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). Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.
1. Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver is a great performer, is very flexibi, and is extremely affordable. This receiver is delivers a strong, sustained, power output, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio processing. The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K also has 3 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and up to 1080p video upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD connectivity via a front mounted USB port, and both Sirius Satellite/XM Radio Compatibility. Another plus to this receiver is that it runs fairly cool. To find out more on whether this receiver is worth your consideration, check out my Product Profile, Short and Full Reviews as well as a Photo Gallery of the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
2. Yamaha RX-V863 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI
Photo (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.com
The Yamaha RX-V863 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver has power, up-to-date features, and an abundance of connectivity options. This receiver is rated at 105 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. The RX-V863 has three HDMI inputs with 1080p pass-through and analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD and Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio access, as well as two subwoofer outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 7.2 channel description of the the RX-V863). To find out more on whether this receiver is worth your consideration, check out my Short and Full Reviews of the Yamaha RX-V863 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver, as well as a close-up physical look via my Yamaha RX-V863 Photo Gallery Report.
3. Onkyo TX-SR706 THX-Certified 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Onkyo USA
The Onkyo TX-SR706 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver brings THX Certification, high-end audio and video performance, as well as flexibility to a reasonable price. This receiver is THX Select2 Plus Certified is rated to deliver 100 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. On the video side, the TX-SR706 has 4 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and Faroudja video processing and up to 1080p upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD connectivity and both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Compatibility. To find out more on whether this receiver is worth your consideration, check out my product profile of the Onkyo TX-SR706 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
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4. Denon AVR-2309CI 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
When it comes to Home Theater Receivers, Denon offers some great options, and the Denon AVR-2309CI is a great value. The AVR-2309CI is a 7.1 channel home theater receiver that features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding as well as Four 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 Faroudja DCDi procsessing. To make speaker setup easier, the 2309 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. Rounding out with a full 100WPC across seven channels, the AVR-2309 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system. Whether you are putting together a DIY or Custom Installed home theater system, check out the AVR-2309 for inclusion.
5. Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI
Photo (C) Onkyo USA
The Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver brings high-end audio and video performance, as well as flexibility, at an extremely affordable price. This receiver is rated to deliver 90 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. On the video side, the TX-SR606 has 4 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and Faroudja video processing and up to 1080i upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD connectivity, Sirius Satellite Radio Compatibility, and Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup. To find out more on whether this receiver is worth your consideration, check out my product profile of the Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
6. Yamaha RX-V665 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver
With the RX-V665, Yamaha has incorporated two HDMI video 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.7. Harman Kardon AVR-354 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Harman Kardon AVR-354 is a solid, great performing, home theater receiver. Some of the features include 75-wpc high current amplification, built-in decoders for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD, as well as standard Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, Dolby Surround Headphone, and an included docking station for iPod connectivity. On the video side, the AVR-354 is no slouch. In addition to 3 HDMI 1080p-compatible inputs, this receiver also has analog to 1080p video upscaling using a Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing chip. However, my favorite thing about Harman Kardon, are the excellent, very well illustrated and easy-to-understand User Manual and Quick Start Up Guide that they provide the consumer, and the AVR-354 is no exception.8. Yamaha RX-V663 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI
Photo (C) Yamaha Electronics Corporation
The Yamaha RX-V663 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver offers high-end audio and video performance, as well as flexibility, without breaking the bank. This receiver is rated to deliver 95 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. For video, the RX-V663 has two HDMI inputs with 1080p pass-through and analog to HDMI video conversion (no upscaling, however). Other features include both iPOD and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as two subwoofer outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 7.2 channel description of the the RX-V663). To find out more, check out my product profile of the Yamaha RX-V663 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
9. Marantz SR5003 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Marantz SR5003 offers great features AND performance. The SR5003 is a 7.1 channel home theater receiver that features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding as well as 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 SR5003 also includes Audyssey MultEQ. For more added convenience, the SR5003 comes with a backlite remote, which makes it easy to use in a darkened room, as well as a short depth chassis which makes installation easier in cabinets and racks. Rounding out with a full 90WPC across seven channels, the SR5003 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system.10. Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Photo (C) Sony Corporation of America
Home Theater receivers have definitely evolved, with even mid-priced units incorporating features and performance, in some cases, that did not even exist as recently as a couple of years ago. With the STR-DG920, Sony has incorporated such features as three HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, iPOD compatibility, and XM satellite radio. If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, with lots of features and potentially good performance for the price, then Sony STR-DG920 may deserve your attention. For more details, read my Product Profile.
