Whether you’re looking to set up the ultimate home theatre or a state-of-the-art music system, you will surely want the best audiophile AV receiver out there. Luckily, there are many high end & budget AV receivers for music currently on the market. Here are the top five hi-fi AV receivers that will give you that immersive high-fidelity surround sound experience you desire.
In a hurry? The best audiophile AV receivers in 2024 are the high quality Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD AV Receiver for Audio & Video and the Marantz SR7013 9.2 Channel AV Receiver. They boost the most advanced technology and high-power 9-channel amplifiers along with plenty of HDMI inputs.
Best Audiophile AV Receiver: Quick Comparison
| BEST RATED |
Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9 Channel AV Receiver
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RUNNER UP  |
Marantz SR7013 9.2 Channel AV Receiver
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MID RANGE  |
AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
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BUDGET  |
YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1 Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
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CHEAPEST  |
Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver
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Top Hifi High End & Budget AV Receivers For Music 2024: Reviews
1. Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel AV Receiver
Best Rated
The Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD AV Receiver gives unrivaled 3D surround sound with a high-power 9-channel amplifier.
With this receiver, you can customize your speaker configuration to your exact preferences, creating the home theatre or music system you dream of.
The AVR-X3700H delivers high-power performance at 105W per channel, resulting in explosive and precise audio and visual reproduction.
In addition, it uses Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology for full 3D audio support and immersive audio without height channels.
With this high end AV receiver, you’ll experience dynamic expression and magnified clarity in every sound.
The Denon 8K AV receiver supports various HDR formats with seven inputs and three outputs. What’s more, it has an on-screen setup assistant that will guide you through the setup, making the process quick and stress-free.
In terms of price, this is a mid-range AV receiver, but with the quality of a higher-priced model, making it excellent value for money.
Pros
- High-power 9 channel amplifier
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
- Customizable speakers
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections
- Plenty of HDMI inputs
Cons
- Only one trigger cable output
2. Marantz SR7013 9.2 Channel Surround Sound AV Receiver
Runner Up
A close second is the Marantz SR7013 9.2 Channel AV Receiver, which like the Denon AVR-X3700H, boasts a 9.2 surround sound system.
It has many top audio features, including built-in Auro-3D for three-dimensional sound fields and proprietary HDAM circuit boards for the most detailed, dynamic sound.
On this receiver, you’ll also find DTS Virtual:X to simulate height effects without the need for height speakers and Audyssey speaker calibration and system optimization.
This calibration delivers balanced, dynamic sound with enhanced surround performance. In addition, the dynamic EQ gives fuller sound at low listening levels, and the low-frequency containment contains the bass in one room.
The receiver is made from high-grade precision engineered components. Combining this with exclusive HDAM technology makes this an AV receiver that delivers an exceptional stereo listening experience along with ultra HD visual clarity.
What’s more, it has eight HDMI inputs, three outputs, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with AirPlay and Alexa.
Pros
- 9-channel amplifier
- Many advanced audio features
- Fill speaker calibration system
- 125 watts output per channel
- Plenty of inputs and outputs
Cons
- Not the most aggressive bass
3. AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
Best Mid Range AV Receiver For Music
If you like the Denon AVR-X3700H but prefer a cheaper price tag, the Denon AVR-S960H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver could be an ideal alternative.
This model features a discrete high-performance 7-channel amplifier with a maximum power outage of 90 watts per channel.
The AVR-X3700H has a low impedance driver capability, ensuring stable and balanced audio output no matter the speakers you use.
It also has an innovative auto eco mode that adjusts the speaker power output based on the volume level.
3D audio support includes Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X.
Like the higher-priced model, this Denon AV receiver has USB and Bluetooth connectivity and is voice assistant compatible. It has slightly fewer HDMI inputs and outputs; six in and two out. However, this will still be sufficient for most audiophiles.
Pros
- Reliable and stable audio with any speaker
- Auto eco mode for power conservation
- Supports the latest DD and DTS formats
- Easy set-up
Cons
- 8K support is minimal
4. YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1 Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
Best Budget AV Receiver For Audiophile
If you’re looking to keep costs as low as possible but still want to create a powerful surround sound system, go for the YAMAHA RX-V385 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver.
This budget option with 5.1 channel surround sound still has many great features such as 4K Ultra HD support, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma, and BT.2020.
We particularly like this affordable YAMAHA AV receiver for its wide array of audio functions. It utilizes YPAO auto-calibration and Cinema DSP technology to support playback of HD Audio and give a richer bass than you would expect.
Overall, you’ll experience highly natural, smooth, and expansive sound imaging.
The YAMAHA RX-V385 has Bluetooth wireless connectivity and HDMI 2.1 with HDCP support.
However, it has only four inputs and one output which may not be enough for some audiophiles. However, for such a low price, you can’t really complain, can you!
Pros
- Rich bass reproduction
- Auto calibration
- Can configure individual speaker volume levels
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Excellent sound reproduction for a low price
Cons
- Not enough input and output ports
- The bottom of the unit can get very hot
5. Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver with 4K Ultra HD & Hi-Res Audio
Best Budget AV Receiver Under 500 Dollars
The Onkyo TX-SR494 has seven channels of high-current power and many intelligent features to enjoy heart-pounding music, and realistic action sounds for less than $500.
Featuring both Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X technology, this receiver spreads the sound overhead and behind.
A unique feature of this Onkyo AV receiver is the Music Optimizer DSP listening mode. This function reconstructs missing bit data from compressed files, improving audio playback significantly.
There is also an AccuEQ with a subwoofer EQ that increases the clarity of the audio.
This receiver features Bluetooth streaming and a USB port. In addition, there are four HDMI inputs, two digital audio inputs, three analog audio inputs, and a Zone B pre-/line-out for bi-amping.
Pros
- Spatial sound elevation
- One-touch vocal enhancer
- Ability to decompress small files
- Plenty of input ports
- Bluetooth streaming
Cons
- Lacks temperature regulation
Which AV Receiver Is Best For Music?
- Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Marantz SR7013 9.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
- YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1 Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
- Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver
Richer Sounds AV Receiver Buying Guide
Inputs & Outputs
Before choosing an AV receiver for music reproduction, you should familiarise yourself with the number and type of inputs and outputs a receiver has.
You will need HDMI ports for your video equipment and plenty of analog and digital audio inputs for your audio equipment, such as an amp and a DAC. Read also: Best Audiophile DAC 2024 and Best Sound Card for Audiophiles 2024
Power Output
Opt for an AV receiver with a high power output as this will allow you to connect more equipment. Also, look for Class A/B amplification rather than Class-D as these have much better sound fidelity and transparency.
Additional Features
Some high-end AV receivers will have additional advanced features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
They may even have voice assistant support as well as compatibility with Chromecast, Airplay, etc. However, if your primary concern is finding an AV receiver that will give the best audio output, don’t get too hung up on the additional features.
Final Words About The Best AV Receiver For Audiophiles
Whatever your budget, you’ll find the top rated audiophile AV receiver to suit your needs.
If you’re after the very best audiophile AV receiver on the market in 2024 that gives top HiFi music reproduction, you’ll enjoy the high end Denon AVR-X3700H 3D Audio & Video for Gaming & Music Streaming.
The honorable second place belongs to the high quality Marantz AV Receiver with 4K Ultra HD & Hi-Res Audio is one of the best budget AV receivers for music.
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
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