Best AV Receivers Under 1000 dollars

What to expect from an AV receiver under $1000

Searching for the best receiver under 1000 dollars can become a challenge, as the difference between cheaper devices and those in the top-tier category isn’t that obvious at first glance. This is especially true for beginners, so I will elaborate on these differences. The first vital thing I want to emphasize is the construction. If you shell out a decent sum, you get a receiver made of durable materials unaffected by corrosion, mold, etc. Another important peculiarity is the quality of filling. Internal components in pricey receivers are designed for flawless operation and crisp sound under heavy load. So, such a unit will serve you for many years in a row.
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What I also like about receivers in this price category is the availability of extra features for more enjoyable video & audio playback. For example, some advanced devices come with additional connectors, features that make it easier to control and configure the system, etc.

Most units in this price category are optimized for a 7-channel system, which is enough for avid movie lovers. However, manufacturers have already started producing 9-channel setups without crossing the border of 1000 dollars. On the whole, you can find a remarkable receiver with all the core features and some handy add-ons without spending a fortune.

How I picked and tested AV receiver under $1000

Proper testing is a very important task to evaluate a device’s capabilities objectively. Therefore, I always approach this task very carefully and seriously. So, to evaluate the surround sound quality, I chose the film “1917”. It has everything I need: stunning special effects, dialogue, music, etc.

As for audio playback, there were many nuances to consider, so I listened to music from different sources. In addition, for my research, I gathered different artists and music genres so that the analysis would be as universal as possible:

• Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know – SoundCloud
• Bob Marley & The Wailers – Turn Your Lights Down Low – Deezer
• Radiohead – The National Anthem – Spotify
• The Weeknd – The Hills (CD player)
• Led Zeppelin – Ramble On (CD player)
• Mahler – Symphony No.2 (CD player)
• Jacky Terrasson – Reach (CD player)
• Mark Nauseef – With Space in Mind (CD player)

I have managed to build a solid toolkit, which I use whenever I need to test new audio equipment. It consists of the following:

• CD player SACD 30n
• Blu-ray player Sony UBP-X700
• Speaker wire – AudioQuest Type-9
• Speakers for movie – Klipsch RP-8060FA
• Stereo speakers:
  • Klipsch RP-8060FA
  • KEF Q350
  • DALI OBERON 5

Best AV Receivers Under $1000 Review

Denon AVR-X2800H – best overall

Finding another 7.2-channel receiver with many advanced features that can align with the Denon AVR-2800H is almost impossible. The model replaced the extremely popular Denon AVR-2700H, and, in fact, it is its advanced version, especially as far as the video area is concerned (HDMI version 2.1 has been added). The first thing that “catches your eye” is sound realism, regardless of whether you are watching a movie or listening to audio from popular streaming platforms. Not noticing such an expansive soundstage with every element accurately detailed would be a crime. I’ve long been a fan of Denon products, which are often on top of my ratings.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos pitch virtualization technology, I got an authentic and immersive sound experience while watching a movie in my studio. It felt like soldiers were marching right in the room, and the gunfire was very intimidating because of how realistic it sounded. In this aspect, the receiver performed admirably. With a rated power of 95W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2ch), it delivers full and punchy bass (but of course, it’s not just the receiver; it’s important to choose a good sub), giving the soundtrack of the movie expressiveness. The sound is perfectly balanced in all frequencies. Although this is the minimum configuration for this immersive format, I was impressed with the level of soundstage reproduction.

I really like using the Klipsch RP-8000F front speakers with this receiver, as they harmonize well with the Denon (highly compatible). The AVR-2800H’s warm sound is beautifully delivered by the 8-inch woofers with Tractrix geometry, reducing port noise, which is very important to Denon. To my ears, this stereo system sounds great. While there can be no single opinion here, and the choice will be determined by your taste and room size (the speakers are quite bulky), if you can and are willing, try it.

AVR-2800H has 8 HDMI ports (6/2), so there will be no problems connecting audio and video sources. 3 of the 6 inputs support 8K/60Hz video, and the rest support 4K. The picture is beautiful, and switching sources didn’t cause any difficulties. If you plan to use this device for optimized gaming sessions, you will surely be impressed by the stunning picture, reduced lags and frame gaps, and Auto Low Latency mode.

For music lovers, there is also a lot to reap here. For users who want to connect a turntable, there is a dedicated phono input, and as an audiophile, I can say that the sound of vinyl is very decent. As for wireless communication, everything is predictable – there is both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, for Apple fans, the manufacturer added the AirPlay 2 function. My housemates are music lovers (what’s so surprising when their father is covered with technology from all sides), so we love the ability to connect wireless speakers using the built-in HEOS technology to play music throughout the house. It’s not new, but it’s a must-have for a device released in 2022. I tried streaming from Deezer, Spotify, and SoundCloud and was completely satisfied with all the results. The sound was rhythmic and staccato; the transitions were smooth.

The Denon AVR-2800H is not a design benchmark, but the volume control quality makes me happy whenever I touch it. The volume transition is smooth and gradual, which is excellent for the inexpensive segment because, in most models, manufacturers save on design quality. The remote control is ordinary, and in general, it’s time for everyone to switch to apps. But in this particular model, it (the application) requires improvement. Given the lack of a detailed paper manual, it is not easy to understand the management of functions. But it is possible! Spend a little time, and you’ll get a benchmark of 7-channel system sound. I also like the cooling system of the receiver; I always check this aspect by making the AVR work overtime.

Marantz SR5015 – also great

Marantz SR5015, which is also considered by many to be a great audio device, although the brand produces expensive models with some simplified features compared to competitors (within the same price category), takes the second place of honor in my selection. For the understanding user, Marantz products are always the highest quality internal components, meaning you are buying appliances for an extremely long period. And since this model is very similar to the leader Denon AVR-2800H, I will tell you about the difference between them and those things that I did not cover in the previous review. Let’s go.

The SR5015 is also a 7.2-channel receiver with support for modern features. There is a slight difference in power rating (100W vs. 95W), but in reality, I didn’t notice much difference in the same test room because the rest of the indicators (including THD 0.08%) are identical. Nevertheless, Marantz sounds even warmer, and the internal components are higher quality than Denon. For example, the famous Current Feedback Topology and HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) significantly impact sound detail, and I didn’t hear ringing in the upper frequencies in any of the movies or music tracks, no matter how I turned the volume. I will say from experience that it’s hard for the average person to notice this difference in everyday use, but as a more durable product – the Marantz is beyond competitive. Imagine your choice is between a Mercedes (Marantz) and a Volvo (Denon). There’s absolutely nothing bad to say about the latter, but you can see what I’m getting at for yourself.

In the video area, this 7.2-channel receiver is a bit behind (released in 2020 and has only 1 HDMI 2.1 port with 8K video), but the built-in HD video processing is quite satisfying. Especially when you consider that the main content on portals today is mostly released in 4K, the receiver guarantees end-to-end signal throughput in full resolution, so those looking for a device capable of playing 4K Ultra HD movies will definitely like it. Other features aimed at avid movie buffs include SD/HD video scaling (up to and including 8K) and Pure Color subsampling. I took full advantage of these features and was pleased with the crispness of the image.

I generally felt that every element of the receiver was selected to provide an ultra-realistic effect when streaming video and audio. By the way, the SR5015 has slightly more components and composite jacks for aging equipment if you love it as much as I do. I plugged in all the necessary equipment, and enough connectors were left over to plug in other devices.

The Denon AVR-2800H has everything you need for wireless music playback. SR5015 is similar to the leader of the selection in this area, like a twin. But there’s no surprise, as the brands have joined forces for some time and utilize many similar technologies (including HEOS) while continuing to be unique in some areas. I tested out the voice assistant controls. It is an absolute delight! As for the HEOS technology – that’s the cherry on top. I listened to one song in one room and played another in the next room – nothing to complain about, great audio experience. The highs and bass are well-crafted, and the bass is great.

I also like the look of the SR5015 better, but not its tiny round LCD. Who designed that? You can’t see anything. The remote also disappointed me, as the volume control from it is just disgustingly uneven. It’s good that we live in the age of applications; there were no problems with it. Here, I will also say a word or two about the Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration (the same as the AVR-2800H), as it’s worth a dithyramb. You don’t have to adjust the system manually; the correction system is quite capable of doing that, just so long as you don’t have complex architecture in the room.

For a premium selection receiver, it’s always appropriate to tell you in detail how it sounds. I watched the Netflix series “The Fall of the House of Usher” with it. It would seem that there are no battle scenes, but I could feel the heavy atmosphere of the story to a large extent (in some scenes, goosebumps, for example, when in the background of the events beating heart, quietly but persistently). Marantz renders scenes with a naturalness that most receivers in this segment can envy.

Sony STR-DH790 – budget

Sony STR-DH790 is an inexpensive receiver model from the world-famous Japanese brand, released in 2018. Let’s see what this recognized leader in electronics production will offer and whether STR-DH790 will be able to surprise you with something. After all, its cost is a third of the two previous receivers.

First, I will note that the device is relatively easy to set up and quite convenient. But the model’s design is standard, simple, a touch reminiscent of the technology of the 90s (I had a Walkman from Sony; I went straight into childhood, touching the AVR, which caused me rather warm feelings). Well… the controls move pretty smoothly, though, of course, you have to get a little nervous as the volume skips around a bit. It is not critical for the price of the STR-DH790.

The receiver differs from DH590 (the previous model of Sony’s lineup) by a larger number of channels, an improved version of DCAC with support for speaker autophasing, support for HDMI-signals of Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and DTS-ES (Matrix 6.1/Discrete 6.1) formats, 4K signal transmission with HDR. The DH790 can be configured as 7.1 (walls) or 5.1.2 (walls+ceiling). Output power is 145 watts (6 ohms) for the 7.2 channels, and from the bonuses, the AVR works with speakers ranging from 6 to 16 ohms. It’s not too bad for such a simple device. Basically, it has everything you need for today. And if you don’t cling too much to the quality of video signal transmission and source switching (there are some delays and hang-ups), it’s surprisingly good for its price and year of manufacture. But I don’t recommend using it for too long on high power because the receiver overheats (which is quite acceptable for its price). So keep an eye on its temperature and provide sufficient ventilation (extra ventilation is better).

Now, let’s see how things are with connectors because they are a very important indicator of the receiver’s versatility. Sony STR-DH790 is equipped with 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs. They support signal quality up to 4K at 60 Hz, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, 3D, Deep Color technology, BT.2020 color space, and HDCP 2.2 data protection protocol. There is only one HDMI output. And you get a USB, Bluetooth, and FM tuner. The DH790 has no analog video outputs but four analog audio inputs and coaxial and optical digital audio outputs. Considering it’s not premium, the set of ports is quite decent. By the way, it also lacks multi-room zone and phono stage support. What really bummed me out was the lack of Wi-Fi. But then again, guys, let’s be honest about the fact that the receiver is very basic.

I tested the sound quality by watching battle scenes from favorites “Troy” and “Kingdom of Heaven”. I was quite satisfied with the receiver – it really sounds great for its price segment. The ringing of swords, battle cries, and shield strikes in Dolby Atmos were quite convincing. The Sony lacks a bit of warmth, though. Nevertheless, the DH790 performed well when testing music in Stereo, Direct, and Pure Direct modes. For digital music, its certain coldness is even a plus. There are no details, reverb, or incredible balance. Still, the overall sound picture is better than that of a regular TV (by the way, STR-DH790 is perfectly compatible with TVs of this brand), plus you get additional chips in the form of a full-fledged small system.

Marantz CINEMA 70s – top slim AVR under $1000

If you have limited space in your home but want to give your speakers a whole new sound, you can buy the Marantz CINEMA 70s. It’s a tiny 7.2-channel receiver that’s just as powerful as a standard receiver but with a smaller 50W output (8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08%, 2ch). So, if you want a lot of volume, pass it by.

Seeing this small unit for the first time in 2022, I was impressed with the quality of its construction and put it to the same rigorous test as the models mentioned above. This issue interested me greatly since overheating is a major disorder of slim receivers. After all, the internal components are compactly arranged in them, and ventilation is usually insufficient. But I was surprised at how well the CINEMA 70s coped with overheating for extended periods. After all, Marantz didn’t reduce its power for nothing. I won’t say that it stayed cool, but we’re not talking about overheating. Still, I recommend installing models like this in an open space or providing additional cooling. Nothing lasts forever, and the compact design will make itself felt over time.

The number of HDMI connectors should be written down in the pluses at once. Marantz deprived us of connectors for old equipment but left the most important. 6/1 HDMI ports that are capable of broadcasting 8K (3) and 4K video(also 3). But most importantly, you have upscaling to 8K resolution. A true state-of-the-art device. Even some more powerful devices lack this feature. In addition, the CINEMA 70s supports many video enhancement technologies. Colors are realistic, which is very important when choosing a home theater receiver. There’s a reason why it has the word “movie” in its name. But for gamers, there are also all the necessary functions, as well as for music lovers.

Generally speaking, the receiver sounds just great in stereo. The relatively new CINEMA lineup amazes me with its sound (discounting the price segment), as both vinyl and digital music are good with them. If you have a small apartment but would like to party, it will satisfy your wishes as it supports major streaming services, some of which are built-in. I heard detailed sound when streaming from online platforms and with connected CD players, and that was enough for me.

So, I said the receiver isn’t overpowered, and if you’re still reading the review, my setup recommendations are as follows:

Go to the Audyssey menu and turn off frequency response equalization. Then, turn on the graphic equalizer and slightly tweak the sound of the whole system or each channel individually. But don’t get too carried away. In fact, calibration does a good job with the initial setup and will suit most unsophisticated users who are not picky about every nuance. For those who are audio savvy, however, go for it! You can customize each channel in quite a bit of detail.

Thanks to the built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, you’ll get true surround sound regardless of the video you’re watching. If you love war dramas and action movies, you’ll love this model. Moreover, the CINEMA 70s mimics the sound of in-ceiling speakers, so you don’t have to add them to your system.

Yamaha RX-V6A

Those seeking high-quality sound and realistic pictures for a low price should look closer at this receiver. The Yamaha RX-V6A is designed to be integrated into a 7-channel system with the addition of 2 subwoofers, and with support for the latest audio and video formats, you’ll be able to enjoy premieres in remarkable quality for a small system. The developer has tried to create a cool device with support for 8K and the latest HDMI standards, making it a serious competitor to models like the Marantz SR5015 and Denon AVR-2800H. But you should know if you’re unfamiliar with Yamaha’s tech, that the receiver sounds much colder and more crystalline than the models above.

Let me start with the power. It is standard for such receivers 100W (8 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 2ch), but 0.06% THD indicates even clearer sound. Given the crystallinity I described, the sound when watching movies is sharp and ringing, and I enjoyed watching King Arthur with it, with lots of sword clinking, water gurgling, and rumbling music. I also checked out the Cinema DSP feature that gives an echo effect, which was extremely helpful in battle scenes. It’s also great if you’re watching stadium sports broadcasts or concert recordings. The overall picture sounds brighter and more realistic, even for someone who doesn’t understand acoustics. In general, the balance of bass and midrange is quite good for this price category, but the highs are too ringing for me (but not ringing, don’t be confused. The sound is good and clear).

The YPAO calibration system offers eight different positions and selects the most appropriate one depending on the current environment. For my studio, it suited it perfectly. When listening to the sound, I could fully focus on the sound quality rather than wasting time on complicated adjustments. Yamaha is attentive to the user, and the AV Setup Guide app for initial setup is great if you’ve never set up a system. The RX-V6A is perfect for beginners, in my opinion.

When it comes to underpricing, there have to be compromises somewhere. In the case of the Yamaha RX-V6A, this compromise is a design. Despite a rather attractive appearance, the design itself causes a feeling of cheapness because, at physical contact, you can feel the plastic and unevenness of the adjustment knobs. In addition, I can not stand gloss; it always leaves fingerprints on it (and I have children), although this is a subjective opinion. The volume knob does not rotate smoothly, so I controlled the remote control, which is not very convenient when testing the system.

Also, the model in question does not have enough HDMI connectors, only 4/1, which is a disadvantage relative to the Marantz SR5015 and Denon AVR-2800H. But if you’re not obsessed with a lot of equipment, this may be enough for you because you have 8K video, as well as upscaling to 4K if you like to watch old DVDs. While watching the movie, I wondered how well HDR10+ showed up here. Surprisingly, the device processes video on a scene-by-scene basis and also exposes scene characteristics for finer detail. This is a feature that few receivers in this price range can boast of. Yamaha has taken care of gamers as well.

When listening to music, I tested the wired and wireless connections. They worked smoothly, and the signal was transmitted without any significant sags. If you’re looking for Yamaha’s proprietary MusicCast multi-room audio technology, you’ll be happy to know it’s here. Owners of iOS devices can take advantage of the AirPlay 2 feature.

Denon AVR-S970H

The Denon AVR-S960H is the replacement for the S950H model released in 2020. The main difference between the new product and its predecessor is the support for video in 8K at 60 Hz. As for 4K, the manufacturer claims a 120 Hz frame rate is already available in this unit. Among the truly “theatrical” advantages of the AVR-S960H, I should highlight support for HDR10 + and Dynamic HDR. Quick Media Switching allows joggling HDMI-connected video sources without screen flickering. Awesome features that give it a competitive edge over Sony STR-DN1080 are HLG technology and Dolby Vision.

This 7-channel receiver features HEOS proprietary remote audio access technology. With its help, I effortlessly initiated music playback from Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, TuneIn, and SoundCloud. I also tested Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 features – they work flawlessly. The claimed output power is 90W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive). The claimed output power is 90W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive).

The AVR-S960H is Roon tested, so I used Roon’s updated music interface to get information about the artist and current song. I used this feature while listening to MP3s and high-resolution audio: WAV, FLAC, and ALAC. The music was always soft and clear, no matter what audio I played. As for wireless control, you can use all the popular voice assistants. Without rotating the controls on the case, you can wirelessly adjust the volume, skip to the next track, select the audio source, and more.

If you’re a beginner or want good sound without manual adjustments, use Audyssey’s audio calibration feature. The well-designed technology allows you to analyze the space accurately to avoid muffled and harsh sounds.

As for the sounds in the movie, I like the clear separation between dialog and background noise. I directly experience improved audio quality when it comes to Dolby Atmos, as I hear crisp and clear sounds that don’t blend together to emphasize whispers or rustling in the background of the voiceover music. Clear highs, fairly rich bass – it’s all there. Pick up a good speaker system, and you’ll get a great result for a system under $ 1,000.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting some overheating of the receiver during prolonged operation (which was not observed with Denon AVR-X2800H) and an even simpler design, where you can feel the budget. Regulators are not so smooth, though they feel quite good in the hand. As for the remote control, it’s a bit timeless in the sense that the remote looks dated and doesn’t inspire confidence. Well, for a 2020 receiver, these are perfectly acceptable shortcomings.

Buyer’s guide

How many channels do you need

Any modern AV receiver offers at least 5.1 surround sound with six active channels: left front, right front, central, left side, right side, and subwoofer channel. This configuration can certainly provide good sound quality – much better than what you can get from a TV or stereo amplifier with two speakers.

To get to the level of sound you’ve heard in the cinema, add more speakers to your system and upgrade to an AV receiver with 7 or more channels.

A 7.1-channel AV receiver can additionally support audio playback with two rear speakers, creating a vivid sound experience that fully embraces the viewer.

But the capabilities of a 7-channel AV receiver are not extensive enough to cover the full range of sound formats in a modern home theater. The main problem is the lack of sound from above. If you want more natural and detailed sound, your AV receiver should have more channels and support for the latest audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, etc.

How much power do you need

The more powerful the equipment, the more expensive it is, so the optimal power of the receiver should be regarded considering the size of the room in which the home theater is installed. If it’s a small room, it doesn’t matter how powerful is the receiver you buy – any receiver will do, and it guarantees great sound. But for larger spaces you’ll have to choose the equipment more carefully and, inevitably, you’ll have to pay a lot more.

Conventionally speaking, 1.5W should be available per 10.76 ft² of space. So for a room of 300 ft², you need a receiver with about 50 watts of power. Of course, the larger the room is, the more power the receiver will need.

The final sound level will depend not only on the receiver’s power but also on the sensitivity of the speaker system. I should note that the receiver will give different volumes with different speakers at the same power level.

My main recommendation is to make a power reserve: it should be greater than the speaker system’s power. This will allow you to avoid sound distortion and improve your system over time without buying a new receiver.

What else is important to know about power when choosing a receiver:

• The power of an individual channel in the receiver should not exceed the speaker’s power. If there is more power in a channel, you should not turn up the volume in the speaker to the maximum.
• The impedance of the receiver and the speakers must match. If the speaker’s impedance is less than the receiver’s, you may end up with burned-out elements. If the impedance is lower in the receiver, the sound from the speaker will be quieter than if it is properly connected.

What kinds of inputs and outputs do you need

The scope of use of the receiver is quite extensive, allowing you to connect a variety of devices to it simultaneously. After all, it is not for nothing that the receiver is the center of your entire multimedia system. Therefore, the availability of various ports in the receiver is fundamentally important, which affects its versatility and can open up to you almost limitless possibilities.

For example, HDMI is a critical connection in modern home theaters. With the help of HDMI, you often connect HD and 4K source devices, connect Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray players, different cables, or even media streamers. Typically these devices have a minimum of four HDMI inputs and at least one output. However, depending on the specific model you choose, there may be more or less of them. You should realize that the more these connectors you have, the more options your receiver has.

Also, one of the receiver’s popular options is to play audio and video information from a USB drive. Wi-Fi simplifies the receiver’s communication with the computer network, and today you can hardly do without it. And there’s also Bluetooth, which will play audio content from tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets.

As additional features, it is worth noting the Phono input for connecting a vinyl player, XLR connector, headphone output, etc. But this is not so critical, and their presence or absence depends on your purpose of using the receiver.

HDR, Dolby Atmos, and 4K video

4K video means 4,000 pixels across the width of your footage. Such video will play back in a much higher resolution than conventional formats. This allows you to fully experience the atmosphere of a movie or music video.

HDR, on the other hand, usually has an extremely wide range of colors and brightness, so it captures contrasts better.

Dolby Atmos is a next-generation technology developed by Dolby Laboratories for surround sound. This technology represents a qualitatively new stage in the development of surround sound, both in terms of recording and listening. It involves the placement of sound images in space as intended by the sound engineer. When playing such a track, the Dolby Atmos processor recreates the recorded surround sound picture in real-time, given how many speakers are used in the system. You can imagine what a cool surround sound you get as a result.

Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and streaming services

If you are looking for the best home theater receiver under 1000 dollars, you need to instantly sieve devices that lack wireless capabilities. While several years ago it seemed like redundant expenses, nowadays such technologies have actively penetrated our life and made it so much easier.

Owning a Wi-Fi-enabled device, you can easily connect it to your home network and initiate streaming from music-sharing services (Spotify, Deezer, etc.). Besides, Wi-Fi is super cool when you need to upgrade the firmware of your receiver, as it makes the process intuitive and prompt. I appreciate that many manufacturers add a dedicated app to the kit, so controlling a receiver is a breeze. Install an app on your mobile device, connect to your home network and adjust settings, queue compositions, or perform other manipulations in no time.

Bluetooth is an excellent alternative to Wi-Fi, which also allows controlling and managing your receiver without hassle. The main thing to remember is that Wi-Fi coverage is usually more extensive than what Bluetooth offers. In most cases, you need to stay in one room to set a Bluetooth connection between a receiver and your mobile device.

Apple has created its own wireless technology called AirPlay. Nowadays, you can get the newest version – AirPlay 2. If you use a device running iOS and want to transform it into a remote control for your audio receiver, you just need to connect both units to the same wireless network and enjoy your favorite melodies. The best thing is that you can use your phono for other tasks, e.g., make a phone call, search the web, write a message, without interrupting the music.