Home Theater Receivers - 400 to 1,299 Dollars

Midrange Home Theater Receivers - AV Receivers - Surround Sound Receivers

By Robert Silva, About.com Guide

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11. Pioneer VSX-1022-K Network Home Theater Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-1022-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver features solid audio and video features, as well as incorporating cutting edge functions for today's digital content sources. On the audio side this receiver is rated at 80wpc (measured from 20Hz to 20kHz with 2 channels driven at 8 0hms) and includes Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding and Dolby Pro Logic IIz audio processing. Also, both Audio Return Channel and an HDMI standby pass-through feature (which allows audio and video signals connected via HDMI to pass through the receiver even when the receiver is in standby mode) are included .

On the video side, the VSX-1022-K features 3D pass through and 1080p video upscaling via HDMI ver1.4a connections.

However, there is more to the VSX-1022's story. This receiver features iTunes and Apple AirPlay functions, and can also take advantage of Pioneer's Air Jam Apps for added control and management of music content. Content stored on iPods, iPhones, and iPads can be accessed from the front mounted USB input. In addition, VSX-1022 has an Ethernet connection which allows access to both internet radio and DLNA features, such as enabling access to media files stored on your PC and media servers.

The VSX-1022 can even be controlled using Apple and some Android devices via Pioneer's iControlAV2 Apps.

12. Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Onkyo HT-RC360 3D Network Home Theater Receiver - Front View with Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

For your consideration: The Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2 channel home theater receiver. This receiver carries a very reasonable price tag and also delivers on both features and performance. With the incorporation of TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and both Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX processing, users have flexible speaker setup options. In addition to comprehensive audio features and performance, the HT-RC360 also has 6 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with both 1080p and 4K upscaling (provided you have a 4K display) via its built-in Marvell QDEO processing chip. Extra bonuses include iPod/iPhone connectivity, DLNA functions, and Internet Radio. The Onkyo HT-RC360 is a great value; For all the details, check out my Review, Product Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

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13. Denon AVR-2311CI 3D-Compatible Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz

Denon AVR-2311CI 7.2 Channel 3D Home Theater Receiver

Photo (c) Denon USA

When it comes to Home Theater Receivers, Denon offers some great options, and the Denon AVR-2311CI is a great value. The AVR-2311CI is a 7.2 channel home theater receiver that features audio decoding/processing for all Dolby/DTS surround sound formats including the Dolby Pro Logic IIz option. Other features include 6 HDMI inputs, multi-zone expandability, and provisions for custom installation control. Also featured is analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080 upscaling via built-in Anchor Bay VRS processing. To make speaker setup easier, the 2311 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. Rounding out with a full 105WPC across seven channels, the AVR-2311 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system. Definitely worth consideration. For details, check out my Product Profile.

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14. Denon AVR-1912 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver

The Denon AVR-1912 falls right in that sweet spot between budget-priced and midrange home theater receivers. As a result, it offers an affordable package of features without breaking the bank. To start off, the AVR-1912 has a 7.1 Channel configuration with a 90WPCx7 output that is perfect for small or medium-size rooms. Also, the AVR-1912 incorporates Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and Dolby ProLogic IIz processing. For video, the AVR-1912 has six 3D-compatible HDMI inputs, with analog to HDMI conversion (no upscaling). Additional bonuses include the Audyssey MultEQ automatic speaker setup system, Apple AirPlay, Direct iPod/iPhone/iPad connection via USB, Internet Radio, and DLNA supported audio and photo streaming from network connected devices (such as PCs and NAS drives). Resting in the $550 price range, the Denon AVR-1912 is definitely worth consideration.

15. Sony STR-DN1020 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver

Sony STR-DN1020 Home Theater Receiver - Photo - Front View with Included Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

The Sony STR-DN1020 is a very affordable 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides practical features and good audio performance for a small-to-medium size room. The STR-DN1020 is both 3D and Audio Return Channel compatible, and provides Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIz audio processing, four HDMI inputs, and analog to HDMI video conversion with 1080p video upscaling. The STR-DN1020 also includes an iPod dock that plugs into the front-mounted USB port (however you can also plug your iPod into the USB directly), and can access internet radio via Ethernet connection to your internet router. For additional details, read my Review, Product Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

16. Marantz SR5006 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver

Photo (c) D&M Holdings

The Marantz SR5006 might be a great choice for your home theater setup. First off, this receiver is 3D and Audio Return Channel-enabled, and provides a seven channel configuration, two subwoofer outputs, Dolby Pro Logic IIz front height channel processing, and analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Another feature I personally like is the inclusion of a set of 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio inputs, which is becoming more rare these days, even on some higher-end receivers.

Besides audio and video, the SR5006 also provides media player and networking functions with USB ports, Windows 7 and DLNA certification, and internet access to music streaming services, such as Pandora, Rhapsody, and vTuner. Apple AirPlay compatibility is also provided, so you can stream music from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as well as from iTunes libraries.

Also available, the step-up SR6006 (shown in the photo), which adds another HDMI input for a total of seven, two HDMI outputs, as well as a set of 7.1 channel preamp outputs, MultEQ XT Pro automatic speaker setup and room correction system, and a dedicated phono turntable input connection. Compare Prices for Marantz SR6006.

17. Pioneer VSX-1021 7.1 Channel 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides practical features and good audio performance in an affordable package. Some features include 3D compatibility, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD decoding and Dolby Pro Logic IIz audio processing, six HDMI inputs, and analog to HDMI video conversion with 1080p video upscaling.

There is also a front panel USB port that allows direct connection of a USB flash drive, iPod, iPad, or iPhone (no optional dock required). Just plug in any of those Apple devices using the provided connection cable and you can access iTunes and Apple AirPlay functions. In addition, the VSX-1021 incorporates 2nd Zone operation, both wired and wireless networking, internet radio, is DLNA certified, enabling access to media files stored on your PC and media servers, and is compatible with Pioneer's iControlAV2 aad Air Jam Apps.

Also available, the VSX-921-K, which does not have the additional Internet Radio, Air Play, Air Jam, or DLNA-suppported functions. Compare Prices for the VSX-921-K.

18. Yamaha RX-V667 3D-Compatible 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Yamaha RX-V667 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Front View w/Included Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.com

The Yamaha RX-V667 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver has power, up-to-date features, and an abundance of connectivity options. This receiver is rated to deliver 90wpc, and features Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. On the video side, the RX-V667 has six 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPod and Bluetooth connectivity (via optional adapters), as well as two subwoofer outputs. To find out if the Yamaha RX-V667 is right for you, check out my Review, Photo Gallery, and Video Performance Tests.

Also available: The Yamaha RX-V867, which adds network connectivity (Internet Radio and DLNA functions), as well as a second HDMI output, and slightly more power output. Compare Prices for the RX-V867

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19. Yamaha neoHD YMC-700 Media Controller

If you are intimidated by a traditional home theater receiver, the Yamaha neoHD YMC-700 Media Controller may be the answer. The YMC-700 is simple to use, while still providing audio/video flexibility. The YMC-700 offers 5.1 channel audio processing (including Dolby TrueHD), 3 HDMI inputs, analog to HDMI video conversion, USB, and a docking station port for iPods and Bluetooth devices. The YMC-700 is also WiFi enabled, allowing connection to a home network for accessing media content stored on a PC or from Rhapsody, and Internet Radio. However, the key to the YMC-700 is its unique onscreen menu-driven navigation system. To find out more, check out my Short and Full Reviews as well as a Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results.

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