Best 8K Receiver Reviews

8K technology is rapidly gaining popularity in the market, and the demand for receivers that support it is increasing. This innovation offers a more vivid and life-like viewing experience with a resolution four times greater than 4K and sixteen times greater than Full HD. Best 8K receivers can provide their owners with incredible video content quality and a breathtaking movie-watching experience. But how do you pick a truly worthwhile model?

Our pick

Denon AVR-X4700H

Best 8K receiver

The AVR—X4700H delivers the ultimate home theater experience with 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz pass-through for gaming, and support for the latest HDMI specifications. Read the full review.

Buy now

In this review, I have selected the most interesting top 8K receivers available on the market. These home theater receivers offer a seamless integration of 8K technology, allowing you to enjoy an incredibly sharp and detailed picture quality. Furthermore, most of them are equipped with the latest technologies, which, apart from the highest image quality, also guarantee advanced sound processing and the most comfortable use.

Even if the receiver has 8K capabilities, that does not necessarily make it the most optimal for you. First, you must determine how simple it is to use and what additional features are available before making a choice. You may discover all of this from my reviews and the findings of the in-depth testing I conducted on each model I chose. In the meantime, let’s briefly discuss whether you need such a receiver.

8K receiver comparison table

Do I need an 8K receiver?

With the advent of new technology, whether to upgrade to the latest gadgets is always a hot topic. It holds true for televisions and their accompanying components, such as AV receivers. The 8K format is no exception. But, with the movie industry still in the early stages of adopting 8K. So, there is still too little available 8K content, which raises the question: do I need an 8K receiver?

Although the 8K technology is still developing, there are several advantages to switching to a receiver that supports it. Firstly, the shift to HDMI 2.1. This technology enables 8K/60Hz streaming and delivers 4K streaming at up to 120 frames per second instead of the typical 60. It can result in a more fluid motion on the screen. Depending on your preferences, this could make the upgrade worth it. The aforementioned is especially true for gamers, as this frame rate is mostly desired and achievable in video games.

In addition, such receivers, in addition to supporting 8K, are usually equipped with other modern and valuable features. These can include Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for reduced input lag, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, Quick Media Switching for faster transitions between media types, and support for the latest audio and video formats. 8K units are top-of-the-line products of their brands, so companies do their utmost to fill their units with cutting-edge technologies.

Despite the cost of such units and a clear lack of 8K content, the benefits of upgrading to an 8K receiver are worth considering. With its incredible image quality and cutting-edge technologies, it may be a wise investment for those who value the latest technology and the brightest viewing experience.

Best 8K receiver reviews

Denon AVR-X4700H – best overall

Denon has been a well-known brand in the world of audio and home theater systems for many years. The Denon AVR-X4700H is a top-of-the-line 8K receiver that promises to deliver a premium audio and visual experience. That’s what the manufacturer says. And I will test its capabilities and tell you if this is really so.

The Denon AVR-X4700H is a top-of-the-line model that boasts 9.2 channels and a power output of 125 watts per channel when driving speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms. The unit also works with other impedance speakers. The exact power output for 4-ohm and 6-ohm speakers will depend on many factors, including the speaker’s sensitivity and the room size.

From my perspective, the design of the Denon AVR-X4700H is well-thought-out and user-friendly. The receiver has a sleek traditional appearance. It has a clear, easy-to-read display that shows all the necessary information, including input sources, volume, and status indicators. Traditionally all the control surfaces are located on the front panel.

The Denon AVR-X4700H has every necessary port, including 8 HDMI inputs with 3 outputs, 3 composite videos, 5 analog audio, 2 digital optical and coaxial inputs, and a single output. Sadly, you can’t use the front USB without affecting the looks of the receiver, as one has to open the decorative cover on the front panel.

It can deliver high-quality audio and video content with its support for 8K resolution and HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR formats. In addition, the HDMI 2.1 technology allows for seamless 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through.

Compared to the previous AVR-X3700H, the Denon AVR-X4700H stands out with its 8K upscaling and HDMI 2.1. As you may have guessed, this surround sound receiver supports modern sound processing formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. The receiver also offers multiroom capabilities with its Zone 2 feature. It has a number of additional features, including built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 for wireless connectivity, as well as support for Alexa voice control and Google Assistant.

After using the Denon AVR-X4700H for several weeks, I was impressed by its overall performance. The 8K support and capable upscaling provide a seamless and immersive viewing experience, while the advanced audio processing system delivers clear and powerful audio with my speaker’s setup. For me, the upscaling is one of the most pleasing parameters of the unit, as 8K content is still pretty rare. I often had to use this feature to turn my 4K content into an 8K one.

I first tested it in movies. The receiver didn’t disappoint me and delivered a precise, detailed, and vibrant sound. It accurately played every detail, even during the toughest action moments. The AVR-X4700H also proved itself pretty capable with music. Indeed, it is not its element, but I was pleasantly impressed by its capability and sound.

Marantz SR8015 – premium

The Marantz SR8015 is the most advanced receiver in the SR product line. According to Marantz, they aimed to allow people to take their home cinema setups to a new level. Thus, they boasted the unit with numerous features and capabilities. I was as curious as you when I unboxed the unit. I felt so eager to learn if it has a place in my top of the best 8K AVR. In this part of my review, I will take a closer look at the technical data and functions of the SR8015. Also, I will compare it with competitors, share my personal impressions, and give a brief conclusion about why you should consider buying it.

The receiver features a sleek and stylish design with a brushed aluminum finish and an intuitive user interface. I also enjoyed its easy-to-navigate menu and decent-sided control surfaces supplemented by the convenient remote.

The Marantz SR8015 is an 11.2-channel unit with the support of 8K video and upscaling. It offers a total power output of 150W per channel, making it capable of delivering powerful, immersive audio. Given this number of channels, the device provides flexibility in designing a home entertainment system and also guarantees great sound with an immersive effect.

The Marantz SR8015 has great connectivity, including 8 HDMI 2.1 inputs and 3 HDMI outputs, as well as component video inputs, coaxial and optical digital audio inputs, and a phono input for turntables. The unit also has Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. I used them to stream audio from my iPad to the receiver. Additionally, the receiver supports HEOS multiroom audio.

The unit’s audio features include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. I would also like to mention the DTS:X Pro support. This is a rarity, even among the coolest models. Besides, Marantz installed their proprietary Marantz Musical Digital Filtering. It uses advanced algorithms to improve the sound quality of digital audio playback by reducing unwanted noise and signal distortion.

The Marantz SR8015 didn’t disappoint me with its performance. When I fed it with native 8K content, it ran just fine. Upscaling was another thing. When I made the receiver upscale the native 4K into actual 8K content, the quality seemed indistinguishable from the 8K content. It showed somewhat controversial results during my test. Some music tracks clearly benefited from it. In turn, others became somewhat artificial in sound. So, music is not its strongest side. Movies, on the other hand, are what this receiver is valued for. I didn’t find a single flaw in it. At the same time, it still sounds a little paler than the Denon AVR-X4700H.

Denon AVR-S660H – budget

The Denon AVR-S660H is a budget-friendly AV receiver that offers a range of features and capabilities, some of which can even be found in more advanced models. It is a step down from the Denon AVR-X4700H but still packs a punch with its technical data and functions. In this review, I will analyze in detail the features of the Denon AVR-S660H and compare the unit with the X4700H, as they are similar in some respects. I will also highlight what makes this receiver a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Denon AVR-S660H supports only 5.2 channels with a maximum power output of 165W per channel. At the same time, the receiver also offers support for HDR10/10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision, allowing you to enjoy stunning visuals with deep black and vivid colors. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D audio technologies, providing an immersive audio experience.

Since Denon AVR-S660H is a 5.2 channel unit, it has standard connectivity capabilities for its class: 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with a single on the front panel, 1 output (eARC), 2 composite videos inputs and outputs, 2 digital optical and coaxial inputs and a USB port. It also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2. In addition, the unit supports the Zone 2 feature.

Compared to the Denon AVR-X4700H, the Denon AVR-S660H has a slightly lower power output, supports fewer channels, and has fewer HDMI inputs. However, it still provides a set of the newest audio and video technologies compatible with the one the AVR-X4700H has to offer. Furthermore, despite its price, it can work with 8K content in 60hz and includes Denon’s upscaling technologies allowing it to improve the 4K content up to 8K. At the same time, the AVR-S660H is more budget-friendly, making it a more attractive option for money-saving consumers.

I also began testing the Denon AVR-S660H with movies. It doesn’t provide as much power as the mighty Denon AVR-X4700H. But it also could be more precise with details. However, I enjoyed the way it handled dialogues and sound effects, especially when that two blended in action moments. The receiver also plays music pretty well. Cranking the volume up to the maximum is not a great idea — even at half the volume, the receiver sounds very powerful and clear, regardless of the music genre.

Denon AVR-S970H – under $1000

Yes, you read that right. It is the 3rd Denon model in my review. I’m not a big fan of this company, but they do have some really cool 8K devices, and that’s why the S970H is on my list. Despite not having the highest price, the AVR-S970H is positioned by Denon as a high-performance AV receiver. It is designed for small to medium-sized rooms where it can drive up to 7 channel audio systems. Denon filled it with cutting-edge features and advanced connectivity options, trying to make it a perfect choice for casual and experienced home theater enthusiasts with budgets under $1000. So, let’s see if the AVR-S970H fulfills its purpose.

The Denon AVR-S970H follows a classic, understated design typical of the brand. It features a black metal casing and a simple, uncluttered front panel with a few buttons and control surfaces. On the front panel, the AVR-S970H has a small OLED display that provides information about the input source, volume, and other settings. As usual, most connectors are located on the back side of the receiver.

This model boasts several impressive technical specifications, including support for up to 7.2.4 channel audio. It is more than enough to fill a medium-sized room with sound. Talking about connectivity, the Denon AVR-S970H has 8 HDMI 2.1 inputs, with a single on the front panel, and 2 outputs, 3 composite and 2 component video inputs with single composite and component output, 4 analog audio inputs and 1 coaxial digital output, plug a headphone jack. The primary HDMI output supports eARC. Dedicated 8K input supports 8K UHD/60 Hz and 4K UHD/120 Hz pass-through and upscaling. All HDMI inputs support 4:4:4 Pure Color, Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, HLG subsampling, and BT.2020 pass-through for enhanced color, clarity, and contrast. In addition, 8K upscaling and HDCP 2.3 compatibility are available on all HDMI inputs.

It also supports current streaming services and has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity. Above this, the unit has a very simple menu, making it easy to operate the receiver even for the least experienced users.

The device works correctly with a wide range of acoustics and supports the latest surround sound formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, DTS Virtual:X, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. And now, let’s move on to my personal impressions of the sound.

The receiver didn’t let Denon down during my tests, as it worked very well, especially when keeping its price in mind. It surprised me how well it can handle the separation of dialogue, sound effects, and background music. The AVR-S970H showed exceptional control over the dynamic range and impactful movie sound. Typically for the receivers, it performed less prominent in music. Still, the unit gave crisp and clear sound with hard rock and heavy metal and stable heights and lows with ballads and classical music.

Marantz Cinema 60

“The CINEMA series is a combination of three pillars based on the traditional Marantz values of exceptionally high efficiency, impeccable build quality, and elegant appearance,” says Joel Sietsema, president of the company. Well, let’s see if that’s true.

The Cinema 60 is a 7.2-channel unit. This model has a more powerful amplifier and offers the whole 200W per channel compared to Yamaha RX-A4A, which only delivers about 150W. While the numbers vary depending on which speakers you use — 6 ohms or 8 ohms, the difference remains.

As for me, the Marantz SR60 Series Cinema 60 has a stylish and functional design. While still having classic AV receiver looks, the unit manages to bring new to the receiver world in terms of design. It has a low-profile chassis, a brushed aluminum front panel with a display, and main control surfaces. Typically, the back panel is far less fancy and contains all the ports. But, overall, it feels refreshing with its compact and quality-built chassis.

Marantz decided not to skimp on ports and made them in abundance. This model has 6 in, 2 out HDMI ports, half of which are 2.0, the other 3 are 2.1 version, 2 coaxial optical inputs, 4 analog stereo RCA audio, single phono, front headphones, and a sole USB port, 7 speakers outputs, Ethernet. The receiver also supports wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and AM/FM. In addition, Marantz Cinema 60 has a Zone 2 feature and can work with HEOS-compatible speakers.

As a high-end model, it supports high-definition audio as well as most of today’s surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization are also available.

I didn’t find any major flaws in the sound when I tested the Marantz Cinema 60 in movies. The receiver utilizes its support of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to the maximum. It offered a dynamic sound stage, crisp dialogue reproduction, and tight bass response. Altogether, a very solid result. Despite this, I also had to adjust the sound manually to make it juicier. Yet, this can is my personal preference. What’s interesting is that its tight bass capability also showed itself well in music giving goosebumps.

Yamaha RX-A4A

When Yamaha first showed the RX-A4A, it was clear that this unit would aim to score the highest price. It is an impressive 7.2-channel AV receiver. Typically for this review, it is rated as one of the coolest 8K AV receivers available on the market due to its s 8K capabilities, upscaling technology, and modern audio and video technology support. In this part of the review, I will take a closer look at the technical data and functions of the Yamaha RX-A4A as well as some aspects. Previously, I have already compared the Marantz Cinema 60 with the RX-A4A as these two are the most dangerous rivals.

Just like Yamaha promised, the RX-A4A boasts 8K resolution, providing ultra-clear images with exceptional detail and vibrant colors. Like the others from the list, the RX-A4A supports HDMI 2.1, enabling it to stream 8K content at 60Hz, delivering smooth and fluid motion on the screen. In addition, the upscaling technology of the Yamaha RX-A4A can transform lower-resolution content into 8K, providing a more engaging viewing experience.

The receivers are also equal with their set of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive surround sound technologies, and both units work with older HDR10 and HLG, delivering video with high dynamic range. However, the RX-A4A misses certain features common for this price range of the receivers, including ALLM and VRR.

FAQ