An AV receiver is like a Swiss Army Knife, with just about every tool you could possibly need. With a plethora of inputs and outputs and preamplification responsibilities, it acts as the hub of your system. It has amplification for your speakers, advanced audio processing for surround sound, the ability to pass 4K (and now even 8K) video signals through its HDMI connections, and, in most cases, calibration technology that lets you significantly improve performance by tailoring itself to the acoustics of your specific room.
Similarly, a stereo receiver makes things easier by providing amplification, preamplification and switching duties all in one chassis.
Here's a look at some of our most popular models:
ListenUp became Denon’s very first U.S. dealer in 1972, and Denon has been our go-to receiver line ever since home theater became a “thing” in the 1980s.
Denon’s X-Series AVRs have long been known for offering the best bang for the buck in home entertainment, and this new generation is no exception. These models offer 3D surround sound decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and on the video side they support 8K sources and displays with HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 and all current HDR formats, including HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dynamic HDR. They let you stream music from your phone or tablet through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, and each has a built-in phono input for your turntable. You can even play high-resolution tracks from a USB drive or networked computer. And, of course, network audio streaming by HEOS is built in.
The Denon AVR-X2800H includes 7 x 95 watts of amplification (into 8 ohms), so you can do a 5.1.2 speaker layout for Dolby Atmos. If you prefer, you can go with a traditional 7.1 channel configuration (no height channels) or a 5.1 channel system with a separately powered Zone 2. The X2800H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive surround. It passes 8K sources on three of its six HDMI ports; the other three HDMI inputs support sources with up to 4K resolution. Both outputs are 8K compatible (HDCP 2.3/HDMI 2.1).
With 9 x 105 watts of amplification, the Denon AVR-X3800H can accommodate a 9.4 speaker layout (5.4.4 or 7.4.2). The X3800H will support up to an 11.4 channel configuration (7.4.4 speaker layout) if you add a 2-channel power amp for the last two channels. The unit includes on-board Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration and is the most affordable Denon receiver eligible for a Dirac Live upgrade with a future software update. It includes six HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs: two main 8K-compatible outputs and a 4K-compatible Zone 2 HDMI output for a separate zone or room.
A more budget-minded alternative for smaller systems, the 5.2 channel Denon AVR-S540BT features Dolby Vision™, HDR, HLG and 4K Ultra HD video pass-through with 5 HDMI inputs /1 output. Stream your favorite music tracks wirelessly via Bluetooth. With the award-winning Denon Setup Assistant, the Denon AVR-S540BT is just as easy to set up as it is to enjoy.
Denon’s corporate sibling, Marantz, has long been known for producing high-performance components that excel in musical reproduction. Featuring 8K or 4K pass-through and uncompressed 3D audio, the Marantz SR6015 AV 9.2-channel receiver is extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters at the most state of the art facilities to deliver an exquisite sonic signature. With discrete high-current power amplifiers on all 9 channels, the SR6015 delivers 110 watts of power per channel. HEOS Built-in makes streaming all your favorite music services a breeze. Through the main HDMI output, connect your TV with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI support to allow uncompressed and object-based 3D audio formats directly from your smart TV app to your AV receiver. Hi-Res Audio is supported by a stellar 24-bit/192kHz DAC.
For true-to-life video, the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2-channel AV receiver supports 4K/60p and HDR video passthrough. Choose a speaker layout to suit your room, from a space-saving 2.1-ch setup enhanced with 3D surround-sound courtesy of Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* or DTS Virtual: X®, to a 3.2.2-ch system for native object-audio playback. Whatever way you play it, dynamic power (5 x 80 watts) is ready to thrill thanks to authentic high-current analog amps. Sit back and stream from apps via Bluetooth® technology and let Advanced Music Optimizer™ enrich every note of the golden Onkyo sound.
The Onkyo NR-5100 7.2-Channel 8K AV receiver is an affordable and versatile home theater centerpiece tailored to deliver a best-in-class entertainment experience for your movies, music, and next-gen gaming systems. Okyo’s SMART AV Receiver™ combines the latest in HDMI 2.1 and 8K tech, high-res audio, and immersive sound via your connected media players, gaming consoles, and advanced audio from your TV apps via eARC for an unparalleled home theater experience.
With up to 11.2 channels of processing for all the latest 3D surround formats, advanced DIRAC Live® Room Correction, and the coveted THX Certification, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-channel 8K AV receiver is a best-in-class home theater powerhouse. It delivers enormous power (9 x 120 watts) on-demand to highlight every nuance of the music, movies, and games you love. As a SMART Receiver, it has Works with Sonos and Chromecast built-in™, plus AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi®, Spotify®, Amazon Music HD, Pandora®, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn streaming services.
Bring the theater home. The 5.2-channel 8K/4K Yamaha RX-V4A AV receiver creates a powerful (5 x 80 Watts) and advanced home theater experience with the latest in 4K video processing, plus Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, app control, wireless streaming and more. Wi-Fi®, AirPlay 2®, Spotify Connect and Voice Control are all built in, and the MusicCast App makes controlling everything a snap.
The Cambridge Audio AXR85 offers 2 x 85 watts of power, a built-in phono stage for connecting record players with Moving Magnet cartridges, a front panel 3.5mm input for iPod/MP3 players, built-in FM/AM radio with RDS and 30 presets and four analog inputs for connecting all your music, AV and audio sources. In addition, the built-in Bluetooth receiver allows you to stream your favorite music from your smartphone, tablet or PC. The most powerful amplifier in the AX range, the Cambridge Audio AXR100 offers all the features of the AXR85 with a step up to 100 watts per channel.
The Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver delivers quality sound from vinyl and digital music with Bluetooth® connectivity. A discrete amplifier provides high power and a pure sound, and the reinforced frame and beam chassis design reduces transmitted vibration for more focused, powerful performance. Plug your turntable into your receiver via the phono input for appropriate pre-amplification and EQ. An FM tuner with 30 digital presets with station names, as well as auto tuning.
Yamaha, one of the most trusted brands in home audio, adds Bluetooth® compatibility in the Yamaha R-S202 Hi-Fi receiver for easy wireless access to streaming music services and music on your smartphone or other devices. With two channels of 100-watt high-power output that are above its class, it has a high-quality sound design that minimizes the length of signal routes and optimizes the circuit layout.
As always, feel free to stop in to your local ListenUp showroom to test out these models. For the best product recommendations, feel free to chat with us here.
Available online and in-store at ListenUp, the Sonus faber Sonetto G2 Series Speakers are expected to start shipping July 2024. Contact ListenUp today to design a Sonus faber Sonetto G2 Home Theater System tailored to your specific needs.
ListenUp offers numerous solutions to bring your entertainment outdoors this season. With the latest all-weather TVs and speakers available, you can transform your deck, patio, gazebo, or pool house into an entertainment paradise. We cover our most popular options in this article.
In this Blog, we’ll do a quick rundown of belt-drive and direct-drive turntables, highlighting the pros and cons of each, so you can start, or continue, your analog journey a little more informed.
