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The Rundown
- Best Overall:Yamaha YHT-4930UBL at Amazon, “An affordable option that provides a complete entertainment package with great sound.”
- Runner-Up, Best Overall:Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 at Amazon, “Sets up in a snap with instant pairing connections.”
- Best Design:LG Electronics CM4550 at Walmart, “Offers both a unique presence and large sound that is great for home theaters.”
- Best Budget:LG Electronics CJ45 Home Theater System at Amazon, “With a convenient modular design that fits into a variety of environments.”
- Best Sound:Klipsch Black Reference at Amazon, “Delivering rich, cinematic sound befitting of your home theater setup.'
- Best Compact:Samsung HT-J5500W at Amazon, “With components that are slim and lightweight (all roughly one pound each) for easy placement in your family room.”
- Best Splurge:Onkyo HT-S7800 at Amazon, “For consumers with a ‘go big or go home’ mentality.”
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Yamaha YHT-4930UBL
Beyond having quality components, good sound, and an easy installation, a good home theater kit should give you everything you need to quickly set up your future center of entertainment. Quality kits will also give you the ability to expand down the road if you feel like the kit itself isn’t enough. For the top pick, the Yamaha YHT-4930UBL system is an affordable option that provides a complete entertainment package with great sound.
Bluetooth® compatible 5.1-channel AV receiver with fully discrete configuration and high-quality DACs.
The kit comes with a set of six speakers, enough to produce the typical 5.1 surround sound experience that immerses viewers. The four satellite speakers and front speaker all feature 2.35” full range drive cones for clear and full sound. The subwoofer sports a 6.5” driver and 100w output to fill out the lower frequencies TVs alone can’t produce. In total, the system can output 750 watts of power. The sound is optimized using Yamaha’s YPAO system, which adapts to the home theater space. Each speaker connects to a TV or projector using standard A/V cables that come with the kit. For music streaming, the receiver is Bluetooth compatible as well.
On the visual side of things, the kit’s receive is capable of full 4K when connected to a compatible TV or projector. A 4K pass-through is also available to feed a 4K signal to the TV while the kit’s receive is off. It is Hybrid Log-Gamma and Dolby Vision compatible, both of which can enhance the visuals for a more realistic display. Finally, the kit comes with a limited two-year warranty.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1
The Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 wireless audio home theater system is also a fantastic system. Like the other “wireless” entries on this list, there’s no true wireless solution, just less centralized clutter of wires behind the TV. The Enclave set includes one center speaker/receiver, two front speakers, two smaller rear speakers and a subwoofer. The setup is a snap. Just connect the center speaker to the TV via HDMI, plug each satellite speaker into a wall outlet and, thanks to instant pairing connection, you’re ready to go. Did you notice the catch? You still have to plug each satellite speaker into the wall outlet thereby eliminating the Enclave as yet another truly wireless solution. Aside from that, each wall connector for the satellite is 2x3 inches which can cause some headaches if you have anything else plugged into an outlet.
One other niggle is the delayed startup time from the moment you hit the power button. The price won’t get you the very best in audiophile quality, but this system rivals the Onkyo for overall sound reproduction. You can add extra speakers for 7.1 for down the line, something not available from most of the competitors on this list. And, music fans will be happy to know that wireless audio is simple with any phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Best Design: LG Electronics CM4550
Home theater kits are all about sound and video quality, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice on the looks and feel of the kit itself. Since you can stylize your home theater to your personal tastes, it’s nice to have a kit that will add an accent of sleek, elegant or modern decor into the space. The LG Electronics CM4550 offers both a unique presence and large sound that is great for home theaters and music entertainment setups alike.
The 2.1 channel kit comes with two primary speakers and a subwoofer for a total of 700w output power. For music playing, the system has an Auto DJ feature that completely shuffles songs from your USB stick, smart device or CD. The kit also comes with traditional audio inputs for other TV and projector models. Two dual USB ports are compatible with a variety of music and entertainment devices.
Add additional LG speakers for traditional surround sound setups as you expand your home theater equipment. The speakers work with compatible LG HDTVs to keep the sound in sync with the screen at all times. For damage, the limited warranty lasts for a whole year from the date of purchase.
Best Budget: LG Electronics CJ45 Home Theater System
You don’t have to sacrifice sound quality even if you need to watch your spending with the LG Electronics CJ45 Home Theater System. Short on space? The CJ45 has a convenient modular design that fits into a variety of environments and includes two main speakers, a small sub-woofer, as well as a stylish main unit and control panel. No matter if you prefer streaming your songs or you’re a vinyl junkie, this speaker system can play your favorite songs with a standard analog stereo auxiliary input as well as two USB ports. You can even stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, thanks to built-in Bluetooth technology. Get your friends in on the action, too – three different people can connect at once to seamlessly build a party playlist. Don’t forget to try the Karaoke Creator feature that suppresses the vocal track of a song, so you can have your chance to show off your pipes and entertain the party in the process.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best home theater starter kits for under $500.
Best Sound: Klipsch Black Reference
One look at these speakers, with their golden cones and sleek black enclosures, and you’ll know that this is a home theater starter pack from Klipsch. Those cones are actually Molded Graphite (IMG) woofers that provide a great sound response with very little distortion and physical resilience. Just like the rest of the Klipsch reference series, there are Linear Travel Suspension tweeters that give pretty solid, sparkling, high response. This amounts to rich, cinematic sound befitting of your home theater setup, assuring you that the sound quality is up to snuff. Even the subwoofer is practical, offering 2.4GHz wireless connectivity which is very helpful when you’re trying to fit your system flexibly into your home theater setup. This pack will give you four satellite speakers (each with a keyhole mount to hang them wherever you need), plus a solid center speaker and that aforementioned subwoofer. It is a little on the expensive side, but that’s to be expected when looking at sound quality like this.
Best Compact: Samsung HT-J5500W
It’s true that good things come in small packages, as evidenced by the Samsung HT-J5500W home theater system. For apartment dwellers, this kit will fit snugly into the nooks and crannies of your home. The subwoofer is the largest piece of the set as a 10-pound, 11.7-inch cube. The other components are slim and lightweight (all roughly one pound each) for easy placement in your family room. But despite their size, they still pack the punch of Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround sound.
With built-in Wi-Fi, you can sync and stream your favorite apps, TV shows and games, or connect your devices with Bluetooth. The Samsung also includes a built-in 3D Blu-Ray player, turning your family room into a cozy 3D theater. The only downside is the minimal port space — it has only one disc slot, USB, and HDMI Output — which is the sacrifice you make to capitalize on space.
Best Splurge: Onkyo HT-S7800
For consumers with a 'go big or go home ” mentality, the Onkyo HT-S7800 is the system for you. Onkyo’s reputation speaks for itself, offering top quality at a fair price. The HT-S7800 is a standard 5.1 system with 8 HDMI inputs and supports up to seven speakers and two subwoofers if you want to expand. Rest assured, the initial kit provides a remarkable audio experience. The two front speakers cleverly bounce audio channels off strategic points in the room to create that immersive Dolby-Atmos surround sound, and the subwoofer packs a good punch for the bass.
The Onkyo system supports every music-streaming app you can name, along with Chromecast built-in and Airplay for your PC and smartphones. As a bonus, the Onkyo receiver even supports 4K, so your system won’t become outdated so quickly once VR technology takes over.
What to Look for in a Home Theater Starter Kit
![Theatre Theatre](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31N7D0Mhy0L._SX425_.jpg)
Surround sound - Do you want to be surrounded by the action of your favorite films? For those seeking a room-encompassing experience, keep your eyes peeled for 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound offerings. A 5.1 system will offer two rear, two front, one center channel, and a subwoofer, while a 7.1 will include two additional speakers for the sides.
4K and HDR - Not every receiver will support newer technologies such as 4K video or standards such as Dolby Vision HDR (high dynamic range). If your television supports these abilities and you wish to take advantage of them, make sure your receiver can handle the job.
Pass-through - How many items do you have in your home theater system? Be sure to select a receiver that can handle the number of devices that you will want to use. For example, someone with a cable box, Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox will need at least four inputs.
If you love the cinematic experience when you go to the movies but not the huge ticket prices and other people chattering away, then turn your living room into a home cinema instead. You'll just need to make sure you have the right kit, including an AV receiver.
That's because buying yourself the best TV on the market may bring that huge cinema screen feel to your home, but it rarely brings the audio to match. That means if you want high-end sound to make the most of your 4K TV you'll need to buy an AV receiver as well.
If you're not as clued in about the latest receiver tech as you are about the latest TV tech, don't worry. AVRs essentially act as the brains behind your AV setup.
AV receivers will take the audio track from whatever TV show, movie, CD or video game you're playing or watching, process the audio and send it through to any connected speakers you have.
AVRs are the only way to power 5.1 and 7.1 speaker setups outside of a soundbar, and they also host a bevy of ports that allow you to keep all your devices connected all the time.
This is important because the best AV receivers are essentially the central base that all of your entertainment equipment will need to connect to and communicate with.
Even if you have lots of other devices, this means that the transition between them will be seamless, regardless of what you’re trying to play, watch or listen to, you’ll always get an amazing entertainment experience to rival your nearest cinema screen.
- The verdict is in! The best AV receiver in 2019 is the Onkyo TX-NR676
If you have a 4K set-up at home, then you need to be on the lookout for a receiver that has a wealth of HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI ports. If you want to get really high-tech with your set-up, and invest in multi-room streaming, you need to think about which wireless speaker system is best for you – Chromecast, Heos, or even Yamaha MusicCast. Even if that's not something you're interested in right now, it makes sense to future-proof your set-up.
For many people, Dolby Atmos will be the killer app. This 3D audio system is now the gold standard in immersive audio. It may be available on soundbars, but only an AV receiver offers true overhead Dolby Atmos audio.
All you'll need to do is decide if you want a seven or a nine-channel system. (However, that said, you may not need Dolby Atmos at all, in which case a standard 5.1 sound system will fill your surround sound needs nicely.)
Have we convinced you that you need an AC receiver yet? The next step is figuring out which is the right one for you and luckily we've got a big list of all the best AC receivers you can get your hands on today.
Best AV receivers under $699
Onkyo TX-NR676
A budget receiver with excellent features and performance
Power output (claimed): 9 x 100W per channel | Dolby Atmos: Yes | HDMI: 7-in, 2-out | AV inputs: 2 x composite; 2 x digital audio | Weight: 27.6 lbs. (12.5 kg)
Gone are the days when buying a surround-sound-supporting receiver with multiple HDMI ports meant spending an arm and a leg. These days, you can get a great receiver with support for a surround sound setup at well under $500/£600. Like, for example, the Onkyo TX-NR676.
It's not the only receiver in its price range with a great set of features features or a plethora of inputs, but there are few comprehensive packages that are as easy to assemble, set up and use as Onkyo's.
In terms of expected sound performance, Onkyo has long offered a great sound-quality, and this receiver is no different. The receiver supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, which helps give sound a much more immersive feel to it.
We found that the receiver was generally great-sounding at all volumes. At low volumes, there was still plenty of clarity and detail, while higher volumes produced little distortion, which was nice to hear. Extremely tuned ears might miss a little detail in the high end at louder volumes, though the receiver still shoots well above its price range when it comes to sound quality.
If you’re looking for a great A/V receiver and have a maximum budget of $400/£600, the Onkyo TX-NR676 is the way to go.
Read the full review:Onkyo TX-NR676
Sony STR-DN1080
An innovative, affordable Dolby Atmos AV receiver with plenty of cool tricks
Power output (claimed): 7 x 165W into 6 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 6-in, 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio | Dimensions: 430(w) x 156(h) x 331(d) mm | Weight: 9.7kg
It might be late to the party, but Sony’s debut Dolby Atmos AV receiver entertains with some cool functionality. While it’s ostensibly a seven channel design (which means it can run in a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration) there are also two phantom rears which create a pseudo seven channel surround soundstage. The receiver can even virtually relocate the physical position of your speakers, to create a better sonic balance.
Build quality is commensurate with its price tag. This is no heavyweight, and the fascia looks overly fussy, but the hairline finish is a premium touch. Connectivity is good. We get six HDMI inputs, all HDCP 2.2 enabled. There are also two HDMI outputs, for combi TV and projector use. There are also two analogue AV inputs, plus a pair of stereo phonos and two digital audio inputs.
The AVR connects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with NFC for quick pairing, plus Airplay. The AVR also boasts Chromecast Built-in. That’s all the main wireless boxes ticked.
Setup is helped along by the latest iteration of Sony’s Auto Calibration software, which now features a 31-band graphic EQ and a stereo calibration microphone that adjusts phase, distance and level.
Usability is average. The receiver relies heavily on its UI, which is pretty but sometimes a little frustrating.
Performance is excellent for the price. Tonally the STR-DN1080 may not be particularly warm, but it is exciting. Movies benefit from seamless panning and pronounced dynamics. Power output is quoted at 7 x 165W into 6 ohms. The biggest surprise is the effectiveness of the phantom rears, which really do help fill out the rear surround stage. This sonic trickery positions the STR-DN1080 somewhere above a standard 5.1.2 design, but below a true nine channel amp.
Overall, this is an innovative, exciting AV Dolby Atmos receiver. Consider it a brilliant value home cinema offering.
Marantz NR1607
This slimline Dolby Atmos receiver can slam loud and hard when it needs too
Power output (claimed): 7 x 50W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 1-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 440(w) x 376(d) x 105(h) mm | Weight: 8.3kg
The latest update to the popular slimline NR line, Marantz’s Dolby Atmos enabled NR1607 packs a load of features into a low profile frame.
Choose from either a 5.1.2 Atmos configuration, or 7.1 flatbed surround. Wireless connectivity comes via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirPlay.
All seven rear-side HDMI inputs support 4K with HDCP 2.2. There’s only one HDMI output though. This is joined by two digital audio inputs (one coaxial, one digital), plus three AV analogue inputs. On the front panel, there’s another HDMI input and USB with iOS Digital Direct.
Auto room correction is provided by Audyssey, viaa supplied microphone. It does a reasonable job EQing the receiver to the listening room.
The 50W p/c power rating may be modest, but this little box can slam loud and hard when it needs too. The subtle, immersive 3D audio of Atmos is also well handled here; audio panning around and overhead is thoroughly engaging.
The receiver is more than confident with two channel sources, although it lacks the sparkle of some of more expensive rivals. While the power output is plenty good enough for smaller rooms, larger theater spaces could be a challenge. Edge past 80 on the volume gauge and the mid-range dries out.
Overall, the NR1607 can be considered a potent slimline Dolby Atmos receiver. HDMI connectivity is class leading, and our only grumble is the solitary output, which could limit options if you want to run both a screen and a projector.
Best AV receivers under $1,000
Yamaha RX-A880 AV receiver
Powerful and affordable, the RX-A880 is the best mid-range AVR
Power output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 2-out | AV inputs: 3 x composite; 2 x digital audio | Dimensions: 435(w) x 171 (h) x 382 (d) mm | Weight: 10.5kg
The Yamaha RX-A880 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, affordable receiver. Not only does it sound great, but it boasts a ton of ports, support for a range of wireless standards, and works with MusicCast, too.
If you’re looking for a receiver that boasts Dolby Atmos support and can be calibrated to your room, and have the money to spend, then the Yamaha RX-A880 is the way to go. If, however, you’d prefer to save some cash but still want support for 7.1 channels, then we recommend the Onkyo TX-NR676.
New and improved for 2018, the RX-A880 boasts a whopping seven input HDMI ports - all of which support HDCP 2.2 as well - which solves one of the biggest issues with the receiver’s predecessor, the Yamaha RX-A860, and there are also a few other analog input ports, so even older sources should work.
The receiver is capable of outputting audio at 110W per channel at 8Ω which is plenty of volume for those that want a powerful and loud overall sound. Even in larger rooms, this receiver should have no trouble filling the room with powerful audio, as long as you have a decent set of speakers too.
Plus, don't forget the RX-A880 supports Dolby Atmos. If you have enough speakers to set up the full system, you’ll find that you’re intensely immersed in whatever you’re watching thanks to the Dolby features. But, even when we had just a 5.1-channel setup, we felt like we never needed to go to a cinema again.
Denon HEOS AVR
This multiroom receiver is a bright, lively listen
Power output (claimed): 5 x 50W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: No | HDMI: 4-in 1-out | AV inputs: 2 x digital audio (1 x optical and 1 x coaxial), 3.5mm stereo minijack, stereo phono | Dimensions: 434(w) x 90(h) x 277(d) mm | Weight: 6kg
It’s not often we see something radically different in the world of AV receivers, but this HEOS model definitely qualifies. For starters, it looks fundamentally different to the herd. There’s no front panel display. Rear connectivity has also been stripped back. Standing just 90mm tall, it’s refreshing compact.
Build quality is superb. Only a volume knob on the extruded aluminium fascia gives the AVR game away.
There are four HDMI inputs, and a single output, all with HDCP 2.2 support. There's just two digital audio inputs (coaxial and optical), plus analogue stereo, 3.5mm minijack, lone USB and Ethernet LAN. Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Perhaps surprisingly, this is a 5.1 channel design and doesn’t support Dolby Atmos. Key to the receiver’s appeal is HEOS wireless speaker integration. While there is provision for wired rear speakers, the system is designed to work with wireless HEOS rears. In most systems, only the front L/C/R will be tethered. It can also partner with a dedicated wireless HEOS subwoofer.
While a remote is supplied, it’s a basic zapper. There’s no onscreen display either. Setup and control is done through a HEOS app.
For our audition, we partnered the AVR with a pair of HEOS 1s at the rear, and the wireless HEOS subwoofer. With speakers grouped, the package becomes a working 5.1 system. There’s no further calibration required.
The HEOS AVR may not be a powerhouse, but it’s a bright, lively listen. The receiver delivers multichannel movie soundtracks with gusto. It’s crisp and exciting, particularly when there’s plenty going on around the soundstage (try it with Edge of Tomorrow Blu-ray, then duck as the DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack unloads chaos in every corner).
This isn’t a particularly musical AVR though. Pop and rock are entertaining enough, but throw a throw it something classical or jazzy and its spatial delineation turns a bit mushy.
Using wireless rears can invite some problems. While latency isn’t an issue, we were aware of occasional low-level pops and fizzes.
As an ambitious reworking of the classic home theater receiver, we rate this first HEOS AVR as an qualified success. The cosmetics are admirable, and for dedicated HEOS multiroom users the wireless interactivity is a boon. Employing an app for control seems to make perfect sense, the only snag comes if your streaming audio sources are also app controlled and need to be juggled outside of the HEOS app. This may not be the future of AV receivers, but it’s a refreshing rethink nonetheless.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Marantz NR1607
- Looking for a great movie to put your sound system to the test? Check out our list of the best sci-fi movies.
Best AV recivers over $1,000
Denon AVR-X4300H
Power output (claimed): 9 x 200W into 6 Ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (7.1.2) | HDMI: 8-in 3-out | AV inputs: 4 x composite; 4 x digital audio (2 x optical and 2 x coaxial) | Dimensions: 434(w) x 389(d) x 167(h) mm | Weight: 13.5kg
If you want a no-compromise Atmos experience, then stepping up to a nine channel AV receiver is well worth the premium. With this big Denon, you can opt for 5.1.4, or 7.1.2 - and that makes a big difference to the overall performance. There’s actually processing for eleven channels if you want to add additional amplification.
But there’s more than just wraparound audio to this beast. The H suffix denotes that it’s also HEOS multiroom compatible. It can play, or route, content to and from other HEOS connected components. Spin a CD on your Blu-ray deck, and you can Party Zone the music through both your cinema system and any connected HEOS speakers.
Build quality is stellar. The receiver has a copper plated chassis with monoblock construction. There are seven rear HDMI inputs, plus one on the front fascia. All support 4K HDCP 2.2 sources. There are also three HDMI outputs.
There’s also a forest of other inputs, including four digital audio inputs (split between digital optical and coaxial), six analogue stereo pairs and phono (MM) turntable support. You can also stream over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Power output is prodigious, at 9 x 200w into 6 Ohms. This doesn’t mean you should go super-loud, more that it can effortlessly bludgeon without strain or distortion.
The user interface is slick, with high-res graphics guiding you through the setup routine. Auto calibration is via Audyssey.
The Denon’s performance is outstanding in every regard. It does a fabulous job with multichannel Dolby Atmos soundtracks, both explosive and atmospheric, and is no slouch when it comes to music either. Beneath the hood are fourth-gen SHARC DSP processors. Spatial imaging and transient attack is excellent.
Overall, we rate this class-leading Denon as a home cinema superstar. It’s feature heavy, and massively powerful. But there’s agility behind the brawn. In short, it’s a fabulous home theater performer.
- This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Denon HEOS AVR
Arcam FMJ AV850
Arcam's best sounding AV receiver to date, but it has a frugal spec
Power output (claimed): 7 x 100W into 8 ohms | Dolby Atmos: Yes (5.1.2) | HDMI: 7-in 3-out | AV inputs: 6 x digital audio (2 x optical and 4 x coaxial) three stereo phono inputs, 3.5mm stereo minijack, six stereo phono inputs | Dimensions: 433 (w) x 425 (d) x 171 (h)mm | Weight: 16.7kg
While the Arcam AVR850 is unlikely to win any Best Value accolades – it’s unashamedly expensive for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos design – its overarching musicality is hard to beat. This is arguably the UK audio specialist’s best sounding AV receiver to date.
The AVR850 uses Class G power amps, conservatively rated at 100W-per-channel.
The design is understated, with a nice matte cabinet finish and big central volume knob. It tips the scales at a reassuringly heavy 16kg.
Connectivity is good. There are seven HDMI inputs, all with HDCP 2.2 support, plus three HDMI outputs. Audio options include six analogue inputs, and six digital audio inputs.
The really significant difference here, compared to previous Arcam home theater boxes, is the provision of Dirac Live room calibration.
Arguably the most sophisticated auto calibration technology available, it does a extraordinary job fine tuning the receiver to the listening room. Dirac tuning is not carried out by the receiver with a microphone, but via a laptop. Sounds complicated? Don’t fret. Buyers will have room calibration done by the dealer that supplies the receiver.
While Dirac is the height of sophistication, the user interface is pretty basic, just a plain text box. Arcam isn’t even trying to impress here.
Still, the receiver sounds sensational, with precise imaging that really makes the most of Dolby Atmos encoding. It’s tight and forceful with action sequences, and delicious melodious with two channel music. That feature count may look frugal for the price, but when it comes to performance, your investment will be repaid in spades.
The Arcam AV850 may be ruinously expensive for a seven channel amplifier, but tuned with Dirac, it’s clearly a premium performer. We’re prepared to forgive it any foibles.
Image Credits: TechRadar
- Want a cheaper audio solution? Try one of our best soundbars