Receiver Reviews

"Yamaha's AX-763 was one of the biggest selling amps of 2008...Introducing the new RX-V765, which sounds even better than the outgoing 763, yet also sports four HDMI inputs, full 1080p upscaling and a radio..." read more »

"The 5.1 channel STR-DH500 model offers 100 watts of power per channel (@ 8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD) and accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signals via HDMI (3 in / 1 out...The new 7.1 channel STR-DH800 (110 watts power per channel @ 8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) A/V receiver also supports the latest advanced audio codecs..." read more »

"Along with intelligent Audyssey equalization and Faroudja deinterlacing technologies, the HT-RC160 gives you a ton of connectivity options, so you can incorporate HD Radio, iPod, and more...Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the HT-RC160 makes for a powerful A/V control center...What’s more, all multichannel audio—from bit-for-bit streams to standard Dolby Digital—can be input via HDMI for processing on the HT-RC160...The HT-RC160’s HDMI inputs can receive pristine digital video from HDMI-enabled components for a single-cable output to a display device with an HDMI or DVI connection...I’m surprised to see a warning that this amp could be a choking hazard to children under three..." read more »

"Good sound quality Six HDMI inputs Dual subwoofer outputs Support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz...No multichannel analog audio input Video processing and upconversion not the best ...Critics say that the 7.2-channel Onkyo TX-SR607 offers lots of features and excellent audio quality...The TX-SR607 also features an extra subwoofer output, which makes it easier to run a second subwoofer in rooms where one can't provide..." read more »

"With that in mind, Onkyo has released two new AV receivers, the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906, that put the focus on video thanks to built-in HQV-video processing chips...The major difference between the two receivers is the network functionality available on the TX-NR906...The main draw is the onboard HQV processing, which has a solid reputation for image quality in the enthusiast community, and for good reason--we've found that products with HQV processing consistently have excellent image quality...One feature that's curiously missing from these high-end receivers is a high-definition, graphical, user interface, as seen on receivers from Sony and Denon..." read more »

"Sony STRDH100 Stereo receiver with Digital Media Port and FM/AM tuner...With this thought in mind, Sony has developed their “ES” (Elevated Standard) line of two-channel audio receivers, and they have done an outstanding job with duplicating that exciting ‘live’ concert hall experience with the STR-DH100 stereo receiver...The simple installation that the STR-DH100 requires will make this purchase a very pleasant one, and the low $500 price tag means that you will not have to take out a mortgage loan to experience high-end 2-channel audio for yourself...1) Inexpensive stereo receiver is an alternative to high price surround system (2) decent power @ 100 W per channel (3) A/B audio zones (4) Digital Media port..." read more »

"The Onkyo TX-8255’s receiver focuses on two channel audio...The Onkyo TX-8255 uses a power output of 50w /ch and a dynamic power of 105 w/ch...The Onkyo TX-8255 is compatible t DS-A1 and also allows connection to a compatible Ipod.The dimensions of the Onkyo TX-8255 is 17 1/8" x 5 7/8" x 13 3/8" (435 x 149 x 340mm) and weighs 16.5lbs or 7.5kg..." read more »

"Great deal on two of our best selling products this year...The KEF KHT1005.2 is a sleek, sexy and curvaceous home cinema system with the kind of terrific performance that will transform your movie watching experience...Perfect for use where space is at a premium or as an alternative to large standmount or floor-standing speakers, this stylish and eye-catching speaker system will turn your living room into a full 5.1 channel, surround sound home cinema..." read more »

"This $2,000 high-end seven-channel SR8002 is a powerhouse receiver that really excels in the audio department and does an excellent job on video as well...On everything from Blu-ray movie soundtracks to CDs to digital audio files, the Marantz performs like a true champ...The SR8002 has four HDMI inputs and two HDMI outs, plus four component ins and two outs, so for HD sources, you are well covered...The amps are very good, but you can reach their limits in larger rooms with less efficient speakers..." read more »

"The RX-V3800 is the latest and greatest "multimedia" receiver from Yamaha, but now that other companies have jumped upon the streaming bandwagon, how does it cope...The features list also continues from the RX-V2700's good work, with music streaming, iPod connectivity (with optional dock), and upscaling to 1080p...While this is good for Internet radio, which works well and provides a decent selection of stations by default, the streaming implementation is a bit arcane and still needs a running PC to stream from..." read more »