Best Audio/Video Receivers & Amplifiers in 2022

Last update: November 12, 2022

Can a amplifier make sound better?

An amplifier does not necessarily make sound better, but it can make sound louder. In some cases, this can make the sound seem better because it is louder, but it is not actually improving the quality of the sound.

Can you add an amplifier to an AV receiver?

An amplifier can be added to an AV receiver, but it is not recommended. The AV receiver already has an amplifier built in, and adding another one can cause sound quality issues. It can also create a feedback loop, which can damage the speakers.

Do amplifiers sound better than receivers?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors. In general, amplifiers will provide better sound quality than receivers. However, this is not always the case, as receivers can also offer high-quality sound. It really depends on the individual components of each device and how they are configured.

Do I need speakers if I have an amplifier?

If you have an amplifier, you do not need speakers. An amplifier takes an audio signal and amplifies it so that it can be played through speakers.


Denon AVR-X3500H Receiver (2018 Model) - 8 HDMI Input/3 Output & Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), HDR10, 3D video support | Super High Power, 7.2 Channel 4K Ultra HD Video | Dolby Surround Sound Review:


I've given this x3500 a little tour. Even though I'm not an audiophile, I've owned a variety of receivers over the years, beginning with a Sansuii amp years ago. This one replaces a Sony unit that was ten years old. I like a good home theater setup and I listen to music. I did some research on rival systems like Pioneer, Yamaha, and Onkyo. Since there are too many functions to fully review, I'll just say that this receiver has amazing sound quality and is capable of doing about everything. It is capable of playing sensitively and precisely while still having enough raw power to rock your world.Pros: Relatively simple setup. There are so many characteristics that the procedure takes a while, but it is efficient and effective. The hardest part of the setup was Alexa. Powerful, flexible, adaptable to space and taste, future-proof, good apps, and easily connected to all devices, including a NAS. It seems as it should and has the proper signs.Not many; the remote feels a little cheap. Because there are so many capabilities, you must take the time to download and read the documentation to fully utilize this device.Overall, I think this is an excellent receiver for music or whole-home entertainment, especially considering the price.



Denon AVR-X1500H Receiver - HDR10, 3D videos | 7.2 Channel (80W per channel) 4K Ultra HD Video | Dolby Surround Sound | (Discontinued by Manufacturer) Review:


Because of how it interacts with other devices, a stereo has historically been one of those components that is challenging to both set up and use. After a comparatively quick setup, it worked nicely and was simple to operate. I connected this one through USB to the TV and Bluetooth to my iPhone.Although I'm not an audiophile, it does justice to my huge, bi-amped Klipsch speakers, and the centre speaker does a fantastic job with dialogue without drawing attention to itself like other centre speakers do.



Denon AVR-S540BT 5.2 channel Receiver - 4K Ultra HD Audio Video | Bluetooth, USB port | Compatible with HEOS Link for Wireless Music Streaming Review:


I think this receiver is fantastic and strongly suggest it. It has excellent connectivity, including various streaming services like Pandora, Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, etc., and is simple to set up and calibrate. It also functions with Alexa.It functions with one Alexa skill, two Denon applications (Heos and AVR Remote), and (Heos). I'm not sure what the reviewers' issues were because when I connected the receiver to my network (which uses three Google WiFi mesh router devices, sidebar: I HIGHLY recommend these), everything worked perfectly. However, reviews of the applications and the skill were poor. I changed the device's name to "Stereo" as suggested in another review, and now all I have to say to Alexa is, "Alexa, play [station] on Pandora on Stereo," and it plays! The Heos app works well for choosing from a variety of streaming sources and managing simple settings like volume, but the remote app gives you greater flexibility over the receiver's functionality on your phone or tablet.The receiver sounds fantastic after calibration, and I'm not even using the sophisticated features like Atmos (I have a basic 5.1 speaker set-up in our living room with zone 2 speakers in our screened porch).This product's predecessor, the 730H, is essentially identical and has earned numerous honors for "best home theater receiver." In my opinion, it is definitely worth the cost!



Pioneer Dolby Atmos-Ready Audio & Video Component Receiver Black (VSX-832) Review:


Although I've only had it for a few days, so far, so good. The audio mode immediately adapts to whatever it is getting from the host, and the sound is clear and sharp. The bass is not obtrusive and is deep and rich. The other device you are using when you switch the receiver off will continue to broadcast through the TV because this receiver also has a genuine pass through feature. The setup process is entirely digital and very simple. The receiver has so far maintained a strong connection, and network configuration was also extremely simple. Airplay and Bluetooth streaming function fine. When CEC is enabled, all devices may be turned on using the satellite receiver, and the volume of the receiver can be adjusted using either the TV or satellite remote. The Samsung AV-720 that I previously received had excellent sound, however the CEC and pass through did not function as promised. Very happy thus far.



Denon AV Receivers Audio & Video Component Receiver Black (AVRS740H) Review:


I think this receiver is fantastic and strongly suggest it. It has excellent connectivity, including various streaming services like Pandora, Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, etc., and is simple to set up and calibrate. It also functions with Alexa.It functions with one Alexa skill, two Denon applications (Heos and AVR Remote), and (Heos). I'm not sure what the reviewers' issues were because when I connected the receiver to my network (which uses three Google WiFi mesh router devices, sidebar: I HIGHLY recommend these), everything worked perfectly. However, reviews of the applications and the skill were poor. I changed the device's name to "Stereo" as suggested in another review, and now all I have to say to Alexa is, "Alexa, play [station] on Pandora on Stereo," and it plays! The Heos app works well for choosing from a variety of streaming sources and managing simple settings like volume, but the remote app gives you greater flexibility over the receiver's functionality on your phone or tablet.The receiver sounds fantastic after calibration, and I'm not even using the sophisticated features like Atmos (I have a basic 5.1 speaker set-up in our living room with zone 2 speakers in our screened porch).This product's predecessor, the 730H, is essentially identical and has earned numerous honors for "best home theater receiver." In my opinion, it is definitely worth the cost!



Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver, 5.2 channel, 4K Ultra HD Audio and Video, Home Theater System, Compatible with HEOS Link for Wireless Music Streaming & Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer Review:


I think this receiver is fantastic and strongly suggest it. It has excellent connectivity, including various streaming services like Pandora, Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, etc., and is simple to set up and calibrate. It also functions with Alexa.It functions with one Alexa skill, two Denon applications (Heos and AVR Remote), and (Heos). I'm not sure what the reviewers' issues were because when I connected the receiver to my network (which uses three Google WiFi mesh router devices, sidebar: I HIGHLY recommend these), everything worked perfectly. However, reviews of the applications and the skill were poor. I changed the device's name to "Stereo" as suggested in another review, and now all I have to say to Alexa is, "Alexa, play [station] on Pandora on Stereo," and it plays! The Heos app works well for choosing from a variety of streaming sources and managing simple settings like volume, but the remote app gives you greater flexibility over the receiver's functionality on your phone or tablet.The receiver sounds fantastic after calibration, and I'm not even using the sophisticated features like Atmos (I have a basic 5.1 speaker set-up in our living room with zone 2 speakers in our screened porch).This product's predecessor, the 730H, is essentially identical and has earned numerous honors for "best home theater receiver." In my opinion, it is definitely worth the cost!



Sony STRDH590 5.2 multi-channel 4k HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth Review:


I use this device to power some primary speakers from an old entertainment system, as well as a center and surround set. This device sounds incredible even with the dubious speakers.I start off by listening to music on my iPad or iPhone. I thus employ Bluetooth. I am aware that many audiophiles grimace at it. I calibrated this automatically after setting it up. Wow! I played Mozart's 25th in Music Surround after choosing Bluetooth. Even my wife noticed how much better this system sounded than the previous one. Everything was balanced correctly. It possessed bright, crisp highs and a deep, rich tone. There was no echo or artificial sound in the surround. It truly resembled being in the orchestra pit.Cable TV and DVDs both sounded fantastic. The voices are hard for me to hear. The voices can be clearly heard on the Movie HD-Digit setting. There is even a night mode that enhances voice clarity.Straight out of the box, this device absolutely works flawlessly. It is enough powerful for that space and more because it is configured in a modest home office where I work. However, you might need something a little bit larger if you're looking for a unit to annoy the neighbors with.I am thrilled with this purchase and adore it.



Onkyo TX-RZ820 THX-Certified 7.2-Channel 4K Network A/V Receiver Review:


I won't go too far under. I've had the receiver for about a month, and so far, I truly enjoy it. The sound is simply great when used with the Fluance reference series speakers. I want to tell you my story as a warning.I didn't know about Dolby Atmos because I've been in a cave or something. I believed switching to 7.1 (two more speakers directly left and right) would improve the standard 5.1 arrangement (central speaker, two in front, and two in the back), so I purchased a very beautiful set of 7.1 speakers (Fluance reference series) and configured them in the standard 7.1 configuration (L rear, L side, L front tower, Sub, Center, R front tower, R side, R rear). After I bought my 7.1 speakers, I discovered that Atmos and DTS:X utilise height speakers to place 3D sound objects.In essence, my 7.1 setup was just two dimensional (x and y axes). The "height" speakers are used to create the z-axis, which is necessary to create three dimensions. To enable three-dimensional audio, they either project downward from the ceiling or reflect the sound downward from the ceiling. This configuration is 5.1.2. (L rear, L front, L height, Sub, Center, R height, R front, R rear).Here's where I become irritated. I will have dead speakers in the back if I install height speakers to experience the vertical dimension. You cannot simultaneously use surround back and height speakers, according to the Onkyo TX-RZ820 instructions. It's not 7.1.2 as I'd want; it's either 7.1 or 5.1.2. I can't install my massive bookshelves speakers to the ceiling to obtain 5.1.2. I would need to purchase the TX-RZ920, which costs $1,100 and is nearly twice as expensive as this TX-RZ820 ($600), if all I wanted to do was add height and use 7.1.2.Conclusion: I implore you to learn from my error. I would have just purchased a 5.1 speaker system and added two height speakers if I could go back in time. I'm currently mired in a strange between ground with this 7.1 deal. Please take note that I will update this review to reflect how the RZ820 performs after I receive the height speakers. If the "full stereo" choice turns on the entire 7.1.2 system, it would be interesting to see. I too wonder if certain stuff would be more effective in 7.1 than in 5.1.2.



Pioneer VSX-LX303 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver Black Review:


No boxes were damaged when the receiver came in fine condition. The receiver was quickly set up and functional right out of the box. My first Pioneer receiver was purchased in the early 1990s, and this is my THIRD. These are still in my possession and are being used in the garage on the ground floor of the property. Pioneer produces high-quality machinery. Before it broke, I owned the big box rear projection TV for 15 years. As long as Pioneer maintains top-notch quality, I will always buy their products. I particularly appreciate that the turntable input was preserved. We own a turntable and adore our vintage vinyl records, and genuine audiophiles are aware of the differences between analog and digital sound. I can expand with overhead speakers thanks to this receiver, which is something else that is on my "to do" list. I haven't given tech support a rating yet because I've never needed to contact them.


Do people still use receivers?

How do I choose the right receiver?

When choosing a receiver, there are many factors to consider such as price, features, and brands. Some receivers also come with built-in amplifiers, which is great if you are looking to boost your audio system. Another important factor to consider is the number of channels you need. If you are only looking to connect two speakers, then you won't need as many channels as someone who wants to connect five or more speakers.

How do I know if I need an amplifier?

If you have ever wondered how to know if you need an amplifier, there are a few things you can look for. First, if you notice that your speakers are not as loud as they used to be, it may be time to invest in an amplifier. Additionally, if you find that your audio quality has decreased, an amplifier can help to improve it. Finally, if you have recently added new speakers or other audio equipment to your system, you may need an amplifier to power them.

How do you match speakers to an amplifier?

To match speakers to an amplifier, you need to consider the impedance, power handling, and sensitivity of the speakers. The impedance of the speakers should be lower than the amplifier's impedance rating. The power handling of the speakers should be greater than the amplifier's power output. The sensitivity of the speakers should be greater than the amplifier's sensitivity rating.

How many amps does an AV receiver need?

An AV receiver is a device that amplifies audio and video signals. It is typically used in home theater systems. The number of amps an AV receiver needs depends on the wattage of the receiver. For example, a receiver with 100 watts of power will need 2 amps.

How many watts is a good receiver?

A good receiver is one that can handle between 50 and 100 watts per channel. Anything more than that is overkill and will just end up costing you more money.