If you went out to find an AV receiver for your needs, you will indeed be overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices you have. Probably you began the journey thinking it would be an easy task – just check out the number of channels and features you need, make a choice among a few options and make a purchase – that’s it! But, in practice – it isn’t as easy as it would appear. There are several options you have and a few with some technical jargons that would do nothing but misleading you and a plethora of features that would leave you spellbound.
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That is precisely why we thought of compiling a few formidable options you can give a try to. Well, we would just want to be your helping guide in your journey to find the best AVR you can buy in.
Top 5 Factors You Need to Consider While Buying AV receivers in India
Well, we already mentioned that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best AVR options for your home theatre. However, there are a few features that you would take care of while buying your favourite AVR so that you would end up getting the best in class functionality.
This is an important criterion and the one audiophiles are most interested in. Most of the modern day AVR systems support 5.1 and 7.1 channel AVRs. In fact, these two are the most commonly used layouts. In case, you are looking for high end 9.1 or 11.1 systems, you have the choices available, but we would consider a 5.1 or 7.1 system should be most suitable.
In many cases, a 50 to 100 Watts of power should be more than enough. In fact, when you buy an AVR, power should not be something you really need to care much about. Ideal systems have a power range between 50 to 100 watts. That should be enough for most situations
The number of connections would be dependent upon the number of equipment and the type of connectivity they come with. HDMI being one of the most common input methods these days, you should have enough number of HDMI ports depending upon your devices. Of course, other connection types like USB and AV ports would also be important and solely be dependent on the equipment you have.
Most of the AVRs these days come network enabled. However, it would be worthwhile to analyse whether you really need it. Most common network connectivity is offered through WIFI and Ethernet. You can check out other options like Bluetooth, AirPlay and Chromecast support. However, opt for them only if you really use them. You can save a few bucks without them.
This is another area that needs special attention. Some media like Blu-Ray discs come with multiple audio and surround sound formats – notable among them being Dolby ATMOS and DTS-X. Your choice of AVR should be dependent upon which surround formats you would need. This will again be dependent on the equipment you would be connecting to your AVR.
Top 5 AVR to Buy in India
With the knowledge about what to look for in an AVR, we will now check out a few select AVR options you can give a thought to. Without going into much ado, we will list out the best AV receivers you can find meeting your requirements in.
Onkyo TX-8220 2 Channel Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth
The Onkyo TX-8220 2 Channel Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth is the best you can go with if you are interested in the basics of the best AVR. The two-channel amplifier is best suited for a starter and offers a continuous power output of 45 W/Ch.
The AVR also features an AM/FM tuner with 40 preset stations and a CD input. The connections available include one digital optical and one digital coaxial options. You will also get a couple of analogue audio inputs for a CD player or cassette recorder/player. You have access to a larger display providing status info and a larger master control.
It comes with Bluetooth alone in terms of connectivity options and other advanced features like WiFi or Ethernet are not provided.
Pros
- The AM/FM tuner with 40 stations preset.
- The capacitors provide optimum performance without distortion.
- It serves as the discrete amplifier.
Cons
- There are sound issues if it does not meet the power requirements.
Q: Which frequency range does it support?
A: The frequency range supported would be 20Hz to 20 kHz
Q: What is the maximum speaker capacity supported?
A: 100 Watts
Denon X Series AVR-X540BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
The Denon X Series AVR-X540BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver is a high-end performer with advanced features making it an excellent choice in every right. What makes it a formidable choice is the host of advanced features like 4K compatibility, HDR and ARC.
With an excellent 5.1 channel system, it offers you a maximum rated power of 130 watts per channel. The outstanding 5 HDMI inputs, it should indeed be the best you can go with for the video functionality.
The built-in Bluetooth compatibility offers you the ability to stream any content seamlessly over Bluetooth.
Pros
- Echo Mode for a reduced power consumption
- Ease of setting up and configuration
- Compatibility with HEOS link provides a streamlined option for hundreds of online music sources.
Cons
- WiFi cannot be used to stream music to the receiver.
- Lower treble performance.
Q: How many subwoofers can you connect to it?
A: Two subwoofers can be connected
Q: Does it support Dolby ATMOS?
A: No, the AVR does not support Dolby ATMOS
Yamaha 1840 Home Theatre 5.1
The Yamaha 1840 Home Theatre 5.1 channel AV receiver is the ultimate option for those looking ahead for a truly 5.1 channel surround sound performance. The kit is available with six speakers and thus should be the complete package for all your needs.
Offering a maximum of 135 Watts per channel power at 6 Ohms, the Yamaha 1840 Home Theatre 5.1 AVR has four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.
You tend to get the best in class HDR support as well. Support for Dolby audio, DTS -X and Cinema DPS should provide you with an excellent functionality at its core.
Pros
- Eco Mode that reduces the power consumption by around 20 per cent
- Multi language colour On screen display
- Compressed music enhancer option that revisits the lost effects if any in a compressed music.
Cons
- There is no Bluetooth connectivity option
- The design is quite traditional and may not be trendy
Q: Can a subwoofer be added?
A: Yes, you can add an active subwoofer, but the package comes with a passive subwoofer.
Q: Does it have USB connectivity?
A: No, it does not offer any USB connectivity.
Marantz NR1608
The Marantz NR1608 is one of the excellent options in the realm of AV receivers, but what made us include it in this list is its compact size. If you are someone who is constrained for space, this would be your best bet. The 7.2 channel system comes with a power capacity of 50 watts per channel.
You have an excellent collection of eight HDMI inputs that should meet almost all your connectivity requirements. A few other features that would make it a formidable choice include DTS virtual ready, HDR and Dolby vision compatibility.
The AV receiver is compatible with AirPlay and offers HEOS link functionality for hours of online music streaming.
Pros
- The convenience of connecting to an external amplifier
- It comes with Audyssey technologies letting you control the volume of each of the speakers
- Clear and distortion free sound quality
Cons
- Audio auto tuning may not produce good results
- Though it works with Alexa, fails to understand your commands at times.
Q: Internet radio available on the receiver?
A: Yes, it supports updates and internet radio through streaming
Q: How can I add Chromecast device to the receiver?
A: You can connect using the HDMI port
Denon AVRS730H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
The Denon AVRS730H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver should be an ideal option if you are just a beginner in the realm of high end AV receivers. Of course, it isn’t something affordable – but still has been included in this list because of the simplicity it offers both in terms of ease of use and setting it up. Offering a power capacity of 75 Watts at 8 Ohms per channel, it supports 4K and HDR 10.
The support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-X should make it an excellent option for the object oriented sound performance. Featuring six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, it should help you connect with almost all your equipment with ease.
The connectivity options available on the receiver are indeed plentiful. Some of them include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and the ability to stream from DLNA servers.
Pros
- Provision of Dolby ATMOS and DTS-X
- Support for high end technologies like 4K HDR, HDCP 2.2, and BT.2020
- Automatic selection of active input
Cons
- Does not support a few file formats like Apple Lossless and WMA
- Heavier construction
Q: Does it support HEOS online streaming?
A: Yes, it does support online streaming through HEOS
Q: Does it have Alexa?
A: Yes. In fact, it can be totally controlled by Alexa.
What Does an AV Receiver Do?
The AV receiver is what acts as the main component of a home theatre system. In fact, it can be considered to be the major component that helps you control and drive your home theatre system. Of course, we have been checking out a few great AV receivers in this post, but how about learning how exactly your AV receiver work?
Basically, an AV receiver does have two functions – one; it amplifies the sound that is fed into your speaker system. Next, it lets you switch between the audio and video channels that would wish to watch or listen to. To put it in a layman’s words, an AV receiver will let you switch from a live TV program to a DVD or some other channel.
Some of the functions that your AV receiver carries out can be summarised along the following lines:
Terms Used in the Context of AVR
At times, a few terms and jargons may not be easy to understand. Here are a few key terms that you may be interested to learn a few details about:
The Parting Thoughts
That was all we have with respect to the best and top end AV receivers you can buy depending upon your exact requirements. The list is not exhaustive, but it should ideally help us initialise you into what you can expect from an AV receiver. Like we said when commencing this compilation, there are too many choices and options available when choosing a good quality AV receiver. The ones we have listed here are just a peek into the lot available.
Have you used any of the AV receivers we have featured here? If you have, do share your thought and inputs with us so that our readers will benefit from your experiences.
A mom to 2 kids, Sandhya has been passionate about cooking and home decor since her early twenties. She loves spends more than enough time researching & then buying useful home & kitchen appliances and trying out new recipes.
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Recently, I was thinking of buying a AV receiver and this post came exactly on time. I devoured this article and it was really interesting and most important thing not boring for sure.