Once upon a time the receiver was called ordinary radio receivers. At least it was in the West. But gradually the technology improved. Radio is no surprise to anyone, and therefore completely different devices have been considered as receivers. Such devices receive audio and video from other devices connected to them, then outputting them to the acoustics chosen by the user. The main task of the AV receiver is to increase the signal strength, if such a need is present. This is partly why some people call such a device an amplifier, although in fact such a name has very different devices, the difference of which lies in the absence of a tuner.
AV-receiver which company to choose
The first such device deals with sound processing. The picture is, in many cases, transmitted to the TV or projector without any changes.
In this regard, it is not surprising that the mass production of AV-receivers are mainly occupied by companies familiar to us from audio equipment. When choosing a device you should not focus on Chinese products - they spoil the impression of the assembled home theater. It is better to pay attention to the following brands (listed in alphabetical order):
1. Cambridge Audio.
2. Denon.
3. Marantz.
4. Onkyo
5. Pioneer.
6. Rotel.
7. Sony.
8. Vincent.
9. Yamaha
It should be noted that some of these companies have access to special technologies that were not previously specific to home theaters. For example, Sony introduces support for wireless networks into its AV receivers. Modern technologies are being introduced into their products by the Japanese company Yamaha, which also creates musical instruments.
Best AV Receivers
Yamaha RX-V679
This device allows you to output sound to a 7.2 speaker system. A 150W signal will be sent to each channel. The very same receiver consumes 590 watts of electricity, if you make it work to its fullest. The device includes the already traditional 24-bit central audio processor, the sampling frequency of which is 192 kHz. There is also a digital processor (DSP).
Two versions of the Yamaha RX-V679 arrived at the store shelves. They differ only in body color: it can be black and silver. As it should be, the receiver has a huge number of connectors. There are only five HDMI inputs! Also, the buyer can find four composite, two component, two coaxial, four linear and two optical inputs.
All this allows you to connect to the receiver blu-ray player, three gaming consoles, a video camera and many other devices. The list of outputs is smaller here, but it is understandable - you will hardly want to connect something more than television and acoustics.
Advantages:
- A very large number of inputs and outputs;
- Ability to connect Internet cable;
- IR sensor is external;
- There is a USB port;
- Screw and spring connectors for the speaker system;
- Support for wireless data transmission;
- There is an internet radio function;
- Many decoders from the Dolby and DTS series;
- Decent power with low harmonics;
- You can connect nine-channel acoustics.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Does not read the .cue format;
- Manual calibration causes certain difficulties.
Pioneer SC-LX58
One of the most expensive AV-receivers among those sold in Russia. This is due to its very high power. A speaker system can be connected to the device, consisting of nine speakers and two subwoofers. And this is not a home, but a full-fledged cinema! A signal of 240 watts is sent to each channel.
The Pioneer SC-LX58 receiver can operate independently, without relying on other sound sources.For this purpose, the function of Internet radio and a wireless Wi-Fi module are introduced. Also on the case you can find a USB-port to which the flash drive is connected.
You can connect a game console, a blu-ray player, a CD player and many other stationary devices to the AV receiver - there will definitely be enough connectors. Also, the manufacturer guessed to add support for Bluetooth and AirPlay. With the help of these technologies, sound is received from smartphones and tablets.
Of course, there was a radio module that understands AM and FM frequencies. But this can be said about almost all receivers, because their story began with the radio. On sale you can find a device with a silver and black body.
Advantages:
- The ability to use 11-channel speaker system;
- Practically maximum power;
- Two digital processors from Texas Instruments;
- A huge number of connectors on the back;
- External IR sensor included;
- Internet access via cable and Wi-Fi;
- A large number of DTS and Dolby decoders;
- Almost the maximum number of settings;
- Well implemented interaction with Apple technology.
Disadvantages:
- The harmonic coefficient can not be called the lowest;
- Not quite clear instruction;
- Astronomical price tag;
- Sometimes there may be problems with software.
Sherwood RD-7505
If your budget is limited, then you can consider buying Sherwood RD-7505. This handsome man easily copes with signal transmission to the acoustics of the 7.1 format. In addition, each channel will receive a sound power of 110 watts.
You need to control the AV receiver using the included remote control. For basic settings, you can use the buttons under the display, and a fairly round knob. The case of the device is painted black, there are no other options.
The device has a large number of DTS and Dolby decoders, albeit not the maximum. Also here is a built-in radio receiver that can memorize up to 30 stations. The budget of the product gives the back wall. It is not the largest number of connectors.
Among the inputs, there are only three HDMI connectors. This causes some sadness. Outputs at the receiver more, among them you can find even a 6.3-millimeter headphone jack. As for the audio outputs intended for connecting the speaker system, they are screw.
Advantages:
- Relatively high power;
- You can buy at a reasonable price;
- Cute design;
- Regularly used connectors are placed on the front panel;
- Weight does not exceed 9.2 kg;
- The number of audio and video outlets should suit many buyers;
- Copes with acoustics format 7.1.
Disadvantages:
- No USB port;
- There is no internet radio;
- You can not connect your smartphone wirelessly;
- The number of inputs is extremely small.
Yamaha RX-A1040
Enough expensive product from the manufacturer of musical instruments and motorcycles. May have a silver or black body color. In maximum use mode consumes 420 watts of electricity.
The structure of the AV-receiver includes a high-quality radio receiver, in which the signal-to-noise ratio in the FM mode does not exceed 70 dB. You can also insert a USB flash drive into the device to play music from it.
The Yamaha product is endowed with Wi-Fi, AirPlay and DLNA wireless technology. The first is used to listen to Internet radio, the second helps to connect Apple equipment, and the third helps to play media content from a nearby computer. You can output sound using this AV-receiver to the acoustics of the 7.2 format.
The signal power varies from 165 to 110 W, depending on the type of channel. A separate feature of this model is the availability of high-quality phono stage, which perfectly copes with its task. Everything is in order here and with the number of connectors - there are seven pieces of HDMI inputs alone!
Advantages:
- Almost the maximum possible number of connectors;
- Beautiful appearance;
- All DTS and Dolby decoders are present, including the newest ones;
- There is an internet radio function;
- Availability of multiple wireless modules and an RJ-45 connector;
- You can connect nine-channel acoustics;
- On the case there is a USB port;
- High-quality DAC and digital processor;
- An external IR sensor is used;
- High power with low harmonics.
Disadvantages:
- Not everyone can afford it;
- No Bluetooth module;
- Not very convenient remote control.
Sony STR-DN860
Creating AV receivers is not Sony’s core business. However, even such products from the Japanese are very good, if not ideal. For example, the Sony STR-DN860 comes in an elegant black case and can optionally be configured without a remote control. At the same time, numerous buttons do not affect the design, as they turned out to be narrow and barely noticeable.
The receiver is designed to connect to the acoustics of the 7.2 format. The power per channel is 110 W, which is the optimal parameter for a device with such a price tag. By the way, the rear, central and central rear channels receive a signal whose power is increased to 150 watts.
In addition to the radio tuner, there are other content playback options. For example, you can use the function of Internet radio - you should connect to the global web either through a cable or via Wi-Fi.
Also among the supported wireless standards includes AirPlay, which is familiar to many owners of "apple" technology. The number of connectors here can not be called a record, but no shortage of them is felt. In short, this is a great product from a Japanese company that is definitely worth the money.
Advantages:
- MHL 3.0 and NFC are supported;
- A large number of various connectors;
- You can connect a USB drive;
- Allowed to listen to Internet radio;
- A large number of decoders;
- Multiple wireless standards supported;
- Very good DAC and digital processor;
- Beautiful design.
Disadvantages:
- The radio only works with the FM band;
- The price tag can not be called low;
- No Bluetooth support;
- IR sensor is not external;
- Lean EQ.
Which AV receiver to buy
In this article, we talked about the top five AV receivers. They all collect positive reviews on Runet. And they are all surprisingly similar to each other. Although there are differences:
1. For example, Sony STR-DN860 should pay attention to those who have a TV from the same company. In this case, you can prevent the receiver from switching off with the TV, if the device is controlled via an HDMI cable.
2. About the same money costs Yamaha RX-V679. This device sounds slightly better, although it will be noticed only by a true music lover. Otherwise, it is very similar to the product of a competitor.
3. The most powerful among the devices reviewed today is the Pioneer SC-LX58. Buy this AV-receiver is recommended only if you want to place your home theater in a huge room.
4. In other cases, you are completely satisfied with the Sherwood RD-7505 (power 110 W per channel) and the Yamaha RX-A1040 (165 W per channel). In this case, the product from Yamaha is able to please with an excellent phono stage and the ability to connect two subwoofers.
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