What To Look For When Choosing An AV Receiver
Looking for a new AV receiver? Here are some things you’ll want to consider before making your purchase. The first thing to consider is your budget – receivers range in price from around $200 to $2,000 or more. Then, decide what features are important to you. Do you need 4K passthrough and HDMI inputs? Dolby Atmos or DTS:X decoding? Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity? There’s a lot to choose from, so it’s essential to figure out what’s most important to you before spending your money. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look at reviews online to get an idea of what other people think of the receivers you’re considering. By considering all of these factors, you’ll be able to find the perfect AV receiver for your home theater setup.
Choose your number of channels
How many speakers are in your system? If you have a 7.1 system, you’ll need an AV receiver with at least seven channels. The most popular receivers have 5.1 or 7.2 channel configurations.
Check the connections. Ensure the receiver has enough HDMI inputs for your devices (TV, Blu-ray player, game console, etc.) and the correct type of output for your speakers. For example, if you’re using a subwoofer, you’ll need a receiver with a subwoofer output.
Wireless connection features
Some AV receivers have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while others require an external adapter. If you want to use your receiver with wireless speakers or headphones, ensure it has the right wireless connection features for your needs.
There are a lot of different features to choose from when it comes to AV receivers. Some receivers have built-in support for popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. Others come with AirPlay, which allows you to stream music from your iPhone or iPad to your receiver. I often use it to listen to Simplecast podcasts and Soundcloud.
Make sure your devices are compatible
Some receivers only work with certain types of devices. For example, some receivers are “Sony PlayStation Now” compatible, while others work with Apple TV or Xbox. Be sure to check that the receiver you’re considering is compatible with all of the devices you want to use it with.
Audio and Video capabilities
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an AV receiver is its audio and video capabilities. Most receivers can pass 4K video signals, but not all can decode Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks. If you have a 4K TV and want to take advantage of HDR content, ensure your receiver can pass 4K HDR signals.
Some receivers have built-in upscaling capabilities, which can take standard Blu-ray or DVD content and make it look better on your 4K TV. If you have a lot of old DVDs, this is a feature you may want to look for.
Finally, think about the future. AV receiver technologies are constantly changing, so it’s crucial to choose a receiver that can be updated with new firmware as it becomes available. This way, you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest and greatest features as they’re released.
