10 Best AV Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2-channel A/V receiver designed for a home theater setup. It has a high power output of 165 watts per channel, which is suitable for delivering clear and powerful sound. The receiver supports the latest 8K and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity, making it future-proof for high-resolution video content. It features six HDMI inputs and two outputs, providing flexibility for connecting multiple devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.

For audio, it supports advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which offer an immersive sound experience. The Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping features ensure the audio is tailored to your room's acoustics, enhancing the listening experience further. The receiver is also versatile in terms of connectivity, with options for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from various sources.

It integrates well with other home devices through Google Assistant and even works with Sonos systems, allowing for seamless multi-room audio setups. The graphical interface simplifies the setup process, making it user-friendly even for those who aren't very tech-savvy. However, it's worth noting that while the receiver is feature-rich, its size might be a drawback for those with limited space. Another potential downside is its relatively high power consumption of 240 watts, which could impact energy bills if used extensively. Additionally, at a price point that reflects its advanced features, it may not be the best option for someone looking for a basic and budget-friendly receiver. In conclusion, the Sony STR-AN1000 is well-suited for users seeking a feature-packed, high-quality A/V receiver that supports the latest audio and video technologies.

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AV receiver packs a lot of power with its 11.2 channel configuration and 140 watts per channel, making it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts. It supports multiple subwoofers and offers the flexibility to create discrete audio zones in your home, which is great for customizing your entertainment spaces. The inclusion of Dirac Live Room Calibration ensures that your sound is perfectly adapted to your room’s acoustics, and future firmware updates will enhance bass control, adding to the receiver’s versatility.

Its studio-grade processing, featuring ESS Sabre DACs and THX certification, promises high-quality audio performance across various listening modes like cinema, gaming, and music. The IMAX Enhanced Mode improves the visual and audio experience, bringing a more immersive theater-like feel to your home setup. Connectivity is robust with HDMI, and it seamlessly integrates with Klipsch speakers for optimal sound settings.

The TX-RZ70 also supports a range of streaming apps and smart home assistants, making it convenient for modern users. The advanced features might be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler setup, and the high power output could lead to higher energy consumption. Additionally, while Dirac Live technologies provide excellent room calibration, some might find the need for firmware updates for full functionality slightly inconvenient.

The Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver offers a robust set of features that caters to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With 100 watts per channel, it delivers powerful and clear audio, suitable for a wide range of listening experiences. The inclusion of Dirac Live room calibration ensures that your audio is optimally tuned for your specific environment, enhancing the precision and balance of your surround sound setup. This is especially beneficial if you have a challenging room layout or acoustics.

Connectivity is a strong point of the TX-NR7100, featuring 8 HDMI ports and three HDMI-out options, supporting up to 8K/60Hz video resolution, making it future-proof for upcoming media formats. This receiver also excels in multi-room audio capabilities, thanks to its Works with Sonos certification and DTS Play-Fi support, making it a great choice for those with a Sonos ecosystem or those looking to expand their multi-room audio setup. For gamers, the HDMI 2.1 enhancements, including 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), provide a seamless, lag-free gaming experience.

Audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X offer immersive sound quality, with the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer further enhancing the audio experience even without height speakers. However, it's worth noting that the use of advanced room calibration via Dirac Live may require additional equipment not included in the package, such as a third-party USB mic. Additionally, at 27.6 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could be a consideration for placement and installation. In summary, the Onkyo TX-NR7100 is a feature-rich AV receiver with extensive connectivity, advanced audio and video processing capabilities, and excellent support for multi-room audio, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment system.