Best Home Theater Receiver Reviews

Best mid-priced receivers

In this category, you will find the most optimal price/quality ratio top AV receivers 2024. Mid-range devices can provide almost all currently available modern features and capabilities because they have enough channels to create surround sound, including the ability to add overhead speakers for an even more realistic immersion in the visual content. Such devices also support 4K resolution and a high frame rate of 120 Hz (sometimes even 8K video formats), HDR quality, and support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other modern surround sound formats. They also have plenty of connectivity options, including HDMI In/Out, inputs for connecting analog and digital devices of an old and new type, phono inputs for connecting turntables, and wireless connections for using streaming services and voice assistants. You can also often find Multi-zone audio and much more.

Let’s not waste any time and get to know my first guest, a representative of a well-established brand. Stock up on popcorn, we are starting our virtual journey into the world of audio and video.

Denon AVR-X3800H – best overall

The leader in this category is the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-channel receiver, introduced by the company in 2022. This brand’s products are often winners in my picks because Denon creates AVRs with an optimal price/quality ratio. Having recently merged with the elite Marantz, the company produces the most similar models in terms of options and capabilities while maintaining a reasonable price. At the same time, regarding the quality of internal components, the brand’s receivers are far superior to the rest of the competition. You can always rely on the sound quality, which will not decline over the years, and therefore, you cannot lose by choosing equipment from this brand.

The only drawback for me is the unassuming appearance of the AVR-X3800H compared to other representatives of the mid-price segment of my review. Denon never bothers with a design like Marantz and Yamaha do (the main competitors in terms of quality), but most likely, this helps the brand remain affordable (well, relatively so). But the receiver does well with its internal components, which affect not only the sound but also how long it will last, even under heavy use. Otherwise, everything else is standard, but I’m not crazy about the narrow buttons right below the LCD. As I pressed them, I got all over the glass. Still, it’s less nightmarish than the Yamaha RX-A2A’s fully glossy case. And the LCD is bright and large (look at the Marantz Cinema 60; you can’t see anything on the LCD). And I conclude that simplicity is sometimes more comfortable, even though it’s unsightly.

It has great connectivity, which includes 5 Analog In, 2 Optical and Coaxial (Digital) In, and 1 Phono (MM) In. Thanks to them you can connect all kinds of devices for listening to music, watching movies and vinyl player. But most importantly, it has 4 independent Subwoofers Out and up to 11.4 channel expansion options. This is simply excellent, as this optionality extends the life of the device and enhances future upgrade possibilities. You can also split the audio signal into 2 Zones or use the HEOS Wireless Multi-Room Technology for use in different rooms of your home. USB, AM/FM Tuner, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are standard for this category, where the latter two allow you to use streaming services (AirPlay 2, TuneIn, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Roon Tested) and voice assistants (Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, Apple HomePod).

The Denon AVR-X3800H has 6 HDMI inputs, each supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz resolution, and 3 HDMI outs (HDCP 2.3, ARC, eARC) with 8K upscaling and 3D signal Pass-through options. And in this category, that’s the optimal number multiplied by version 2.1. So you have Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG video formats available. At the same time, the range of audio formats that the receiver supports is amazing. Here DTS:X, DTS HD Master, DTS Neural:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D (neither Yamaha RX-A2A nor Marantz Cinema 60 decodes it).

The Denon AVR-X3800H offers an incredibly warm sound, typical of the brand. As for the power, the specifications state 105W (8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive). Given the excellent THD, you can crank the volume to the max without fear of interference. But taking into account the possibility of expanding the system up to 11 channels, such power is not enough (premium 11-channel Marantz SR8015 and Denon AVR-X6700H have 140 W each, which is what a large system needs). Nevertheless, watching the movie Kingsman immersed me in the spy world, making me deflect objects flying across the screen during spectacular fights. It’s very realistic, quite clean, and, of course, stunningly voluminous. AVR-X3800H keeps an excellent balance; each sound wave reaches the right point in space, and I never once observed desynchronization or even the slightest delay.

As for stereo, I adore Denon for its versatility (not all receivers can handle surround sound and stereo at the same level). This time, it was a record by Fleetwood Mac, and it was a delight, as the warmth and dynamics of the brand gave the vinyl the right tone for me. The wireless connection also performed to a high standard. But since you’re saving to buy the AVR-X3800H (if you’re comparing it to premium models), I highly suggest you don’t skimp on the speakers.

I chose the narrow ELAC Debut 2.0 F5.2 front towers for testing, and they gave me an excellent blend and clarity when paired with our receiver. These mid-range speakers don’t require complicated installation and setup for the inexperienced listener but sound on par with more expensive speakers. The soundstage is rich, with pronounced highs and midrange. But for maximum enjoyment, add subwoofers (you can add 4 to the AVR-X3800H!), and this pair will have you dancing to techno, rave, hip-hop, or rock. What’s your favorite? They can handle any genre.

Marantz Cinema 60 – also great

Next on my list comes also a great 7.2-channel mid-range receiver, the Marantz Cinema 60, released in 2022. More similar to the Yamaha RX-A2A but closer in cost to the Denon AVR-X3800H, it has a stunning exterior and great data, along with Marantz’s impeccable quality that puts it in the ranks of best home theater receiver.

Externally, of course, you can immediately see that Cinema 60 belongs to the elite class. Perfumed side panels, a beautiful small round screen in the center, and the buttons are pressed so softly and clearly that I would recommend it to those with frayed nerves as a sedative. But I’ll honestly admit that I don’t love this LCD in the updated Marantz lineup, as you can’t see anything on it. Sure, you have on-screen menus, but I prefer the old format of communicating with the tech when I see that the receiver has reacted to what I’ve commanded. But the main “fat” is on the inside, as evidenced by the 24 pounds of net weight (for comparison, the Denon AVR-X3800H weighs in at 27.6 pounds, and it has more amps, after all). This is what makes a 7-channel AVR so expensive (more than the Yamaha RX-A2A, also with 7 channels of amplification). Any brand receiver will last you as long as you want it to.

The Cinema 60 has no Composite or Component inputs. Still, it does have 4 Digital In (2 Optical and 2 Coaxial), Phono (MM) In, and 2 Subwoofer Out (these are what make it a 7.2-channel receiver) and 1 USB on the front panel. In addition, HEOS Multi-Room Integrated, AM/FM Tuner, and Wi-Fi with Bluetooth are available. Like the other two in this category, the receiver also works with voice assistance (Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, Apple HomePod) and streaming services (AirPlay Audio Streaming, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Pandora, and others).

Marantz Cinema 60 has 6 HDMI inputs supporting 8K/60Hz (but only 3 HDMI inputs support 8K video), 4K/120Hz, Upscaling 1080P/4K to 8K resolution, and 2 HDMI outputs (HDCP2.3, ARC, eARC). Works with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR video content. Audio format decoding is available for DTS HD Master, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and their configurations. In this area, the receiver is more similar to its predecessor, the AVR-X3800H, offering fairly high-quality upscaling to 8K, unlike the Yamaha RX-A2A, which can only upscale video quality to 4K. However, the Cinema 60 is not as good at this feature. Almost every video had brief but noticeable delays or pixelation.

Marantz has its own unique sound that has many fans. This model has similar power capabilities to its predecessors with 100W (8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive), as you can see, with the same low THD. In testing (this time by the wonderful comedy Red Notice with a great soundtrack), it performed well, demonstrating high-quality realistic surround sound. I felt like I was in the center of the action and even bounced in my chair a few times; since the studio for testing the 7-channel system was chosen to be smaller (about 200 square feet), the AVR’s power was enough for me. But I wasn’t surprised at all. When the most prestigious brand puts the word Cinema in a model name, you should expect a receiver simply made for movies.

This time I tested the stereo with AirPlay 2, and it was excellent. Clean, high notes, distinct midrange, and deep bass – excellent quality. The only downside is the paid Audyssey MultEQ Editor app.

Yamaha RX-A2A

Yamaha RX-A2A has the lowest price of the other mid-priced segment. With its minimalistic exterior, the model is also quite young, released in 2020, and can offer a great home theater experience. Before you buy this receiver, listen to it, as Yamaha has a specific sound, but undoubtedly a quality one.

Yamaha’s Aventage lineup looks recognizable and simply stunning. Until you start dealing with the receiver directly, all of my fingerprints, and even what seemed like a breath mark, stayed on the glossy surface. And the controls on the front panel are touch-sensitive. I handle these receivers with gloves, believe me. It takes me a lot of time to scrub those stains off afterward! The LCD underneath the gloss in the upper right corner is practically invisible. In short, if you have a housekeeper you hate – this design will not embarrass you (pity the housekeeper, please). Still, the build quality is very nice; even the 22.5-pound weight is almost identical to the Marantz Cinema 60.

The RX-A2A is a cheaper alternative to the Marantz Cinema 60 as it also has 7 amplification channels. Yet, it doesn’t deprive you of the ability to create a 2-Zone Multiroom broadcast and branded wireless MusicCast Surround system. In addition, there’s an extra subwoofer output to create a 7.2 configuration for fat bass lovers. It has USB ports (and another front), Phono Input (MM), Optical Digital Audio Input, Coaxial Digital Audio Input, and 4 analog inputs. It has 7 HDMI Inputs (4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz) and 1 HDMI Output (HDCP 2.3, eARC). You can watch HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG HDMI video formats and enhance low-quality content to 4K with Upscaling (not up to 8K like the AVR-X3800H or Cinema 60). The Yamaha RX-A2A decodes Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and DTS-HD Master Audio formats, so you’re keeping up with the times.

Of course, you should expect device compatibility with streaming services (Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, etc.) and voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri). Left to mention is the presence of Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and an FM/AM Tuner.

Regarding power, the RX-A2A is inferior to the Denon AVR-X3800H but is on par with the Marantz Cinema 60, offering 100 W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.06%, 2ch). I’ve already mentioned the specifics of the Yamaha sound; it’s somewhat cold. However, that does not make it worse; the brand also has a huge number of fans because of this sound. I tested the multi-channel device on the movie Free Guy, which has a great soundtrack, including digital sounds, dialogue, and music. The quality is excellent; I had no complaints, and the detail and frequency separation is high. I did notice some sound delay (minor) a couple of times, though. Perhaps this fact is not worth mentioning, but I must mention it. Listening to Spotify left me thoroughly satisfied, and Alexa worked without interruption.

Best budget receivers

People often mistakenly believe that to assemble a theater system, they need to go literally bankrupt and give up the idea of buying one. In this category, I have collected budget home AV receivers, which, although they have limited options compared to the expensive ones, are still the most popular, high-quality, time-tested receivers. They can provide you with the most important thing – to combine your equipment and provide quality sound when watching video content and listening to streaming services. Even two-channel representatives of this segment with stereo sound will still be the better alternative to a regular TV or soundbar.

Sony STR-DH790 – best budget

The only Sony representative on my list, the STR-DH790, also released in 2018, is a great device for home theater. Unlike the Yamaha RX-V385 (which is not much cheaper at all), it has a 7.1-channel configuration (even 7.2 thanks to the optional subwoofer output), offering us the option to add overhead speakers (in 5.1.2 configuration). But when you compare it to the 7-channel Yamaha RX-A2A and Marantz Cinema 60, it’s obvious that when you pay less, you get less.

One of the reasons Sony makes such inexpensive receivers is the build quality and design, which hasn’t changed in decades. Even paying attention to the weight of 16.6 pounds, it’s safe to say the internal components are inexpensive and won’t last long. This doesn’t mean the AVR will break in a year, but after a few years, its sound will deteriorate. The buttons and controls are also noticeably worse quality, walking around a bit under your fingers. And since there haven’t been any updates in years, the remote also looks like your grandmother brought it in. But wait to flip, you want to consider a budget option, right? Buying a new receiver for you in a few years will not be difficult. And that’s its advantage over expensive ones.

For its price, the receiver has limited connectivity, very similar to the RX-V385. There is 1 Optical Audio Input, 1 Coaxial Audio Input, 4 Analog Audio Inputs, the abovementioned 2 Pre Out Subwoofer and USB (for power supply only, unfortunately), 4 HDMI Inputs (supports 4K and UHD at up to 60 Hz), and HDCP 2.2 Output (eARC). You can watch videos in HDR10, HLG and, Dolby Vision, 3D, Deep Colour.

As for audio capabilities, though, Sony has outdone Yamaha, offering DSD decoding, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS: X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and others. This receiver, like its predecessor, has no Wi-Fi, but it does have Bluetooth and radio (FM only). Simple and limited, but considering its price with acceptable compromises. And compared to the competition, there are even a few nice bonuses.

For testing, I chose The School of Rock with the inimitable Jack Black. The movie’s stunning sound allowed me to ensure the quality sound of the Sony STR-DH790. The sound was incredibly realistic, musical instruments and vocals of the main characters in the surround sound immersed me in watching, making me remember my childhood. Of course, this is not the limit of audiophile dreams, but in general, in conjunction with my equipment, the receiver showed stable quality work. Stereo generally sounds great; even when using Bluetooth, I did not notice outright shortcomings. It should be noted that Sony specifies the power output only for 6 ohm speakers, and it is 145W (that’s about 90W for 8 ohms). But you’d better not turn the volume up to full power because, at 0.9% THD, there will be distortion and noise. So, just accept the fact that your windows are not going to collapse. And at medium power, the sound is pleasant and even quite detailed, as a 7-channel system should be.

Yamaha RX-V385 – entry-level AVR

Second among the budget ones, and also the most inexpensive, is the RX-V385, another Yamaha representative on my list (2018 model). The receiver is a 5.1-channel system, and despite some compromises (related to the low price), it offers an optimal selection of options.

As for the quality of construction and design, I personally like the Yamaha RX-V385 better than the Sony STR-DH790. At least, it is prettier, more modern, or something. But when I took it in my hands for the first time, not realizing that the body was soft, I almost left a dent. Keep in mind. Still, the 17-pound weight (more than the 7-channel STR-DH790) speaks volumes about the pretty good internal components. Still, the brand holds the mark, no matter what you say. You can feel it in the details. Buttons and regulators look more reliable, but you can feel plastic in everything when you touch them. Well – it is not strange for the budget segment.

The Yamaha RX-V385 has limited connections, including a USB Input (Front), 1 Digital Optical Audio Input, 1 Coaxial Digital Audio Input, 3 Analog Audio Inputs, and Composite Video jacks (3 Inputs and 1 Output). As you see, there is no phono input, so the connection of a record player is possible, but with an external preamplifier (or turntable with a built-in one). Of course, budget receivers have fewer HDMI ports (Sony STR-DH790 has the same number, for example). And in this case, we have 4 HDMI Input (4K Ultra HD Pass-through, 3D Pass-through, and 4K / 60p, 4:4:4 Upscaling) and 1 HDMI Output (with HDCP 2.3, ARC, eARC), which makes it possible to view content in HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma formats. There are as many connections as the 7-channel Sony STR-DH790, which means it’s already pretty good.

As for the sound potential of the receiver, Yamaha has equipped the RX-V385 with exclusive CINEMA DSP technology, which supports such audio formats as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio. And another feature of the device is the ability to place all five speakers in the front. In this case, you will still enjoy surround sound thanks to its virtualization.

You won’t find Wi-Fi (like the STR-DH790), but Bluetooth lets you use streaming services. You can also listen to the radio, as the manufacturer did not forget to integrate FM / AM Tuner.

This model, like most budget ones, is not very powerful. The manufacturer states the rated power of 70 W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.09%, 2ch). This is the lowest in the category, but the THD is very good so that you can listen to movies and music at almost maximum. But if you properly set up the system, place it in a small room (as I did in my testing), turn on a good movie (in my case, it was Metal Lords), and sit back in a comfortable chair – I guarantee you the quality surround sound of your home theater. I used the radio to test the stereo sound, and I liked Yamaha’s slightly cool, clean sound.

Denon DRA-800H – stereo

Once again, Denon is on my list. This time it’s the 2019 budget DRA-800H, which differs from the Sony STR-DH790 and Yamaha RX-V385 in that it has only 2 channels. So yes, it’s a home theater amplifier with the capabilities of an AV receiver, which means for almost the same price, you can get something more than the other two, but not surround sound.

Let’s start with the weight, shall we? I always tell you how important it is to know it in advance. So here’s the Denon DRA-800H at 18,3 pounds with only two built-in amplifiers. This exceeds the weight of the STR-DH790 and RX-V385, which automatically means that quality components are installed inside (disclaimer: for the budget segment, compared to other models in the category). The design is nothing new; I’ve already said Denon doesn’t bother with design changes. But I want to note that bass, treble, and balance are regulated not by buttons, as in most budget variants, but by round knobs. They respond quite smoothly in the hand, so the adjustment is more precise.

DRA-800H, as it should be a budget device, has a limited number of connectors. The manufacturer focused on video capabilities and stereo sound. There is the ability to connect two pairs of speakers, and two subwoofers, a phono input, audio separation into two Multiroom Zones, Digital Audio Coaxial and Optical Inputs, also 5 HDMI Inputs with CEC support, ALLM Pass-through, 3D Signal Pass-through, 4K Signal Pass-through 1 HDMI Output (with 4K Capability and ARC Support), and USB. Wireless connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in HEOS Wireless Multi-Room Technology. It allows you to connect your vinyl player, CD, DVD, Blu-ray players, and game consoles, as well as use streaming services from Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, Spotify, and Pandora, and use voice assistants (Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, and Apple HomePod), which sets it apart from the Sony STR-DH790 and Yamaha RX-V385. And, of course, watch videos in HDR10, HLG, and 4:4:4 color resolution. Or just listen to the radio via AM/FM Tuner.

Given the lack of surround sound, I tested the movie in stereo, keeping the tradition for this category of receivers and choosing the musical A Star Is Born with the inimitable Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. As always, Denon sounded warm and clean, with no lag or noise. Of course, as expected, this model has more power than the other two. The manufacturer’s rated wiring is 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) and 120 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive), but I don’t recommend using full volume.

I also tried the turntable with a Nirvana record. There was great detail on Kurt’s vocals, deep, languid lows, and I could feel the musicians strumming the guitar strings.

Best premium receivers

Needless to say, the representatives of this category are the most expensive and simultaneously allow you to enjoy all the features of a modern home theater fully. They have more channels, allowing you to build a full-fledged surround sound system even in large rooms. Also, these receivers support Multi-room audio for 3 – 4 Zones, making them optimal exactly for larger homes. Moreover, they have many connections and advanced configuration ports to connect various devices, including old or new appliances, game consoles, players, turntables, etc. Devices in this segment provide support for all kinds of modern surround audio formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and their configurations) and high-quality video (8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz in HDR, Dolby, 3D and IMAX formats), allowing you to keep up with the times, using streaming services and voice assistants of all kinds. And, of course, the clearest sound possible at high power.

Marantz SR8015 – best premium

If you are interested in top-rated AV receivers, you must have a big house because the 11.2 channel Marantz SR8015 will need a big room (just like the second member of this premium segment Denon AVR-X6700H, but I’ll tell you about it a little later). Released in 2020, the model with a hinged front cover, behind which the control of basic functions is hidden, looks modern, but the main “beauty” is on the rear panel.

First, it is worth noting the possibility of expanding the system up to 13 channels, thanks to the possibility of connecting an additional stereo receiver. Thus, you can enjoy the full possibilities of surround sound using overhead speakers to build a 5.2.6 or 7.2.4 system for Dolby Atmos. As well as broadcast audio to 3 Zones. If you have a large family with different preferences – having a scandal-free evening is no problem now.

SR8015 looks modest, understated, and even simple, but you can’t help but feel that chicness. It is clear that you can (and should) expect something amazing for its price, but still, the quality is amazing. The metal is treated as if you’re holding a handmade jewelry chest. The weight of the receiver – 38.4 pounds – also hints at this. It’s unbreakable and will serve you, your children, and your grandchildren. And with the same quality as the first week of use. There are expensive components inside this machine, and gold-plated RCA connectors are another thing that affects signal transmission quality. All the buttons are sensitive exactly as required, with no pressure, no clicking, just a delight for those who understand good technique. Released in 2020, the model with a hinged front cover that hides the main function controls looks luxurious. Even the small round screen here doesn’t annoy me too much because there’s a full-size LCD hidden under the cover. But the main “beauty” is on the back panel.

The SR8015 has an amazing number of connections (much more than Marantz Cinema 60 has): Composite (5 Inputs and 2 Outputs), Component (3 Inputs and 1 Output), 7 Analog Inputs, 2 Optical and Coaxial Digital In, Phono (MM) In, and as you can see from the description above, 2 Subwoofer Outputs. As a result, all your old and new equipment will no longer be lying in the attic or boxes but will take its rightful place in your home system. The number of HDMIs is also impressive. The receiver has 8 HDMI inputs (Scaling up to 8K/60Hz, 3D Signal Pass-Through) and 3 HDMI outputs (CEC, eARC) for HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, and HLG video viewing at 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz and advanced gaming (ALLM Pass-through, VRR, etc.). But 8K is only available on 1 of the inputs.

Its audio capabilities are also excellent. The Marantz SR8015 decodes DTS HD Master, DTS:X Pro, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. Of course, it lets you listen to Hi-Res Audio, use streaming services (Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM), voice assistants (Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, Apple HomePod), and has AirPlay2, TuneIn Internet Radio and HEOS Multi-room and Streaming system built in. I had no qualms about finding Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an AM/FM Tuner in it. Impressed? I’m not. I’ve seen the Marantz SR8015’s price and couldn’t have expected less.

The power capabilities of this model are also astounding like they should be; if you remember, we’re talking about a large room. The manufacturer wilts 140 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive) or 175 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive), and I am happy with the THD (much better than Marantz Cinema 60). An inexpensive receiver will not give that kind of clarity at high power. To test such a receiver, you need to pick up dynamic movies, I decided, and settled on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings of Marvel. The clang of metal, the sounds of stunning nature, the flight of the Dragons, and the fight scenes make you experience the movie as if you were directly inside the picture. It’s a great experience. Quiet scenes and dialogues are heard clearly and in detail. In stereo, the receiver proved monstrously powerful (I tried playing with a Muse record and Deezer wirelessly), making every vein of my body dance.

Denon AVR-X6700H

You might laugh, but the Denon AVR-X6700H and Marantz SR8015 are almost identical in their options. The X6700H, also released in 2020, also has a hinged cover to protect the main front panel controls and is also an 11.2-channel surround sound receiver with an expandable configuration to 13.2 with an optional receiver (allowing for 5.2.6 or 7.2.4 systems). And the AVR-X6700H has a rectangular LCD as opposed to the round one on the SR8015. But the difference is very noticeable if you compare X6700H and X3800H, also presented in this review.

The AVR-X6700H once cost as much as the Marantz SR8015 does today. But the cost of one and the other has been reduced as time marches on, and some features are considered obsolete (this mainly refers to the fact that the receivers only have 1 HDMI input that supports 8K resolution video). The AVR-X6800H has replaced the AVR in question, which aligns more with modern video requirements. But there are no claims to the quality of construction. This model can also serve for a very, very long time. The processor, chips, connectors, and control buttons are made with such care for the user that if I were to choose between two models, I would definitely choose this one. Well, because I don’t see the point of paying for a name, I realized Denon’s advantages in this sense long ago.

I don’t even know if it’s worth describing the connections because they are the same as the Marantz capabilities. I’ll try to shorten it. So, Multiroom for 3 Zones and HEOS Built-in for wireless audio to other rooms are there. By the way, maybe Denon is always a little cheaper for similar models to the Marantz, partly because HEOS is a native development of the former and is almost always used in the latter. You can also connect “everything to everything” thanks to a wide variety of jacks: old equipment (Component and Coaxial Inputs), a vinyl player (Phono Input), a CD player, Blu-ray DVD, video console (Xbox, PS, Nintendo) and more. There is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Like the Marantz and more than the Denon AVR-X3800H, the number of HDMI ports (8 inputs with HDCP2.3 support, high-definition video, Upscaling, and 3 outputs (including CEC and ARC/eArc)).

So 8K 60Hz or 4K 120Hz video is available for Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and 3D video formats, and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, DTS Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D audio decoding (I found the difference: Denon does not decode DTS Virtual:X, if that matters to anyone). Hi-Res Audio, streaming services Spotify, Deezer, Apple Air2, and others, and voice assistants are also available.

Regarding sound quality and power, the Denon AVR-X6700H is as good as the Marantz SR8015 but gives much better THD than the Denon X3800H. So, it seems that the choice between the two representatives of this category comes down to which brand you are in the army of fans. After all, for all their similarity, the receivers sound different because the manufacturers strive to maintain uniqueness.

I also chose Marvel for testing, but it was Captain Marvel this time. The power made me shake and flip in my seat (I must say, I have great speakers), and the “movement” of the sound was as if sometimes it went through me. Top-notch. I also have no complaints about the stereo on the vinyl player (Kiss record) and Pandora. The cleanest tops, deep fat bass – everything is in its place, and I want to enjoy the quality again and again. But without using subs, the Denon has less bass (so choose wisely), and I always check the receiver’s “clean” sound. Also, when switching sources, I noticed infrequent but distorted images.