Home theater receivers provide a great way to centralize the connections and functions of your home theater system. The great thing is that is even moderately priced home theater receivers now provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky high prices. Below is a list of my favorite budget home theater receivers ($399 or Less).
For additional Home Theater Receiver suggestions, also check out my listings of Home Theater Receivers - $400 to $1,299 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.
1. Onkyo TX-NR509 5.1 Channel 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver
The TX-SR509 really packs in both features and performance at a very reasonable price. First off, it is a 5.1 Channel receiver that delivers 80 Watts-per-Channel (2 channels driven), combined with TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, as well as HDMI 3D and 1080p pass through and switching (4 in/1 out), Zone 2 preamp outputs, and HD Radio connectivity via optional docking station. Extra bonuses include iPod/iPhone connectivity via USB port, Internet Radio (including Pandora, Rhapsody, and vTuner), and media streaming from other network-connected devices, such as a PC. The TX-NR509 also includes a "music optimizer" to enhance the quality of MP3 music files. Also, to aid in setting up your speakers properly, the TX-SR509 incorporates the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup system. This receiver is definitely worth checking out.
2. Yamaha RX-V471 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Yamaha RX-V471 is priced below $399 but offers a lot. First off it has a powerful 5.1 channel amplifier (85WPC- measured with 2 channels driven), Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, front panel mini-jack for digital audio players, onscreen setup menu, and Bluetooth connectivity via optional adapter. The front mounted USB port will accept iPods, iPhones, and USB flash drives. The SCENE function allows preset or customized listening and viewing modes. One great feature is the Silent Cinema headphone surround output. Also included is HDMI 3D and Audio Return Channel support and 1080p pass through switching (no upscaling) via 4 HDMI inputs. The RX-V471 even offers the YPAO speaker setup system. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance, the RX-V471 may be just the ticket.
Also available, the RX-V371, which eliminates the USB input feature, does not have an onscreen setup menu, and does not have the YPAO speaker setup system. Compare Prices for the Yamaha RX-V371.
3. Denon AVR-1612 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Denon AVR-1612 is good example of how high-end features have filtered down to a very affordable price level. The AVR-1612 sports a 5.1 Channel configuration with an adequate 75WPCx5 output that is perfect for small or medium-size rooms. Also, the AVR-1612 incorporates Dolby ProLogic IIz processing (additional 2-channel amplifier required) in addition to Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. For video, the AVR-1612 has four 3D compatible HDMI inputs. However, it does not offer analog to HDMI conversion or upscaling. On the other hand, other practical features include, the Audyssey MultEQ automatic speaker setup system, as well as a front mounted USB port for accessing digital media content directly from either an iPod or iPhone as well as flash drives and compatible USB hard drives. If you are looking for a home theater receiver that offers little more for a little less, then check out the Denon AVR-1612.
Also, if the AVR-1612 is not in your budget, check also check out the Denon AVR-1312, which provides the same audio and video features, but eliminates Dolby Prologic IIz, Audyssey MultEQ, and USB connectivity. Compare Prices for the AVR-1312.
4. Pioneer VSX-821 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Pioneer VSX-821-K provides a built-in 5.1 Channel configuration (80 wpc - 2 channels driven) with Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and Dolby Pro Logic IIz audio processing (external amplifier required). The VSX-821-K also incorporates 4 HDMI 1.4a 3D pass through inputs and switching. 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. The VSX-821-K also has Pioneer's MCACC speaker calibration system which makes speaker placement and level setup very easy. However, one downside is that onscreen menu is only accessible via composite or component video output.5. Denon AVR-1611 3D Compatible Home Theater Receiver
Most consumers think of Denon products as high-end and high-priced. However, Denon makes some great performing, moderately priced home theater components. One example is the AVR-1611 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver. Its 75WPCx7 output is perfect for small or medium-size rooms. Also, the AVR-1611 incorporates Dolby ProLogic IIz processing in addition to Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. For video, the AVR-1611 has four 3D compatible HDMI inputs as well as analog to HDMI conversion (no upscaling). As a final bonus, the AVR-1611 incorporates the Audyssey MultiEQ automatic speaker setup system. If you are looking for a good sounding home theater receiver, but don't have a lot of cash, the AVR-1611 is definitely worth a listen.6. Yamaha RX-V467 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Yamaha RX-V467 offers a lot for its $379 price tag, such as a powerful 5.1 channel amplifier, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding for Blu-ray Discs, front panel mini-jack for digital audio players, and both iPod and Bluetooth connectivity via optional adapters. The SCENE function allows preset or customized listening and viewing modes. One of my favorite features is the Silent Cinema headphone surround output. Also included is HDMI 3D support (via firmware update) and 1080p pass through switching (no upscaling) via 4 HDMI inputs. The RX-V467 even offers the YPAO speaker setup system. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance, the RX-V467 may be just the ticket.7. Sony STR-DH820 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
If you are looking for a home theater that is not only reasonably priced, but easy to use, then consider the Sony STR-DH820. Using the included Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration feature, the STR-DH820 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 Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz, 4 HDMI inputs, analog to HDMI conversion and up to 1080p upscaling, and a USB port for connection of an iPod or USB flash drive. The STR-DH820 also provides Zone 2 preamp output and speaker Bi-amping options. The STR-DH820 definitely offers quite a bit for its price point. To dig in a little deeper before you make a purchase decision, check out the user manual.8. Sherwood RD-7503 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
If you are looking for a receiver that can complement a basic home theater system, check out the Sherwood RD-7503. The core features of the RD-7503 include 7.1 Channel sound decoding and processing (including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), 3 input HDMI pass-through video switching, auto speaker setup system, front panel input for an iPod or portable digital audio player, Bluetooth connectivity via optional adapter, and Sirius satellite radio input (optional tuner/antenna and paid subscription required). The RD-7503 is not high end, but it offers practical features and good overall performance for the price. For details on the setup and operation of the RD-7503, you can download the user manual before you make a purchase decision.9. Sony STR-DH520 Entry-Level Home Theater Receiver
If you are looking for an entry-level home theater receiver, check out the Sony STR-DH520. This receiver features 7.1 Channel Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio/Multi-channel PCM decoding, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing and 4 3D-compatible HDMI inputs and one Audio Return Channel-enabled HDMI output. The STR-DH520 even offers a pass-through mode that allows access to HDMI connected devices even if the receiver is off. The STR-DH520 is definitely not high-end, but definitely practical features and good overall performance for the price, and is great for a modest home theater system. For details on the setup and operation of the STR-DH520, you can download the user manual.