3 best audio component receivers

Audio component receivers, often referred to as audio receivers or AV receivers, are integral components of home audio and home theater systems. They serve as the central hub for connecting and controlling various audio and video sources, amplifying audio signals, and distributing them to speakers. Here's what you need to know about audio component receivers:

Multifunctional Hub: Audio component receivers are versatile devices that serve as a central hub for audio and video equipment in a home entertainment system. They can handle multiple audio and video sources, including Blu-ray players, game consoles, cable/satellite boxes, streaming devices, and more.
Audio Amplification: One of the primary functions of an audio receiver is to amplify audio signals from various sources and distribute them to speakers.Receivers include built-in amplifiers that power the connected speakers, providing the necessary audio output.
Surround Sound Processing: Many modern audio receivers support advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. These formats create immersive, three-dimensional audio experiences by utilizing multiple speakers and channels.
Speaker Connections: Audio receivers feature multiple speaker terminals or channels for connecting different types of speakers, including front, center, rear, and subwoofer speakers. These channels enable the creation of surround sound setups.
Video Switching: In addition to audio, receivers often have multiple video inputs and outputs. They can switch and route video signals to the connected display, making them essential for home theater systems.
HDMI Connectivity: Receivers usually come with HDMI inputs and outputs, supporting the latest HDMI standards for high-definition video and audio transmission. This allows for seamless connectivity with modern audio and video sources.
Built-in Tuner: Many audio receivers include AM/FM tuners, allowing users to listen to terrestrial radio broadcasts. Some models also offer internet radio and streaming services integration.
Remote Control and Smart Features: Receivers come with remote controls for convenient operation. Many also offer smart features like network connectivity, smartphone apps, voice control (e.g., with Alexa or Google Assistant), and firmware updates.
Zone and Multi-Room Audio: High-end receivers often support multi-room audio setups, allowing users to play different audio sources in separate rooms or zones simultaneously.
Customization and Calibration: Receivers often feature room calibration systems, such as Audyssey or Yamaha's YPAO, which optimize audio settings based on the room's acoustics and speaker placement.
Audio and Video Processing: Some receivers incorporate advanced audio and video processing technologies to enhance sound and picture quality, including upscaling, noise reduction, and audio equalization.
Inputs and Connectivity: Receivers offer a variety of inputs, including analog, digital (optical and coaxial), and USB ports for connecting a wide range of devices, including turntables, gaming consoles, and media players.
Brand and Model Variety: Numerous electronics manufacturers produce audio receivers, offering various models with different features and price points to cater to different consumer needs.

In summary, audio component receivers are central components of home audio and home theater systems, providing audio amplification, video switching, and advanced audio processing capabilities. They enable users to connect and control multiple audio and video sources while delivering high-quality audio to speakers and creating immersive surround sound experiences.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best audio component receivers on the market

Sony STRDH590 5.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth,Black

Sony

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Upgrade your home entertainment system to work with the latest 4K TVs and HDR picture. Equipped with 4 HDMI inputs, HDCP 2.2 signal handling, and a host of advanced features the DH590 is the perfect combination of high performance video capability and superb Sonic fidelity.

Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
SMART CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, Fm Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
SPECS: 5.2 ch, 725W, 6 ohm, 1K Hz, THD 0.9 percent AV receiver with 4 in/1 out HDMI and Audio Return Channel
In the Box: Foldable Headphone, Carry Case, Charging Cable and Audio Cable for a Wired Connection

User questions & answers

Question:	Can i use the mb42x-c speakers even though impedance varies between 4 to 8 ohms? the receiver impedance says 6-16 ohms. will i be ok
Answer:	My Sony PS-LX250H works very nicely with this receiver. There is no phono input. So I plugged the red and white RCA's into the SAT/CATV input jack.
Question:	So this connects multiple speakers with Bluetooth
Answer:	40 watts
Question:	are the hdmi inputs actual inputs or just pass thru
Answer:	Dear Consumer, thanks for your question! Pls kindly noted that it doesn't work that way. The subwoofer acts like your echo studio. You pair a sound source device (phone, tablet, laptop,TV) to the subwoofer together with speakers to play sound from. For the method of connection pls check the description in this page, for more questions, pls feel free to contact [email protected].
Question:	I'm looking for a good sony reciever that i can hook my turntable up to from the back
Answer:	Yes. I used a single RCA Male to Male, then a Y adapter to go from RCA Female to 2 RCA Males. Works very well.

Yamaha RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth

Yamaha Audio

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Uncompromising value. This 5.1-Channel AV receiver brings the best technologies to your home including Dolby vision, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and Bluetooth at an affordable price. Standby Power Consumption (IR only): ≤ 0.2 W.

5.1 channel powerful surround sound
Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 100W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD); Rated Output Power (20Hz 20kHz, 2ch driven) 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD); Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (Jeita) 145W (6 ohms, 10% THD)
HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4 in/1 out)
4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma and BT.2020
YPAO auto calibration technology for ideal sound, Exclusive Yamaha Cinema DSP technology supports playback of HD Audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, etc.), providing natural and expansive sound imaging
Providing complete compatibility with the latest HDMI standards, this AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video at 60 frames/second pass through; It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma which provides incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors

User questions & answers

Question:	Do I need to use an optical cable to set up my tv? I thought an HDMI would do, but I cannot hear any sound without use of an optical cable
Answer:	No optical cable needed. Just connect your TV Arc to the receiver arc . With that every thing else you connect in the back of your receiver HDMI port like the blue ray , Amazon Fire TV , projector ect souls come up on your TV screen with a sound . If not your receiver sound is low just increase your receiver sound higher Using the remote and the sound Should come out . For a better quality use the HDMI cable cinema plus 2.0 that has HDHomeRun 2.2 Dolby vision Dolby atmos DTS:X . You may use an optical cable if you do not have an Arc HDMI on your TV . If you have it on both TV and Receiver and Connect the 2 should work. If not your initial sounds on your sound setting is low just increase the sound using your remote
Question:	When playing music in stereo, does the unit drive the subwoofer along with the two front speakers
Answer:	There is only a pre amp output for subwoofer so you need to have a powered subwoofer. A non powered subwoofer would not be able to be connected.
Question:	Does this avr support zone 2 speaker pair? can it play a+b simultaneously
Answer:	befuddled: the v385 has no zone 2 outs yet, correy says zone cont'rl zone 2 powered!?????can i run my rs 700 off this new rcv'r--y-n??
Question:	What’s the difference between this and the 383 model
Answer:	All 5 of the channels take banana plugs as input in the 385. 3 channels are direct speaker wire in the 383

Product features

RX-V385

Uncompromising Value. This 5.1-channel AV receiver brings the best technologies to your home including Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and Bluetooth.

4K Ultra HD HDMI Support

Providing complete compatibility with the latest HDMI standards, this AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video at 60 frames/second pass-through. It also supports HDR (high dynamic range) Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma which provides incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors-giving you full, high-definition enjoyment with an exceptionally realistic and natural picture quality.

Bluetooth with Music Enhancer

Thanks to its built-in Bluetooth functionality, this AV receiver lets you enjoy easy wireless music playback from smartphones and other devices. If you are looking to have a more private session, you can Bluetooth out to a pair of headphones that can connect via Bluetooth also. The Compressed Music Enhancer from Yamaha is now optimized for Bluetooth audio transmissions to ensure that your music will have vivid, dynamic sound quality during wireless playback.

Cinema DSP

Exclusive Yamaha Cinema DSP technology supports playback of HD Audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, etc.), providing natural and expansive sound imaging. Cinema DSP transforms the dynamics of the listening environment, with acoustic reproduction of famous venues such as the Bottom Line, Roxy Theater, and European cathedrals-letting you experience their ambience right in your room.

Easy Sound Optimization with YPAO

YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer) analyzes the room acoustics and your system, then precisely adjusts various audio parameters to provide the best sound for your room. By placing the supplied microphone at your listening position and switching YPAO on, the system is automatically tuned for optimum performance in your home.

Virtual Cinema Front

Even when it is impossible to install surround speakers behind the listening position, you can enjoy virtual 5-channel surround sound with all of the speakers placed in the front of the room.

Rich Bass Reproduction

This exclusive low-range enhancement technology delivers richer bass than you would expect from smaller-sized speakers while maintaining good localization and sound balance, even with compact front speakers.

AV Setup Guide

Use this special app and get expert assistance with cable connections between the AV receiver and source devices. It even guides you through various other settings such as speaker connections, TV and source device connections and power amplifier assignments.

Bi-amp Connection

The RX-V385 offers the ability to bi-amp the front speakers (L, R), which drives the treble and bass ranges with independent amplifiers. In addition to providing greater power, it also prevents interference between the high and low sounds, further improving the sound of the front speakers.

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth Black

Sony

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Enjoy the sweet sound of vinyl, or streaming from your digital music collection. The perfect match for music lovers seeking a stereo system with classic sound from all your music sources. And with the low-profile design, it’s sure to fit into conventional AV cabinets. Power Requirement - AC 120 V 60 Hz.

Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home
100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
FM Radio with 30 station presets;

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I play my cds on this thing
Answer:	(1) I need a receiver that will accept wiring (not RCA plugs) into the 4 speaker connections. Will this receiver do that? (2) I also have a CD player. Can I connect my audio connections (2) to the receiver? (3) Directions say I can connect all 4 speaker connections (A & B) to play in 1 room. Is this true? Earl
Question:	with of device
Answer:	Hi Joseph, The width of this unit is approximately 430 mm(17 inches). And on a side note, the soundstage you’ll enjoy is much wider!!! -Sam
Question:	can i connect my tune table to this receiver
Answer:	Hi stephanie w, Yes, you can directly connect your turntable to this AV Receiver. Regards, David
Question:	What is the Bluetooth range
Answer:	Hi Gail Crawley, the maximum range is approximately 30 m (98.4 feet). For reference, please check the manual: https://docs.sony.com/release//Manual_4726907111.pdf see page 37. -Erin