Any reason is a good reason to stay at home these days! The ongoing pandemic, the arrival of cold and gloomy weather and the price of movie tickets are just a few of the reasons that are pushing more and more people and families to invest in a home theater system that includes a giant TV, speakers and an AV receiver.
But how do you make sure you choose an AV receiver that satisfies your needs?
Look no further! Our team of Fillion experts has put together a list of the best AV receivers designed for home theaters to help you make the right choice for this essential device.
Since the price of this type of device can vary between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, we have decided to present 3 different devices according to their price category.
And.... Action!
Yamaha RX-V6A: the best AV receiver under $1000
Yamaha's new home theater AV receivers are forward-looking devices with technologies and features that will meet the needs of movie, music and gaming enthusiasts for years to come. The RX-V6A AV receiver is one such device.
Images and sound that will meet your expectations
The RX-V6A AV receiver supports 8K video, HDMI 2.1 and HDR10+ gaming functions, has high-speed scanning amplifiers ready for high-resolution audio signals, and of course supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
A fully connected receiver
Streaming music fans will also appreciate Yamaha's MusicCast features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, as well as multi-room audio and voice control via Alexa, Google and Siri compatible devices.
To your consoles!
Yamaha has rightly recognized that the modern human gets their multimedia fix from many different sources, with games being an important element for a growing segment of the population. The upcoming release of the next-generation PS5 and XBox Series X game consoles later this year will require serious technology to make the most of their features, and that's where these new Yamaha audio and video receivers excel.
Key features and functions of the Yamaha RX-V6A
- 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz HDMI (with announced upgrade) with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7 in/1 out)
- Modes designed to enhance the experience with games and various media - ALLM, SRV, QFT, QMS (with announced updates)
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (with announced update) and DTS:X
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice control
- MusicCast multi-room audio app control
- Compatible with Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster and many more.
- Automatic calibration of the YPAO room
- Phono input
- MusicCast Surround Compatible: Add optional MusicCast speakers to provide wireless surround sound for 5.1-channel installation
The Yamaha RX-V6A: Maximum technology and features at an attractive price
The RX-V6A is a 7.2-channel, 100-watt AV receiver with the latest video and audio features, including Dolby Atmos height virtualization, DTS:X, wireless streaming and more.
At a price under 1000$ it's a very solid choice and that's why it's the best audio and video receiver of its category in our opinion!
Anthem MRX1120: the best home theater AV receiver for under $5,000
Audiophiles often feel that all-in-one AV receivers cannot provide the sound quality demanded by high-fidelity enthusiasts. With its MRX-1120 model, Canadian manufacturer Anthem is proving that it is possible to have true audiophile stereo reproduction while enjoying the convenience of a multi-source AV receiver.
Stunning sound rendering
The Anthem MRX-1120 is an 11.2-channel AV receiver offering 140 watts per channel in the main 5.1 channels and 60 watts per channel for the other channels that are supported by the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the Anthem MRX-1120.
32-bit / 768 kHz differential output D/A converters are used for superb quality audio conversion. An S/N ratio of 110db, a bandwidth of 10Hz-31kHz (+0, -0.25 dB) and a THD of only 0.1% should convince you that this is a serious receiver for serious audiophiles.
Exceptional connectivity and streaming convenience
The Anthem MRX-1120 has a superb connectivity network, both in terms of physical and wireless installations.
Five pairs of stereo analog inputs are provided, as well as two coaxial and three optical digital inputs. An impressive 8 HDMI inputs (one on the front panel for convenience) are available, all HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compatible.
Two HDMI outputs are provided, allowing video sources to be easily routed. Additional analog presets and subwoofer outputs are provided for those who wish to use the Anthem MRX-1120 only as a preamplifier.
Wireless streaming is managed by the ubiquitous DTS Play-Fi application. Play-Fi offers the user a choice of high-resolution sources: LAN audio files, online services such as Spotify and Tidal, as well as a wide selection of Internet radio stations.
Perfect setup at any time with ARC
The MRX-1120 is equipped with the superb ARC (Anthem Room Correction) package, supplied with the receiver. This includes a professional-style microphone and calibration stand, as well as software that automatically configures the MRX-1120's digital signal processor for optimal and transparent reproduction.
Key features and functions of the Anthem MRX-1120
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X™ formats
- ARC Anthem Room Correction
- 4 speaker profile memories
- Quad core digital signal processing
- Two Sub Out Jacks (parallel)
- 32-bit / 768 kHz Differential Output D/A Converters
- Wireless network connection
- DTS Play-Fi® + "Works with Alexa" certification - Local and streaming
- HDMI and video (HDMI 2.0a)
- HDCP 2.2
- Subsampling 4:4:4 to 4K60 (18.2 Gbps)
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Compatible with Dolby Vision
- Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)
- BT.2020 Color range
- On-screen display with 4K 50/60
- 4K 50/60 switching
The highly anticipated Anthem MRX1140
Given the MRX1120's performance, many moviegoers are eager to see what Anthem has in store for them with its successor, the MXR1140.
Expected in December 2020, the MXR1140 promises to deliver and features a brand new design.
The Anthem MRX1120: A convenient AV receiver that doesn't compromise on sound
The Anthem MRX-1120 home theater audio and video receiver combines authentic, audiophile-centric sound quality with 11.2 surround sound and room correction (ARC).
Moreover, with the inclusion of the ARC package, the Anthem MRX-1120 can more than match many high-fidelity systems in audio performance and can even beat them on their own turf!
Priced between $3,000 and $4,000, it's the best high-end audio and video receiver for your home theater.
Arcam HDA AVR20: the best AV receiver for under $10,000
Arcam is one of the UK's most respected audio equipment manufacturers. The brand was founded by engineers who attended Cambridge University (hence the name Arcam for Amplification and Recording of Cambridge) and has built its reputation by using the best components and engineering practices.
The AVR20 HDA AV receiver is part of Arcam's new line of High Definition Audio (HDA) AV receivers. True to its manufacturer's reputation, this device is a marvel of design and the audio and video performance it delivers is exhilarating.
Amazing realism and immersive sound thanks to its 16 channels
The HDA AVR20 is a high-performance audio/visual receiver that delivers stunning realism for the ultimate home theater experience. With an impressive 16-channel (9.1.6) surround sound solution and incorporating all the latest Dolby, DTS and IMAX Enhanced codecs, the AVR20 is the epitome of sound quality and technical excellence. However, it can also be used as a stereo receiver with equal brilliance.
The AVR20 features class-G dynamic amplification, making it easy to power even the most complex speakers with great efficiency.
The peak of connectivity
The Arcam HDA AVR20 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with Chromecast and AirPlay, making it easy to stream music. This connectivity is also very useful as it allows the device to be configured via a web interface.
There are numerous physical inputs on the back of the device. Among others, the receiver has 7 HDMI inputs, 6 RCA inputs, 4 coaxial inputs and 2 optical inputs.
Its 3 HDMI outputs with HDR 4K now add support for eARC, which allows lossless sound output from a compatible TV.
Perfect calibration in any room thanks to Dirac Live
The receiver comes with a microphone and supports the latest version of Dirac Live, allowing you to calibrate your system's speakers to the acoustics of your room. You can also customize correction filters, group speakers together to create crossovers and create up to three profiles for different content or screening room conditions.
Key features and functions of the Arcam HDA AVR20
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X 9.1.6 decoding
- 4K (UHD) HDMI2.0b video outputs with HDCP2.2
- Easy Calibration with Dirac Live
- Class AB Power Amplification - Uses a toroidal transformer
- Wifi/Ethernet, RS232 and IR control
- Google Cast/AirPlay compatible for audio streaming
- Bluetooth
- Free MusicLife iOS and control application
The Arcam HDA AVR20: the ultimate home theater experience
The Arcam HDA AVR20 is a high-performance audio-video receiver that delivers stunning realism for the ultimate home theater experience. Its 16 output channels let you experience the sound ambience as if you were in the action.
Its build quality is flawless and worthy of the best hi-fi audio brands and makes for an exceptional receiver.
At a price under 10 000$ it is the best high-performance audio and video receiver for your home theater, period!
Make the right choice with a screening test
This concludes our presentation of three home theater AV receivers that each deserve the title of best product in their category. Of course, other models of AV receivers that were not presented could also be an excellent choice, but these three products will not disappoint.
If you want to truly understand the capabilities of these devices and appreciate their sound, why not drop by the store and try them out? You can also take the opportunity to have a look at our loudspeakers since a good receiver should be always be paired with speakers that bring out its full potential!