How many channels do I need?Įntry-level Dolby Atmos AV receivers typically have seven channels of amplification: five for standard left/centre/right and two rear speakers for surround sound, plus two for front height duties. By comparison, DTS:X is limited to 4K Blu-ray discs at the moment. If your AV receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and you have height channels connected, you’ll hear the difference right away – it’s a big step up from standard 5.1 surround sound.ĭolby Atmos is the more widely supported of the two standards, and you’ll find it everywhere from blockbuster 4K Blu-ray movies to the latest hit shows from Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. Even some music is now being mixed or remastered to take advantage of this capability. The latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround-sound standards create a fully three-dimensional soundscape that allows sounds to move over and around you. How to choose the best AV receiver for you How much should I spend on an AV receiver?Ĭheaper models will have fewer surround channels and less powerful amplifiers, so will generally be suited to smaller rooms that don’t have the space for large numbers of speakers, and which don’t need vast reserves of amplifier power to reach acceptable volumes.Īs you spend more, AV receivers will come equipped with more powerful amplifiers and have the ability to connect more speakers to take full advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

Best high-end AVR: Arcam AVR10 | £2,449.

Best high-impact AVR: Denon AVC-X4700H | £1,549.

Best mid-range AVR: Denon AVR-X2700H | £679.

Best entry-level AVR: Sony STR-DH790 | £299.

READ NEXT: The best soundbars and soundbases And if you’re specifically wondering about whether you should make the jump to an 8K AVR, head on down to our section on the 8K HDMI bug fiasco.

So which AVR is best for you? Read on and our buying guide will show you what you need to look out for and help you decide how much to spend. It processes the surround-sound data, powers the speakers, and acts as a switching hub for all your AV sources: Blu-ray players, set-top-boxes, media streamers and games consoles. For truly immersive home cinema, a top-notch AV receiver partnered with a bundle of speakers can make you feel like you’re right in the centre of the action, with sounds soaring around your living room.Īn AV receiver (AVR) is the foundation of any great home cinema system.

Smart speakers and soundbars can pull off amazing feats of surround-sound trickery, but the best AV receivers are capable of so much more.

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