By BHT Staff
April 2019
This article reviews the top 10 home theater receivers under $500.
Home theater receivers allow you to enjoy a theater-like atmosphere without having to leave home. These components have multiple inputs and outputs, making it easy to connect your speakers, subwoofer, television, DVD player, Blu-Ray player, video game console and more. While there are a lot of high-end home theater receivers out there, you can still enjoy a full spectrum of features if your budget is $500 or less. Affordable home theater receivers have many top features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility. They may also work with the different streaming services and home automation systems for a great entertainment experience at home.
1. Onkyo 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver
This TX-NR686 stereo receiver by Onkyo offers an LED display. The front face of the unit provides controls for the volume, balance and mode. The inputs include HDMI, CD, DVD and more. Its outputs include speakers, subwoofer and headphone jack. It automatically downloads software updates through your Wi-Fi connection. Stream audio through Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify and Pandora.
2. Pioneer 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver
This sleek Pioneer stereo receiver offers 4k technology, allowing you to pair it with your smartphone, iPod or tablet. It also works with Sonos Connect for streaming music. This receiver includes a remote control for convenience. Its LED display shows its mode and function. You can also manually adjust the balance, volume and mode of operation. The receiver’s inputs include Chromecast, 4K Ultra HD pass-through and HDMI. It delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms resistance.
3. Onkyo 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver with Bluetooth
Pair this Onkyo TX-SR373 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver with Bluetooth with any Bluetooth-compatible device. It works with smartphones, tablets, iPods and computers. The receiver delivers 155 watts per channel at 6 ohms resistance. The face includes manual controls for mode of operation, function, balance and volume. A headphone jack on the face plat offers additional convenience. This receiver delivers surround sound through its Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio file decoding.
4. Denon Receiver, 7.2 Channel 4K Ultra HD
If you like to stream music, podcasts or other audio, this is the stereo receive for you. This Denon AVR-S740H receiver provides seven amplifiers at 165 watts per channel. You can pair this receiver with Wi-fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with Heos speakers and listen to music anywhere in your house. The Amazon Alexa feature allows you to control the receiver with voice commands. Setting up the system is simple, and it can be done through your compatible TV. You can also control this receiver with your smart TV remote.
5. Sony 5.2 Multi-Channel 4k HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth
Enjoy the convenience of voice-activated controls with this Sony STRDH590 receiver. It delivers 145 watts per channel across the 5.2 channels. Pair it with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-compatible device. It also has a built-in FM radio. This receiver comes with a remote for added convenience. The small size of this receiver allows it to fit within tight spaces or in stereo cabinets.
6. Yamaha 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
This affordable Yamaha RX-V485BL receiver offers multi-room or whole-house listening with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and MusicCast services. You can pair it with Amazon Alexa for convenient voice controlling. The receiver also pairs with wireless speakers. If you like streaming music without commercials, it works with services such as Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Pandora, TIDAL and Deezer.
7. Sony 7.2-ch AV Receiver 4K HDR
Experience a theater-like setting with this Sony STR-DH790 home receiver. It delivers 145 watts across each of the 7.2 channels. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based surround sound make you feel as if you are at the movies. With auto calibration technology, it picks up the full range of sounds without distortion, humming or static. Pair it with other Bluetooth devices or Amazon Alexa for voice controls.
8. Onkyo 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver
This powerful Onkyo TX-NR575 receiver delivers 170 watts across each of the 7.2 channels. It has six HDMI inputs and one output. You can also pair it with services such as Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, Fire Connect and Bluetooth. If you like to stream media, it works with your subscription to Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Pandora Deezer and other services. Updating the firmware for pairing is simple. You can do all of the setup through your smart TV and its remote.
9. Pioneer Surround Sound A/V Receiver
With this Pioneer receiver, you get the ultimate in acoustic accuracy thanks to its built-in Mcacc auto room tuning feature. This receiver also has built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to pair it with your other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It works with devices that have a USB port, too. Just plug them into the built-in USB port on the front of the receiver. It can read WMA, AAC and MP3 compressed music files.
10. Denon Receiver 5.2 Channel
This receiver by Denon AVR-S540BT features 4K ultra HD video and audio, creating an immersive entertainment experience. It works with your home theater system as well as Bluetooth-compatible devices. The built-in USB port makes it easy for you to pair any type of smartphone, computer or tablet. It has a HEOS link for streaming wireless music services to any room in your home.
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