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Home entertainment is evolving, and it's now easier than ever to upgrade your media experience. If you're the kind of person that loves a good movie or live sports, you've probably spent hours trying to choose a media Receiver to hook up to your living room TV and home cinema speakers. A receiver is responsible for amplifying and reproducing audio from different sources before transmitting the output to the connected speakers. If you want surround sound, you will want a receiver that can decode Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby TrueHD.
Whether you need an affordable budget option or something more high-end, these are the best media receivers you can buy right now.
How We Picked
Power
Power simply refers to the output wattage of a receiver. For excellent performance, you'd want to pick a receiver that matches the impedance and power needs of your speakers.
Stereo or Surround Sound
The main goal of a receiver is to enhance the sound generated from audio or video files. In this case, we opted for receivers that can decode various signals to enable you to enjoy surround sound as opposed to stereo sound.
Size and Placement
The aesthetics of your setup will depend on the size and/or placement of your receiver. Fortunately, the modern receivers are small enough and can fit perfectly in any desired area. However, you should first check the placement space, so you can purchase the appropriate size.
Cost-Effectiveness
Getting a receiver that has premium workmanship and superb sound control sounds like a wise investment. Even though it is a little risky, opting for a cheaper receiver can also save money. Simply make sure you get the one that gets the job done.
Our Top Picks
Our Top Pick
Sony Receiver
The Sony STRDH590 Receiver has a multi-function system stereo setup, an FM radio tuner, and a headphone jack that makes your entertainment blissful.
This receiver produces bigger, clearer images through Dolby Vision, bringing movies to life with 4K HDR. The high dynamic range also provides additional shadow detail and highlights to enhance the picture detail. It also supports the latest HDR standards that bring more colors to life. The feature, therefore, enhances your watching experience, making your leisure better and more entertaining.
Buy Now for $348.00
Get a Sony STRDH590 receiver and enjoy a multi-channel stereo setup for your different audio devices.
Our Runner-Up
Donner Receiver
With an HD screen, the Donner MAMP5 receiver displays all the functions, making it easier for you to adjust to your preferred settings.
This receiver is easy to use thanks to the built-in HD screen. The screen displays different settings and modes keeping you informed about the settings you are using now. You also get to enjoy distant audio adjustments using the FM antenna and remote control included in the package. The remote control allows you to operate the receiver from the comfort of your couch.
Buy Now for $149.99
Connect the receiver to different audio devices using different input modes, including Bluetooth and RCA.
Most Cost-Effective
Moukey Receiver
The Moukey receiver has multiple connectivity modes that include RCA, Bluetooth, and USB to allow you to connect different audio devices.
The Moukey MAMP7 receiver features echo and delay effects that make it ideal for karaoke. It makes your karaoke night more enjoyable by allowing you to feel the different music effects. It has multiple switching levels, including CD, DVD, Bluetooth, MP3, USB, and more. These levels allow you to connect different audio devices to the receiver at the same time.
Buy Now for $89.99
Enjoy music and videos from your audio devices by connecting them to this receiver wirelessly.
Everything We Recommend
Our Top Pick
Sony Receiver
The Sony STRDH590 Receiver has a multi-function system stereo setup, an FM radio tuner, and a headphone jack that makes your entertainment blissful.
$348.00
Buy Now
Our Runner-Up
Donner Receiver
With an HD screen, the Donner MAMP5 receiver displays all the functions, making it easier for you to adjust to your preferred settings.
$149.99
Buy Now
Most Cost-Effective
Moukey Receiver
The Moukey receiver has multiple connectivity modes that include RCA, Bluetooth, and USB to allow you to connect different audio devices.
$89.99
Buy Now
Who This Is For
A receiver is an asset that everyone should own. Firstly, it can improve the quality of sound for perfect audio and video production. And secondly, the modern type can look great in any setting, mainly due to its sleekness and different embellishing designs.
What is an AV receiver?
An AV receiver is an electronic device that receives video and audio signals and then improves the quality before transmitting the signals to a speaker or display. It allows other inputs like DVD players, Blu-ray discs, video game connections, FM radios, and satellite receivers. The good news is that you can control all the settings from the comfort of your sofa or bed by simply using a remote.
The main role of receivers began to develop around 1980-1990. To date, more and more features have been included, like a surround-sound system, video swapping, and TV compatibility. The modern designs even look more fabulous in any living space.
AV receiver or standard TV speakers
Actually, getting an AV receiver is better than using standard TV speakers since it allows you to save on extra cash. Even though TV speakers are simpler to set up, an AV receiver contains everything you do not understand in the instruction manual. Moreover, standard speakers will contain limited features like great surround effects, compact design, upgradable individual components, and more.
Why You Should Trust Us
You can invest your full trust in our best picks since the abilities of a receiver are sometimes underestimated. So, our reviews are based on how you can receive ultimate surround sound system effects from the comfort of your home and turn your living space into a real theater.
How We Picked
We evaluated every product deeply and settled for the best. Our first test was power consumption since it determines how affordable it will be. All our picks have low power consumption and will not cause an unnecessary influx in your bills.
All our picks also have easy-to-use controls and do not require special expertise to operate. They also have adjustable settings and modes to allow you to customize them to your preferred level. This includes volume control; changing FM channels, adjusting treble and brass, and more.
Moreover, you can connect the receivers to a TV or any other media by connecting every cable to their respective jacks, or using Bluetooth for wireless devices. From our picks, you get to receive perfect surround sound from cinematic displays right in the comfort of your home.
What better way can you enjoy a perfect surround sound system than having to transport your receiver to any desired destination? Our evaluation also focused on the size and weight of the receiver for simpler carrying or placement.
Additionally, we reviewed products with good workmanship since they will not break down easily, thus saving on replacement costs.
Furthermore, every electronic device should be simple to apply and install, and so every receiver should include an instruction manual that even beginners can comprehend. With this in mind, we listed easy-to-install receivers that will not require you to hire a professional to install.
Our Picks For You
Our Top Pick - Sony Receiver
Our Top Pick
Sony Receiver
The Sony STRDH590 Receiver has a multi-function system stereo setup, an FM radio tuner, and a headphone jack that makes your entertainment blissful.
This receiver produces bigger, clearer images through Dolby Vision, bringing movies to life with 4K HDR. The high dynamic range also provides additional shadow detail and highlights to enhance the picture detail. It also supports the latest HDR standards that bring more colors to life. The feature, therefore, enhances your watching experience, making your leisure better and more entertaining.
Buy Now for $348.00
Who It's For
The Sony STRDH590 Receiver can generate cinematic features that bring theater-like experiences to the comfort of your living space. It is therefore perfect for anyone who enjoys streaming music or movies at home rather than visiting the theater consecutively.
Why It's Great
With multi-function abilities, this receiver allows you to experiment with a multi-channel stereo system with an FM radio and a headphone jack. It, therefore, allows you the liberty to decide what you want to use your receiver for on different occasions. The 5.2 ch surround provides clear and deep sound, bringing the club-like feel right to your door. You can connect this receiver to your other audio devices. Simply use the digitalized Bluetooth function to pair it with your smart devices and start listening to and viewing your preferred content.
Potential Flaws
Previous customers complained that this receiver lacks a direct bass control function, so it can be difficult to bypass the filters from audio sources.
Other Features
From any preferred angle, this receiver will look great in any living room or home theater. This is due to its sleek and contemporary features. Besides, it also enhances the picture quality of the display, so your movies will appear more realistic. You do not, therefore, need to visit a movie theatre to enjoy videos in 3D. Moreover, it includes an instruction manual with simple installation processes. This way, you can follow the step-by-step guide and install the receiver with no engineering background.
Product Specifications
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Color: Black
Item Dimensions: 13.78 by 8.27 by 3.54 Inches
Item Weight: 4.15 Kilograms
Output Wattage: 440 Watts
Audio Encoding: Stereo
Control Method: Remote
Number of Channels: 4
Our Runner-Up - Donner Receiver
Our Runner-Up
Donner Receiver
With an HD screen, the Donner MAMP5 receiver displays all the functions, making it easier for you to adjust to your preferred settings.
This receiver is easy to use thanks to the built-in HD screen. The screen displays different settings and modes keeping you informed about the settings you are using now. You also get to enjoy distant audio adjustments using the FM antenna and remote control included in the package. The remote control allows you to operate the receiver from the comfort of your couch.
Buy Now for $149.99
Who It's For
Technically, anyone can use this receiver, even newbies. Get this if you want to enjoy operating on something simpler from the comfort of your sofa or bed.
Why It's Great
The built-in 5.0 Bluetooth function is new and updated to ensure you receive stable and distant sound quality. This Bluetooth function allows you to connect the receiver to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly. Apart from that, you can also use an SD card, an ECHO microphone, and RCA inputs or a flash drive to stream your favorite shows, movies, and music. With a high power output of 440 watts, the Donner receiver can uphold up to 4 groups of 8 speakers. Consequently, it enables you to save over 50 FM channels to listen to at your convenience.
Potential Flaws
Most users have stated that this receiver produces noise while it operates. However, you can easily fix this by connecting the receiver to any passive speaker, a TV, or a computer.
Other Features
The Donner receiver is easy to use thanks to the included features like volume, bass, and treble controls. You can adjust these features with the simple touch of a single button. The remote control will allow you to adjust the settings from anywhere you desire. This receiver also includes an LED display, which allows cinematic characters to appear more realistic. The lights also bring a disco-like atmosphere to your home for better leisure and unwinding.
Product Specifications
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Color: Black
Item Dimensions: 13.78 by 8.27 by 3.54 Inches
Item Weight: 4.15 Kilograms
Output Wattage: 440 Watts
Compactible Devices: Speaker
Audio Encoding: Stereo
Control Method: Remote
Number of Channels: 4
Most Cost-Effective - Moukey Receiver
Most Cost-Effective
Moukey Receiver
The Moukey receiver has multiple connectivity modes that include RCA, Bluetooth, and USB to allow you to connect different audio devices.
The Moukey MAMP7 receiver features echo and delay effects that make it ideal for karaoke. It makes your karaoke night more enjoyable by allowing you to feel the different music effects. It has multiple switching levels, including CD, DVD, Bluetooth, MP3, USB, and more. These levels allow you to connect different audio devices to the receiver at the same time.
Buy Now for $89.99
Who It's For
The Moukey receiver is a more practical model that offers clear and life-like effects. This makes it suitable for anyone who wants to relax in a more comfortable environment, especially after a long day at work, school, or after performing any tough activities. It is also very durable, which enables you to save on those extra costs.
Why It's Great
This receiver includes karaoke-enabled features, which are made possible by DELAY and ECHO turners, adjustable treble and brass, and also two inputs designed for microphone use. You can therefore carry it to any preferred destination to hold fun singing events with friends, family, or during other events. Besides, the receiver also includes Bluetooth 5.0, which enables you to play your favorite playlists wirelessly. The 330 watts of power can support 4 ohms for even better singing technology.
Potential Flaws
This receiver includes an FM function, which truthfully, numerous customers have complained about. This is because it is sometimes very difficult to operate and set up the antenna.
Other Features
The receiver contains extraordinary workmanship, which can last longer even after continuous application. It operates quietly and can transmit sound to faraway areas of approximately 12 meters. Moreover, the built-in LED screen brings clear and realistic displays that allow you to control brightness and contrast from the comfort of your living space.
Product Specifications
Style: Adjustable, Professional
RMS Power: 120/240V switchable
Connection: RCA, Bluetooth, And USB
Item Dimensions: 36.2 by 19 by 49.2 Inches
Frequency Response Range: 20-15000 Hz
Audio S/N Ratio: 90 dB
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Bluetooth Wireless Range: 40'+ ft
Almost Made The Cut - LZSIG Receiver
Almost Made The Cut
LZSIG Receiver
It features built-in Blue Wireless 5.0, through which you can stream music, podcasts, and other media on your audio devices.
The LZSIG receiver also includes four 240 watts of Toshiba power tubes that generate perfect audio and video quality. This enables you to experience theater-like displays from the comfort of your home.
Buy Now for $115.98
Who It's For
This receiver is compatible with 6.5-10 inches passive speakers, which implies that it operates smoothly and quietly. Thus, it is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy great video and audio production in a noise-free environment.
Why It's Great
Apart from passive speakers, this receiver is also compatible with other devices, including MM or MC type phonographs, surround speakers, wireless devices, vinyl record players, outdoor speakers, active subwoofers, and front speakers. With the Bluetooth 5.0 connection, you can wirelessly use other devices to play your preferred videos and audio. The LZSIG receiver also includes four 240 watts of Toshiba power tubes that generate perfect audio and video quality. This enables you to experience theater-like displays from the comfort of your home.
Potential Flaws
Apart from Bluetooth connections, you can also use this receiver with other components like an SD card, USB disk, and more. However, these components do not have a shuffling mode, so you have to continually choose what you want to play next.
Product Specifications
RMS Power: 240(120W*2)
Connection: Wireless
Item Dimensions: 10 by 8 by 4 Inches
Frequency Response Range: 20-15000 Hz
Audio S/N Ratio: 82 dB
Care and Maintenance
You can remove dust from connector ports using compressed air from a gun or spray. However, this requires you to follow the instructions from the manufacturer, but if you're using air spray you should always heat the can at intervals of about 2-3 seconds before resuming.
When cleaning cord connectors, you should always avoid using cleaning solutions, impure alcohol, or water-based cleaners as they may result in permanent damage. Instead, try to use either a 90% alcohol solution or deoxidizers. You can then use protective caps to avoid corrosion or contamination.
Setting up the receiver is a simple process. Simply, connect optical digital cable, coaxial modern cable, or an audio cable to the audio jack on your TV. Next, connect other cables to appropriate jacks on your receiver, and viola, you can now start receiving amplified audio. However, syncing speakers with TV will be based on the labeled audio input, that is TV input or audio input. consequently, if you want to prevent audio feedback, you can apply various solutions, keeping the microphone near the preferred source of sound, minimizing the number of connected microphones, and more.
