This model includes features like multiroom audio, Sonos compatibility, and even compatibility with high-end music software like Roon. With a DTS:X-enabled receiver connected, the rest of the setup is straightforward, really - the auto-calibration system optimizes all dialogue and sound effects feeds for you. and it’s likely to stay that way for some time. HDMI ARC and eARC: What they are and why you should care, Dolby Atmos takes movies and music to the next level. What's up with that? But several other receivers, like the Denon AVR-S750H, offer support for different video standards. In terms of main source connections, the Sony STR-DH590 only has four HDMI inputs. The 5.1-channel surround audio system has been around for two decades now, and has become the absolute standard for home theaters. At the time of writing, there's simply nothing else quite like it. It easily beats comparable models from Onkyo, Yamaha, and Arcam in both sound quality and feature set. The Onkyo TX-NR686 is an ideal alternative to some of the pricier models above, especially if you don't need the additional channels and power. 2. If you're looking for a good pair of up-firing Atmos speakers, we recommend the Klipsch RP-500SA (full review here). If you don't have great sound, then you're only getting half the experience. If you’re not into reading tech specs, you can think of an A/V receiver as a phone, and a surround sound codec as an app on that phone. Channels: 7.2Dolby Atmos: YesDTS:X: YesWattage Per Channel: 90/8Ω, Two-Channels DrivenWhat We Like: Significant price drop makes this incremental update worthwhile.What We Don't: Lacks some features, and has an outdated interface. You think those things come for free? Past test speakers include Pioneer Elite floor standing, bookshelf and center channel speakers, Aperion Audio Verus Grand, Bowers & Wilkins CM8 S2, Elac UB5, Paradigm Monitor 8 subwoofer, and GoldenEar technology SuperSub XXL, though our assortment of test speakers constantly rotates with new models. When it comes to video, the MRX 1120 naturally offers support for 4K and high dynamic range (HDR) content in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, with support for 4:4:4 chroma and BT.2020 colorspace. Channels: 9.2Dolby Atmos: YesDTS:X: YesWattage Per Channel: 90/8Ω, Two-Channels DrivenWhat We Like: Clean Sonos integration makes wireless speaker audio a breeze.What We Don't: We think it’s overpriced right now. Cleverly, its Bluetooth connection is two-way, which means you can stream to the RX-A680 from a tablet or smartphone, but it can also stream out to wireless headphones or speakers. Do not do this. If all that sounds splendid, then take a look at a receiver like the Denon AVR-X8500H which will allow you to upgrade to Auro-3D functionality via a firmware update. HDMI 2.1 is slowly coming into operation. If you want the same Denon quality, but aren't prepared to pay quite as much (and don't need as many channels) try the AVR-X3600H. Their products are slowly becoming more and more integrated with A/V receivers, and we think the Integra DRX-3.3 does the best job here. You’ll be able to control receiver volume by using the brilliant Sonos app, and you can also attach up to three Sonos Port devices to your receiver. If you’re interested in gaming, watching videos, or listening to music, you probably already have some concept of what an A/V receiver is. However, right now, it’s only worth considering if you’re a gamer and want to get the absolute best out of your XBox or PS5. A receiver takes all the incoming audio and video signals, and reroutes to them their correct locations on the fly, sending audio out to your speakers and video from your games console (for example) to your TV. It’s not just that it gives you all the features you need, including a range of codecs; that’s a given. Marantz NR1710 7.2-channel AV Receiver. If this is very important to you in a receiver, you may want to consider a separate digital-to-analog converter (DAC). For those who value fidelity over convenience, hi-res audio support is included as well and makes good use of the receiver’s 32-bit/768 kHz differential-output digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Anthem is a well-known name among those who demand top-tier sound quality in their A/V receivers, and the 11.2-channel MRX 1120 is the top dog of the company’s latest offerings. Hardly anybody has ever used them. We like it for pure sound quality, but it’s far from the best receiver here.See the Denon AVR-S540BT. For every impressive home theater system, there’s a workhorse receiver at the helm. If you're dealing with a smaller space, you're better off choosing something like the Sony STR-DN1080.See the Denon AVR-X4700H. The system’s menu also allows user-definable level adjustment, and can even boost hard-to-hear dialogue above the other sounds. It may be parsimonious with features, especially when compared to models like the $278 Sony STR-DH590, our top budget pick. Yamaha, On the other hand, are both affordable and easy. If you have to put it in a cabinet, make sure it at least has enough space. DO NOT DO ANY CONNECTING WITH YOUR RECEIVER PLUGGED IN. Don’t blame us; blame the industry. Copyright ©2020 Designtechnica Corporation. That means you can use it to watch special content on 8K TVs. It's probably a bit much for our purposes to go into here, but we do offer an explanation of the different types of video in our roundup of the best Blu-ray players. Receivers are, for the most part, big, clunky workhorses - it’s usually a struggle to get manufacturers to include technology that the rest of the audio world is already enjoying. Switch to the relevant HDMI input using your TV remote. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is giving speaker wire a run for its money. There is almost no 8K content available yet, and until the widespread implementation of things like HDMI 2.1, that’s unlikely to change. Why you should buy this: You want a titan of a home theater brain, combining power, performance, and longevity. This is a very good thing, as it allows the transmission of ultra high quality video, including resolutions up to 10K. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, it’s not nearly as simple or straightforward as it could be. Yes, we put this last for a reason. While 8K is available in some form or another today, the technology is still new and prohibitive for most people. It gives you all the features you’ll need to get started with a basic surround speaker setup, and draws its wealth of features from its bigger brother, the bestselling STR-DN1080, featured below. VERDICT. You also don't get quite as many surround sound options - just Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Neural:X. Why you should buy this: It fits easily within most people’s budgets, yet the Sony STR-DH590 still provides nearly every feature found on much more expensive receivers. If there’s one Yamaha RX-A680 limitation to be aware of, it’s the small selection of HDMI inputs — you only get four, which means you may need to supplement with an HDMI switcher in the future.