Best AV Receiver for Music Review & Buying Guide 2023

An AV receiver is an electronic component used in home theaters for boosting the listening experience. It can translate the sound in many different ways and amplify it to increase its quality. Additionally, the AV receiver’s music availability helps handle various inputs, letting users adapt to the system set-up quite easily.

In recent years, numerous companies have begun manufacturing the Best AV Receiver for Music. It makes things difficult for an average buyer to make the selection. We understand you are feeling difficulty in selecting the ideal model due to limited resources.

Best AV Receiver for Music available in the market 2022

There is a need for special characteristics in an AV receiver for making the music better. Our team has tested several models for creating the list of the Top 10 AV receivers for music to buy in 2021. Go through each one we have mentioned and choose the one you like most.

1. Pioneer SX-10AE Home Audio Stereo Receiver (editor’s choice)

The SX-10AE is a fine all-in-one solution that can form a strong base for a stereo system. It is a well-crafted AV receiver that lets the users enjoy an exceptional experience without making too much investment. This awesome device comes with a 6.35 mm headphone jack and a brilliantly designed volume knob for extra convenience.

The users are allowed to adjust the left/right balance if the room doesn’t have a symmetrical setup. The highlight of this unit is its direct energy design that hugely assists in augmenting the sound quality. It is a Bluetooth-compatible model allowing the users to connect a variety of devices like tablets or PC.

This model from the Pioneer brand also comes with an automatic tunning system to easily find favorite stations in their town. With a power of 85W per channel, we believe it can give enough boost to amplify the sound brilliantly.

2. Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver

The second choice we want to suggest to the buyers is the STR-DH790 from the Sony brand that can be a treat for home theater lovers. It is a wonderful entry-level receiver giving access to two extra channels compared with its previous model. This incredible beast is super convenient to set up and asks for very little effort from a newbie.

If we talk about its functionality, it comes with a digital optical, a coaxial, and 4 analog inputs that are quite solid from a music point of view. Additionally, there are five-way binding posts supplied by this unit to connect the left and right channels. You will also find four HDMI inputs and an output on the top side that makes its functionality better.

It is a quiet product supporting both Dolby and DTS surround formats that very few products can do. This best AV receiver for music is designed for developing 360 degrees of immersive sound. It bounces the sound brilliantly off the ceiling and immerses it brilliantly in the listening room.

3. Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 AV Receiver (best retro AV receiver)

We have a handy number of music lovers who still prefer vintage touch in the environment. The RX-V385 is such an incredible choice: it has a retro black look and is known for top-class audio performance. It is powerful equipment having very impressive functionality using seamless Bluetooth connectivity.

In terms of input performance, it comes with two coaxial & analog audio inputs and an optical input for better connectivity. There is also a USB input designed on the front side for easier connection with an external drive.

This quality unit has an utterly straightforward installation process thanks to the setup guide’s availability that comes with the package. In addition to music, we like its dynamic range for movies allowing the dialogues to stay fully precise.

4. Pyle Store Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier (best for home entertainment)

Many readers must have been looking for a simple-to-use AV receiver for their home entertainment. We won’t disappoint them by presenting the PT694BT that can give you 1,000 watts of peak power to the environment. The presence of this top-quality device will make you enjoy convincing amplified audio.

It features Next-Gen DSP technology that takes entertainment to a completely different level. We like the protection it offers against current and short circuits that are very common in residential homes. It keeps the device stay protected all the time.

There is a crystal clear display on the front side to let the users know about the operation. Other notable features that Pyle USA has added in this AV receiver are 4K Ultra HD TV Pass, wireless streaming, and surround sound among others.

5. Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver (best under $300)

Are you looking for a quality entry-level AV receiver that doesn’t ask you to invest tons of money? Well, don’t look beyond AVR-S540BT from Devon which is equipped with 5.2 channel technology. It is a beautiful receiver delivered to customers’ homes with a highly serviceable remote.

It comes with five-way binding posts for opening a pathway for a range of connections. This AV receiver for music has a USB port on the front side for connecting a flash drive for adding extra functionality to the system.

It is superb equipment that supports a great number of formats like FLAC, WMA, MP3, and many more. Additionally, you will find an integrated Bluetooth system for ensuring wireless audio transmission.

6. Marantz AV Receiver SR8012 (best for Dolby sound)

If someone is looking for a high-caliber AV receiver, we will say the SR8012 is the most excellent example to mention. It is pretty amazing 11.2 channel equipment providing a power of 140 watts per channel that is hard to beat.

This machine is nothing less than a beast delivered to your home in a very classy package. It is a modern high-end AV receiver having eleven channels for integrated amplification. It ensures you can easily deal with the majority of parties quite easily.

However, its biggest feature is the highly dynamic Dolby sound that can bring sensation to the environment. Listening to audio soundtracks in the presence of this equipment can be a treat that you shouldn’t miss enjoying.

7. Sony STR-DN 1080 (best 7.2 AV Receiver)

The STR-DN 1080 is a mid-priced AV receiver offering impressive 7.2 surround sound thanks to the assortment of nice features set. The Sony brand manufactures it with a perfect balance of performance and functionality.

You will say it deserves this position in the list of best AV receivers for music after having just 10 minutes of listening to sound. There are seven channels of amplification offering 100 watts of power in each channel. They offer enough power for making the environment energetic and maximized.

Other brilliant sets of features you will love with this AV receiver are integrated Wi-Fi, NFC One-touch support, and Apple AirPlay among others. In simple words, we will say it can be the centerpiece of your music room for giving enjoyment while playing immersive songs and action movies.

8. Denon AVR-X4500H Receiver (best 9.2 Ch 4K AV Receiver)

This one is quite a remarkable AV receiver having nine-channel Atmos technology for a unique musical experience. The Denon AVR-X4599H comes with a great roster of functionality that ranges from fully embraced codec support to a world-class connectivity system.

It has seven 4K/HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI inputs and three outputs to better connect the devices. Furthermore, Denon has crafted it in a new cosmetic design for a fully chic finish that can enhance the décor of your place for sure.

We believe this unit is unbeatable if someone watches its peerless two-channel presentation. There won’t be a problem creating a live stage-like experience with this classy AV receiver in any situation. It is one of few highlighted AV receivers that can light up your mood in a matter of minutes.

9. Yamaha RX-V4A AV Receiver (best for high slew rate)

The buyers looking for an AV receiver that can provide an exceptional slew rate should choose this model from the Yamaha brand. It is a nice innovative device that always gives superb wireless surround performance. However, its biggest highlight is an excellent slew rate amplifier for making brilliant bandwidth.

All the HDMI outputs and inputs available in this AV receiver are 8K ready making it a perfect next-generation pick. Many advanced video formats are supported by this unit, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+.

Additionally, the availability of a sophisticated HDMI support system boosts the gaming to a fully different level. This unit’s unique feature is its ALLM and QFT features that make the entire listening experience dynamic. Overall, it is one of few fantastic AV receivers that never disappoint the buyers in any way.

10. Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver (best budget-friendly pick)

People who believe buying a quality receiver isn’t possible at a lower price will think again after using the Yamaha R-S202BL. It is a top-class budget-friendly model having an immersive set of features for creating a terrific music environment.

It has a very advanced circuitry construction that allows the users to enjoy brilliant functionality at their fingertips. Despite being available for such a low price, it comes with Bluetooth for streaming various music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.

There is a superb connection made by signal ground and power supply for letting the users enjoys an amazing S/N ratio. Another distinctive feature that environment lovers will like is its eco mode, which reduces power consumption by nearly 0.5 W once you set the standby mode.

 How to choose the best AV receiver for music? Buying guide

There are so many AV receivers available from different brands in the market that are enough to confuse buyers’ minds. We will tell you about a few things to check in an AV receiver to know whether it is worthy to shop or not.

• Room Size

The room size is the main thing you need to check in an AV receiver as it gives us the foundation about how much power is required. Although there is no hard & fast rule for size, it affects when you look for an AV receiver to enjoy music. Make sure the model you choose adequately supplies the music to the entire area.

• Number of Channels Needed

The next thing to take care of is the number of speakers needed to be connected with the receiver. The two popular versions of AV receivers available in the market are 5:1 & 7:1, where the left digit refers to the number of speakers that can be connected. Choose according to speakers available for connection.

• How much power needed

The electrical power is measured in watts that vary from one AV receiver to another one. There is a simple rule followed in terms of power i.e., the more power you have, the more its cost will be. Go for the model that offers the right level of power for an ideal listening experience.

• Sound Quality

The quality of sound is a very important prospect you need to check in an AV receiver. It is suggested to choose a model having high-quality components for listening quality sound convincingly.

• Room Calibration

Room calibration is one of those critical features that only clever people check in the AV receiver. It calculates the number of reflections in a room to customize sound as per the needs. This feature is a must-have if the receiver will be used in a room with an unusual shape.

• Sound Codecs

The next thing to carefully evaluate in an AV receiver is its sound codecs. The most common ones available nowadays are Dolby Atmos & DTS: X. Dolby is a great option for larger rooms that can accommodate high height speakers while DTS:X is the right choice for small areas where height speakers can’t be kept.

• Budget

Although the exact price of a quality AV receiver varies according to its features, a quality model usually falls between US$ 200 & US$ 600. It would be best to choose a unit based on the features you need in your musical experience.

What are the benefits of an AV receiver for a music system?

We believe you should be aware of an AV receiver’s benefits for a music system that are explained in detail below:

• Music Translation

An AV receiver is a very useful device for translating the various music sources and coding them into a single medium. It results in giving a better musical experience for the listeners.

• Amplify Sound

Another great advantage of a receiver is its ability to amplify the sound and make it a theater-like feeling. It ensures the listeners can enjoy music in a highly energetic environment.

• Combined Operation

An AV receiver is a very useful device for combining the power of different components in a music system and allows them to work as per their potential.

• Boost Flexibility

There are multiple inputs handled by an AV receiver comfortably that give top-class flexibility to the users while setting the system. Additionally, it also makes things very convenient for first-timers.

• Sound Clarity

This device can be a blessing for music lovers as it offers much-needed clarity to the sound. You will feel a great sort of clarity in the beats while playing songs or action movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I install an AV receiver in the home theater?

An AV receiver is highly recommended if your goal is to improve the sound quality and make it better for listeners. The availability of this unit actually assists in home theater set-up.

Can I run the AV receiver all the time?

The majority of stereo & home theater systems are created to use minimal power in the standby mode, so leaving the AV receiver on won’t cause any issue at all.

Where do I put the AV receiver?

As per experts, there should be a space of three inches above the AV receiver’s top. That’s why home theater furniture is specially designed for giving proper ventilation to the system.

How long does a quality AV receiver last?

Although it can last for decades without causing any trouble, a home receiver’s normal lifespan can usually 7-8 years.

Do AV receivers really make the sound quality better?

It let the users control the audio across various speakers making sure they can benefit from 5.1 and 7.2 channel audio options. Additionally, it amplifies the sound boosting the quality to its best.

Can we make the video better with AV receivers?

Yes, this equipment is very useful for boosting lower quality signals with the help of video processing.

Which is the better receiver or amplifier?

If you use a quality AV receiver, then we will say it is the better option of the two. It makes things convenient apart from making sound amazing in most cases.

Conclusion

There is no lack of quality models in the market, but you have to dig deep down to find the best AV receiver for music. We have tried to save time for our readers and presented the top models that anyone can buy as per their needs. They are fully tested for various music systems in our workshop, so keep yourself free from any worries. The addition of this equipment can help in making the listening experience much more amazing.

If there is a query regarding AV receivers that you want us to address, write about it in the comment section.