If you're a movie buff or a music lover, you know the importance of a good AV receiver. It's the heart of your home theater system, responsible for processing audio and video signals from all your sources and sending them to your speakers and display. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the top 15 best AV receivers under $500 to help you make an informed decision.
What to Look for in an AV Receiver
Before we dive into the list, let's go over some key features to consider when shopping for an AV receiver.
Channels
The number of channels refers to the number of speakers the receiver can power. A 5.1-channel receiver can power five speakers and a subwoofer, while a 7.1-channel receiver can power seven speakers and a subwoofer. If you want a more immersive experience, consider a receiver with more channels.
Power Output
Power output is measured in watts per channel (WPC). The higher the WPC, the louder and more dynamic your sound will be. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a high-power receiver if you have efficient speakers.
Connectivity
Make sure the receiver has enough inputs to accommodate all your sources, such as a TV, Blu-ray player, game console, and streaming device. It's also important to consider the types of inputs, such as HDMI, optical, and coaxial.
Features
AV receivers come with a variety of features, such as built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and voice control. Consider which features are important to you and your setup.
The Top 15 Best AV Receivers Under $500
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best AV receivers under $500.
1. Yamaha RX-V385
The Yamaha RX-V385 is a 5.1-channel receiver with 70 WPC. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your phone or tablet.
2. Denon AVR-S540BT
The Denon AVR-S540BT is a 5.2-channel receiver with 70 WPC. It has five HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and HLG. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a USB input for playing music from a flash drive.
3. Onkyo TX-SR393
The Onkyo TX-SR393 is a 5.2-channel receiver with 80 WPC. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a phono input for connecting a turntable.
4. Sony STR-DH590
The Sony STR-DH590 is a 5.2-channel receiver with 145 WPC. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a USB input for playing music from a flash drive.
5. Pioneer VSX-534
The Pioneer VSX-534 is a 5.2-channel receiver with 80 WPC. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a USB input for playing music from a flash drive.
6. Yamaha RX-V485
The Yamaha RX-V485 is a 5.1-channel receiver with 80 WPC. It has four HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and video.
7. Denon AVR-X1600H
The Denon AVR-X1600H is a 7.2-channel receiver with 80 WPC. It has six HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
8. Onkyo TX-NR696
The Onkyo TX-NR696 is a 7.2-channel receiver with 100 WPC. It has seven HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
9. Sony STR-DN1080
The Sony STR-DN1080 is a 7.2-channel receiver with 100 WPC. It has six HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
10. Pioneer VSX-LX303
The Pioneer VSX-LX303 is a 9.2-channel receiver with 100 WPC. It has seven HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
11. Yamaha RX-V685
The Yamaha RX-V685 is a 7.2-channel receiver with 90 WPC. It has seven HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
12. Denon AVR-X2600H
The Denon AVR-X2600H is a 7.2-channel receiver with 95 WPC. It has eight HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
13. Onkyo TX-RZ830
The Onkyo TX-RZ830 is a 9.2-channel receiver with 120 WPC. It has eight HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
14. Sony STR-ZA1100ES
The Sony STR-ZA1100ES is a 7.2-channel receiver with 100 WPC. It has six HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
15. Pioneer VSX-LX503
The Pioneer VSX-LX503 is a 9.2-channel receiver with 120 WPC. It has eight HDMI inputs and supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Additional Considerations
While the above receivers are all excellent choices, there are a few additional factors to consider when shopping for an AV receiver.
Room Size
The size of your room can affect the type of receiver you need. A larger room may require a more powerful receiver to fill the space with sound.
Speaker Impedance
Make sure your receiver can handle the impedance of your speakers. If your speakers have a low impedance, you may need a more powerful receiver to drive them.
Brand Compatibility
If you already have other components from a certain brand, it may be worth considering a receiver from the same brand to ensure compatibility.
Conclusion
There you have it, our top 15 picks for the best AV receivers under $500. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious audiophile, there's a receiver on this list that will meet your needs. Just remember to consider the number of channels, power output, connectivity, and features when making your decision. Don't forget to also consider factors such as room size, speaker impedance, and brand compatibility. Happy shopping!