-noise ratio, this model provides great sound with up to 4K upscaling via HDMI. The only thing you may miss is the absence of 3D pass-through.
Pros:
- I managed to connect it to my Xbox One X; I have searched a lot for the receiver that actually will be able to handle this!
- Absolutely loved the wireless music function; now I can enjoy music while cooking something in the kitchen next door.
Cons:
- The subwoofer gets triggered every time I want to change something in settings. I find this really frustrating sometimes, especially if this happens while I am watching the film.
Marantz SR6012
The Marantz SR6012 has both digital and Internet radio and can recognize most known audio formats including FLAC and Apple lossless. All this is done without loss of quality and the built-in Dolby and DTS decoders can please you with remote control from a smartphone.
This is a 9.2-channel network AV receiver with 11.2-channel processing capability. In addition, there is built-in HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology with the free HEOS app. AVR supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, eight HDMI inputs, front panel USB input, ECO mode, Dolby Vision and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) pass-through capability, the eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capability are included too. I have used Audyssey MultEQ XT32 setup and room calibration.
For those people who are worried about energy consumption, I can safely say that this model is really good for them. After all, the output power per channel is not so high – only 110W and the total output power of 900W will not be a terrible sentence for your electricity bills. The biggest advantage of this particular AVR is its excellent configuration of sound effects. You can enjoy both Dolby Digital surround sound and Dolby Atmos too. I recommend the Marantz SR6012 to fans of 3D movies who do not want to spend too much money on movie tickets.
Pros
- Tidal and other streaming services use with the highest quality.
- Voice quality in movies is very good.
- HEOS simplifies receiver control for playing Internet radio and other stream sources.
- Sound tuning is quite simple and gives good results.
Cons
- Often additional adjusting of the speaker for better sound.
- Heats up during operation.
- Unreliable packaging.
Marantz SR-6011
If you are the kind of person who pays only for the sound and doesn’t care about something like a sleep timer and three-zone compatibility, this is the best AV receiver under 1000 for you. Even it may seem not very modern in terms of features, it does everything you need from an affordable AV receiver: it has 3D pass-through and HDMI pass-through up to 4K, has all DTS and Dolby family decoders (apart from Dolby Digital Plus), and also can please you with the ability to connect other devices via WiFi and Bluetooth (doubt you will miss IEEE that it lacks).
Pros:
- Great upmixing! I have managed to upmix the 7.2 stuff to 7.2.4.
- Volume scaling. I can adjust the volume in several ways, when it is loud you won’t usually notice the sound quality, however, when I put the volume down to 15, I was amazed that I could still hear dialogs!
Cons:
- The remote is quite slow, and it takes patience to get used to it.
- On the main menu, there are things that are on remote, no extra features or so. It is not a disadvantage, however, I would like a menu to be more diverse than that.
Onkyo TX-RZ920
The first thing with which this ponderous 9.2 channel AV receiver pleases is an excellent power of 135W per channel and high-quality sound reproduction in 5.2.4 mode. Another feature is support for ultra-modern surround sound decoders – Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. In addition, the device effectively works with other systems, such as Dolby True HD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, and DTS-HD. This smart receiver is able to calibrate the sound in accordance with the user's preferences and the characteristics of the room where the speaker is installed.
First of all, the Onkyo TX-RZ920 was created as a center for a large home theater. It can also be used for small audio listening systems. This all becomes possible thanks to a huge number of inputs. The receiver offers eight HDMI ports at once and in addition few digital audio outputs. There is also a USB port, line inputs, as well as a built-in background preamp for a growing number of vinyl fans.
For fans of streaming music, Onkyo TX-RZ920 offers a wide range of streaming features. This is achieved through integration with DTS Play-Fi, Apple Airplay, and Google Chromecast. All this is supported by Wi-Fi 2,4 and 5 GHz connectivity. Such an abundance of options for streaming audio and dual-band wireless connections means that you can easily connect the TX-RZ920 to a home network and use this device to listen to almost all music streaming services. Regardless of the digital audio source, an excellent built-in audio digital-to-analog AKM converters are used to guarantee excellent sound quality.
This AV receiver is powerful enough to sound clear and loud so that the walls literally shake. It is presented in the form of a solid large block that looks great and sounds just brilliant. I arranged it outdoors so ventilation is not a problem for me. On the other hand, this receiver is not heated at all – rather, it is just warm. The menu screen is perfect for making quick settings. When installing this product, I used 4K pass-through works. The Onkyo TX-RZ920 works fine with all the applications I need.
Pros
- Large dynamic range.
- Convenient on-screen menu.
- There are eARC digital amplifiers.
Cons
- No S-Video inputs
- No built-in SiriusXM
- Inconvenient remote control.
- Speaker pop noise in above 60% volume.
Onkyo TX-NR686
This AV receiver will not leave a single corner in your room without a sound. It has a well-balanced frequency range. Thanks to this, with fine-tuning you can perfectly avoid brightness or hard edges in the sound.
Also, the Onkyo TX-NR686 is equipped with a variety of parts in order to attract your attention. Among them are seven HDMI inputs with 4K/60 Hz subwoofer. Also, there is a support of HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020, and HDCP 2.2. Plus one additional front HDMI input for more convenient use.
Timing is also very good, especially at low frequencies, where this model is more than ready to show its true power. The capabilities of multichannel amplifiers, along with synchronization, are especially prominent when playing music, and this model makes me really happy when used in such way.
Onkyo has created a good dual-use receiver. When you are watching a movie, the receiver is beyond praise. The sound is powerful, dynamic. In general, the presentation of this receiver sound is very light and pleasant. For absolutely comfortable listening, it lacks a truly wide bass range.
In comparison with the leaders in this price category, the Onkyo TX-NR686 is significantly lagging behind in terms of dynamic dispersion and additional sound details. If you are going to use this AV receiver, then do not forget to harmonize the system. You cannot add something that it does not support, but you can double its sound power absolutely safe.
I used this amplifier with Dali Zensor 1 5.1. As for me, exactly this model will reveal the greatest potential of the TX-NR686 model.
Despite all of the above, if you are looking for a really good receiver for your home theater, you cannot go wrong by choosing this product from Onkyo. Even with stereo music playback in Pure Direct mode, there are no such components that the receiver cannot reproduce with the proper quality. If speaking about multimedia, then you will not have to seek compromise with more expensive entry-level models. The Onkyo TX-NR686 seven power amplifiers will convince you with their powerful and dynamic sound.
Pros
- Provides a good amount of power.
- Highly expressive and loud sound with decent bass.
- Ability to customize sound levels.
Cons
- The "built-in chrome cast" can be used for audio-only.
- Sizes exceed the standard.
- Unfinished Apple application.
Onkyo TX-NR747
The small size of the Onkyo TX-NR747 doesn’t mean that it has only a few features. All needed is there: the 24 bit / 192 kHz audio D/A converter, x.v.Color, three-zone capability, and all audio formats recognition apart from AIFF (doubt this one matters much). Talking about built-in decoders, this receiver doesn’t have DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, and Dolby Surround. I advise that if you are a fan of DTS, you will need to choose something else, but if you love Dolby, this one can be a good choice, especially given the fact that Dolby Digital Plus is implemented. This AV receiver can also please you with the high output power per channel (130W), eight AV and HDMI inputs (so you can be sure there is lots of space to connect everything), and two subwoofer and HDMI outputs. You can also connect devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that will be convenient if you use wireless speakers and move those around.
Pros:
- It can stream music via Bluetooth as described, faced no issues with that.
- I especially liked the fact that you can turn on the zone 2 only and/or the main part of the receiver and select which input you would like to hear.
Cons:
- Even after four hard resets, I couldn’t solve the problem of the picture blinking related to the 4K signal pass-through.
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Denon AVR-X3500H
- Denon
- | 1000
- 20
-
Marantz SR5013
- Marantz
- | 1000
- 4
-
Onkyo TX-NR828
- Onkyo
- | 1000
- 123
-
Yamaha RX-V2085
- Yamaha
- | 1000
- 4
-
Denon AVR-X1600H
- Denon
- | 600
- 18
-
Yamaha RX-A880
- Yamaha
- | 900
- 17
-
Marantz MM7025
- Marantz
- | 800
- 26
-
Pioneer VSX-LX103
- Pioneer
- | 600
- 19
-
Pioneer VSX-LX503
- Pioneer
- | 600
- 22
-
Sony STR-ZA810ES
- Sony
- | 600
- 11
-
Yamaha RX-V675
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 757
-
Denon AVR-X4400H
- Denon
- | 800
- 67
-
Yamaha R-N803BL
- Yamaha
- | 800
- 22
-
Yamaha RX-V685BL
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 50
-
Marantz SR5012
- Marantz
- | 700
- 31
-
Marantz NR1606
- Marantz
- | 600
- 50
-
Marantz NR1607
- Marantz
- | 600
- 61
-
Marantz SR6011
- Marantz
- | 1000
- 23
-
Yamaha RX-V681BL
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 283
-
Yamaha RX-V677
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 572
-
Denon AVR-X3400H
- Denon
- | 600
- 74
-
Denon AVRX4400H
- Denon
- | 800
- 74
-
Onkyo TX-RZ710
- Onkyo
- | 600
- 70
-
Yamaha RX-A780
- Yamaha
- | 700
- 19
-
Yamaha RX-V671
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 255
-
Yamaha R-N602
- Yamaha
- | 600
- 26
-
Marantz SR6010
- Marantz
- | 1000
- 33
-
Sony STR-DN1060
- Sony
- | 600
- 148
-
Marantz SR5011
- Marantz
- | 900
- 39
-
Yamaha RX-A870BL
- Yamaha
- | 900
- 32
-
Onkyo TX-RZ610
- Onkyo
- | 900
- 60
-
Onkyo TX-NR757
- Onkyo
- | 700
- 82
-
Sony STR-DN1040
- Sony
- | 600
- 335
-
Onkyo TX-NR747
- Onkyo
- | 700
- 111
-
Denon AVR-X4100W
- Denon
- | 900
- 51
-
Sony STR-DN1050
- Sony
- | 600
- 258
-
Denon AVR-X1100W
- Denon
- | 1000
-
Denon AVR-S500BT
- Denon
- | 800
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