The home theater receiver (also referred to as an AV Receiver) not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as an integrated control center for all of your components, often times providing both audio and video switching. In addition, even moderately priced home theater receivers provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky high prices. Below is a list of my favorite midrange home theater receivers ($400- $1,299).
For additional Home Theater Receiver suggestions, also check out my listings of Home Theater Receivers - $399 or Less and Home Theater Receivers - $1,300 and Up.
Also, check out my Guide to Home Theater Receivers for everything you need to know before purchasing one.
Photo (c) Yamaha Electronics CorporationThe Yamaha Aventage RX-A1010 is the successor to the previously popular
RX-A1000 Home Theater Receiver. Just its predecessor, the RX-A1010 provides up to a 7.2. channel configuration (seven speakers and two subwoofers) as well as a host of additional features and connectivity options. Some connections that are provided on the RX-A1010, such as,
such as Phono and S-Video, are no longer found on a growing number of receivers.
When it comes to audio capability, the RX-A1010 is rated to deliver 110wpc (20Hz-20kHz at only .06 THD with 2 channels driven), and features extensive audio decoding and processing capability, including TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio.
However, audio isn't the whole story. The RX-A1010 also has eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs along with analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Extra bonuses include Internet Radio and Zone 2 audio and video connectivity and control, as well as a front mounted USB port for direct connection of flash drive, iPod, or iPhone, and Bluetooth connectivity via an optional dock. You can even download a free AV Controller App for either iPhone or Android Phone. The RX-A1010 can satisfy just about any home theater setup need, and is definitely worth your consideration.
Photo (c) Onkyo USAThe AVR-3312CI is a 7.2 channel home theater receiver (7 channels plus 2 subwoofer outs) that delivers 125 Watts into each of 7 channels at .05%
THD and features
Dolby TrueHD/
DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and both
Dolby Pro Logic IIz and
Audyssey DSX processing. Also, make speaker setup easier, the 3312 also includes
Audyssey MultEQ XT. On the video side, the AVR-3312CI has 7 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with analog to HDMI video conversion and up to 1080p upscaling. However, the big emphasis is the inclusion of iPod/iPhone connectivity, internet radio, and
Apple Airplay compatibility, which adds more flexibility for accessing content from a variety of network and online sources.
If the AVR-3312CI is not in your budget, also check out the lower-priced Denon AVR-2312CI, which does have many of the same features as the 3312, but has a lower 105 wpc channel output, no Audyssey DSX audio processing option, no 7 channel analog premap outputs, no video output for Zone 2, and no HD Radio compatibility. Compare Prices for the Denon AVR-2312CI.
Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.comThe Yamaha Aventage RX-A1000 Home Theater Receiver has power, up-to-date features, and an abundance of connectivity options. This receiver is rated to deliver 105wpc, and features
Dolby Digital Plus,
TrueHD,
DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. On the video side, the RX-A1000 has eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs along with analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Extra bonuses include Internet Radio, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity (via optional adapters), as well as two subwoofer outputs. To find out if the Yamaha Aventage RX-A1000 is right for you, check out my
Review,
Photo Gallery, and
Video Performance Tests.
Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.comThe Harman Kardon AVR2600 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides practical audio/video features, as well as good performance, in an affordable package. With built-in HDMI 3D pass-through compatibility, analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling, on-board
Dolby TrueHD,
DTS-HD Master Audio decoders, iPod connectivity (
via optional dock), and an automatic speaker setup system, the AVR2600 is worth consideration. To find out if the Harman Kardon AVR2600 is the right Home Theater Receiver for you, read my
Review, and also check out my supplementary
Photo Profile and
Video Performance Tests.
Also available: The Harman Kardon AVR3600, which adds more power output (80wpc x 7), 7.1 channel preamp outputs, and a backlit remote control. compare prices for the AVR3600.
Photo (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.comBehind its uncluttered front panel, the NAD T748 home theater receiver provides either 5.1 or 7.1 channel speaker setup configuration options, four HDMI inputs with 3D pass-through, analog to HDMI video conversion (however, there is no video upscaling),
Dolby TrueHD/
DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, iPod connectivity, and NAD's own
EARS surround processing and automatic speaker calibration system. A nice added touch is the inclusion of two internal cooling fans. To find out more about T748 to see if it is the right home theater receiver for your setup, check out both my
review and
photo profile.
Photo (c) Yamaha Electronics CorporationThe Yamaha RX-V671 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides great feature package at reasonable price point. This receiver is rated to deliver 90wpc (measured with 2 channels driven), and features extensive surround decoding and processing. In addition, Zone 2 connectivity and control is supported.
On the video side, the RX-V671 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) and direct iPod/iPhone connection via front mounted USB port, as well as network (DLNA) connectivity that allows access to internet radio and digital media streaming from a PC. In addition, the RX-V671 offers Sirius Satellite Radio access via optional external tuner.
Also available: The more modest Yamaha RX-V571, which eliminates network connectivity (Internet Radio and DLNA functions), Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity, Zone 2 connectivity, and has slightly less power output. Compare Prices for RX-V571.
Photos (c) Onkyo USA
Photo (c) Denon USAWhen 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.
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.comFor 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.
