TOP 5 Surround Sound Receivers -2021 AV Receivers for MUSIC and MOVIES

50 Comments

1. César Moreira on February 17, 2022 at 11:40 pm

   I´m confused, between Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Denon x2700H, What do you choice?

   
   
   
2. Owen McIntyre on February 17, 2022 at 11:40 pm

   What about the Pioneer 505 instead of the Onkyo RZ50, I have the RZ50 on pre-order but they won’t arrive in Canada until mid april so won’t get it till May probably. But I can get a 505 today at the same price……. Pro’s Con’s?

   
   
   
3. NutShell Theology on February 17, 2022 at 11:41 pm

   Great list. All excellent choices. I bought my Anthem MRX-710 about 5 years ago to replace a venerable Sony STR-GX900ES and I have been in audio bliss ever since…

   
   
   
4. Vito Ran on February 17, 2022 at 11:44 pm

   Hello Andrew. Love the work you and Mrs Robinson are doing. How would you compare or judge the rx-a3080 and the rx-a6a?

   
   
   
5. Joseph Gaydosh on February 17, 2022 at 11:46 pm

   Obviously you have not checked out the new Yamaha

   
   
   
6. Ryand0523 on February 17, 2022 at 11:47 pm

   I’m hoping to see a new, or better Denon, that will offer about 200 watts a channel, with a 9.2.6 set up…

   
   
   
7. Max Y. on February 17, 2022 at 11:48 pm

   I purchased the Denon x4700h 3 weeks ago the sound is incredible, after 2 weeks the right channel stop working. Magnolia didn’t have them in stock and they just had another price increase to 2199 I’m thinking about the Pioneer vsx-lx505, are you planning to review the VSX-LX 505 ? Thanks.

   
   
   
8. Dominic Valois on February 17, 2022 at 11:48 pm

   Hi Kristi, Andrew! Great video! I’ve been shopping for a few months for a good receiver and I quite stopped on the Onkyo TX-RZ50 and actually bought it but I’m on a huge waiting list… Since you talked about the Pioneer, I did take a look at the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 and I can still get my hands on one but the inside build quality seems to be on the cheap side? Then you also talked about the Yamaha V6A, but they now seem to have higher end RX-A6A… What are your thoughts on this model? Does it still require a firmware update for all HDMI features, as the V6A? I can also get the Denon AVR-X4700H in stock but in the end, this is getting me all mixed up! I know the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is the hot one to get but I’m debating if a 4-6 months wait is worth it?
   All the best!

   
   
   
9. Sal on February 17, 2022 at 11:51 pm

   What AVR would you recommend for a 9.2.4

   
   
   
10. Rick Wright on February 17, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    Will the RZ50 drive 4ohm speakers?

    
    
    
11. Andrew Steinhaus on February 17, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    Can you please do a review of how you set up all the controls, I want to be able to easily switch inputs without switching remote controls

    
    
    
12. Jamie Cox on February 17, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    I purchased a Yamaha R6V6a back in February 2021. When the update came available, I was happy to see mine was a newer model and I just had to download and change some settings. Since then, I am 100% happy with my purchase. Sounds great movies and music. I have both PS5 and Series X , so definitely nice to get the 4K 120hz out of both now

    
    
    
13. John Maynard on February 17, 2022 at 11:53 pm

    Please tell me about this Onkyo 6050 Costco deal and they say it is the 6100 Onkyo . Is it BS or what?

    
    
    
14. Kenny Arenault on February 17, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    I went with the Denon 3700h and part of me thinks I should have went with the pioneer lx505

    
    
    
15. Deshams 1974 * on February 17, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    Hello, was holding out for onkyo txrz50 however in Britain and zero hope. Had onkyo txrz800 for 5 years now and been a powerhouse both musically and for home theater. I have settled for marantz sr7015.

    
    
    
16. Jeffrey Grubb on February 18, 2022 at 12:00 am

    My Onkyo RZ50 is finally being shipped to me this week after being on pre-order since September 13 2021

    
    
    
17. ASHOK KUMAR on February 18, 2022 at 12:02 am

    Just Ordered Onkyo TX-RZ50. Luckily there are few in stock. I will be getting the receiver in couple of days. Excited to setup the 9 channel Receiver.

    
    
    
18. Gualberto Vega on February 18, 2022 at 12:03 am

    I was a big fan of Yamaha in amps and music instruments. My last Yamaha product ( DTX 9000 drum module) stopped working, I called Yamaha. and they referred me to their authorized repair shop, Jaydon Electronics. Jaydon couldn’t fix it, after months of yanking my chain with excuses, the told me that Yamaha was difficult to repair due to lack of schematic information. I gave them $ 400 that were not returned. So even though I like Yamaha products I cant buy ,them anymore !!

    
    
    
19. Scott Tilden on February 18, 2022 at 12:06 am

    All these use the flawed Panasonic chip, and Denon has quality control issues with their HDMI boards, I would stay away from all of them.

    
    
    
20. TheKhal on February 18, 2022 at 12:06 am

    Honestly, the receiver is the main thing preventing me from going into a home theatre sound setup. I just want an all-integrated, streamlined, minimal system. I know soundbar technology, even with additional wireless speakers and subwoofers, has yet to prove it can match the sound fidelity and compatibility of a a dedicated sound system, but I’m leaning towards it more. I’ve tinkered enough with optimizing media experience and just want something to work and be easy to use.

    
    
    
21. JediJoker on February 18, 2022 at 12:10 am

    The biggest issue I have with all of these choices is that none of them have analog multichannel inputs. I realize this has become a niche connection type, but for those of us with legacy multichannel media—including analog quadraphonic formats—it’s a necessity. When I was shopping in 2020, the Marantz SR6014 was the least expensive receiver I could find with 7.1 RCA inputs, native DSD support, and full support for then-current-gen. immersive formats (minus Auro-3D and Sony 360 Reality Audio a.k.a. MPEG-H). I believe this is still the case with the current SR6015. The equivalent Denon doesn’t have 7.1 RCA in (though apparently measures better; frustrating), and other brands either don’t offer this combo of features at all or only at higher price points.

    
    
    
22. Ian Holl on February 18, 2022 at 12:11 am

    The Onkyo TX-RZ50 doesn’t support Auro 3D which is a deal breaker for me being in the UK. I chose the Denon X-4700H as it supports Auro 3D.

    
    
    
23. Jeff Nunn on February 18, 2022 at 12:11 am

    I’m looking to upgrade from the Sony STR-DN1080 and boy would I like the Onkyo TX-RZ50. The problem is, I live in the UK and Onkyo/Pioneer are not being sold here. I like the look of the Denon AVR-X3700H but it feels like buying second best for about the same money.
    Does anyone have any comment about buying the Denon or waiting for the Onkyo? Also does anyone know if Oknyo will be returning to the UK once Covid and Brexit settle down?
    Thanks 🙂

    
    
    
24. Boba Tube on February 18, 2022 at 12:11 am

    Give Kristi a real mic

    
    
    
25. Bert d.j. on February 18, 2022 at 12:12 am

    You are rambling man and you have preference. My Yamaha HTR-4068 was still getting its updates in 2021. thing is nothing wrong with it and has never let me down because of a problem, which my friend does with his Denon.

    
    
    
26. Shawn H on February 18, 2022 at 12:13 am

    Dude these are all the wrong models for home theater Dolby Atmos sheeat

    
    
    
27. Andrew Manus on February 18, 2022 at 12:16 am

    Great video. Why didn’t Rotel make the list?

    
    
    
28. Jose Fernandez on February 18, 2022 at 12:16 am

    Hi Andrew. If I wanted to add an external amp/rec to make up the other 2 channels missing from the rz50 in order to get 7.2.4, can I use an old receiver, or how good in quality does the ext amp have to be? If it is not as good as the main amp, will it drastically degrade the sound?

    
    
    
29. Tritium Glo on February 18, 2022 at 12:17 am

    Light in the pockets Budget list.

    
    
    
30. Ganesan G on February 18, 2022 at 12:17 am

    I’m all fired up.

    
    
    
31. ZombiieLYF on February 18, 2022 at 12:17 am

    On a side note Andrew I don’t know if its just me but the opening soundtrack on your videos give a slightly distorted note on the higher end, all your other small bits of music here and there sound beautiful but just that opening tune, bugging me.

    
    
    
32. Freddie D .Richburg Jr on February 18, 2022 at 12:17 am

    I bought the DENON AVR-X6500H 11.2 11 channels of amplification 13 channels with an external amp.

    
    
    
33. P G on February 18, 2022 at 12:18 am

    Love the show Andrew ! A little late to the post here, but my fav amp would be the Marantz SR5015 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver V Onkyo TXRZ50. What are yr thoughts on the Marantz

    
    
    
34. Pankaj Kumar Singh on February 18, 2022 at 12:19 am

    You are correct

    
    
    
35. Sera Finiert on February 18, 2022 at 12:20 am

    So many great receivers on the list. Unfortunately, none of them are available to purchase. Everything is sold out, out of stock or 50% more expensive, due to lack of availability.

    
    
    
36. evo66 on February 18, 2022 at 12:21 am

    Onkyo looks near like Denon..but I prefer Denon more…even though just send for repair..AVR2113…

    
    
    
37. Stephen Platek on February 18, 2022 at 12:23 am

    I received my RZ50 recently and am discovering its positives and negatives as I listen. Currently stumping me is how do I keep Dirac live settings if I want to play 2 channel audio. Onkyo tells me that 2 channel (or stereo) setting on remote actually means 2.1 audio with the subwoofer active. Hitting Pure Audio on the unit will negate the subwoofer but also shut off the Dirac Live settings as well. Apparently there is not an easy way to use room correction with just 2 channels. In my call to Onkyo they suggested using Slot 2 to recalibrate the room with the subwoofer off. That will also require going into the menus and physically shutting off the subwoofer before a listening session. There is got to be an easier way!! Any suggestions?
    Thanks

    
    
    
38. Brian Gardner on February 18, 2022 at 12:23 am

    I really love your reviews.
    I do have one suggestion, though.
    How about reviewing the best and smallest AV receivers with 5.x or even 7.x capability for people who have very little room to house their electronics? Such as a small studio apartment or a non-massive master bedroom. Or just a spouse that enjoys hearing and seeing the content and yet has little tolerance for looking at the equipment.
    Maybe something the size of the bluesound powernode.
    Maybe I’m wrong. But I’m pretty sure there are a lot of current subscribers, and quite a few more potential subscribers, who would be very interested in that topic.

    
    
    
39. Sera Finiert on February 18, 2022 at 12:24 am

    Just a small pet peeve: What’s referenced as "next gen" features actually is "current gen". We are using that tech already for over a year.

    
    
    
40. Goran Gubić on February 18, 2022 at 12:24 am

    When will we see a review from some Anthem receiver.

    
    
    
41. TechNation on February 18, 2022 at 12:24 am

    It’s so difficult to find any gear these days. If there’s a chip in it. good luck finding a receiver ☹️

    
    
    
42. Alan Coutinho on February 18, 2022 at 12:28 am

    Hi Andrew. Was wondering on your opinion on the Denon’s phono pre-amp. Was thinking about purchasing it for movies and my Technics 1200.

    
    
    
43. David Parker on February 18, 2022 at 12:29 am

    We recently purchased the Pioneer given your review. The system is paired with 7 MK speakers plus MK sub serving a pretty large room 23′ x 36′. After setup (Dirac), I can say we are totally satisfied with the listening experience.

    
    
    
44. Pryoness on February 18, 2022 at 12:30 am

    What’s the best Yamaha AV receiver? Competitor for the RZ50?

    
    
    
45. NKYGunGuy on February 18, 2022 at 12:31 am

    Great call on the Onkyo 7100! Would love to see you all test that one.

    
    
    
46. Andrew Robinson on February 18, 2022 at 12:32 am

    ★ *QOTD: Did your favorites make the list? What would be in your top 5?*
    ★ *CLICK 🔝 “SHOW MORE” in the description for answers to many of your questions*
    ★ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*

    
    
    
47. Khamis Othman on February 18, 2022 at 12:32 am

    Yamaha is the way to go the rest won’t last long

    
    
    
48. Robert Schuster on February 18, 2022 at 12:33 am

    I have the x3700h, and love it. I used to have the pioneer elite 503 and major issue i had with it, is you can’t set the individual crossovers, it is all or nothing, and i have found that my LCR work better at 100hz, but rears and atmos sound best at 90hz. So was a deal breaker for me, and it has not been resolved in the 505, but they added dirac which is awesome.

    
    
    
49. stacky512a on February 18, 2022 at 12:33 am

    NAD T 778?

    
    
    
50. Magnus O'Callaghan on February 18, 2022 at 12:36 am

    If you weren’t worried about future proofing and didn’t need the ability to stream to it because of separates would you still stand behind how great the rotel is? You are the only person to review the Rotel and with Arcam everyone complains about the software glitches.