The Home Theater Receiver is the heart of a home theater system, providing centralized connection and control. High end Home Theater Receivers also provide extensive audio and video switching and processing, and most also provide network connectivity and custom control capabilities. Check out my list of high end home theater receiver favorites in the $1300 and Up price range.
For additional Home Theater Receiver suggestions, also check out my listings of Home Theater Receivers - $399 or Less and Home Theater Receivers - $400 to $1,299.
Also, check out my Guide to Home Theater Receivers for everything you need to know before purchasing one.
1. Yamaha Aventage RX-A3010 3D-Compatible Network Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Yamaha Electronics Corporation
The Yamaha Aventage RX-A3010 Home Theater Receiver has power, up-to-date features, and an abundance of connectivity options for any home theater. This receiver is rated to deliver 150wpc, and features Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. The RX-A3010 also has two subwoofer outputs and preamp outputs for an additional three two-channel zones. In fact, the RX-A3010 can be expanded to up to 11.2 channels for main system operation using additional external amplifiers. 
On the video side, the RX-A3010 has eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs along with 1080p upscaling using the HQV Vida video processor. The RX-A3010 is also DLNA certified, which allows audio streaming from other devices, such as a PC or media server connected in a home network. Extra bonuses include direct iPod/iPhone connection via USB, Internet Radio, and also HD Radio and Bluetooth connectivity (via optional adapters).
The RX-A3010 is definitely a great example of how home theater receivers have morphed into a comprehensive gateway for access and distribution of audio, video, and network-based content for today's home theater systems.
Also available, the RX-A2010 (140wpc, fewer video setting options, no 11.2 channel expansion option) - (Compare Prices).
2. Pioneer SC-55 and SC-57 Elite Home Theater Receivers
Photo (c) Pioneer Electronics
Pioneer has two great entries in their high-end Elite home theater receiver offerings, the SC-55 and SC-57. Incorporating powerful 140 watt-per-channel amplifiers, assignable 9.1 channel speaker configuration, extensive video processing, network connectivity, internet radio, and custom installation control integration, both these receivers have just about everything you need for your setup. Also, both receivers are THX-Certified - the SC-55 is THX Select2 Plus Certified, while the SC-57 is THX Ultra 2 Plus Certified. The SC-57 also has more flexible speaker and amplifier assignment options, and also incorporates "precision distance", which allows adjustment of listening position-to-speaker distance (except for the subwoofer) to within 1/2 inch. Also, the SC-57 has a set of 5.1/7.1 multi-channel analog audio inputs, while the SC-55 does not. For more details on both these receivers, read my product profile of the Pioneer Elite SC-55 and SC-57 home theater receivers.
Compare Prices for the Pioneer Elite SC-55
Compare Prices for the Pioneer Elite SC-57
3. Onkyo TX-NR5009 9.2 Channel 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver
Image (c) Onkyo, USA
The Onkyo TX-NR5009 is an example of the new breed of home theater receivers that combine the latest audio processing, video upscaling, multi-room capability, and media player/extender functions. Taking its place as Onkyo's flagship, the TX-NR5009 is THX Ultra2 Plus certified, which am assignable 9.2 channel configuration combined the latest surround sound processing technology, including Dolby ProLogic IIz, Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X. On the video side, the TX-NR5009 is 3D-enabled, complies with ISF standards and has 8 HDMI inputs and two outputs, with 1080p upscaling via HQV processing and 4K scaling via via QDEO processing. To top it all off, the TX-NR5009 offers HD Radio (via adapter) and Internet audio streaming, which include access to Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, and vTuner.
Also available, the TX-NR3009, which has a slightly lower power output, smaller power transformer, and 24-bit, instead of 32-bit DACs (Digital-to-Analog audio converters).
For more details on both receivers, read my TX-NR5009 and TX-NR3009 combined product profile
Compare Prices for the TX-NR5009
Compare Prices for the TX-NR3009
4. Denon AVR-5308CI 7.1 Home Theater Receiver with Networking and Wi-Fi
If you are looking for the ultimate home theater receiver and cost is no object, then consider the THX Ultra 2 Certified Denon AVR-5308CI. This unit weighs in at 62 pounds and has 7 internal amplifiers with 150WPC at .05% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). The 5308 features extensive surround decoding options, including the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD formats incorporated into many Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. In addition to impressive audio, the AVR-5308 has audio/video switching with analog to HDMI conversion and 1080p upscaling, 1080p compatible HDMI inputs, and built-in network and wi-fi connectivity. For more details on the features and operation of the AVR-5308, check out the 100+ Page User Manual.5. Anthem MRX700 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Anthem MRX700 Home Theater Receiver offers 7 channels of amplification, lots of power, practical features, and excellent performance for your home theater setup. With HDMI 3D pass-through, analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling, Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, Internet Radio, iPod connectivity, and Anthem's own room correction and speaker setup system, the MRX700 is definitely worth consideration. To find out if the Anthem MRX700 is the right Home Theater Receiver for you, read my Review, and also check out my supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.
6. Pioneer Elite SC-37 7.1-Channel 3D/Network Home Theater Receiver
The Pioneer Elite SC-37 enters the market with THX Ultra 2 Certification. Some of its extensive feature package includes a 140 watt x 7 channel amplifier with Bang & Olufsen ICE amplifier technology , 2 subwoofer outputs, 6 3D and Audio Return Channel compatible HDMI outputs and 2 outputs, and Marvell QDEO 1080p video upscaling. Of course, the SC-37 provides decoding for all Dolby and DTS surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio and also included Dolby Prologic IIz processing. Extra bonuses include direct iPod connection via a conveniently located front-mounted USB port, Sirius Satellite radio compatibility, Internet radio access via Ethernet connection to a home network (router) and, to make speaker setup easier, the Pioneer SC-37 features the MCACC speaker calibration system.7. Onkyo TX-NR1009 9.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Onkyo USA
First off, the TX-NR1009 is THX Select2 Plus Certified, and offers Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Audyssey DSX, and Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X speaker setup options. In addition, the NR1009 provides 8 3D-enabled HDMI inputs and two outputs, front mounted USB port, 1080p and 4K video upscaling, and Windows 7 certification with network connectivity via ethernet, including access to online content from Pandora, Rhapsody and more. The ethernet connection also allows for direct download of any needed firmware updates. The TX-NR1009 even includes the now rare dedicated Phono input for connection of a standard vinyl record turntable. To make setup and use easier, the TX-NR1009 also includes Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume.
For more details, read my TX-NR1009 Product Profile
8. Marantz SR8002 THX Select2 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The Marantz SR8002 offers loads of features AND great performance. This receiver is THX Select2 Certified and features a solid 125 WPC. The SR8002 also features decoding for the latest audio formats, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio, well as 4 HDMI 1.3 input/2 output switching. Also included: HD radio tuner, plus connectivity for both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, and flexible multi-zone operation for accessing a different source for a second (or third) audio setup in another room. Also, to make speaker setup easier, the SR8002 offers the Audyssey MultiEQ system. If you are looking for a flexible, high performance, receiver for your home theater and price is not an issue, definitely listen to the Marantz SR8002.9. Denon AVR-4311CI 3D-enabled Network Home Theater Receiver
The AVR-4311CI is a 9.2 channel home theater receiver that features Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, and Dolby ProLogic IIz and Audyssey DSX. In addition, this receiver features 3D compatibility, and 1080p upscaling via the Anchor Bay ABT-2015 processor. Also, Audyssey automatic speaker setup, Lip-synch adjustment, Ethernet and WiFi network connectivity (with access to internet radio), and USB ports on both front and rear panels for connecting an iPod or flash drive provide access to lots of functionality. There are even two HDMI outputs and two sub outputs. The AVR-4311 also has extensive multi-zone connectivity and control. Rounding out with 140WPC across nine channels, the AVR-4311 deserves to be at the heart of a high-end home theater system.