The home theater receiver not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as a control center for other components, providing both audio and video switching. 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 budget home theater receivers ($399 or Less). Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.
1. Yamaha RX-V465 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Yamaha RX-V465 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 own favorite features is the Silent Cinema headphone surround output. Also included is HDMI 1080p pass through switching via four HDMI inputs. The RX-V465 even offers the YPAO speaker setup system. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver with useful features, power, and performance that you normally find on mid-priced units, the RX-V465 may be just the ticket.
2. Onkyo TX-SR307 5.1 Channel Entry-Level Home Theater Receiver
The TX-SR307 offers essentials for today's entry-level user. Excellent sound quality is bolstered by both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound, plus new surround sound processing technology for two-speaker listening setups: DTS Surround Sensation. For connectivity, the TX-SR307 provides 3 HDMI inputs with 1080p pass-through and switching for use with HDTVs, front panel input for digital audio players, and both digital and analog audio inputs. Also, to get the most out of the TX-SR307, as well as making initial setup as easy as possible, it is equipped with Audyssey 2EQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume. In addition, another convenience is built-in AV Synch control, which corrects for lip-synch problems between your TV and receiver.3. Pioneer VSX-919AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
If you are looking for a home theater receiver that doesn't break the bank, check out the Pioneer VSX-919AH-K. Featuring 7.1 Channels with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding the VSX-919AH-K has the options you need for a flexible home theater system. This receiver also incorporates 4 input HDMI switching and a Sirius satellite radio input. With optional Sirius tuner/antennas and paid subscription, you can listen to a full range Sirius radio offerings. Also, another great convenience is a front panel mounted USB port that allows direct connection of an iPod (no optional dock required). The VSX-919AH-K also has Pioneer's MCACC speaker calibration system which makes speaker placement and level setup very easy.4. Onkyo TX-SR507 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Onkyo incorporates solid features and performance in a reasonably priced home theater receiver. First off, the TX-SR507 is a 7.1 Channel receiver that delivers 75 Watts-per-Channel, combined with Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound processing options, as well as DTS Surround Sensation. In addition, HDMI 1080p pass through and switching (4 in/1 out), Zone 2 speaker connections, and iPOD/HD Radio connectivity via optional docking stations and universal port plug-in provide additional flexibility. The 507 also includes a "music optimizer" to enhance the quality of MP3 music files. You also don't have to worry about setting up your speakers properly as the TX-SR507 incorporates the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup system.5. Harman Kardon AVR 154 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Just the basics...Despite a modestly rated 30WPC power output, the Harman Kardon AVR154 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides excellent sound performance in both stereo and surround sound modes. Also, with useful features, such as HDMI switching (3 in/1 out), AV Synch, and iPod connectivity, the AVR-154 is a good fit for an entry-level home theater system for those on a budget. In addition, the AVR154 User Manual and Quick Setup Guide provide easy-to-view diagrams and easy-to-read text explanations. If you have never owned a Harman Kardon product, you should definitely seek one out. Don't be put off by the modes power output specifications. You will be pleasantly surprised at how powerful this receiver sounds in a real world setting.6. Yamaha HTR-6230BL 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Yamaha Electronics Corporation
The Yamaha HTR-6230BL, despite its suggested price of $229, can be found at some retailers for $199 or less. This receiver offers practical audio features including, a powerful 5.1 channel amplifier, Dolby Digital/DTS surround decoding, front panel mini-jack for connection of digital audio players, and both iPod and Bluetooth connectivity via optional adapters. The SCENE function allows for preset or customized listening and viewing modes. Also included is HDMI switching and 1080p pass through via two HDMI inputs and one output. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver, with useful features, power, and performance that you normally find on mid-priced units, the HTR-6230BL may fill the bill.
7. Denon AVR-1610 5.1 Channel 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-1610 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver. Its 75WPCx5 output is perfect for small or medium-size rooms. Also, the AVR-1610 also has a set of front "B" speaker connections. For video, the AVR-1610 has three HDMI 1080p pass-through inputs (no conversion or upscaling), as well as a complement of component, S-Video, and composite video inputs. If you are looking for a good sounding home theater receiver, but don't need a lot of frills, the AVR-1610 is definitely worth a listen.8. Sony STR-DH800 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
If you are looking for a home theater that is not only reasonbly priced, but easy to use, then consider the Sony STR-DH800. Using the included Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration feature, the STR-DH800 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 (includind Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), 4 HDMI inputs, optional Sirius satellite radio connectivity, a Digital Media Port for connecting an iPod docking station, and Sony's S-Air feature which allows connection of optional remote wireless stations for music listening.