The Best Receiver

A home receiver is a part of your home theater system that brings theater like, immersive sound to your entertainment experience. It can also be a connecting hub for all of your video, audio, and internet streaming sources. The receiver routes the video signals coming from the Blu-ray player, cable box, and other devices to the TV while simultaneously directing the audio portion to the speakers. The preamplifier section of the receiver allows you to switch between your audio and video sources. It even decodes surround sound signals, and the sound and picture quality are improved with the digital processing circuits.

Channels

Each receiver has a certain number of channels. This number corresponds to how many speakers the receiver can power. Five are needed for surround sound, but at least seven is recommended to allow for expanding your system down the road. If you have seven or more channels, you can play formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X which use in-ceiling speakers.

Power

The majority of available receivers will have enough wattage to handle entry level speakers. More power will be needed if you plan to fill a large space with sound or use high-end speakers. Keep in mind that more power is usually better. It allows for higher volumes as well as a clearer sound with fewer distortions.

Not all manufacturers’ power ratings are equal. Different ones may measure the power according to different standards. You will want to find power ratings measured in 8-ohm loads at 20-20,000 Hz along with two channels driven. It is common to find a range of acceptable wattages to power speakers. The best sound will come from the high end portion of this range.
Connections

HDMI cables are the most common way to connect your A/V components to the receiver. These carry both the video and audio signals. Count how many HDMI capable devices you have, and then pick a receiver with more HDMI inputs then that number. This gives you room to expand your system. You also want to have a couple of HDMI connections that are HDCP 2.2 compliant to be sure you can accommodate all types of devices including Blu-ray players and 4K TVs.
Older devices might require addition types of connections. You may need an RCA connection for items like CD players, and wire is necessary for connecting speakers. If you have a turntable, a dedicated phono input may be needed. Phono input can be added to receivers that don’t have one built in.

Wi-Fi, Networking, and Streaming

Streaming features are often built-in. This allows music to be played from compatible mobile devices and computers. You can also use the receiver’s network connection to access online music services. Plenty of options are offered in receivers with features like built-in support for specific streaming devices, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay for streaming from iOS devices.
Be aware that interference from outside Ethernet cables can slow the receiver’s Wi-Fi signal. A more reliable option would be a wired Ethernet connection. The greater band width it provides will also be ideal for streaming music files with a high resolution.
Multi-Room Use

Receivers that come with seven or more channels make it possible to spread your home theater system throughout the house. You would be able to listen to music in your bedroom as well as on the deck. The seven channel receiver provides five channels for your surround sound with two extra for speakers in another room.

Multi-Zone Audio and Video

If you have dual HDMI outputs, you will be able to watch the same video content on two separate screens. On the other hand, two independent HDMI outputs allow you to see two different video sources on two separate screens.

Wireless Music in Multiple Rooms

Your receiver can be a part of a flexible wireless audio system for the entire home. Look for a receiver that is capable of streaming music to different sound bars or speakers in different rooms. These multi-room capable wireless receivers work with compatible wireless speakers in separate rooms.
App Control

Almost all receivers that offer network capability will provide a free app that you can use on your tablet or phone as a remote. This makes it simple to switch sources, tweak settings, adjust volume, and stream music from online sources. These remote apps are the simplest way to control the receiver’s multi-zone features. You will be able to easily pick which rooms you want to play music in and choose the music for each area.

Recommendations

The Denon AVR-S51DBT 5.2 channel full 4K ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth is a wonderful place to get started. It is an affordable device with a price just shy of $280, and it is capable of turning any stereo system into a wireless zone with IP control capability and the HEOS Link. Three designated HDMI inputs and a full HDCP 2.2 support are included. It has 70 Watts per channel, and offers everything a basic home entertainment system needs.

Those who like a good bargain will enjoy all that comes with the Pyle PCAU48BT Bluetooth Mini Blue Series Stereo Power Amplifier. This surprising receiver has built-in Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, and it works with smartphones, PCs, and tablets as well as Android, iPhone, and iPad. You get a lot of value for a cost of only $65. It even includes a USB charge port and an input connector jack for MP3 players, tablets, and smartphones.

Old school music lovers will want to check out the Sherwood RX4508 200W AM/FM Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth. It has the look and feel of the receiver you remember from back in the day with three audio inputs and two audio outputs, but don’t be fooled. The Sherwood receiver is still in touch with today’s needs by offering a phone input and Bluetooth connectivity.

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