If you are looking for a satisfactory product but do not know how to choose a good AV receiver among those sold online, we invite you to carefully read our ranking, where you will find careful reviews that will help you make a comparison between the most interesting offers.
For those unfamiliar with what equipment, an AV receiver is nothing more than a device capable of performing different functions, one for amplifying audio, improving sound performance, and one for radio tuning. If you are interested in purchasing this product but are unsure which AV receiver to buy, you are in the right place.
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How to buy a good AV receiver
If you have read our opinions on the best AV receivers, but you are still undecided about which features to look for in a product, then you will find this section of the guide very useful. AV receivers can vary in size and function, so it is good to evaluate your needs before buying one.
Attention also to the price, it is not said that the most expensive is the best model. On the contrary, there are many quality AV receivers sold at an affordable price, so our advice to save money is to make an accurate comparison between the various models on the market.
What is an AV receiver?
AV receiver is a practical audio device thanks to which it is possible to manage the sound of the TV, CD player, and turntable. Just connect each device to the AV receiver and select the appropriate channel.
The product’s main advantage is that with a single subwoofer or set of speakers, it will be possible to listen to the audio of CD and that of the TV without having too many remote controls scattered around the house.
The volume can be adjusted simply with the knob on the AV receiver or with its remote control. Also, you can quickly switch from the TV’s audio to that of the stereo without having to get up from the sofa.
How does an AV receiver work?
On the back of the AV receiver, you will find input and output channels and ports where you can connect your devices. The input channels take care of ‘receiving’ the sound and the image to transmit it from the outgoing speakers. Then the CD player, turntable and TV will go to the entrance, while must connect the speakers to the exit channels.
On the market, there are AV receivers, particularly suitable for listening to music, and others for setting up a home theater system. You will need at least a couple of speakers and a good subwoofer to manage the bass that will connect to the correct outputs for the audio reproduction.
Once all the connections have been made, you have to choose which source to play the sound from using the remote control. Can also use the AV receiver to tune radio on analog and digital frequencies.
DAB receiver, what is it?
A DAB receiver is nothing more than a model that can tune into digital radio. Unlike frequency-based, digital radio uses data exchange to transmit programs faster, drastically reducing interference.
Usually, DAB receivers also have FM/AM tuner and, in some cases, web radio. When listening to the DAB radio on the AV receiver, you will also see program information on the display.
For music or home entertainment?
Until a few years ago, home theater systems were a luxury that few could afford, given the prices of the various devices and speakers required to set them up. However, with the progress of technology, they have become much more accessible, especially thanks to AV receivers sold at lower prices.
If you want to set up a good surround-sound system in your living room or your room, you must choose an AV receiver that has been decoding for Dolby Surround so that you can maximize the sound of movies, TV series, and video games.
The model must have the input to connect subwoofers and any speakers in the environment to create the surround effect. Not all AV receivers are suitable for home theater, so please check the product sheet carefully before buying one. For music, instead, it is better to focus on a model with a good sound, especially if you intend to use it to listen to music on CD.
Functions
By now, most devices have Bluetooth connectivity and USB inputs to listen to music digitally. Some models of AV receivers with these functions allow users to connect smartphones, tablets, and portable PC to transmit playlists from the device to the AV receiver. In the same way, a USB device can be connected via the USB port to play the music files contained.
AV Receivers suitable for listening to music can also read high-quality files such as WAV and FLAC, as well as the classic MP3. Some models also have integrated Spotify, thanks to which an Internet connection will be enough to access their streaming playlists saved on the platform directly.
Among the various most appreciated functions, we also find the possibility of listening to DAB digital radio or web radio for an imposing range of programs to choose from.
As with other devices, tools, and household appliances, dimensions and materials should not be underestimated when choosing an AV receiver. If you live in a studio apartment or want to place the product on a shelf in the room, it will be a good idea to choose a product with reduced sizes to arrange it without cluttering up too much space. Many compact devices still manage to deliver good sound, although many are limited to listening to music.
Usually, home theater AV receivers are quite cumbersome, and you must also consider the space needed to place the subwoofer and the surround speakers. As far as materials are concerned, we advise you to choose a solid and resistant product; the components are primarily important to obtain a good sound.
The buttons must be responsive and not give the idea of getting stuck after a few uses. Ensure that the AV receiver you have chosen has the supplied remote control, so you can use it even if one of the buttons breaks.
This factor often raises the price of the product, so it is always good to look at more than one model to find the one with the right value for money.
How to connect the subwoofer to the AV receiver?
It depends a lot on the model, but usually, look for the pre-out output on the back of the AV receiver and connect it to the coaxial output of the subwoofer using the correct cable.
Read the instructions for the correct connection of the speakers and the subwoofer to your AV receiver; the rules change for each model according to the number of inputs at the output.
There is no risk in wrong connections; if you have doubts, you can do several tests and see the right output. Once found, we recommend taking a photo on the back to keep the correct configuration in memory.
Can I use the receiver with a 4K TV?
Yes, as long as this is equipped with the right technology to support the input of sounds and images reproduced by a UHD TV. Usually, these receivers are suitable for creating a home theater and have different Dolby or DTS: X decodings, so we recommend them only if you intend to set up a surround system.
If you don’t have space in your home, you can always choose a good soundbar capable of simulating the sound atmosphere created by a home theater or a pair of good surround headphones.
The Best AV Receivers to buy
The ranking that you will find below was made thanks to the feedback from consumers who, after testing the devices, highlighted their strengths and weaknesses. So let’s see together, analyzing in detail the characteristics, which is the best AV receiver for your needs, remembering that the newest or best-selling product is not always preferable.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.