Top 11 Home Theater Receivers 400.00 - 1,299.00

1. Yamaha RX-V765 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V765 provides four input HDMI switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling, advanced audio decoding, two subwoofer outputs, and iPod, Bluetooth, XM, and Sirius radio compatibility. Two additional, and practical, features of the RX-V765 are the inclusion of 12-volt triggers (used for on/off control in custom installations), as well as additional speaker connection options to accommodate Bi-Amping (for front left/right speakers that have separate connections for tweeter/midrange and woofer), Presence (front height speakers), and Zone 2 speaker setups. The RX-V765 provides the power, sound quality, and setup versatility that you commonly find on more expensive units and definitely deserves consideration.

2. Denon AVR-2310CI 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz

When it comes to Home Theater Receivers, Denon offers some great options, and the Denon AVR-2310CI is a great value. The AVR-2310CI is a 7.1 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 5 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 procsessing. To make speaker setup easier, the 2310 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. Rounding out with a full 105WPC across seven channels, the AVR-2310 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system. Definitely worth consideration.

3. Onkyo TX-SR707 THX Certified 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

The Onkyo TX-SR707 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver brings THX Certification, high-end audio and video performance, as well as flexibility to a reasonable price. This bereceiver is THX Select2 Plus Certified is rated to deliver 100 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding and Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX surround processing. On the video side, the TX-SR707 has 6 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and Faroudja DCDi video processing/1080p upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPod connectivity and Sirius Satellite Radio Compatibility. To make speaker setup easier, the TX-SR707 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. NOTE: Onkyo receivers run a little warm; have several inches of open space around the receiver for adequate air circulation.

5. Marantz SR5004 Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz

The Marantz SR5004 offers great features AND performance. The SR5004 is a 7.1 channel home theater receiver that features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing, three HDMI inputs, multi-zone expandability, and provisions for custom installation control. Also featured is analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080 upscaling. To make speaker setup easier, the SR5004 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. For more added convenience, the SR5004 comes with a backlit remote, which makes it easy to use in a darkened room. Rounding out with a full 90WPC across seven channels, the SR5004 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system.

6. Yamaha RX-V665 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

With the RX-V665, Yamaha has incorporated four HDMI inputs, HDMI switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling, advanced audio decoding, and iPod, Bluetooth, XM, and Sirius radio compatibility. The most unusual feature, however, is the inclusion of two subwoofer outputs, which is great for large rooms. Two other practical features of the RX-V665 are the inclusion of 12-volt triggers (used for on/off component control in custom installations), as well as additional speaker connection options to accommodate Bi-Amping, Presence, and Zone 2 speaker setups. If you are looking a mid-priced home theater receiver with practical features and good performance, then the RX-V665 certainly goes deserve a look and a listen.

10. Sony STR-DA2400ES Home Theater Receiver

If you are looking for a home theater receiver that offers a lot for a reasonable price, consider the Sony STR-DA2400ES. Using the included Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration feature, the STR-DA2400ES automatically determines the distance of your speakers to your listening position and calculates the proper levels. Also featured are 7.1 channel amplification, extensive surround sound decoding and processing (including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), 4 HDMI inputs, 1080p video upscaling via Faroudja DCDi processing, optional Sirius satellite radio connectivity, and a Digital Media Port for connecting an iPod docking station.

11. 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.