AV receivers are notoriously advanced, with reams of options and complicated technical specs. (For instance, what’s 4K/120Hz anyway?) But, what are the issues that actually matter when shopping for a brand new mannequin? I will sum up a very powerful ones proper right here.
HDMI inputs
With most TVs and set-top containers supporting HDMI, you should purchase a receiver that has as many of those HDMI enter ports and outputs as potential. Entrance-mounted HDMI ports are sort of like an appendix — unneeded, as a result of most customers do not hot-plug HDMI units — making the variety of rear inputs what’s most vital. (How else are you going to attach your Roku, Blu-ray player, Nintendo Switch and all of your different units?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 has six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, whereas the Denon AVR-S960H and Yamaha RX-V6A go one higher with seven. If you wish to join two completely different shows — a TV and a projector, for instance — all however the Yamaha supply a second HDMI output. You also needs to make certain you have got an additional HDMI cable or two available — these items are just like the second sock of a pair in you could by no means discover them while you want them.
Dolby Atmos functionality
Most receivers within the $500-and-above value vary embrace Dolby Atmos functionality and DTS:X, however the impact they’ve on your own home theater movie-watching may be refined, or in most motion pictures, nonexistent. In different phrases, don’t be concerned about lacking out on these codecs in the event you do not set up an additional top speaker or two. Mounting your rear encompass audio system excessive on the wall will get you midway there by way of high quality, immersive sound.
WiFi music streaming
Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi community connectivity for wireless music streaming by means of your speaker system. There are many requirements for wi-fi streaming providers, however probably the most common are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 1 and a couple of and Google Chromecast inbuilt. If you happen to’re trying to construct a multiroom system with a wide range of AV methods and audio system with wi-fi connectivity, these are the three flavors to goal for. Onkyo and Sony are the one units to assist all three. The Denon receiver mannequin lacks wi-fi streaming through Chromecast, however ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. In the meantime, Yamaha has its personal MusicCast system.
