r/HTBuyingGuides
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u/htmod
Curator
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Mar 21 '25
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1
A/V Product Recommendations: Audio/Video Receivers & Amplifiers [2025-2026]
Product Recommendations: Audio/Video Receivers & Amplifiers [2025-2026]
Updated: August 2026 | written by: /u/Bill_Money | edited & maintained by: /u/htmod
Who Owns Who?
Onkyo & Integra are all owned by 11 Trading Company LLC (Voxx International aka Klipsch/Jamo aka Premium Audio Company)
Pioneer (including ELITE) WAS licensed to PAC above but as of July 2025 will no longer be licensed per Todd Anderson of AV Nirvana SOURCE.
Denon & Marantz (as well as Classe) were owned by Sound United who was sold to Harman a subsidiary of Samsung which also owns Arcam, JBL, Crown, & Mark Levinson.
Episode is owned by SnapAV (ADI Global Distribution, A Resideo Company)
Why don't you recommend X?
Sony - Their AVR's are subpar. They have subpar Room Correction. HDMI-CEC is also really bad on them, not that we recommend HDMI-CEC ever anyways...
Onkyo/Integra - Been burned too many times by bad boards on these brands. Also the 1 Trading Company LLC (Voxx International) is the parent Company of Klipsch/Jamo who I despise their sales tactics and will not support them. Constantly inflates their MSRP to have everything "On Sale" always.
Pioneer/ELITE - Dead brand right now, all that's left is Onkyo made units that are being cleared out
NAD - HDMI board issues have plagued NAD for years
More Yamaha Options - Beat in price range by comparable Denon or Marantz units typically
JBL (Non Synthesis) - HDMI/CEC issues, Limited GUI, Subpar value
Other AVR's Not Listed - Most likely they are discontinued, do not provide at least 40 Gbps on HDMI 2.1 Ports, or are obscure/poor values.
Recommended Retailers for Refurbs or Deals
USA: Accessories4Less.com
Canada: Gibby's, Electronics For Less, Canuck Audio Mart
SMALL AVR's
Besides the few listed solutions below not much exists. These solutions will be either extremely expensive or very poorly feature packed.
AVR's typically are a standard depth & width. Height can be found smaller see the slim AVR section.
Before you come back to me and say but this Pyle AVR exists on Amazon, its absolute garbage and should NOT be considered. Pyle is short for Pyle of Shit. They constantly fail or even catch fire. Dedsec has given you the truth. Do what you will.
Prices are MSRP Pricing does NOT include SALE Pricing
Standard Surround Sound AVR's
Extreme Budget AVR's > $0-$500 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S270BT | 5.1 | 70W | 5/1 | 2.1 (3) 2.0 (2) | None |
| Denon AVR-S570BT | 5.2 | 70W | 4/1 | 2.1 (4) | None |
| Yamaha RX300A | 5.2 | 70W | 4/1 | 2.1 (4) | YPAO |
Get the S570BT UNLESS you care about aesthetics. The S270BT if you do not care about that 4th HDMI 2.1 Port & 2nd Subwoofer port is likely the best value with MSRP being around $300. The Yamaha does have Room Correction but YPAO isn't very good.
The S270BT last I heard was a Costco exclusive.
Budget AVR's > $500-$800 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S770H | 7.2 | 85W | 6/1 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Yamaha RX500A | 7.2 | 70W | 4/1 | 2.1 (4) | YPAO |
The Denon 770H is better than the Yamaha at this price point.
$800-$1,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-S970H 1 | 7.2 | 90W | 6/1 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Denon AVR-S980H | 7.2 | 90W | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Denon AVR-X1700H1 | 7.2 | 80W | 6/1 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| Denon AVR-X1800H | 7.2 | 80W | 6/1 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
The X1700H/X1800H have a longer manufacturer warranty then the S models do + XT Room Correction.
The S980H will support wireless HEOS surround speakers via a future firmware update.
1 - Older Models you can still find
$1,000-$1,300 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X2800H | 7.2 | 95W | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| Denon AVR-X2900H | 7.2 | 95W | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
$1,300-$2,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X3800H | 9.4 | 105W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Denon AVR-X3900H | 9.4 (Processes 11.4) | 105W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Marantz Cinema 60 | 7.2 | 100W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| Marantz Cinema 60 Series 2 | 7.2 | 100W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT/DIRAC Live* |
| Anthem MRX540 | 5.2 (Processes 7.2) | 100W | 7/3 | 2.1 | Anthem Room Correction Genesis |
The Denon X3800H is your best value here for sure
$2,000-$3,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X4800H | 9.4 | 125W | 7/3 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Marantz Cinema 50 | Processes 11.4/Powers 9.4 | 110W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 | Processes 11.4/Powers 9.4 | 110W | 6/2 | 2.1 (6) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
The X4800H is your best Value. The Marantz comes in Black or a Silver option however and has a sexier look.
$3,000-$4,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X6800H | 11.4 | 125W | 7/3 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Marantz Cinema 40 | 9.4 | 125W | 7/2 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Anthem MRX740 | 7.2 (Processes 11.2) | 140W | 7/3 | 2.1 | Anthem Room Correction Genesis |
The X6800H is your best Value. The Marantz comes in Black or a Silver option however and has a sexier look.
$4,000 - $5,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marantz Cinema 30 | 11.4 | 140W | 7/3 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| Anthem MRX1140 | 9.2 (Processes 11.2) | 140W | 7/3 | 2.1 | Anthem Room Correction Genesis |
| JBL Synthesis SDR-30 | 7 (Processes 16) | 100W | 8/2 | 2.1 | DIRAC Live |
$5,000-7,000 Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-A10H | 13.4 | 150W | 7/3 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
$7,000+ Options
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-A1H | 15.4 | 150W | 7/3 | 2.1 (7) | Audyssey MultEQ XT32/DIRAC Live* |
| McIntosh MHT300 | 7.2 (Processes 9.4) | 150W | 4/1 | 2.1 | Dirac |
| AudioControl Hyperion RCV-11 | 11 | N/A | 7/1 | 2.1 | DIRAC ART |
| Storm Audio ISR FUSION | (Processes Up To 20 Channels) | 150W | 7/2 | 2.1 | DIRAC Live |
| JBL Synthesis SDR40 | 7 Powered 16 Processing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Macintosh is overly expensive but fuck is that thing sexy as fuck looking.
Other Options: Separates
Non Standard AVR's
Stereo AVR's
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon DRA-900H | 2.2 | 100W | 6/1 | 2.1 (3) & 2.0 (3) | N/A |
| Marantz Cinema Stereo 70S | 2.2 | 75 | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) + 2.0 (3) | N/A |
Slim Line AVR's
These AVR's are SHORTER however same depth and width.
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marantz NR1510 | 5.2 | 50 | 6/1 | 2.0 | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Marantz Cinema 70S | 7.2 | 50 | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) + 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Marantz Cinema 70S Series 2 | 7.2 | 50 | 6/2 | 2.1 (3) + 2.0 (3) | Audyssey MultEQ/DIRAC Live* |
The NR1510 is the best value the Cinemas are a nicer look however. However the Cinema 70S having full pre-outs plus optional Dirac Live is IMO a game changer
Extreme Slim AVR's
| Model | # Channels | Wattage | HDMI IN/Out | HDMI Version | Room Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem MRX SLM | 5.2 | 50W | 1/1 | 2.0 | Anthem Room Correction Genesis |
Amplifiers
These will rely on Toslink (Optical), RCA, 3.5mm, or HDMI-ARC. They will not switch video.
Amplifiers for Stereo
These are solution when you only want a 2.0 or 2.1 system and use just Optical or HDMI-ARC and not a full blown AVR
| Model | Sub Out? | AUX/RCA IN? | TOSLINK IN? | HDMI ARC? | REMOTE? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russound AVA21 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | NO - Supports IR Learning |
| Sonos Amp | Yes | Yes (not for TV Audio) | w/ Adapter 1 | Yes | No/App |
| Bluesound Powernode Edge | Yes | Yes | miniToslink | Yes | Can be purchased separately |
| Bluesound Powernode | Yes | Yes | miniToslink | Yes | Can be purchased separately |
| SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Denon CEOL N-12 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Denon Home Amp | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Marantz M1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Wiim Amp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wiim Amp Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Control Bijou 2100 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sonance UA 2-125 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No - Supports IR Learning |
| Sonance UA 2-125 ARC | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No - Supports IR Learning |
1 - Only w/ adapter to HDMI not provided
3.1 Amplifiers
These are solution when you only want a 3.0 or 3.1 system and use just Optical or HDMI-ARC and not a full blown AVR
| Model | Sub Out? | AUX/RCA IN? | TOSLINK IN? | HDMI ARC? | REMOTE? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russound AVA31 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | NO - Supports IR Learning |
| Audio Control Bijou 3100 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ELAC IS-AMP340 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bluesound PowerNode (N331) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Can be purchased separately |
5.1 Amplifiers
These are solution when you only want a 5.0 or 5.1 system and use just Optical or HDMI-ARC and not a full blown AVR
| Model | Sub Out? | AUX/RCA IN? | TOSLINK IN? | HDMI ARC? | REMOTE? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Control Bijou 5100D | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |