Masters of Music and Movies: Top 4 Budget AV Receivers
Perhaps the main advantage of a modern AV receiver is its versatility: listening to music, watching movies, and playing games can all be enjoyed with impressive sound quality. We have selected 4 interesting models from leading brands.
Denon AVR-X250BT
Denon continues to please fans of quality sound with new AV receivers, and the affordable 5.1-channel AVR-X250BT model is a great choice for watching movies with multi-channel sound as well as for listening to music in stereo.
The AVR-X250BT receiver is equipped with 5 HDMI inputs for connecting all necessary players, gaming consoles, and other sources. Notably, it supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).
As for sound, the AVR-X250BT is equipped with power amplifiers with discrete circuitry, delivers a power of 130W, and supports Dolby and DTS multi-channel sound technologies.
Meanwhile, the built-in Bluetooth module allows for high-quality music listening directly from mobile gadgets, and the interactive Denon assistant helps with step-by-step receiver setup.
Key features of the Denon AVR-X250BT AV receiver:
- 5.1 configuration, support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio technologies;
- output power of 130W (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1%, 1 channel driven);
- support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR, BT.2020, HLG, and Wide Color Gamut;
- 5 HDMI inputs (3 inputs with HDCP 2.2 support);
- front panel headphone output.
Marantz NR1510
Marantz was founded in 1952, and its products are distinguished by stylish classic design combined with the latest technical solutions. From the onset, the brand focused on producing audio amplification equipment, and this invaluable experience was utilized in developing the NR1510 theater receiver.
Typical for Marantz equipment, the design leans towards symmetry. Precision-made knobs and buttons, attractive mode indicators — all pleasing to the eye. Moving to technical capabilities, it supports 4K video, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), as well as a 5.2-channel audio configuration and decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.
It’s necessary to mention the presence of 2 subwoofer outputs. In addition — built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, support for Airplay and popular streaming services. For source connection, Marantz NR1510 offers 6 HDMI inputs (one of which is located on the front panel).
Meanwhile, the amplifier module is based on discrete components and develops an output power of 85W per channel. The Audyssey MultEQ system provides automatic sound parameter calibration. Additionally, audiophiles will likely be intrigued by support for FLAC, ALAC, WAV, DSD formats.
Key features of the Marantz NR1510 AV receiver:
- 5.2 configuration and decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio;
- support for 4K, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision;
- output power of 85W (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1%, 2 channels driven);
- HEOS multi-room system and support for popular streaming services;
- 6 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.3 support;
- built-in phono preamp for vinyl player connection.
Yamaha RX-V4A
The Yamaha RX-V4A is a modern AV receiver supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X surround sound formats, and the proprietary MusicCast multi-room system, with convenient smartphone control and the ability to connect speakers wirelessly.
The network capabilities of the RX-V4A deserve mention: dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, support for popular streaming services. In addition, there's compatibility with Airplay 2, for wireless content playback from Apple mobile devices.
In the Yamaha RX-V4A receiver, first-class power amplifiers on discrete elements are used, with a high rate of output signal rise. Among interesting options is the ability to connect front speakers in a bi-amping scheme, with separate amplification for high and low frequencies.
Key features of the Yamaha RX-V4A AV receiver:
- power of 80W per channel (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.06%, 2 channels driven);
- support for 4K/120Hz and HDR10+;
- HDMI (4 inputs, 1 output) with Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG);
- support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Virtualizer, DTS: Virtual X;
- possibility to use wireless surround speakers;
- YPAO sound calibration system;
- support for popular streaming music services.
Pioneer VSX-935
Pioneer embraces the trend of incorporating the most advanced technologies, offering an optimal combination of features in the AV receiver VSX-935. Among the model's main advantages are support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p, impressive 3D sound in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, as well as Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X.
It's worth mentioning the presence of 6 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, significantly expanding connection possibilities. Meanwhile, the MCACC auto-calibration system optimizes playback parameters depending on the configuration of the speaker system and the characteristics of the room.
The power amplifiers in the Pioneer VSX-935 are based on discrete elements, for the most accurate transmission of all nuances in audio recordings and impressive reproduction of special effects when watching movies.
Key features of the Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver:
- 7.2 configuration and power of 80W (8 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.08%, 2 channels driven) / 165W (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10%, 1 channel driven);
- support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS Virtual:X;
- 6 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs;
- support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision;
- support for Chromecast, Airplay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and popular streaming music services;
- MCACC automatic sound calibration system.