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10 Best Surround Sound Av Receivers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D

The Denon AVR-X3800H is designed to elevate your home theater experience with impressive 9.4 channels of surround sound and powerful 105W output per channel. One of its standout features is the support for the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring captivating 3D audio that immerses you in your favorite movies and shows. It's also future-proofed for video, offering 8K resolution pass-through and support for advanced formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it a great match for modern 8K TVs.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,415
Power Output
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
891 reviews

Power Output
Handles lower volumes perfectly in a theater setting while allowing customization for more powerful bass if desired.
Audio Formats
Packed with future-proof features, including ample 8K HDMI 2.1 connections and support for all the latest audio formats.
Connectivity
The app is user-friendly, offering several options for adjusting sound quality and easy connectivity to Bluetooth devices.
Room Calibration
The sound test for balancing all speakers and the Audyssey Room Correction ensure optimal audio performance tailored to your room.
#2
9.6 score

Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (95W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound

The Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Channel Receiver is a feature-packed option for a home theater setup. It boasts 95 watts per channel and supports the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring an immersive 3D audio experience. This receiver is built for the future with 8K/60Hz pass-through, which means it can handle the highest quality video and audio formats currently available, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Rating
9.6
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity

Most important from
891 reviews

Channels
The Denon AVR-X2800H steers the correct surround channels to the correct speakers, unlike some competitors.
Power Output
The receiver drives low sensitivity speakers with enough power to deliver nuanced and lively music.
Connectivity
The eARC and settings make turning on the TV, PS5, and AVR easier and quicker.
Room Calibration
The sound quality is superior, especially after running the Audyssey Room Calibration.
#3
9.5 score

Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2-channel A/V receiver, making it suitable for those who want to build a robust home theater system. With a power output of 165W per channel at 6 ohms, it provides ample power for most home environments. This receiver supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are known for their immersive, object-based sound, enhancing your movie and gaming experience.

Rating
9.5
Channels
Audio Formats
Connectivity

Most important from
436 reviews

Channels
Adding two subwoofers smooths out the bass, making the home theater experience even more immersive.
Audio Formats
The surround sound is awesome on the STR-AN1000, totally immersing you in the experience with its new Dolby Speaker Virtualization sound field simulation.
Connectivity
Switching between multiple devices is seamless, thanks to the six HDMI inputs, making it easy to connect all media playback and streaming devices.
Room Calibration
Room correction and calibration are quick and effective, optimizing the sound for different setups.
Video Processing
The receiver's ability to upscale video to both 4K and 8K ensures stunning picture quality from all playback devices.

Top 10 Best Surround Sound Av Receivers 2025 in the United States

YAMAHA RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

Channels: 7.2
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HDMI
Room Calibration: YPAO
Video Processing: 4K, 8K

Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - 80W/Channel, Advanced 8K HDMI Video w/eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built-in HEOS, Amazon Alexa Voice Control

Channels: 7.2 Channel
Power Output: 80 watts per channel
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, HDMI
Room Calibration: guided setup
User Interface and Ease of Use: on-screen guide, color-coded, voice control
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Buying Guide for the Best Surround Sound Av Receivers

Choosing the right surround sound AV receiver can significantly enhance your home theater experience. An AV receiver acts as the central hub of your home audio system, processing audio and video signals and sending them to your speakers and display. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a surround sound AV receiver.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of speakers the receiver can support. This is important because it determines the complexity and depth of your surround sound setup. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers and one subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers and one subwoofer). If you have a smaller room or are just starting, a 5.1 system might be sufficient. For a more immersive experience, especially in larger rooms, a 7.1 or even 9.1 system could be better. Consider the size of your room and how many speakers you plan to install when choosing the number of channels.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. This is crucial for determining the loudness and clarity of the sound. Lower power output (50-80 watts per channel) is generally adequate for smaller rooms or less demanding listening environments. Higher power output (100-150 watts per channel) is better for larger rooms or if you prefer listening at higher volumes. Think about your room size and listening habits to decide on the appropriate power output.
Audio FormatsAudio formats refer to the types of audio signals the receiver can decode and process, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and others. These formats are important for achieving high-quality, immersive sound. Basic receivers may support standard formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, which are sufficient for most users. However, if you want the latest in surround sound technology, look for receivers that support advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Consider what types of content you will be watching and whether you want the latest audio technologies.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include the types and number of inputs and outputs available on the receiver, such as HDMI, optical, and coaxial ports. This is important for ensuring compatibility with your other devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. Basic receivers may have fewer HDMI inputs, which could be limiting if you have multiple devices. More advanced receivers offer numerous HDMI inputs, as well as wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Think about the devices you plan to connect and ensure the receiver has enough ports and the right types of connections.
Room CalibrationRoom calibration features automatically adjust the audio settings based on the acoustics of your room. This is important for optimizing sound quality without manual tweaking. Basic receivers may not include this feature, requiring you to adjust settings manually. More advanced models offer automatic calibration systems like Audyssey or YPAO, which can significantly enhance your listening experience. If you want the best sound quality with minimal effort, look for a receiver with a good room calibration system.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use refer to how simple it is to set up and operate the receiver. This is important for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Basic models may have simpler interfaces but could lack advanced features. More advanced models often come with user-friendly interfaces, on-screen displays, and even smartphone apps for easier control. Consider your comfort level with technology and how much time you want to spend setting up and adjusting your receiver.

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