Best AV Receiver Under $500 Updated March 22, 2023

Best Budget AV Home Theater Receiver Under $500, $400 with compatible 5.1, 2.1 surround sound channels. Best Cheap entry level Home Theater AV Receiver under 500 with front pre outs models.

Table of Contents

Best AV Receiver under 500 for Home theater and Surround sound Systems

TOP 4 PRODUCTS

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
🔝 Rated	🔝 Rated	Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver	Rating:4.5 out of 5 Output Wattage:750 Watts	Check On Amazon
Best Product	Best Product	Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver	Rating:4.6 out of 5 Output Wattage:1015 Watts	Check On Amazon
Best Brand	Best Brand	YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver	Rating:4.4 out of 5 Output Wattage:100 Watts	Check On Amazon
9.2 Channel Receiver	9.2 Channel Receiver	Onkyo TX-NR797 Smart AV 9.2 Channel Receiver	Rating:4.1 out of 5 Output Wattage:100 Watts	Check On Amazon

One has seen numerous amazing home theater receivers especially after 2020 and 2021.

There are quite incredible receivers available in the current market from premium brands like Sony, Pioneer, Onkyo and Yamaha. There are many contenders with the Yamaha RX-V483BL, Sony STR-DH790 few among the top-rated products.

It has impressive potential to stream 4K Ultra High-Definition videos and high-resolution audios through features like HDR HDMI, DTS-X, Dolby Atmos etc.

One can choose the best home theater receivers support both 5.1 and 7.1 Channel surround system and some even supports a 5.1.2, 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Channel surround sound systems. These features tremendously enhance the listening experience.

Best AV Receiver under $500 2021 List

A buyer guide containing all the valuable features, technical specifications and home theater receiver reviews is an important tool to understand about the receiver’s capability. Here some answers to the basic frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding home theater receivers. This will help in having more detailed knowledge before the purchase of your entertainment setup.

Sony STR-DH590- Top Rated Best AV Home Theater Receiver Under $500

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS	Check On Amazon
🔝 Rated	🔝 Rated	Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth,Black	Rating:4.5	Check On Amazon

The Sony STR-DH 590 receiver is well built product that offers amazing features at a very affordable price tag. 4 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 signal handling for smooth processing audio.

It supports 4K video and Dolby which enhances the video viewing experience. Audio decoding formats like DTD HD Master Audio and DSD for the better audio experience.

One smart feature of the receiver is its Bluetooth connectivity option. The additional feature is the Bluetooth standby mode which can turn the receiver on straight from the paired smartphone.

The receiver also features a very useful option known as the Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C) which automatically analyses the room acoustics to calibrate and adjust audio levels and settings of the of speakers. This optimises sound in the room and gives the best sound experience settings.

The S-Force Pro front surround technology also a user to properly configure and use speakers in a small room. The technology uses virtual surround acoustics field using only two speakers.

The back-panel sports one digital audio input, one coaxial input, four stereo audio inputs, FM antenna inputs and two subwoofer pre outs. Overall, the receiver is quite versatile and offers good features, which are very satisfactory and worth it for this price tag.

Why Should i Buy This

Price : $348.00

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Pros

Good build quality and branding
Impressive performance/price ratio
Impressive performance/price ratio
4K video and high-quality audio supported

Cons

Lacks warmth in sound output
Does not play high-resolution content directly from USB or Bluetooth streaming

Sony STR-DH790- Best 5.1 AV Receiver under 500

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS	Check On Amazon
Best Product	Best Product	Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos & Bluetooth Black	Rating:4.5	Check On Amazon

Check New offer Price !

The Sony STR-DH790 is best 5.1 av receiver under 500$ dollar. It is flexible and can easily setup even 5.1.2 and 2.1 channel speaker systems. It intelligently calibrates room acoustics to deliver stunning sound experience.

It also supports smart Bluetooth standby technology, which can control and switch the receiver on and off directly from the paired smartphone.

The design and look are also very premium and fits very well in the home décor. On the whole, the receiver is very impressive and sports amazing features at this price tag.

One can definitely trust this product to deliver stunning audio and video experience.

Why Should i Buy This

Price : $449.99

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Pros:

Impressive sound output performance
Smart Bluetooth technology
Premium features at very affordable price

Cons:

It is not rated to drive 4-ohm speaker system
Spring-clip speaker terminals
No AM connectivity

Yamaha RX-V385- Best Bluetooth AV Receiver under 500

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS	Check On Amazon
Best Brand	Best Brand	YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth	Rating:4.6	Check On Amazon

The eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) technology delivers full-resolution, multi-channel audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD through HDMI connection, which gives one of the best immersive surround sound experience.

The installation process is very easy there is an AV Setup guide available to be used in mobile phones or tablets. It effectively guides the users to go through various settings of the receiver and configure it properly.

The overall impact of the receiver is pretty impressive at this price tag.

Why Should i Buy This

Price : $299.95

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Pros:

YPAO Sound Calibration
HDMI with Audio Return Channel
Easy connectivity to Bluetooth and other channels
MusicCast feature for Multi-room playback

Cons:

Lot of features in a single setup may seem confusing for people who are not familiar with technical aspects of receiver

Onkyo TX-NR787- Best Budget Home Theater Receiver Under $500

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS	Check on Amazon
9.2 Channel Receiver	9.2 Channel Receiver	Onkyo TX-NR797 Smart AV 9.2 Channel Receiver with 4K Ultra HD \| Dolby Atmos \| AirPlay 2 \| IMAX Enhanced (2019 Model),Black	Rating:4.7	Check On Amazon

To conclude we can definitely say that the Onkyo TX-Nr787 is a very powerful receiver filled with advanced technology and good build-in quality.

It is a very strong contender among high-end receivers delivering premium features. The highlight is that this receiver delivers impressive premium features at a very affordable price range.

Why Should i Buy This

Price : $679.00

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Pros:

Very powerful to connect heavy speaker systems and stream high quality content
1.4 and 7.2.2 channel surround sound options
AccuEQ advances room calibration technology
THX certified theater like quality
Remote control accessible on mobile phones

Cons:

A very basic remote-control setup
No multi-channel pre amplifier outputs

Also read:Best Home Theater Speaker System under $500 Review

Also Read: Best Budget Soundbar Review- Under $200, $300

AV Receiver vs Stereo Receiver

Stereo Receiver: A stereo receiver, also known as a stereo integrated amplifier, is an electronic device that contains the circuitry to drive two speakers independently. This type of receiver must include a phono preamplifier in the signal path, and is usually mounted on a stand, or in front of an entertainment cabinet.

A stereo receiver receives audio signals from a source , and does not include a phono preamplifier or other analog to digital converters. Inputs often include:

Analog/Digital Coaxial Digital Optical Cable Components IR (serial) Audio Video RCA-RCA BUY ON AMAZON Side A & B Speakers output, Line Out Powered speakers – 4 Channel Enclosed speaker systems typically use dedicated power amplifiers and tend to be larger than traditional (“open”).The first stereophony system was invented in 1877 by Sir Charles Wheatstone and built into the first phonograph to allow two-channel recordings.

Stereo Receiver vs. AV System: A “central audio system,” (although that term varies between companies), sometimes called home theatre through-the-speakers (HTTS) systems when paired with speakers to create surround sound experience; two common configurations are 5 channel speaker based , or 2 channel speaker based. Sometimes called a “multi-room” system, these systems usually include an AV Receiver and separate Microphones (that may be part of the same product), but also other components such as receivers for TV, Home Cinema System (HCS) amplifiers; placing them in line with detailed specifications is dependent upon how many HDMI inputs and outputs

Stereo Receivers:

Home theater receivers are designed with multiple components that can provide audio for watching movies or playing games. They typically include one or more pre amplifiers, equalizing, Dolby digital decode circuitry for DTS and Dolby Digitial Surround EX decoding. There may be coaxial or optical digital connections to take PCM audio in from a receiver’s disc tray or CD player/recorder unit. AV receivers are dedicated flat-screen processing devices designed specifically with the home theater market in mind since they incorporate the ability to process TV programming through its video decoders enabling different options as well as basic component video connections.

A Home Theater Receiver is used to process multi-channel audio from a digital source such as surround sound, DVD or Blu Ray player, DVD/LP disc through the optical outputs and linear PCM inputs from either an external CD Player/ recorder or a preamp for TV connectivity via coaxial cable. Audio cables will connect to each of these sources at their corresponding input terminals on the AV receiver’s front

How to choose Best Av Receiver

The best AV receiver is a device that allows you to connect your home theater system together. There are many different brands and models of AV receivers, so finding the right one can be difficult. With so many choices, there is no single best AV receiver. The only way to know if a particular brand or model will suit your needs well is through research and trial and error.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an AV receiver is the number of HDMI inputs. It’s also important to consider how many different types of input will be needed for the speakers in your home theater, including digital sources like Blu-Ray players and computers. The number of HDMI inputs should match the number of devices that you want to connect .

Av receivers are a popular choice for those who want to sound as great as possible, whether at home or on the go. They’re also necessary for those who watch 3D movies and play 3D games. The key features of an av receiver include a built-in speaker system and a processor with Dolby Digital decoding technology. Pay attention to your connections

Need Right connections for input and output of your Av receiver . Below is the list of Digital Cable boxes with DVI output only. They are commonly used to connect HDMI devices such as gaming consoles, projectors and HD TVs. These particular types of cable box’s inputs/outputs include: output on the back of the Comcast DVRs boxes, Component audio/Video inputs for HD TV’s.

Voice analog outputs are not listed here as most BOGO cable box has only one Analog Component input that connects to your Cable or Satellite Service provider. If you watch live TV via an Indigo Digital Voice output component , contact your service provider for info regarding how it is possible to move all voice channels over onto individual individual dedicated

You have to have the right connections from your av receiver to your TV or home theater system, so you can watch and listen through (via HDMI) or record ( via S/PDIF ). The article of this website is called “connections” and described every port inside an AV receiver for audio output of one type if possible.

2. Make sure your AV receiver set for your TV.

You must connect your TV and AV receiver together to use the sound from your TV. Make sure that the inputs on the receiver match those on your TV. For example, if your TV connects to a cable box by way of an HDMI input, you’ll have to connect that same connection from the cable box back into your AV receiver. Only use one antenna (aerial) for both sending and receiving channels through subscription service providers like:

KINDLE FIRE USER MANUAL: The LG Channels feature allows you to link up multiple TVs or media devices using DLNA supported displays or Media Players such as:

3. Your AV receiver should be the right size and style for your TV or Media player; using an unsuitable one can damage it ( know what you’re buying ). Most of the best known brands like Marantz , Onkyo, Yamaha , Denon and Panasonic give detailed models describing how to set up your unit correctly . Your local dealer should be able to assist you regarding whether a given model is suitable; some receivers will be compatible with your TV or media player, but others may not.

For instance, “Onkyo” will be able to process channels broadcast by way of an antenna recevier , while the Onkyos are compatible only with cable boxes and other internet connected devices . You have different options regarding cable box compatibility; you can connect it through HDMI or S/PDIF Set up also specifies which option is suitable for use in relation to current brand new models as well as the older models.

In case you’ve purchased an older model, make sure to avail of a free replacement from your local dealer since they will be able to service it correctly and quickly if need be . If you don’t own an AV receiver and want one installed in your home, look for “Complete Home Theater Package: 5 Venues” on Amazon ; these packages include corresponding cables , remotes and speakers that allow people within the home or office to entertain each other.

4. If you still don’t have an AV receiver , which is your best alternative? Buying one can be enjoyable, but it’s also instrumental in maintaining correct audio quality of TV channels on many more formats including HDCP-enabled models .

5 . Also reserve for yourself a digital cable ready home theater system that includes the following features: , which are known as components with HDMI connectors on them; others are capable of taking in signals via various input devices. These are the necessary materials to make your system up and running or you can simply settle with an AV receiver . Here is a list of best models for this year, based on customer reviews : , which comprise both audio cables & video cables that hook together any two TVs – digital terrestrial TV through cable connections have sound issues once they’re connected to one another, however according to numerous PCMag reader complains , the problems persist in far more than half of all instances; not to mention that these cables are expensive, which means if you weren’t aware earlier , before your purchase. When it comes to purchasing AV cables , there is actually only one name : . Customers also find this brand in DIY home theater installation kits called ” Complete Home Theater Packages “.

6. Even when you’ve got all the above components ready, consider renting a digital video recorder ( DVD or Blu-ray) from a nearby rental store instead. Having your very own home theater system is great , but if you can’t successfully manage its operations, this option could be more reasonable for you.

7 . Showing at the top of this article may seem expensive to some people so bear in mind that each device has an individual price tag which reflects the assortment of vital components it includes and /or high retail prices associated with any barebones kits such as those set out above.

8 . If you’re planning to really entertain the whole family, look at buying a complete home theater instead – this system typically consists of everything from the massive widescreen CRT TV up to surround sound speakers and supports video sources including Blu-ray discs players , soundcards & AV receivers ; its high retail price tag does not reflect a similar exclusion that separates all parts into various kits which you can buy individually.

Built-in Wi-Fi Feature for AV Receiver.

In order to enjoy high-quality audio with the most convenience, the built-in Wi-Fi feature for AV Receiver can be a great tool. It is perfect for those who enjoy any form of media from apps on their smartphones and tablets, including streaming services. In addition, they also offer a feature that allows you to control your TV or set top box with your smartphone or tablet.

DTS:X & HDR Formats compatible for AV Receiver.

DTS:X and HDR enable content to be played by an AVR. The AVR must be compatible with these formats for them to work. Note, “Dolby Atmos compatible” relates to Dolby’s own format for object based immersive sound which may not be identical to DTS:X.

AES/EBU Input File type supported by AV Receiver.

The working speed can be affected when the source signal is in an input folder supporting sample rate conversion (SRC) / DSD recording method . With regards to HQ sampling bit resolution , it should match with this format .

Wi-Fi Network Function.

The AV Receiver should support Wi-Fi function – it is easier to install the latest updates and enjoy video streaming items.

3. Choose number of Audio channels for your AV receiver.

A surround sound system uses six or more audio channels that are combined to create the illusion of sounds coming from all around you. This is achieved by using speakers on different sides of your room, as well as additional speakers attached to the ceiling and walls. The first surround sound system became available in the 1970s to provide realistic, 3D audio experience. The US standard format (5.1) calls for five channels of left and right; two used primarily as overhead speakers near front corners of room; one used primarily as “piggyBak” speaker on sides bordered by your TV location; another placed furthest away from significant sources – these are called LFE (Low Frequency

FAQs

1.How to choose a home theater receiver?

There are few things to keep in mind choosing a home theater receiver.

Number of channels: One channel means the receiver will support only one speaker. One needs to see which type of home theater system they have. If it’s a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system, one needs to get a receiver and accommodate the channels required so that the home theater speakers work fine.

High-resolution video and audio decoding: One should see if the receiver is compatible to play 4K UHD video and has advanced audio decoding technology like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This will help to enhance both the video and audio output quality in TV and home theater system respectively.

HDR formats: A good receiver should be compatible to stream all three HDR formats: HDR 10, DV and HLG formats for the best viewing experience.

Multi-room integration: If one wishes to make use of the speaker system across various rooms in the house then one should get a receiver has a multi-room integration feature build in it, which will enable the user to connect and stream music anywhere from the house wirelessly.

Wireless Connectivity: It is an undeniable fact that wireless connectivity is one of the best features available right now and it would really be unfair if one doesn’t use this smooth technology. A receiver should be compatible to wireless connect with devices and stream audio

2.What is a home theater receiver?

In simple words, a home theater receiver (also known as AV receiver) is a connection hub of a variety of video, audio features bring immersive and impactful surround entertainment experience to your home.

A receiver is the heart of a home theater system processes high-resolution videos and decodes high-resolution audios to deliver it to the TV screen and home theater speakers respectively.

A receiver has built-in multi-channel amplifiers to boost the surround speaker sounds. It connects all the necessary video and audio cables and signals the content to various appropriate channels for a home theater experience.

3. What is the best receiver?

This is a difficult question to answer because receivers are so different. One might be better for certain situations, but not others. However, I think the best receiver is the RCA RCRP9004 4-Channel Receiver. This device has 6 inputs with 6 outputs, which is ideal for large groups of people who are watching movies or playing video games. It also has a built-in CD player and MP3 player that can function

4. What are some good receivers for gaming?

The best receivers for gaming are ones that have features such as HDMI-CEC, 4K Pass Through, ARC and more. The Yamaha YSP-5600 is a good example of this because it has the above mentioned features plus 3D Surround Mode.

5. Which brand of speakers should I buy?

The first speaker that comes to mind is Bose. If you are looking for the best speakers for your home theater, Bose speakers are worth investing in. They offer high-quality sound, great design, and the ability to connect any device with wireless capabilities.

6. How do I connect my TV to a receiver or soundbar?

A receiver is a device that receives and processes audio signals. A soundbar is a speaker designed to sit on top of or below your TV, usually connecting via an optical or RCA connection. To connect your television to either of these devices, you will need the appropriate HDMI cable (HDMI-ARC for receivers; HDMI for soundbars), as well as the right settings on your TV. If you’re connecting to a receiver,

7. How do I connect my speakers to a receiver?

To connect your speakers to the receiver, you will need speaker wire. The two connectors on the back of your receiver should be labeled “L” and “R.” Plug one connector into the red speaker wire, and plug the other connector into the white speaker wire. If your receiver does not have a color-coded system for connecting speakers, then you can use any color that is not already in use.

8. Do I need a receiver for my computer, game console, or media player? ?

No. A receiver doesn’t offer inputs for any device except your television, so unless you want to use surround sound headphones or speakers to send the audio from these devices through a TV’s speaker, then it is not necessary at all. Also note that if you do have music playback plugged into an input on your computer or media player via USB, DIrectSound will still work just fine with out having this added step of validating against network.

How to buy a receiver for home theater?

Here are some tips on how to buy a receiver for home theater system:

Firstly, one needs to see if the receiver has sufficient number of channels to connect all the speakers and the subwoofer. If one owns a 5.1 home theater system then the receiver should minimum have 5.1 channels to connect all the devices.

One needs to assess features provided in the receiver and see if it is capable to delivering high-resolution audio and video. This will ensure a satisfactory and enhanced home theater experience.

Power: One needs to see if the receiver is capable to meet power needs. The power is determined by the power of the speakers and by size of the room. If one gets an average receiver to support a heavy 5.1 speaker system for a big room then the receiver will not work properly and the experience will be unsatisfactory.

One should also choose a receiver offers best-in-class features at an affordable price. If one gets a receiver features not useful for a user then both the technology and the money invested will go in waste.

One should also see if receiver is compatible to support wireless connections so that one can easily enjoy content through control of their smartphones.

The best home theater receiver plays a unique role to connects the speaker system for transmitting audio. A receiver decodes high-resolution video and audio formats, provides wireless connectivity and also helps automatically configure the speakers according to the room acoustics.

A person should buy a receiver compliments and supports all features of the home theater speaker system and the television so that the video and audio experience is maximised. One can go for premium receiver manufacturing brands like Onkyo, Sony, Yamaha and Pioneer provides advanced technological features with impressive built-in quality.

Buying Guide for Av receiver for Surround Sound System

When buying an AV receiver, it is important to know what features are most important to you. Some people might want a high-end model with multiple inputs and outputs, digital audio formats, HDMI connections, connectivity for streaming music services like Spotify or Pandora, or built-in Bluetooth for wireless headphones. Other people may only care about the quality of the sound output and don’t need much else.

But when you buy AV-receiver , there are many choices so how can we determine the right one ? Here is some tips which will help you to choose the right model.

A good AV receiver should combine some of these feature with high performance, excellent picture quality , precision sound and practicality . You might think which kind of media source or game console can use it ? Well I would like to introduce more about this regard by giving example for each one. You can use it for DVD , Blu-ray player, AV receiver , Home theater system or amplifier. included .

When you have a mainstream AV receiver , the thing which will entertain people’s favorite is movie. Regardless of mobile phone or TV, it can enjoy Super DVD and Bluray discs in PQ high-definition that blows your minds away! In addition to Blu-ray disc player, this home theater system also supports Ultra HD Blu ray / digital media upscaling from standard DVDs and Video CDs. Make sure to get extra HDMI cable.

Are AV Receivers obsolete

I can’t speak for the future, but I think AV receivers are not obsolete. The sky has only just begun to be the limit with what technology will bring.

how does an AV Receiver work

An AV Receiver is a device that receives audio and video signals from external sources, such as a television antenna or DVD player, and processes them in order to play them through speakers. This processed signal is then distributed to other devices in your home that may or may not be connected through HDMI cables.

There are two main components that make up AV receivers. First, the power amplifier helps generate large amounts of power for fast and extended speaker response times, which produce detailed rumbling sounds; this process also helps block interference (electromagnetic radiation) while increasing clarity of audio over long transmissions distances (measured in miles). Second, the receiver’s Video section includes a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chip, which is also used for signal processing and voltage control. With proper use of the DSP beyond just audio compression, some models have been shown to be able to switch incoming channels based on geographic location as well as update your TV show schedule guide without requiring network connectivity or internet connection from your router. In early AV receivers there was no true Video section present in equipment.

why are AV Receivers so expensive

The rise in use of home theater systems, more people are purchasing AV receivers. These devices provide advanced video and audio decoding capabilities to allow consumers to watch movies or listen to music on their televisions or other devices. The price of these services has increased due to the increasing demand for the device. The cost is projected to rise as the number of units sold increases. In 2008 Sony, a company known for their high quality home AV components manufactured 300 million premium receivers. The cost is projected to rise as the number of units sold increases. In 2001 it was 100 million and that has now doubled somewhat due to this years projection estimation stating that in 2012 the production will hit 500 million premium levels at a price averaging $500 estimated.*

ac*Richard J Nistler 2010 Senior Analyst TIC Worldwide UBS Stock Report.

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Best AV Receiver Under $500 Updated