Choosing an AV receiver is perhaps the most important and difficult decision when building a home theater. This control center will connect all your devices, unlock the potential of your speakers, and determine the quality of sound and picture. But how do you navigate dozens of models with different specifications, standards, and price tags?
We will help you with this. In this article, we will look at several modern AV receivers, comparing their key features and capabilities. We will talk not only about power and number of channels, but also about practical things: ease of setup, support for new audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as compatibility with modern 4K and HDR video standards.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of what to look for when choosing and which models are best suited for different tasks and budgets. You will learn whether it is worth chasing the maximum number of watts, how important high-quality automatic calibration is, and which additional features are really useful in everyday use.
Lexicon RV-5 65,000 rubles
Sound 5
Design 3
Features 3
Control 3
Advantages
– careful attention to sound nuances
– direct access to Zone 2 operation
Disadvantages
– no Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders
– one HDMI output
Design
At first glance, this solid and professionally equipped machine could easily be mistaken for a high-end RV-8 receiver, which costs several times more. There are differences, of course, but not all of them should be considered compromises. Instead of three rooms, the device can provide sound for two, but it is equipped with an HDMI interface, albeit only with a pair of inputs and one output, which, by today's standards, should be considered a minimal configuration, unlikely to delight owners of plasma TVs and video projectors.
Otherwise, the switching capabilities meet today's needs: in addition to eight digital audio inputs (four S/PDIF and four Toslink), three component video inputs and outputs, an RS-232 interface, and a pair of 12V trigger inputs, there are ports for connecting USB devices and a proprietary docking station, as well as a socket for an auto-calibration system measurement microphone. Seven amplification channels allow you to set up a 7.1 home theater or direct the surround back channel amplifiers (Lexicon engineers call them Rear L/R) to a second zone. If necessary, the receiver can be installed in a closed rack and controlled via an external IR receiver.
Features
The range of features will satisfy owners of not only DVD players, but also Blu-ray players. There are no Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders, but the receiver understands multi-channel PCM, and any BD player can convert streaming HD audio to this format. Of course, an alternative connection method via an analog multi-channel input is also possible. The video converter can bring the DVD signal resolution up to 1080i (not ideal, but more than enough for most video receivers). Much more important is that the video path provides a variety of image quality enhancement systems. These include noise reduction, including a comb filter to eliminate crosstalk in the brightness and color channels. It is also possible to adjust the picture to the image type (24, 25, or 30 frames/s), adjust the brightness, contrast, color, and naturalness of skin tone reproduction.
Recommendations
This receiver is designed for experienced users: beginners will simply not be able to figure out the intricacies of control using the touchscreen remote control. The sound quality of the device is excellent — it perfectly balances deep bass, natural midrange, and crystal-clear highs.
Remote control
Universal remote control with touch screen. It seems like the perfect option, but in reality, the device is very difficult to master because its operating algorithms are complicated.
An audiophile might criticize the frequency response for cutting off sharply at 20 kHz, but we won't do that: the device is primarily designed to play soundtracks, and their frequency range is limited at the top end by the same 20 kHz. Much more important is that the receiver delivers its rated 85 watts in multi-channel mode. The onboard decoders work well: despite a fairly large spread, the absolute channel separation is very high. The 5.1 input is excellently organized, which is very important in this case.
Onkyo TX-NR1007 – 70,000 rubles – People's Choice Award.
Sound 5
Design 4
Features 5
Control 4
Pros
– Rich sound
– Lots of network features
Disadvantages
– No HDMI input on the front panel and no USB input
Design
The youngest of three receivers equipped with a host of network features, ready to receive Internet radio and meeting the most stringent THX Ultra 2 Plus specification. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Externally, the 1007 is an exact copy of the more expensive TX-NR3007 (see No. 4, 2010): round buttons under the display and a characteristic protrusion resembling a chin. The differences become apparent when you open the flap covering this “chin.” We see that there are no USB or HDMI ports, only a standard AV input with composite video and optical. The circuitry is also less impressive, but not so much that we can talk about serious compromises. There are the same 9 amplifiers on board, and the power is reduced by only 20 W/ch. The video signal is scaled up to 1080p not by a high-end HQV ReonVX processor, but by a DCDi Faroudja scaler. Otherwise, the devices are practically identical: push-pull amplifiers with a three-stage circuit, Burr-Brown 24-bit/192 kHz DACs on all channels, and an ultra-low jitter PLL circuit. In terms of connectivity, the receiver is also on par with its older siblings, featuring six HDMI inputs and two outputs, an Ethernet port, and a port for connecting a docking station or DAB tuner.
Features
Everything is automated, from initial setup to tone compensation. Full compatibility with Dolby Pro Logic IIz mode is provided (connect two additional speakers, and the effects will move not only horizontally but also vertically!), and in the second zone, you can create a 2.1 system using the output to an additional subwoofer. Streaming audio is read from a computer; with high-speed Internet, there are no problems listening to web radio stations. Calibration according to ISF standards (the equivalent of THX for video) is possible. The programmable remote control is easy enough for even a child to use, yet allows you to control the docking station and enter macro commands.
Recommendations
For those who turn their living room into a movie theater as often as a concert hall. When connected to bi-amping speakers, the receiver delighted us with its extremely rich, detailed, and full sound. Stereo recordings of any genre were a delight, and even multi-channel soundtracks for modern blockbusters, overloaded with sound effects, sounded realistic without any loss of quality. And for those who like to play audio from a computer or the World Wide Web, this is a real treasure!
Remote control
Classic design: mechanical buttons, ergonomic layout of controls, selection of options from the menu. It's just a pity that the volume control is small.
The frequency response unevenness is at the level of the best test results. Digital timbres naturally compress the bandwidth to 20 kHz, even at “zero” values, so when connecting, say, a vinyl turntable, we recommend switching to Direct or Pure Audio mode. The measured power is significantly higher than the rated power, so the receiver does not “sag” on multi-channel soundtracks. The performance of the built-in decoders is not record-breaking (separation less than 70 dB), but quite acceptable.
Pioneer SC-LX72 75,000 rubles – People's Choice Award.
Sound 5
Design 5
Features 5
Control 5
Advantages
– many precise settings
– excellent power characteristics
Disadvantages
– the abundance of features complicates the setup algorithms
Design
The glossy finish on the impressive front panel emphasizes the solidity of the device without making it obtrusive. Being “recessed” into the rack, the receiver will fit into any interior, as it will not attract excessive attention. This is also facilitated by twin rotary switches and an inconspicuous false panel, behind which are hidden buttons for controlling all devices, an HDMI input (convenient for connecting a video camera), and a USB port, which, together with the adjacent stereo input (3.5 mm mini jack), can be used to connect an iPod docking station (the corresponding cable is included). The rear panel equipment will not disappoint even the owner of the most sophisticated AV system: four HDMI inputs and two outputs, component video switching, Phono input, trigger inputs/outputs for external control, and an RS-232 port that allows the receiver to work in a multi-room system controlled by a computer. Seven amplifiers are capable of delivering 110 watts per channel in multi-channel mode, i.e., a “true” 770 watts of total power, made possible by the use of high-efficiency digital circuits.
Features
The MCASS system not only adjusts the volume/delay, but also brings the phase characteristics of the speakers to a common denominator. Certified to the THX Select 2 Plus standard, the device is equipped with modes designed to bring the “home” sound as close as possible to what you hear when sitting in the best seats in a real movie theater. Those who decide to stick with a 2.1 system have not been forgotten: there is a mode for clear focusing of the virtual center and the possibility of expanding it if there are more than two viewers. The PQLS technology, which reduces jitter when transmitting signals via the HDMI interface, also deserves high praise. Of course, network functions are also fully available.
Recommendations
The company has achieved the nearly impossible—creating a receiver that delivers surprisingly realistic sound for both multichannel and stereo recordings, while the ergonomic remote control with a small LCD display makes operation a pleasure. Take the time to carefully study the 150-page manual, and the device will become your reliable guide on your journey through the AV world.
Remote control
An exceptionally ergonomic device. The LCD display separates the source selection buttons from other operating areas, and the metal cursor buttons are visible even in dim light, with correct balance.
The frequency response graph of the amplifiers testifies to uncompromising engineering solutions — the device is digital, but equipped with analog tone controls. Although their symmetry is not ideal, they do not limit the bandwidth of the signal path. The measured power exceeded the stated power by 1.5 times — the receiver is indeed capable of delivering 110 W/channel in multi-channel mode. The channel separation for DD and DTS exceeds 70 dB, which means that the built-in decoders work very well.
AV receivers are the “brain” of a home theater system, combining sound, video, and connectivity for all devices. We tested several models to see which one would handle music, movies, and games best without any fuss. The main thing is to find a balance between ease of setup, sound quality, and support for modern formats, because a good receiver should work unobtrusively while significantly improving the experience of everything you watch and listen to.
Sony STR-DA5500ES – 100,000 rubles
Sound 4
Design 5
Features 5
Controls 5
Advantages
– wide range of functions
– excellent auto-calibration system
Disadvantages
– high price
Design
The flagship of Sony's receiver squadron. Continuing with military terminology, it is a strategic bomber. The front panel creates an impression of solidity and power through the extensive use of rotary drums. The mode selection buttons are located on a sloped ledge, making them very convenient to use. The AV input is hidden behind a removable cover, and it is unlikely to be opened — linear stereo and composite video jacks are not in vogue today. However, the HDMI port hidden behind the curtain under the volume control will definitely be in demand — for example, by owners of digital video cameras. Incidentally, the company's engineers have made HDMI switching a priority, equipping the receiver with six inputs and two outputs. However, it also has plenty of other digital and analog inputs, so it will fit into any home entertainment system, even a multi-room one (there are 12V trigger inputs and outputs, as well as an IR receiver). There is also a proprietary DMPORT interface designed to connect an iPod dock or Bluetooth adapter so you can listen to music directly from your mobile phone. When setting up a 5.1 home theater, the surround back amplifiers can be used to provide sound for a second zone or to connect a front stereo pair using a bi-amping configuration.
Features
It is impossible to list everything, so we will mention only the most useful features. Let's start with the H.A.T.S. mode, highly praised by audiophiles, which allows you to synchronize the receiver and player when transmitting via HDMI stream with SACD in order to minimize jitter. Using the D-Link input, you can connect a computer (software included) and access a range of functions, as well as turn your PC into a media server and use it to download updates and listen to Internet radio stations. Of particular note is the DCAC auto-calibration system, which allows you to match the phase characteristics of the rear and front speakers. The DSP modes are organized according to the principle of “less is more” — you can reproduce the acoustics of the Sony Pictures movie studio screening room in your living room with great accuracy.
Recommendations
This device is for those who value high-quality stereo above all else. Paired with high-end speakers, the receiver worked wonders: the localization was flawless, the microdynamics were mesmerizing, and the elastic and dense bass made you forget the defeatist word “subwoofer.” And the two remote controls, one full-featured and one “for the wife,” will also come in handy.
Control panel
The set includes two remote controls — the main one (providing direct access to most functions) and an additional one — small, but almost as powerful as the main one.
The frequency response extends to the upper measurement limit (96 kHz) almost horizontally when the tone controls are turned off. The fact is that they are digital, work with enviable symmetry, but limit the bandwidth to 20 kHz. The measured power is higher than stated, but it is not worth setting the floor speakers to five, let alone seven channels, otherwise the soundtrack may lose its realism. There are no complaints about the built-in decoders: they provide a signal with sufficiently high separation and low dispersion.
Our test clearly showed that a modern AV receiver is much more than just a cable splitter. Today, it is the smart center of your home theater, and your enjoyment of movies and music directly depends on its quality.
Choosing a specific model is always a compromise between budget, the necessary set of features, and personal preferences in sound. For some, flawless support for all new audio formats is important, while for others, stable performance and powerful basic sound are enough. The main thing is to clearly understand what you expect from the device.
Whichever receiver you choose, it can transform your home entertainment experience by unlocking the full potential of your audio system and TV. Carefully study the features, listen to the sound, and you will find your reliable companion for exciting movie viewing and enjoying your favorite music.
