AV receivers are notoriously complicated, 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’ll sum up a very powerful ones proper right here.
HDMI inputs
With most TVs and set-top bins supporting HDMI, you can purchase a receiver that has as many of those HDMI enter ports and outputs as potential. Entrance-mounted HDMI ports are type of like a human appendix — unneeded, as a result of most customers do not hot-plug HDMI gadgets — making the variety of rear inputs what’s most essential. (How else are you going to attach your Roku, Blu-ray participant, Nintendo Change and all of your different gadgets?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Denon AVR-S970H have six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, whereas the Yamaha RX-V6A goes one higher with seven. If you wish to join two totally different shows — a TV and a projector, for instance — all however the Yamaha supply a second HDMI output. You must also make certain you’ve got an additional HDMI cable or two readily available — these items are just like the second sock of a pair as you may by no means discover them whenever you want them.
Dolby Atmos functionality
Most receivers within the $500-and-above worth vary embody Dolby Atmos functionality and DTS:X, however the impact these codecs have on your own home theater movie-watching will be refined, or in most films, nonexistent. In different phrases, don’t fret about lacking out on these codecs by not putting in a ceiling-pointing 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 wi-fi music streaming through your speaker system. There are many requirements for wi-fi streaming companies, however essentially the most common are Spotify Join, Apple AirPlay and Google Solid. In case you’re trying to construct a multiroom system with a wide range of AV techniques and audio system with wi-fi connectivity, these are the three flavors to purpose for. Onkyo and Sony are the one gadgets to help all three. The Denon receiver mannequin lacks wi-fi streaming through Google however ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. In the meantime, Yamaha has its personal MusicCast system.