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Best 7.1 surround sound receiver


The very best Cyber Monday home cinema deals 2022

All the separates needed to put together a first-rate home entertainment system can quickly add up so hunting down the best home cinema deals and AV discounts could easily save you a small fortune. Whether you're looking to move up in AV performance or starting off on your first big screen, surround sound adventure.

The good news is that the bargains are very much out there this Cyber Monday, and we're here to help you find them.

So if you want to add surround sound speakers to your system, go for a bigger picture with a 4K projector, or level up a home cinema amp for the proper surround sound experience, we can help you on your chosen path.

We've tracked down the very best discounts on some very decent home cinema and AV kit and, as ever, we keep an extra close eye on where you can find the cheapest prices so that you don't have to. 

Now take a load off and choose from one of these. Your front row ticket to home cinema heaven is but a few clicks away. ..

Cyber Monday home cinema deals quick links

Speaker package deals

KEF Q350 AV 5. 1 Speaker Package £2172 £1899 at Sevenoaks (save £273)
Looking for a 5.1 system consisting of excellent KEF speakers that are a) stand mounters and b) affordable? You're in the right place. Redesigned to reduce distortion and improve performance, the updated Q350 now offer a winning combination of sleek, sophisticated looks and stunning presence. What the Q350 lack in punch, they more than makeup for in clarity, depth and composure. If they're within your budget, these are a no-brainer.  Available in black or white.

Q Acoustics 3010i cinema pack £895 £649 at Sevenoaks (save £246)
This Q Acoustics package is based on its very good standmount speakers but still with a solid centre and a banging sub. It's a solid deal with this near three-figure discount.

Q Acoustics 3050i cinema pack £1349 £999 at Sevenoaks (save £350)
Our top choice budget speaker package for the moment and it's available with a tempting discount. Bags of big sound fun, sacks of detail and just terrific for your music too. Great, great value.

KEF Q350 AV 5.1 £2210 £1650 at Peter Tyson (save £560)
This five-star speaker package is a bold and powerful performer. Based on the Award-winning Q350 standmount speakers, it offers excellent timing and an exciting and expressive presentation. A bargain at full price, now, unmissable.

Wharfedale DX-2 5.1 speaker package: £399 £329 at Peter Tyson (save £70)
The Wharfedale DX-2 is a tiny, charming and extremely capable 5.1 surround speaker package that has already had a significant reduction on its launch price. We like it so much we gave it a What Hi-Fi? Award! Check out the full review .

Cambridge Minx Min 22 £129 £99 at Amazon (save £30)
Cambridge Audio's Minx surround speaker package offers a best of both worlds solution for those who crave 5. 1 audio but lack the space. With wide dispersion courtesy of the company's Balanced Mode Radiator drivers, these tiny speakers produce a big sound and thanks to a variety of stands, wall mounting and monochrome colourways, can be easily blended into the most awkward of spaces. The Minx Min 22 separates, including the satellite speakers , are currently on sale at Amazon so you can build your own system, from stereo to surround, for less.

AV receiver deals

Yamaha RX-A6A £2499 £1699 at Sevenoaks (save £800)
Yamaha's best value AVR shares a similar high spec to the company's flagship model with HDMI 2.1 across all ports with 8K/60Hz pass-through and support for Dolby Atmos , DTS:X and Auro-3D.  Outputs-wise there are terminals for 11 channels, with amplifiers for nine. The A6A is very generous when it comes to its hardwired audio inputs, with three optical, two coaxial and five analogue inputs including, unusually, XLR sockets, plus another one dedicated to phono. Casting is also well catered for with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 4.2 (SBC / AAC) on board, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility. This five-star future-proofed amp has a stunning spec and sound.

Marantz SR7015 11.2ch 8K AVR £1799 £1399 at Peter Tyson (save £400)
Not one we've tested but this nine-channel amp looks like a good starting place for 3D audio and decent quality home cinema sound. It supports Dolby Atmos in up to a 5.2.4 configuration, DTS:X and Auro 3D surround sound formats.

Arcam AVR5 £1999 £1499 at Sevenoaks (save £500)
This five-star AVR is Arcam's entry-level model but there's nothing basic about its sonic performance with sparkling clarity and agility marking it out as a particularly musical performer. Unlike Arcam's more expensive models it only sports HDMI 2. 0 inputs, but that should be more than adequate unless you plan on using a next-gen gaming console as a source.  There's support for a wide range of formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Dolby Virtual Height as well as WiFi streaming smarts including Airplay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. 

Denon AVC-X6700H AV Amplifier £2299 £1799 at Sevenoaks (save £500)
This 2021 Award-winner sounds simply superb, with impressive scale, detail and expression. Alongside its class-leading sound, there's a new HDMI section which includes three HDMI 2.1-certified outputs enabling full support for 8K at up to 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz.

Marantz SR8015 11.2ch 8K AVR £3199 £2199 at Peter Tyson (save £1000)
Save on this flagship 8K AVR from Marantz. It supports Dolby Atmos in up to a 7. 1.4 configuration, DTS:X and Auro 3D surround sound formats. It includes HDMI 2.1 features and claims a power output of 205 watts per channel. Not one we've tested but a reliable brand.

Denon AVC-X8500H AV receiver £3999 £2899 at AV.com (save £1100)
A vast saving is currently available on the silver colourway of this 2018 flagship home cinema amp. If you're serious about gaming, it can be upgraded to Denon's latest HDMI spec with a factory circuit board upgrade costing £649. Otherwise, save the cash and grab a solid gold (or silver) home cinema bargain.

Soundbar deals

Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos soundbar £1199 £1099 at John Lewis (save £100)
The A7000 produces powerful, cinematic audio and an immersive, detailed soundfield from a single soundbar that impresses more than most multi-box systems. Check out the full review .

Denon DHT-S316 soundbar £279 £179 at Amazon (save £100)
We haven't tested this model but it offers a decent spec, including HDMI (ARC), Bluetooth, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding as well as a wireless sub for an affordable price.

Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch soundbar £349 £279 at Amazon (save £70)
Not one we've tested but wireless 5.1 systems at this price don't come along every day. The catch is that it isn't completely wireless, requiring an included compact wireless amplifier to power the rear speakers. But if you have the space to house it this looks to be a decent compact system with Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, a USB port, plus optical and analogue inputs. 

JBL Bar 5.0 £350 £239 at AO (save £111)
Want big sound from a small Dolby Atmos-capable soundbar that doesn't cost the earth? The four-star JBL Bar 5. 0 MultiBeam is a real bargain at less than £250. That's a huge discount of a third on the RRP!

Sony HT-G700 £349 £299 at John Lewis (save £50)
Here's a juicy £100 saving on a 3.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar with wireless subwoofer. We rated this 2020 model four stars, praising its "big, weighty sound" and "impressive Atmos effect".

Samsung Q800A Dolby Atmos soundbar £799 £475 at Amazon (save £440)
Very few soundbar subs perform as well as Samsung's 3.1.2 Q800A with a muscular, room-filling sound and gut-busting bass, all contained within a relatively small package. Not only does the Q800A offer Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, but it also has a broad feature set that includes two HDMI ports (one equipped with eARC), Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2, all of which can be controlled by the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 £899 £799 at Amazon (save £100)
Available only in black, this slick soundbar has all the specs you'd expect from Bose with wifi connectivity, Airplay, Bluetooth, Chromecast and multi-room streaming. Sonically it produces n impressively wide soundfield and an articulate and crisp Dolby Atmos performance. 

Sonos Arc soundbar £899 £655 at Amazon (save £240)
Available only in white, this soundbar delivers five-star Dolby Atmos performance and WiFi connectivity for easy music streaming and integration with other Sonos products.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) £449 £329 at Amazon (save £120)
The latest offering from Sonos is fresh from winning a 2022 What Hi-Fi award after impressing us with its exceptional virtual Dolby Atmos performance. When watching Atmos content, two of the Beams five-speaker arrays are dedicated to reproducing overhead and surround sounds and use psychoacoustic HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology to give the impression of height without needing to get vertical. Not that many soundbars  at this price point come with networking capabilities, but this being a Sonos product, WIFI is on board as is HDMI eARC and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant..Five stars

LG SP11RA £1499 £899 at Box (save £600)
This 2021 flagship soundbar is surprisingly agile, with a detailed top end and easy-going character. It’s not got the most robust low end but it does offer an even and immersive listening experience with a tech spec that is one of the most comprehensive and future-proofed available.

Sony HT-SF150 soundbar £109 £80 at Hughes (save £29)
If you're looking for a simple, constructive step up in sound from your TV's in-built speakers, Sony's SF150 offers a significant sonic enhancement for little outlay. Alongside HDMI ARC, it has an optical input supporting Dolby Digital , Dolby Dual mono and LPCM 2ch. There's also a USB port and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for music playback from an external source too. To boost your cinema experience there's also Sony's S-Force Front Surround technology on-board, which applies processing to give the acoustic impression of a more encompassing sound stage. Four stars.

Sennheiser Ambeo: £2199 £1799 at Richer Sounds (save £400)
Standing almost 1.3m wide, Sennheiser's Ambeo is not for the faint of heart or short of space, but it takes up much less space than a full home cinema, sounds sensational and boasts Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. This is the first time we've seen it get a decent discount, so pounce now if it's up your street.

Hisense HS214 all-in-one soundbar £129 £69 Amazon (save £50)
At this price Hisense's 65cm 'bar with multiple connections (line-in, USB, Bluetooth, optical, HDMI out ARC), three Audio Modes (movie, music and news) and a bundled universal remote presents an awful lot to like.

Denon Home Sound Bar 550 £599 £449 at Peter Tyson (save £150)
 With over 20 per cent off, this is a good deal on what looks like a very good soundbar. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HEOS built-in and AirPlay 2 support combine to make it one of the more feature-rich of its kind we've seen.

Dali Kubik One Soundbar £799 £699 at Amazon (save £100)
Dali has come up with some great things over the years and the Swedish company's first foray into soundbars is no exception. With attention-grabbing sound and looks this former What Hi-Fi? award winner delivers a big sound at a reasonable price. Five stars, What Hi-Fi? Award winner

Panasonic SC-HTB490 £349 £180 at Currys (save £169)
This svelte soundbar, designed to be wall-mounted, has two full-range, forward-facing 4. 5 x 12cm drive units, two bass reflex ports adjacent to the drivers to help enhance lower frequencies within the narrow chassis, and a total power output of 160W. Its connectivity options are on the more basic side: you get HDMI (ARC), optical input, Bluetooth and a USB socket -so no wi-fi connectivity or streaming service support - but for those looking for a tidy, discrete soundbar this slender option might just fit the bill. 

JVC TH-D227BA 2.0 Compact Sound Bar £100 £40 at Currys (save £60)
 This JVC soundbar has Bluetooth for wireless streaming as well as wired connections, so you can easily connect the soundbar to your TV or existing audio. It has a compact design that's compatible with TVs from 17” and over. Oh, and it's now just £40! Bargain.

Projector deals

Nebula Capsule projector £340 £230 at Amazon (save £110)
When reviewed, we praised the Capsule's "neat design, solid sound and access to streaming services". Its resolution of 854 x 480 pixels is par for the course when it comes to miniature projectors. A brightness of 100 lumens means you'll need a dimly-lit room. Not perfect but it's the best mini around.

Nebula Capsule Max projector £470 £340 at Amazon (save £130)
Not one we've looked at but the Max edition is the 720p, 200 lumens version of the Capsule above. It has an Android 8.1 OS, some solid app access and a 4-hour battery life.

Nebula Solar Portable projector £600 £420 at Amazon (save £180)
This Full HD projector is the best true portable we've tested to date. With built-in speakers, an Android TV app platform and a three-hour battery life, it's an excellent way to enjoy a big screen film anywhere round the house, the garden and wherever else you want go.

Nebula Mars II Pro 720p portable £600 £430 at Amazon (save £170)
This portable projector is fun, quick and enjoyable to use. Set-up requires minimum fuss, and thanks to its wi-fi and built-in apps, you can stream content directly through it. With this healthy discount, this lunchbox-sized projector is very tasty indeed.

XGIMI Horizon Pro Native 4K Projector £1649 £1319 at Amazon (save £330)
Capable of producing a picture between 40-300 inches in 4K HDR quality the Horizon Pro is a smart device with Android TV 10 OS on board, Google voice control and there's even Chromecast built-in too. We haven't tested this coffee table style model but with a healthy discount and a decent spec, we think it's well worth a look

Epson EF-12 1080p portable projector £999 £939 at John Lewis save £60)
The EF-12 is the best portable projector under £1000. It might not quite be able to beat similarly priced traditional home cinema projectors but it's not far off and comes with the bonus of a very decent 2 x 5W 'Sound by Yamaha' sound system plus Android TV OS and its suit of streaming apps – a very good all-in-one.

Epson EH-TW7000 4K projector £1199 £1099 at Richer Sounds (save £100)
This is the best projector at around the thousand pound mark at the moment. Black depth is unsophisticated but contrast, colour and cinematic appeal are well beyond the competition. It's a great starter projector for a budget home cinema set-up.

Epson EH-TW7100 4K HDR projector £1699 £1599 at Amazon
It may seem pricey for what is an entry level 4K product but this projector is a real gem. The black depth is very decent for this kind of money, the colours are bold and balanced, and the HDR production brings an excellent sense of immersion.

Optoma CinemaX P2 4K UST projector £2999 £2000 at Amazon (save £999)
The P2 is Optoma's second stab at an ultra-short throw machine and, while we've not had the pleasure of a full review, we've certainly enjoyed the demos we've seen. If you're after a 'laser TV' for your living room. This entry-level projector is a strong candidate, particularly with the hefty discount.

Epson EH-TW9400 4K projector £2549 £2499 at Richer Sounds (save £50)
This big, brassy projector is as good as you'll get before forking out for the beauty of native 4K projection. Colour accuracy, contrast control and HDR are all handled brilliantly and help make for a proper cinematic feel on a relatively modest budget.

BenQ V6050 4K UST projector £3999 £2499 at Amazon (save £1500)
Ultra-short throw projectors are the fastest growing form factor. With sound, picture and smarts built-in, they're an obvious all-in-one projector solution. This huge discount makes the V6050 one of the most tempting around.

Sony VPL-VW590ES native 4K projector £6999 £4999 at Amazon (save £2000)
Pick up this five-star native 4K projector for an absolute steal. With fantastic 4K detail, an exciting and vivid picture, and top-notch motion processing, you'll melt into a world of cinematic bliss.

Blu-ray player deals

Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player £399 £299 at John Lewis (save £100)
Panasonic's top of the range 2018 player has got everything you need. HDR-wise you're covered with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG. It's also a great choice for those with some serious surround sound as it supports 7.1-channel audio.

LG UBK90 4K HDR Blu-ray player £248 £219 at Currys (save £48)
This player does it all when it comes to discs, playing 4K Blu-rays and supporting many flavours of HDR, including Dolby Vision. Twin HDMI outputs allow you to split picture and sound. It also comes equipped with smart apps built-in for catch-up and on-demand streaming.

Tom Parsons has been writing about TV, AV and hi-fi products (not to mention plenty of other 'gadgets' and even cars) for over 15 years. He began his career as What Hi-Fi?'s Staff Writer and is now the TV and AV Editor. In between, he worked as Reviews Editor and then Deputy Editor at Stuff, and over the years has had his work featured in publications such as T3, The Telegraph and Louder. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Sky Swipe. In his spare time Tom is a runner and gamer.

Arcam AVR5 AV receiver review

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

While it lacks some of the functionality and usability of the competition, the AVR5 delivers an impeccable sonic performance

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Cons

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

As the central hub that connects diverse and demanding home entertainment devices, AVRs, like the Swiss army knife of AV, are often crammed with multi-tasking features to help them tackle any eventuality. 

We’re now used to seeing home cinema amps capable not only of handling movies in every flavour of HDR but also the bandwidth demands of next-gen gaming consoles and an excessive quantity of immersive sound formats, as well as the swelling number of amplifier channels they require. On top of all this, users also expect a range of streaming options, room calibration, app control and, ideally, a radio.

So much is asked of overachieving AVRs that when it comes to building a range of products available at different prices, the question for manufacturers of where to trim the fat becomes tricky.

While some brands take the approach of reducing channels of amplification or using cheaper DACs for their more accessible models, Arcam is taking a different tack with the AVR5, its first-ever ‘entry-level’ home cinema amplifier.

Price

(Image credit: Future)

Entry-level is, of course, a relative term. Priced at £2000 / $2000 / AU$3495, the cost of the AVR5 is toward the upper end of the scale for rival manufacturers such as Denon and Yamaha. For Arcam, though, this is budget territory that it's not ventured into before. Above it sit three models: the AVR11 is £2799 (around $3736 / AU$5148), the AVR21 is £3799 (around $5071 / AU$6987), and the AVR31 is priced at £5799 (around $7740 / AU$10665). 

Instead of trying to be all things to all people, Arcam says it is putting sound and not features at the core of its AVR range. This means that the AVR5 has the same number of amplifier outputs as the flagship model because seven channels is the maximum number that Arcam believes it can deliver without considerable compromise when compared to the performance of a stereo amplifier. 

The entire range also uses identical ESS9026 Pro DACs and shares the same clean aesthetic and build quality, with grey metal casework, a streamer-like 4. 3-inch colour TFT screen that displays album artwork, and a single large silver volume dial above a row of function and transport buttons. So when faced with the AVR5, the main question we have is what concessions are being made that make this an entry-level amp, and are they justified by its sonic performance?

Features

(Image credit: Future)

The AVR5 can natively decode 12 channels of Dolby Atmos audio (up to 7.1.4) as well as rival immersive format DTS-X. Dolby Height Virtualisation and DTS Virtual:X are also on board for those who want to simulate height effects without using physical ceiling or up-firing speakers. As the AVR5 sports only seven channels of Class AB amplification, any system larger than 5.1.2 will require the use of a separate power amplifier. Arcam's own options in this regard include the PA410 (£1399 / $1650 / AU$2995), which features four channels of AB amplification, and the two-channel PA240 (£2200 / $2750 / AU$3995) and seven-channel PA720 (£2900 / $3300 / AU$5995), both of which use the company's more premium class-G amplifier circuits, a variation on AB amplification that uses voltage rail switching to improve efficiency.

There are seven HDMI inputs and two outputs with 4K passthrough and HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision all supported. But, unlike its siblings, the AVR5’s HDMI ports only support HDMI 2.0, with eARC being the only nod towards next-gen HDMI features. This means that those connecting a gaming PC, a PS5 or an Xbox Series X console won’t be able to take advantage of features such as 4K@120Hz gameplay, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) or ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).

As with Arcam’s previous AVRs, it is possible to retroactively upgrade the AVR5 to HDMI 2.1 by sending the unit to an authorised Arcam service centre and paying an unconfirmed additional cost. However, we get the impression that this scheme is more of an affirmation for customers purchasing the AVR5 that it will still be functionally relevant five years down the line, with the expectation being that those who really want HDMI 2.1 features right now will be eyeing up the AVR11 instead.

While a lack of HDMI 2.1 at this price might seem like a cop-out, Arcam's reasoning for not including it as part of its core feature set is that it’s only currently relevant for hardcore gamers, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. As the AVR5 supports 4K signals at up to 60 frames per second, which no movie source currently goes beyond, most users will likely be satisfied with this and happy not to pay for a feature they won’t be using.

Aside from HDMI, there’s also connectivity for wireless streaming courtesy of Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. The updated Harman MusicLife UPnP app enables playback and control of the AVR5 via Android and iOS, along with providing access to internet radio, music streaming, and podcasts.

With support for MQA audio, subscribers to Tidal HiFi can listen to the highest available audio quality from Tidal Master recordings, while Roon users can use the system’s interface for browsing Qobuz, Tidal, and locally stored music libraries. The AVR5 can also form part of a Roon-driven multi-room system, slotting into existing multi-brand set-ups.

Setting up the AVR5 is a fairly uncomplicated affair thanks to its uncluttered (by AV receiver standards) back panel, with clearly labelled speaker binding posts. There's an array of six digital (four coax, two optical) and six analogue (RCA) audio inputs, as well as optical and analogue outputs. There’s also an aerial connector for an FM/DAB tuner, a USB port and trigger outputs with IR extenders for two zones, along with an RS-232 serial connector and an Ethernet port for wired network connection.

Arcam AVR5 Home Cinema Amplifier tech specs

(Image credit: Future)

HDMI inputs 7 

HDMI outputs 2 (including eARC)

HDMI 2.1 no

Processing 7.1.4 channels 

Amplification 7 channels @ 60 Watts 

Power 86W (per channel) with two channels driven

HDR formats HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Audio formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Surround, Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X

Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Chromecast

While in previous years all Arcam’s AVRs featured Dirac Live Room Correction software, the pay-for-what-you-need approach to the AVR5 means that instead of including Dirac, it provides upgradeable access at an additional cost – and it isn't cheap.

Dirac’s licence tiers start at £247 / $259 / AU$366 for limited bandwidth optimisation of frequencies from 20Hz to 500Hz; while full bandwidth calibration (up to 20kHz) or bass control for a single subwoofer each cost £333 / $349 / AU$491. Finally, there’s an all-in-one package that includes complete bandwidth control and a single subwoofer for £620 / $649 / AU$919. 

Owning a Dirac licence is by no means essential, and if you purchase from a dealer that offers installation, Dirac calibration will likely be included. However, if you’re someone who likes fine-tuning or you’re likely to make changes to your set-up, it's important to bear in mind that to make further Dirac adjustments you will need your own licence.

Dirac isn't actually essential, though: you can instead simply calibrate the system manually using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter (there are now decent SPL apps that work fine if you've also got a good phone with a decent microphone, though a dedicated meter is still the way to go if possible) and a tape measure. The AVR5’s main menu includes an internal test tone and options to assign speaker distances, levels, filter slope and crossover points. This is how we approached setup and calibration.

Slightly annoyingly, the AVR5, like the rest of the models in the range, doesn't output its full menu system to the TV or projector to which it's connected. While you can tweak one setting at a time using the included back-lit remote on your main video display, you’re either going to need to be close enough to read the front panel display or connect using an external device.

By far, the best way to perform manual set-up is accessing the GUI via a phone or laptop on the same network by typing the AVR’s IP address into a web browser's address bar. While the Arcam Control app also offers access to the main menu, we could not connect to the app with our device running iOS 15.4.1.

Plenty of AVRs at this price, including those from Denon and Yamaha, include step-by-step calibration software and testing mics and by not offering any automated optimisation process in the AVR5, Arcam gives slightly mixed messages.  

On the one hand, it's likely that users purchasing the AVR5 as a first time home cinema amp may not be interested in getting into the nitty-gritty of calibration curves. Equally, though, the less experienced user that the AVR5 is aimed at is more likely to be intimidated by the prospect of setting everything up themselves. 

But setting up an AVR manually really need not be daunting. There are plenty of free online guides (including this one) that demystify the process and we actually found that the pared-back, concise layout of both the front panel display and the GUI produced a refreshingly easy to navigate, straightforward and most importantly successful sounding set-up process.

Sound

(Image credit: Future)

In our manually calibrated 5.1 configuration driving a PMC Twenty5.23 surround speaker package, the AVR5’s nimble but surefooted character is immediately noticeable and irresistibly likeable.

The ’80s classics in the opening of Ready Player One sing out from the soundtrack with resounding rhythmic agility and kinetic energy, an early indication that the AVR5 is a capable amp with music. As Wade’s narration begins there’s a distinct cleanness to the vocal that feels natural and unprocessed with plenty of presence and warmth.

There’s a transparency to the AVR5 that’s rare for a home cinema amp, bringing to life subtle sonic touches that lesser kit leaves unearthed. While its delivery isn’t overly expansive, it has a spaciousness that feels carefully controlled, allowing small details such as changes in the atmospheric sounds, from exterior vantages to inside the vehicles, to rise to the top.

The AVR5 delivers transients with snappy ease, and the action of the race skips along with plenty of weight and heft given to King Kong's destructive rampage. We try the same scene with Denon’s AVC-X6700H, which looms particularly large in this price bracket, and while it has a more robust low end delivery, it sounds somewhat sluggish in comparison to the fleet-footed Arcam.

Despite its levity, the AVR5 puts in a powerful performance when faced with the meaty soundtrack of Dune, with excellent handling of the sudden dynamic shifts from ethereal tinkling sandstorms to giant deadly sandworms. The stillness interspersed with chaos is captivatingly rendered, with a sense of ease and resounding clarity across the board. Even at high levels, the AVR5 doesn’t feel like it's having to work too hard and manages to avoid sounding overly harsh or aggressive.

There’s no shortage of AV products that claim to be equally adept at delivering music and movies, but with its rhythmic deftness, the AVR5 is a very entertaining musical performer. Streaming Balls by Sparks, the frenetic energy of the layers of syncopated synths, jagged guitars and percussion is a propulsive delight. Meanwhile, the repetitive slow build of My Baby’s Taking Me Home, also by Sparks, is delicately handled with its extended subtle crescendo nicely sustained without levelling off.

Swapping to Waking The Witch by Kate Bush, the roominess of the piano sounds authentically acoustic and snatches of sound collage are neatly textured with plenty of low-level dynamic subtlety.

Verdict

(Image credit: Future)

As both the pulse and brain of a home cinema system, AVRs can often fall foul of trying to do too much, leading to compromises being made where it matters most, in sonic performance. But Arcam is so confident in the sound of the AVR5 that it has removed features that it feels don’t have mass appeal in order to bring a hi-fi sensibility to its most affordable home cinema amp. 

There are more affordable AVRs that can offer HDMI 2.1, room calibration and over seven channels of amplification, and if those features are important to you then this is definitely not the right product for you. But with its sparkling clarity and agility, the AVR5 makes for an engaging listen across a range of content. 

SCORES

MORE:

Read our review of the Denon AVC-X3700H

Also consider the Yamaha RX-A2A

Read our Denon AVC-X6700H

Best AV receivers: brilliant home cinema amplifiers

Arcam AVR5: Price Comparison

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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Best AV receivers of 2021

Current article Best AV receivers of 2022

IMPORTANT

Due to the discovered incompatibility of new HDMI 2.1 chips, there is currently a shortage of AV receivers on the world market. Production of models with HDMI 2.1 is temporarily suspended. Deliveries of receivers with the new corrected chip are expected in early summer 2021.

Today's AV receivers (also known as A/V or home theater receivers) are the most technologically advanced/featured/hard to understand components in our stores, so it's no surprise that 4 out of every 5 questions we get tend to , refer to AV receivers. For example: “what is 4K switching, and do I really need it?” Or "can an AV receiver drive two TVs at the same time while playing different music in each room?" Or more advanced: "What is DTS:X and HDCP 2.2 support, and do I even need to know?"

For simple and clear answers to these questions (starting with "What is an AV receiver and what is it for?"), we recommend using our easy-to-read guide "How to choose an AV receiver". But if you're in a hurry and just want to know which of the latest AV receivers are the best, you're already on the right page. Below, our experts list the best of the best by category, so you can find the best option for your situation and your budget.

One last note: while we list and compare the key features of each receiver, they all meet the basic requirements of 4K, HDR and current HDMI standards. Of course, we do not cover all the features (some receivers have over 100!). Thus, we can keep this article within reason. But if you're an audiophile and want the full details, we've included links to each receiver's specs page. Rating of budget AV receivers 2018-2019published in a separate article.

Ready? Let's do that.

The best AV receivers featured in this review:

1. The best budget receiver.

2. Best network AV receiver.

3. The best budget 7-channel receiver.

4. Best AV receiver with Dolby Atmos.

5. Best surround sound receiver.

6. The best premium AV receiver.

7. Best sounding 11-channel AV receiver.

8. Simply the best AV receiver.

1. The best budget receiver.

Denon AVR-S650H 5.2 Channel Receiver

Denon AVR-S650H AV Receiver

Key Features:

Why it's the best:

This receiver has five amplifier channels and can decode the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, and guarantees full streaming support including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Heos (Denon's own multi-room platform) . Its six HDMI inputs support the most popular HDMI 2.1 features, including eARC (to stream multi-channel audio from your TV) and Low Latency Auto Mode (which allows devices to automatically detect and switch to the best mode for gaming).

Our Review:

What we love most about the AVR-S650H is the easy to understand OSD menu with automatic naming of HDMI sources and Audyssey MultEQ Room Calibration for ease of setup and use. Any user will be able to get the most out of this device, even if they have never used an AV receiver before.

What else?

If you need more channels of sound and more HDMI inputs, pay attention to the older model Denon AVR-S750H this receiver has a 7.2 configuration and an additional HDMI input on the front panel.

2. Best network AV receiver.

Denon AVR-X2700H 7.2 channel receiver

Denon AVR-X2700H AV receiver

Key features:

Why it won:

Founded in 1910, Denon is one of the oldest audio companies in the world. "HEOS" is what Denon calls its own wireless multi-room audio platform, which includes multiple speakers and sound bars as well as receivers. While Globalaudio currently sells many Denon HEOS models, across all price ranges, our pick is one of six new Denon AV receivers recently released.

Our opinion:

Denon's best-selling HEOS-enabled receiver, the AVR-X2700H is your easy-to-use HEOS device with Amazon Alexa voice control and AirPlay support, as well as access to today's popular streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn etc.), streaming music sounds great and is much easier to access. Six HDMI inputs support all the latest audio formats and are arguably the best value for money receiver in Denon's lineup.

What else?

Need more power and more surround channels? Consider Denon AVC-X3700H or Denon AVC-X4700H

3. The best budget 7-channel receiver.

Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel Receiver

Yamaha RX-V6A AV Receiver

Key Features:

Why it won:

Yamaha often tops lists of recommended home theater receivers, and the RX-V6 is no exception. This receiver offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, two channels loaded) and decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio (to be added in a future firmware update).

In terms of video, the RX-V6 supports up to 4K/120 and 8K/60 (with a future firmware update) with HDCP 2.3 and eARC. Other advanced video features that are particularly useful to gamers include Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Fast Frame Transfer (QFT), and Quick Media Switching (QMS).

Wireless streaming is fully realized with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice control, as well as Yamaha's own multi-room MusicCast audio system. There are many streaming services available including Pandora, Amazon Music, Sirius XM, Tidal, Deezer, Napster and more.

Our opinion:

The Yamaha RX-V6A sounds amazing for the money and is very functional. There are seven channels of amplification and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding on board, as well as the ability to configure two additional audio channels for even more immersive sound. You get seven HDMI inputs, three of which are HDMI 2.1 compatible. You can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, as well as Yamaha's proprietary MusicCast multi-room wireless streaming platform. MusicCast also lets you add wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer if you can't run speaker cable to the surround channels or subwoofer, though this negates one of the RX-V6A's most appealing features: it has surprisingly good room correction for receivers in its price range, which in our tests gave it a clear advantage over competitors at a similar price. The RX-V6A also features a sleek look that you'll love if you mount the AV receiver on a cabinet or other visible location.

What else?

4. Best AV receiver with Dolby Atmos.

Yamaha RX-A2A 7.2 Channel Receiver

Yamaha RX-A2A AV Receiver

Key Features:

Why it won:

The newest model in Yamaha's flagship Aventage line is the RX-A2A, a 7.2 channel beauty that offers 100 watts per channel (8 ohms). It can receive and decode Dolby Atmos and DST:X immersive 3D audio signals, and offers Yamaha's proprietary Cinema DSP 3D sound field technology for an even more immersive experience. A future firmware update will also add Dolby Atmos height virtualization.

In terms of video, the RX-A2A provides 4K/120 and 8K/60 pass-through and fully supports Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10+ (in a future firmware update). Gamers will appreciate Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Fast Frame Transfer (QFT), and Fast Media Switching (QMS), the latter of which will come in a future update.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the RX-A2A offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as well as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, and you can stream directly from many different online providers. Yamaha's MusicCast system makes it easy to set up a multi-room audio system and add wireless surround speakers. If you're a fan of voice control, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri are at your service.

Our opinion:

The specs on Yamaha's RX-A2A are nearly identical to Denon's AVR-X2700H (our best wireless receiver above), with two exceptions: the RX-A2A puts out a bit more power and has MusicCast Surround which allows for wireless speakers as rear channels, which is very convenient if you do not have the ability to run wires throughout the room. In 2016, Yamaha introduced its own "MusicCast" wireless platform, equivalent to Denon's HEOS standard. In 2018, Yamaha announced MusicCast Surround to bring wireless convenience to home theater surround sound, as well as a new feature called Surround:AI.

Surround: AI is an artificially intelligent feature that does something completely new... it adjusts sound levels, channel by channel, depending on the scene on the screen. In its memory, Surround: AI contains hundreds of scenes for the movie to draw on, so it knows the difference between the big chase scene in the Mission: Impossible movie and two star lovers on the beach. The end result is amazing: suddenly the dialogue in loud environments (two bad guys in a noisy diner) is much easier to hear. And, in general, everything just sounds more powerful and more natural.

What else?

5. Best Surround Sound AV Receiver.

NAD T 758 V3i 7.2 Channel Receiver

AV Receiver NAD T 758 V3i

Key Features:

Why it won:

NAD is renowned for putting quality over frills, and the T 758 V3i is a perfect example. It offers seven channels of amplification with a real power rating of 60 watts/channel (8 ohms with all channels driven). It accepts and decodes Dolby Atmos signals with a focus on sound quality thanks to its modular design (MDC) that allows for future hardware upgrades. It also supports high resolution audio formats such as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).

The video path is simple and straightforward, supporting resolutions up to UHD/4K at 60 fps and high dynamic range. In addition, analog sources are converted to HDMI for easy one-cable connection to a display. This receiver leaves video processing where it should be - on display.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to stream audio from local sources using AirPlay 2 and various online providers, and supports Apple Siri voice control. What's more, the T 758 V3i includes NAD BluOS multi-room streaming technology. If your philosophy is "music first", the NAD T 758 V3i is the way to go.

Our opinion:

The amplifier's sound is expressive and dynamically true to the source, with details reproduced with amazing transparency, ideal for high-resolution music. At the sight of all this, Marantz gets a lump in his throat.

What else?

6. Best premium AV receiver.

NAD T 778 9.2 channel AV amplifier

NAD T 778 AV amplifier

Key features:

Why he won:

As with the T758, NAD prioritizes quality over bells and whistles. This receiver offers nine channels of amplification at a fair 85 watts per channel (8 ohms, all channels active), with two additional pre-outs for an extra pair of speakers that need a separate power amp. That's just 7.2.4 channels for Dolby Atmos, and those channels are efficient and distortion-free thanks to NAD's hybrid digital amplifier technology.

Serious video circuitry provides UHD/4K pass-through with high dynamic range support including Dolby Vision. In addition, a full color touch screen on the front provides improved ergonomics and ease of use. You can use the touch screen to set up five custom presets with speaker level and tone control settings for various types of audio material.

Our opinion:

We started off good, moved on to the best, and now we're in the big leagues. And NAD's flagship T758 receiver represents what home theater in a luxury pillared home can sound like these days. The AD Modular Design (MDC) allows this receiver to be upgraded in the future, making the T 778 future proof. And with full Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, including BluOS multi-room, you can enjoy high-quality music from a variety of online sources wirelessly throughout your home. This powerhouse will provide superior audio and video for years to come.

What else?

7. Best sounding 9-channel AV receiver.

Marantz SR7015 9.2 Channel Receiver

Marantz SR7015 AV Receiver

Key Features:

Why he won:

He won because he sounds great. With the explosive power of the SR7015, movie soundtracks sound outrageously real. Live performances are indistinguishable from a real live performance - thanks to the sonic integrity and dB levels of this receiver. Conversely, the SR7015 handles subtle musical nuances with absolute precision. A good thing.

Our opinion:

If receivers were movie stars, the Marantz SR7015 could be Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: big, powerful, multi-talented, great performer, can do it all - and never loses. The SR7015 is the brainchild of more than 300 talented audio engineers from some very high-profile audio companies (Marantz, Denon, Polk, Definitive Technology and Boston Acoustics) who, after the merger, work together under the banner of parent company Sound United.

Suffice to say, the Marantz SR7015 does it all and combines Amazon Alexa voice control with HEOS Denon for just as easy wireless communication. Connect the 2-channel power amplifier of your choice to the SR7015 for an even more immersive and smooth 3D sound experience with up to 7. 2.4 speaker configurations. And while you can do just about anything with 11 amp channels, we recommend two things: A) a 7.2.4 setup, i.e. 7 speakers (1 center, 1 left front and 1 right front, 2 rear and 2 sides) + 2 subwoofers and 4 top Dolby Atmos speakers and B) Buy good big speakers. Anything less and the SR7015 can tear them to pieces.

What else?

Same great sound but less power and price - Marantz SR6015 AV Receiver

8. Simply the best AV receiver*.

Denon AVC-X8500HA 13.2 Channel Receiver

Denon AVC-X8500HA AV Receiver

Key Features:

Why he won:

We have one rule at Globalaudio - in any article we use the word "amazing" only once, and sometimes not at all, but here is exactly the case. If you want a truly amazing home theater experience, the Denon AVC-X8500HA with all 13 channels (plus two subwoofers) is the way to go. (That's it, now we can exhale)

Our opinion:

What-what? Can you have more than 11 channels? Oh yeah. And why do you need it? An endless number of reasons... for example, maybe you're an acclaimed independent filmmaker and you want a truly killer home theater in your country mansion. Or maybe you are a grandparent who wants to see their grandchildren more often on weekends. (It will work). But really, who needs a reason if "13 channels are the equivalent of going astral and more fun than celebrating the new year?" But we digress.

For home theater, Denon's new flagship now offers support for the latest DTS:X Pro surround sound format, allowing users to enjoy up to 13 channels in 7.2.6 and 9.2.4 configurations. Users can also watch the latest IMAX Enhanced movies using all 13 amplifier channels.

Above: the best Denon of today is a monster 13.2-channel AV receiver (almost 20 kilos, by the way) that can do everything but popcorn. Inside, processors to handle every new video codec on the planet (including four independent SHARC DSPs for exceptional multi-channel audio quality), an advanced dual-antenna transceiver system for reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, plus AirPlay, HEOS, Amazon Alexa voice control and a ton of pure power. Please note: The AVC-X8500HA can handle six Dolby Atmos overhead channels, and if you plan to install in-ceiling speakers, we strongly recommend that you install all six at once. Denon AVC-X8500HA also has an EISA 2018-2019 award, although when choosing such a device, this is no longer decisive.

What else?

*We know that these devices are commonly referred to as an AV amplifier, not an AV receiver.

Still thinking? We understand.

We're not going to gloss things over: choosing the right receiver for you is no easy task. Above, we only scratched the surface of the capabilities of these devices - we could write 5,000 words about EVERY receiver in this review and still not cover everything.

Do you want some good news? Once everything is set up, most AV receivers are really easy to use. (Not like 10 years ago.) And while most come with a remote control with more buttons than the buttons in a grandmother's sewing box, they can all be controlled through an intuitive, easy-to-use smartphone app that reduces everything to logical and clear actions on the screen. (Most of our customers prefer the app).

As always, we invite you to call or write at any time with any questions. Tell us what you're looking for, what your budget is, a little about your room, what movies and music you like, and we'll walk you through the options patiently, honestly, without pressure or pushing you. Our main and only goal is to help you make the right choice and save you money. Our main and only motive is to do such a job that you would tell your friends, neighbors (even your cousin Kolya) about us about it.

One more thing:

Last tip: if not us, buy a new AV receiver from an authorized dealer. And the more experience they have and the longer they exist, the better. A good dealer will take care of you in case something happens.

Best AV Receivers of 2022

TOP 7 Hi-Fi: Best AV Receivers of 2019

Seven of the best AV receivers for home theater: two in each price category and one unattainable ideal.

The choice of audio equipment is always subjective, but based on this rating of receivers, you definitely will not miss - these are outstanding representatives of their price category.

Budget av-receivers Price \ quality Hi-End av-receivers

Audio / video receiver - the heart and brain of your home theater. And if you are faced with the task of choosing the best AV receiver for 2019 - 2020 for your budget, then finding a balance between the necessary features and unnecessary marketing tricks can be an overwhelming task.

To that end, we've rounded up the TOP 7 AV Receivers in various price ranges to help you decide whether you're new to hardcore home cinephiles looking to take it to the next level.

Stay on a Budget: Inexpensive Hi-Fi AV Receivers

5.1 Yamaha RX-V485 AV Receiver

29990Р

5.1 AV Receiver, 115W (6 ohms). 4K, 3D, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, MusicCast, Amazon Alexa

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A great receiver with support for surround sound and wireless standards like AirPlay and Bluetooth without having to shell out the big bucks it took would have been a few years ago. One of the main features that Yamaha offers starting with this model is support for the MusicCast multi-room system. Another nice addition is the presence of Alexa voice assistant.

In addition to the built-in Bluetooth adapter, which allows you to stream music both from mobile devices and to portable acoustics or Bluetooth headphones without wires, the receiver can be connected to your home computer network via Wi-Fi. In addition, music can be played from Internet streaming services. Yamaha MusicCast proprietary technology allows you to create a wireless distributed multi-room audio system based on the Yamaha RX-V485. All you need to do is download the MusicCast app to your smartphone or tablet and you can listen to music in any room where the appropriate Yamaha equipment is installed and control its operation with a single application. Also, thanks to MusicCast, you can build a cinema with wireless rear channels and a subwoofer so as not to spoil the look of your room with unnecessary wires.

The Yamaha RX-V485 offers easy integration, support for the latest audio formats, convenient operation, and flexible use. Despite the lack of some features, the receiver is easy to use, functional enough and sounds great. An excellent choice for small rooms and cinemas on bookshelf acoustics.

Onkyo TX-NR575E 4K UltraHD AV Receiver

7.2ch 4K Network AV Receiver. Power 135 W (6 ohms). Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth, AirPlay. DTS:X™, Dolby Atmos® Up to 5.2.2 Channels

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The Onkyo TX-NR575 receiver sounds great, has a wide range of features including Dolby Atmos and ChromeCast, all the advanced technology and high power. And all this at a reasonable price.

The Onkyo TX-NR575 has a clean, minimalistic design. Unlike some of the competition, the receiver has Full-HD resolution on-screen graphics and is fairly easy to use.

Speaker setup is easy with on-screen prompts and most functions are easily accessible. Onkyo TX-NR575 is equipped with seven 80W amplifiers. The AV receiver supports many streaming technologies.

Whether you're watching football, watching movies or listening to music, the receiver adapts easily to your needs. The sound is detailed, with a good transfer of nuances, especially for movies.

Audio / video receivers in the category price - quality

7.

2 AV receiver Yamaha RX-A1080

AV receiver 7.2, power 110 W (8 ohms). 4K, 3D, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, MusicCast. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Cinema DSP 3D

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The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 features a smart design with an elegant aluminum front panel, exceptionally strong internal construction, and Anti Resonance Technology, a fifth foot in the center of the unit that absorbs vibrations. The receiver is more stable, resonance is reduced and the highest sound quality is maintained.

Each component affects the sound quality. During production, special attention is paid to the selection of the highest quality components, which include a high-performance amplifier with a large heat sink to dampen vibrations, a special powerful power transformer, high-performance DAC devices, etc.

The receiver is equipped with the unique Surround:Al technology, which is a kind of artificial intelligence built into the digital signal converter that analyzes the sound source configuration in entertainment content and optimizes the surround sound, making it as effective as possible. Surround:Al analyzes the scene configuration, focuses on individual sound elements such as dialogue, background music, background sounds and sound effects, and automatically optimizes the real-time surround effect. Superb sound expression and sound field richness create an immersive sense of realism on screen for the most immersive experience.

The RX-A1080 is of course equipped with MusicCast and can therefore use wireless surround channels in your theater, use streaming services to play music and be part of a multi-room system. It is convenient and easy to control the receiver using a special application.

Marantz SR AV Receiver 6013

149600P

Network 9.2 channel 4K 3D AV Receiver. Power 185 W (6 ohms). Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, HEOS, Alexa voice. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

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Immerse yourself in 3D surround sound with the SR6013 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver, equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders and height channel speaker capability. The receiver is equipped with a 9-channel amplifier that allows you to configure your system, depending on the room and your wishes: 7.1.2, 5.1.4, and when an additional amplifier is connected - 7.1.4, since the receiver is capable of processing up to 11.2 channels. If the configuration of your home theater is not so complicated, then you can use a couple of free channels to sound the next room, and with an independent audio source.

The receiver supports all modern audio and video formats, it is able to play all existing Internet radio stations. One of the main innovations is the ability to accept AirPlay2 after a firmware update. That is, now you can "stream" music from your phones not only via Bluetooth, but also in excellent quality via the AirPlay2 protocol. Also, thanks to the integration with HEOS, it can become part of your multi-room system. The video section of the SR6013 is immune to future obsolescence thanks to full compatibility with the latest HDMI and HDCP 2. 2 standards for all 8 HDMI inputs. In addition, the receiver is compatible with 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color, High Dynamic Range (HDR), HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), 21:9 video format, 3D, BT.2020 and Dolby Vision pass-through on any input.

All this makes the Marantz SR6013 a well-equipped home theater and listening receiver. In addition, one of the main qualities of the receivers has remained unchanged - the ability to delight their owners with the unsurpassed audio playback quality that Marantz is so famous for!

Hi-End AV receivers for the sophisticated cinephile

7.1 Arcam AVR 390 AV Receiver

199990P

AV receiver 7.1, AV receiver. 7x60 W. Dolby Atmos 7.1.4. HDMI 2.0 with 4K

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The Arcam FMJ AVR390 is a unique product that combines true realism movie soundtrack playback with true Hi-Fi sound when playing stereo recordings.

This is the youngest receiver from the Arcam line, but its functionality meets all modern requirements. It is equipped with HDMI 2.0a with HDCP2.2, so 4K Ultra HD and 3D are no problem for it. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS-X up to 7.1.4, but this configuration will require additional amplifiers, the AVR39 itself0 has 7 channels of amplification, which delivers 60 watts into 8 ohms. At the same time, the output power is indicated for all seven channels at the same time, and not for one or two, as other manufacturers usually indicate.

Dirac Live adjusts and corrects room acoustics for high quality sound in virtually any room. The receiver has three tuners, traditional FM, digital DAB and DAB +, in addition, you can play audio files via the Ethernet port from local drives, both compressed and lost. Arcam AVR390 plays Internet radio and music using the Spotify streaming service.

The device has the ability to control iOS devices using the proprietary application MusicLife, over the network via Ethernet or from the remote control included in the kit.

The AVR390 is a truly outstanding device from the legendary manufacturer, which not only has on board the most comprehensive functional equipment for today, but also provides an objectively high quality of sound and picture.

Arcam FMJ AVR-850 Hi-End AV Receiver

554990P

AV Receiver, Networked, Dolby Atmos, 3D, 4K (Ultra HD), 7.1, 100W (003) 904 Ohm Send us an RFQ →

Experienced music lovers and audiophiles, who have seen and heard a lot in their lifetime, know one secret that is inaccessible to beginners: true Hi-Fi sound is English sound. Arcam AV equipment is pure engineering, based on the most accurate calculations, repeatedly confirmed by practice and grateful reviews from audiophiles.

The top of the line FMJ receiver AVR-850 is 7 channels of amplification of 100 real watts (at 8 ohms) in each. The amplifiers operate in the proprietary, patented Class G, which combines the sonic advantages of Class A with the power and low distortion of Class AB. Real 700 W (at 8 ohms) of output power are provided by the most powerful power supply with a toroidal power transformer, capable of consuming up to 1.5 kW of energy from the network at peak times.

The sound processing circuit is equipped with a new DSP processor with support for 3D sound formats Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. Arcam's patented Dirac technology is responsible for setting the sound in a particular room and with a particular speaker system. Dirac works in real time and makes ideal not only the frequency and phase response of the signal in the entire audible frequency band of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, but also the response to the pulse.

The Arcam FMJ AVR-850 is the ideal solution for home theater and premium audiophile multi-channel audio systems.

The unattainable ideal

Acurus: ACT4 preamplifier/processor and A2007 power amplifier


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High-end equipment does not indulge the consumer with the comprehensive (sometimes redundant) functional equipment typical for mass models.

Superiority here is determined by the fundamental and uncompromising approach to the creation of each model. On the upper floors of the High End pyramid, there is an understanding of the need to separate functions between individual components so that each of them performs its task as efficiently as possible.

Introduced at CEDIA 2016, the Acurus ACT4+A2007 pair attracted numerous visitors with its reference sound.

The ACT4 processor intelligently calculates, distributes and switches signals. Supporting the new Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio formats, its balanced preamp can connect multiple power amps to create exciting 13.3, 7.3.6 or 9.3.2 surround sound configurations that showcase what 21st century home theater sound can and should be .

Certified to the highest quality standards - THX Ultra 2, built on classic analog "AB" circuitry, the A2007 kilowatt seven-channel amplifier not only amplifies, it turns invisible, ephemeral electric current into an incredible sonic hurricane, giving you absolutely clear understanding of what that you made the right choice.

Freedom of choice

Low-end AV receivers are attractive due to their affordable price and higher sound quality compared to plastic one-box "competitors".


AV receivers of the middle price category, with an attractive quality / price ratio, already have developed functional (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay) and technical (4K support, Hi-Res Audio playback) equipment, as well as more powerful amplifiers with more channels.


Receivers of the Top Hi-Fi category, Premium class, have certain "family" features and features, solid weight, and formally within one group can differ greatly both in price and in technical equipment. Fans of multiple wired and wireless connections, affordable control systems and sound settings, choose brands focused on more mass production. Those who value adherence to fundamental values, and above all uncompromising sound, prefer more expensive models.


High End receivers are a piece product that sometimes competes with cars at a price.

Learn more