The heart of a home theater is a high-quality 4K television. But the brain is an AV receiver. This is where all the wires or signals come together and are passed on to the television and speakers. AV receiver are available in a wide variety of price ranges. Here are four models for every purpose on Black Friday 2023.
Onkyo TX-SR393: The best entry-level receiver
One of the best entry-level receivers for small to medium home theaters is the Onkyo TX-SR393 for about 250 euros.
The base model can handle 4K signals and sound in premium formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback – these features alone outperform some more expensive AV receivers. The connections are sufficient to run a 5.2 system. Four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output are also solid to start with.
However, the Onkyo receiver lacks a network function. Music streaming is only possible if you use your smartphone or another device as a player. In addition, the TX-SR393 cannot process signals at 120 Hz.
Denon AVR-X1700H: Strong features for 400 euros
This is one size larger Denon AVR-X1700H as a long-standing favorite among AV receivers. Some models are available for around 400 euros – perhaps even cheaper on Black Friday.
Unlike the Onkyo receiver, the Denon supports AVR-X1700H Signals at 120 Hz and has a network function for streaming music. The receiver can also be integrated into the HEOS multi-room system to listen to music in different rooms.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also supported. Overall status six HDMI inputs available, three of which can handle 120 Hz. The speaker connections enable a 7.2 system.
Denon AVR-X3800H: With 8K and Auro-3D
If you want even more, go for the Denon AVR-X3800H well advised. Here you get a lot of quality for less than 1,000 euros.
With the X3800H you can also easily admire 8K signals on a suitable television. All six HDMI inputs also support 4K at 120 Hz. Three HDMI outputs make it possible to provide two televisions in different rooms with different signals and use picture-in-picture.
A 9.4 setup in a home theater can be operated with the existing connections. In addition to Dolby Vision, the X3800H also plays HDR10+ as an HDR format. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the premium receiver also supports the high-quality audio format Aurora 3D.
Denon AVR-X6700H: The non-plus ultra
If that’s not enough for you, the Denon is worth it AVR-X6700H for well under 2,500 euros.
The upper class receiver allows a 13.2 configuration and is packed with performance. Seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs leaves nothing to be desired. Not only can a second room be controlled, but a second image can also be displayed on the primary screen, for example to follow sports or the news during the movie.
Of course, all premium audio formats are included, included DTS:XPro for gigantic 3D sound. With this receiver, the home theater is well prepared for the coming years.