The Home Theater Receiver is the heart of a home theater system. It not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as a control center for all of your components. High end Home Theater Receivers also provide extensive audio and video switching, as well as video upscaling capabilities. Check out my list of high end home theater receiver favorites in the $1300 and Up price range. Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.
1. Pioneer Elite SC-09TX 10.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver
At a price of $7,000 and a weight of 78.3 pounds, the THX Ultra 2 Certified Pioneer Elite SC-09TX is a formidable home theater entry. Some of its extensive feature package includes a 140 watt x 10 channel amplifier with Bang & Olufsen ICE amplifier technology , 2 subwoofer outputs, 6 HDMI outputs and 2 outputs, Marvell QDEO 1080p video upscaling, home networking and firmware updating via Ethernet, and front panel LCD monitor display. Of course the SC-09 provides decoding for all Dolby and DTS surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. The SC-09 looks great and sounds great; for $7,000 I wouldn't expect less - but it still doesn't pop the popcorn...
2. Yamaha RX-Z11 11.2 Channel Flagship Home Theater Receiver
Photo (c) Yamaha Electronics Corporation
Yamaha has introduced the $5,500 THX Certified RX-Z11 Flagship home theater receiver. The RX-Z11 weighs 73 pounds and features 11.2 channel surround sound capability. Although all channels can be used in the same room, you can also reconfigure the channels to run one, or more, multi-channel systems in different rooms. This receiver also offers THX Loudness Plus, 5 HDMI 1.3a inputs (including one on the front panel) and 2 HDMI outputs, 1080p upscaling of all video input signals, on-board decoding of Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD, Internet Radio and audio streaming via a PC, and both XM and HD radio capability. The RX-Z11 can also be controlled by a PDA or PC within a network. For more details, check out the Yamaha RX-Z11 Official Product Pages.
3. 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.4. Yamaha RX-V3900 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver With Networking
Photo (C) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Yamaha RX-V3900 is a high-end home theater receiver designed to be a complete centerpiece for a home theater system. Having used the RX-V3900, I can say that it just about does everything except make the popcorn and pour the soft drinks. With features such as extensive audio decoding options (including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), HDMI upscaling and switching, iPod connectivity and control, XM/Sirius Satellite and Internet radio (including Rhapsody access), and also built-in Network and Bluetooth capability, this receiver can perform any audio or video task required now, and in the forseeable future. Check out both my Short and Full reviews, as well as my RX-V3900 Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results.
5. Onkyo TX-SR875 7.1 Channel THX Home Theater Receiver With HQV Video Processing
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Onkyo TX-SR875 is one of the next-generation receivers that incorporates onboard decoding of the latest surround sound formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. In addition, this receiver offers upscaling of all analog video signals via Silicon Optix HQV video processing, extensive audio and video connection options that are easily accessible, power to spare, and excellent audio performance. If you are looking for a reciever that successfully integrates high-end audio and HD-video, then consider the Onkyo TX-SR875. For additional details, check out both my SHORT and FULL Reviews. Also, for a further close-up look and explanation of the connections and functions of the TX-SR875, check out my Photo Gallery.
6. Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH Home Theater Receiver
The Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH is a powerful unit with extensive connection capabilities, including iPOD connectivity, HDMI switching and upscaling, second zone preamp and monitor outputs, and, USB input for access to audio, video, and still files stored on flash drives, and home network connectivity via Ethernet for access to internet radio or music, video, and still image files stored on a PC or Media Server. The VSX-94TXH also has power to spare (140 WPC/.09 THD) and both excellent audio and video processing features, including the incorporation of a Faroudja DCDi video processor. For those wishing for an AV receiver that integrates extensive audio and video features, backed up with great performance, definitely check out the VSX-94TXH.7. 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 SR8002.8. Denon AVR-4308CI 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The AVR-4308 is a 7.1 channel home theater receiver that features processing for almost all surround formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. In addition, this receiver features full analog and HD video connectivity and processing, including analog to HDMI conversion with 1080p upscaling. Also, Audyssey automatic speaker setup, Lip-synch adjustment, both Ethernet and WiFi network connectivity, 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. The AVR-4308 also has extensive multi-zone connectivity and control. Rounding out with 140WPC across seven channels, the AVR-4308 deserves to be at the heart of any home theater system.9. Yamaha RX-V3800 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p Video Upscaling
The RX-V3800, delivers great sound with 140wpc across seven channels, combined with high-current design and low distortion. Several useful features are: Analog to HDMI conversion and up to 1080p scaling; YPAO automatic room setup option, which aids in setting up your speakers, and both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility. In addition, the RX-V3800 is also network compatible via its built-in Ethernet connection, which allows access to internet radio and PC music files. If you are looking for a high end upgrade for your current Home theater system that can deliver great audio and video in the $1,700, or less, price range, then definitely give the Yamaha RX-V3800 a look and a listen.