Top Home Theater Receivers - Priced at 399.00 or Less

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. Onkyo TX-SR506 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

With the TX-SR506, Onkyo has incorporated solid features and performance in a reasonably priced home theater receiver. First off, this is a full 7.1 Channel-capable receiver that delivers 75 Watts-per-Channel, combined with Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES surround sound processing options. In addition, HDMI 1080P pass through and switching (3 in/1 out), Zone 2 line outputs, and iPOD connectivity via optional dock provide additional flexibility. The 506 also includes a "music optimizer" to enhance the quality of MP3 music files. In addition, you don't have to worry about setting up your speakers properly as the TX-SR506 also incoporates the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup system. The Onkyo TX-SR506 certainly deserves a listen and a look.

4. Denon AVR-1508 7.1 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-1508 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver. Its 75WPCx7 output is perfect for small or medium-size rooms. The AVR-1508 is also XM satellite radio ready, iPod compatible, and has two HDMI 1080p pass-through inputs. If you don't want to take advantage of its 7.1 channel capability, you can configure the AVR-1508 to run a 5.1 channel surround for your home theater setup and also run a separate two-channel stereo system in another room. The AVR-1508 is definitely worth a listen.

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. Pioneer VSX-918V - 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

If you are looking for a flexible receiver that doesn't break the bank, check out the Pioneer VSX-918V. Featuring 5.1 Channels with Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Prologic IIx, and DTS-ES surround processing the VSX-918 has the power and options you need for a home theater system. This receiver also incorporates HDMI 1080p switching and both XM and Sirius satellite radio inputs. With optional XM and Sirius tuner/antennas and paid subscription, you can listen to a full range of XM and/or Sirius radio offerings, including XMHD surround broadcasts. Also, another great convenience is a front panel mounted USB port that allows direct connection of an iPod. The VSX-918 also has Pioneer's MCACC speaker calibration system.

8. Onkyo TX-SR304 5.1 Channel Entry-Level Home Theater Receiver

The TX-SR304 delivers what it promises, both in terms of home theater and music reproduction. The TX-SR304 also offers features that are practical for the user.

Although not offering the extensive connectivity, features, and more complex audio/video processing of higher-end units, the TX-SR304 offers essentials for today's entry-level user: Excellent sound quality, HD-compatible component video switching for use with HDTVs, and an easy-to-use remote control. For more details, check out my TX-SR304 Product Review.

9. Marantz SR3001 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Marantz isn't the type of manufacturer you would associate with inexpensive home theater receivers, but its SR3001 is priced less than $399. Admitedly, the SR3001 doesn't offer HDMI inputs or HDMI switching, but still offers a bevy of video and audio input options, including HD-component inputs. The SR3001 features 7 channels of amplification with a rated output of 60 watts per channel, Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES decoding, 32-bit digital audio processing, both digital optical and digital coaxial audio inputs, as well as 7.1 channel analog audio inputs. The SR3001 also offers SRS Tru-surround Headphone, which delivers a surround sound experience with any set of headphones. The SR3001 is definitely worth a look and an listen.