AV receivers are primarily designed for home theater use but any AV receiver can also be used for music.
However, not all AV receivers are equally good when it comes to music reproduction.
Our article about 6 best AV receivers for music is here to explain the differences between AV receivers and stereo/integrated amplifiers, discuss the features a good AV receiver for music should have, and present to you our favorite AV receivers for music.
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AV Receivers VS Stereo/Integrated Amps
AV receivers, stereo amplifiers, and integrated amplifiers have many things in common but they are also very different.
For starters, let’s make a difference between stereo amps and integrated amps.
A stereo amp is the preferred choice of true audiophiles and music enthusiasts. It’s a device that performs only one task – it supplies the amplified signal to the speakers. Stereo amps don’t process the audio signal and don’t do any digital-to-analog conversion.
They only receive the signal that’s already been processed by the DAC and preamp, amplify it, and send it to your speakers.
Integrated amps, just like stereo amps, amplify the signal and send it to the speakers, but they also do the processing and, in most cases, perform D/A conversion.
An integrated amp is more of a multitasking device. It’s a DAC, preamp, and amp – all in one enclosure.
While stereo and integrated amps deal only with audio signals, AV receivers are in charge of both – audio and video processing.
One of the purposes of an AV receiver is to drive the speakers (like a stereo amp), but this device also has to process the audio signal and convert digital audio to analog (like an integrated amp).
And if that’s not enough, an AV receiver also has to process all the incoming video signals.
It’s basically the hub of your entire entertainment system.
It processes the audio and video signals coming from all the connected audio/video sources and then sends the video signal to your TV/projector amplifies the audio signal and sends it to your speakers.
So, AV receivers are even bigger multitaskers than the integrated amps and they have to handle so many things at once.
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Is AV Receiver a Good Choice for Music?
Although AV receivers are not as good as stereo or integrated amplifiers, they are far from crappy. Some AV receivers, especially those made by very reputable audio brands (NAD, Marantz, Denon, Arcam), are a pretty great choice for music.
Audiophiles will always argue that AV receivers are not ideal for music reproduction and that they are often underpowered, which is all true.
But there are always some hidden gems that can surprise you with their musicality and transparency.
They are usually a bit pricier than models with the same features made by other manufacturers but they are completely worth it.
If you want the best possible performance, you should probably go for separate surround sound components.
There are a few units on the market that consist of a separate surround sound processor (the home theater system counterpart of a DAC/preamp in a stereo system) and a separate surround sound amplifier (the home theater system counterpart of a stereo amp in a stereo system).
In our opinion, these units are the best choice for both – home theater use and music.
Now that you understand the differences between stereo amps, integrated amps, and AV receivers, and know what to expect from an AV receiver when it comes to music reproduction, let’s move on to our selection of 6 best AV receivers for music.
BEST AV RECEIVERS FOR MUSIC UNDER $2,000
Best Budget AV Receiver for Music – Denon AVR-S540BT
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.7]
Impressions
Denon AVR-S540BT is maybe not the most versatile AV receiver under $500 but it’s, in our opinion, one of the best-sounding in its class and it’s really great for music.
It comes with radio antennas, a remote, a calibration mic, and all the standard documentation. This is a simple 5.2 AV receiver with controls on the front and inputs/outputs on the back. The controls are intuitive and responsive.
You can also use the remote or the Denon 500 remote app to control all the settings.
The unit has 5 HDMI inputs and 1 output. They are all HDMI 2.0b, but only the output and three inputs are compliant with HDCP 2.2 and support 4K/60p video, which is something you should have in mind when connecting your video sources.
The receiver supports some of the latest video standards (HDR, HLG, BT.2020, Dolby Vision).
For connecting audio sources, you have three digital inputs (optical x2 and coax x1) and two analog inputs (RCA x2). The receiver also houses composite video inputs/outputs and AM/FM antenna terminals.
On the front side, there’s a headphone output, mic input (for calibration), and a USB port (for playing music from a thumb drive).
For wireless streaming, you have Bluetooth (V3.0 with EDR). The Bluetooth version is a bit outdated
AVR-S540BT has five speaker terminals. They are spring-loaded, which means they are less durable and not as versatile as 5-way binding posts. For connecting the subwoofers, you have two preamp outputs.
The advertised power output is 70Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.08% THD).
The unit is compatible with 6-16Ω speakers.
AVR-S540BT supports only the most basic Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby True HD, and DTS 5.1 formats.
Advantages
- Reasonably priced
- Compact design
- Denon on-screen setup assistant and mic for automatic calibration
- Comes with a remote and Denon 500 Series Remote app
- 5 HDMI inputs and one HDMI ARC output
- 4K/60Hz pass-through with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020 support
- Additional video I/O – composite (IN x2, OUT x1)
- Multiple analog and digital inputs – RCA x2, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x1
- AM/FM tuners
- USB port for music playback
- Headphone output
- 5 spring-loaded speaker terminals
- Max speaker layout – 5.2
- Compatible with 6-16Ω speakers
- 70Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.08% THD)
- Supported surround sound formats – DD 5.1, Dolby True HD, and DTS 5.1
Disadvantages
- Lacks phono inputs
- Speaker terminals are not compatible with banana plugs
- Not compatible with 4Ω speakers
- Lacks wi-fi connectivity
- Not all HDMI ports are compliant with HDCP 2.2
The Most Versatile AV Receiver for Music Under $2,000 – Marantz AV Receiver SR7013
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.8]
Impressions
Marantz SR7013 is an amazingly versatile AV receiver that can truly be the hub of your entire entertainment system.
It comes with a remote, radio antennas, detachable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas, a calibration mic, and all the necessary documentation. SR7013 has 11 channels in total but 9 can be powered simultaneously.
The largest supported speaker layout is 9.2 (since 4 channels are assignable, you can also make a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 speaker system).
The included mic and on-screen setup assistant make the installation very simple.
To adjust the settings and control the playback, use the hidden buttons on the front panel of the unit, the remote, or the AVR remote app.
SR7013 has numerous video inputs. For starters, you have 8 HDMI inputs (7+1) and three HDMI outputs.
They all support 4K/60p video pass-through and all the latest standards. And they are all compliant with HDCP2.2.
For additional video sources, you have component and composite inputs/outputs.
For connecting audio sources, you have five analog RCA inputs, a phono input for your turntable, two digital, and two coax inputs.
The unit also has AM and FM tuners and can play audio from a thumb drive. Finally, SR7013 features Bluetooth (BT 3.0) and Wi-Fi connectivity (dual-band).
Thanks to HEOS multiroom technology, you can build a multiroom system with HEOS-compatible speakers. Airplay 2 is also supported.
SR7013 has 11 speaker terminals and they are all banana plug-compatible. There are also preamp outputs for each of these channels.
The advertised power output is 125Wpc into 8Ω. It’s compatible with 4-16Ω speakers.
The unit decodes almost all Dolby Digital and DTS formats. That includes Atmos and DTS:X. It can also play lossless audio files (DSD, FLAC, ALAC, WAV)
Advantages
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 mic for automatic calibration
- Comes with a remote and the Marantz AVR Remote app
- 8 HDMI IN and 3 HDMI OUT
- 4K/60Hz video pass-through with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, Imax Enhanced, AURO 3D, and BT.2020 support
- Additional video I/O – composite (IN x3, OUT x2), component (IN x3, OUT x1)
- Multiple analog and digital inputs – RCA x5, Phono x1, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x2
- USB port for music playback
- Headphone output
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Multiroom capabilities (compatible with HEOS wireless devices)
- Multi-zone support
- Airplay2 support
- Internet radio
- Compatible with Alexa
- 11 5-way binding post speaker terminals
- Max speaker layout – 9.2 or 5.2.4
- Preamp outputs for all 11 channels
- Compatible with 4-16Ω speakers
- 125Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.05% THD
- Supports all Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Supported lossless audio file types – DSD (DSD128), FLAC (24/192), ALAC, WAV
Disadvantages
- Outdated Bluetooth version (BT 3.0)
- The AVR remote app is not the best way to control the unit and playback
- Can’t decode DTS Neo:X and Dolby ProLogic Il
Best AV Receiver for Music Under $1,500 – NAD – T 758 V3
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.8]
Impressions
NAD is, just like Marantz, a very famous and reputable name in the audio industry. NAD T758 V3 may not be as versatile or powerful as SR7013, but it’s great for music and enables a perfectly clean power supply to your speakers.
The max supported speaker layout is 7.1 or 5.1.2.
T758 V3 features a very clean and elegant design, and it’s also quite compact. For the initial setup, you get to use the Dirac Live calibration. The unit comes with two remotes (main remote and Zone 2 remote).
Most of the inputs/outputs are on the back. On the front, you have one RCA input, mic/AUX input, optical audio input, and headphone output. On the back, there are 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI ARC output.
All HDMI ports support 4K/60Hz video pass-through and are compliant with HDCP 2.2. There are no component/composite video in/out ports.
For connecting audio sources, you have 4 digital inputs (two optical + two coaxial) and 4 RCA analog inputs (+ 7.1 sets of inputs).
The unit houses 7 5-way binding posts for connecting up to 7 speakers. There’s a preamp output for every channel as well as one subwoofer output.
Channels 6 and 7 are assignable and can be used as rear surround, height channels, or Zone 2 channels.
The advertised power output is 110Wpc into 8Ω with 2ch driven or 60Wpc into 8Ω with 7ch driven. In both cases, the distortion is lower than 0.05%.
T758 V3 decodes all surround sound formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. It also plays FLAC, ALAC, and WAV lossless audio files and it supports MQA playback.
Advantages
- Reasonably priced
- Dirac Live automatic calibration
- Comes with a remote and NAD AV Remote app
- 3 HDMI inputs and one HDMI ARC output
- 4K/60Hz pass-through
- Multiple analog/digital audio inputs – RCA x5, AUX x1, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x2
- Multi-zone capabilities
- BluOS multiroom capabilities
- Seven 5-way binding post speaker terminals
- Max speaker layout – 7.1 or 5.1.2
- Compatible with 8-16Ω speakers
- 110Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with less than 0.05% THD) or 70Wpc into 8Ω (7ch driven with less than 0.05% THD)
- Supports all DD and DTS formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Supported lossless audio formats – FLAC (24/192), ALAC, WAV
- MQA support
Disadvantages
- Not a good choice for power-hungry speakers
- Only 3 HDMI inputs (less versatile than other units in its class)
- No additional video inputs (component or composite)
- Lacks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lacks Airplay2/Chromecast support
- Not compatible with 4Ω and 6Ω speakers
BEST AV RECEIVERS FOR MUSIC OVER $2,000
Best AV Receiver for Music Under $2,500 – Marantz AV Receiver SR8012
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.9]
Impressions
SR8012 comes from the same series as the previously reviewed SR7013. They have many features in common. SR8012 has two more powered speaker terminals (they both have 11 speaker terminals but only nine can be powered at the same time with SR7013).
Also, SR8012 has a higher power output. Since they are very similar, we will try to keep things simple and concentrate on the differences.
The setup is the same in both cases and you can use the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 mic for calibration. They also come with the same equipment.
SR7013 and SR8012 have the same number of HDMI inputs and outputs and support 4K/60Hz video and all the most common video standards.
SR8012 has one additional composite video input and one additional RCA audio input.
Both receivers support Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. They are also both multiroom-capable (compatible with HEOS devices) and have multizone capabilities.
Furthermore, they both support Airplay2, can be used for listening to internet radio, and are compatible with Alexa and other voice assistants.
SR8012 has 11 powered speaker terminals (5-way binding posts) and 2 subwoofer pre-outputs. The max supported speaker layout is 11.2 (or 7.2.4).
There’s a preamp output for each channel. The power output is 140Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven, less than 0.05% THD).
The receiver can decode all the Dolby and DTS formats (together with Atmos and DTS:X).
It can also play DSD (DSD128), FLAC (24/192), and ALAC (24/192) lossless audio files.
Advantages
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 mic for automatic calibration
- Comes with a remote and an AVR Remote app
- 8 HDMI IN and 3 HDMI OUT ports
- 4K/60Hz video pass-through with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, Imax Enhanced, AURO 3D, and BT.2020 support
- Additional video I/O – composite (IN x4, OUT x2), component (IN x3, OUT x1)
- Multiple analog/digital inputs – RCA x6, Phono x1, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x2
- USB port for music playback
- Headphone output
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Multiroom capabilities (compatible with HEOS wireless devices)
- Multi-zone feature
- Airplay2 support
- Internet radio
- Compatible with Alexa
- 11 channels (5-way binding posts)
- Max speaker layout – 11.2 or 7.2.4
- Preamp outputs for all 11 channels
- Compatible with 4-16Ω speakers
- 140Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.05% THD)
- Supports all Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Supported lossless file types – DSD (DSD128), FLAC (24/192), ALAC, WAV
Disadvantages
- Outdated Bluetooth version (BT 3.0)
- The AVR remote app is not the best way to control the unit and playback
- Can’t decode DTS Neo:X and Dolby ProLogic Il
Denon AVR-X8500HSP
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.9]
Impressions
AVR-X8500HSP is Denon’s flagship 13.2ch AV receiver. It’s incredibly versatile and has impressive power output.
The unit comes with a remote and with the Denon AVR app. They can both be used to control the settings and playback. The initial setup is quick and easy, and it requires the use of the Audyssey MultEQ calibration tool.
The receiver has 8 HDMI input ports and 3 output ports. They are all HDMI 2.0 and they support 4K/60Hz video pass-through and all the popular video standards (HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision, BT.2020, etc.). Also, they are all compliant with HDCP 2.2.
Aside from HDMI inputs, you have a bunch of additional composite and component video inputs. Also, you have numerous analog and digital audio inputs – 2 TOSLINK inputs, 2 optical inputs, one phono input, 6 RCA inputs, and one headphone output (front panel).
In case you want to play music stored on a thumb drive, you can use the USB port on the front.
The rear panel houses 15 speaker terminals, 13 of which can be powered simultaneously.
The advertised power output with two channels driven across the audible spectrum is 150Wpc (less than 0.05% THD). For each of the speaker terminals, there’s a preamp output (15 preamp outputs for 15 channels + 2 subwoofer preamp outputs).
The receiver has AM and FM tuners built inside.
It features Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. It features multizone (up to 2 zones) and multiroom capabilities (compatible with HEOS wireless devices).
Furthermore, Apple Airplay2 is supported as well as Alexa and other voice assistants.
AVR-X8500HSP decodes all surround sound formats (Atmos and DTS:X included).
It can also play lossless audio files like FLAC (up to 24/192), ALAC, and DSD (up to DSD128).
Advantages
- On-screen setup assistant and Audyssey MultEQ mic for automatic calibration
- Comes with a remote and the Denon AVR Remote app
- 8 HDMI IN and 3 HDMI OUT ports
- 4K/60Hz video pass-through with HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, Imax Enhanced, AURO 3D, and BT.2020 support
- Additional video I/O – composite (IN x4, OUT x1), component (IN x3, OUT x1)
- Multiple analog and digital inputs – RCA x6, Phono x1, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x2
- USB port for music playback
- Headphone output
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Multiroom capabilities
- Multi-zone feature (up to 2 zones)
- Airplay2 support
- Internet radio
- Compatible with Alexa
- 15 channels (5-way binding posts)
- Max speaker layout – 13.2 or 7.2.6
- Preamp outputs for all 15 channels
- Compatible with 4-16Ω speakers
- 150Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.05% THD)
- Supports all Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Supported lossless file types – DSD (DSD128), FLAC (24/192), ALAC, WAV
Disadvantages
- Old Bluetooth chip (BT 3.0)
- Buggy app – The Denon AVR remote app is not the best way to control the unit
Best Audiophile-Grade AV Receiver for Music Under $6000 – Arcam AVR850
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.9]
Impressions
Arcam AVR850 is not as versatile or powerful as the previous two but it’s one of the best audiophile-grade units in its class.
It definitely sounds cleaner, more transparent, and more musical than the Marantz and Denon receivers.
AVR850 is a 7-channel amp and the max speaker layout is 7.2 or 5.2.2 but you can expand the system by adding another 4-channel or two 2-channel power amps and make a larger 7.2.4 system (you would have to use the preamp-outputs-on the AVR850).
Arcam AVR850 comes with a Dirac Live auto-calibration tool that makes the installation super-easy. To control the playback and settings, use the remote or the MusicLife UPnP/control app (only iOS devices).
The unit is fairly versatile. You have 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs (only one is ARC output). All HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.0a and support 4K UHD and 3D video pass-through.
Furthermore, all the latest video codecs are supported and all the HDMI ports are HDCP 2.2 compliant.
Unlike other similar receivers, Arcam AVR850 doesn’t have any additional video inputs but it has quite a few analog/digital audio inputs. There are 6 RCA inputs, two optical, and 4 coaxial inputs.
You can also play audio files from a thumb drive or stream audio wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Bluetooth is not supported. The receiver has an FM/DAB/DAB+ tuner built inside.
AVR850 has 7 gold-plated 5-way binding posts. There’s a preamp output for each of these 7 channels but there’re also 4 additional preamp outputs in case you want to make a bigger surround sound system.
As always, you also have two subwoofer outputs.
The advertised power output is 120Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with less than 0.02% THD). When all 7 channels are driven simultaneously, you will get 100Wpc.
Arcam AVR850 can decode all the most common Dolby and DTS:X surround sound formats together with DTS:X and Atmos.
One of the things that make this receiver perfect for music is the audiophile-grade Cirrus CS42528 DAC.
Combine this DAC with a clean Class-G amplification and you will get impressive sound output.
Advantages
- Dirac Live auto-calibration tool
- Included remote and MusicLife UPnP/control app (works only with iOS devices)
- 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs
- 4K/60Hz and 3D video pass-through
- Multiple analog and digital inputs – RCA x6, TOSLINK x2, Coaxial x4
- USB port for music playback
- Headphone output
- Ethernet port
- Multi-zone feature
- Internet radio (vTuner)
- FM/DAB/DAB+ tuner
- 7 channels (gold-plated 5-way binding posts)
- Max speaker layout – 7.2 or 5.2.2 (expandable to 7.2.4)
- Preamp outputs for all 7 channels (+ 4 additional preamp outputs for upgrades)
- Compatible with 4Ω and 8Ω speakers
- 120Wpc into 8Ω (2ch driven across the audible spectrum with 0.02% THD)
- Supports all Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Disadvantages
- No app for Android devices
- Lacks component and composite video inputs
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
This was our selection of 6 best AV receivers for music. We hope it helped you learn a few things and maybe even find a perfect receiver for your needs. For more information about the decision-making process, go through our Buyer’s Guide. If you have some additional questions or want to share your experience, leave us a comment below.
Buyer’s Guide – Things to Pay Attention to When Looking for an AV Receiver for Music
Even though you’re going to use them for music, AV receivers are primarily made for home theater use so you will be looking for the same things you would look for when buying just any receiver.
But there are also some things that could imply that a certain receiver is better for music than others.
Separate units (surround sound preamp + surround sound amp) or just one unit
One of the golden rules of the audiophile world is that using separate units is the preferred way.
So, if you want the cleanest power supply and best possible audio performance when listening to music, go for a surround sound preamp (aka surround sound processor) and surround sound power amp combo.
One of the things you must be aware of is that this option is significantly pricier and requires more space. If you don’t have that kind of money and/or space, you will have to buy a single unit (AV receiver).
| BEST PREAMP/AMP COMBO SETUPS | |
| SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR | SURROUND SOUND AMP |
| Yamaha CX-A5200 preamp | Yamaha AVENTAGE MX-A5200BL |
| Marantz AV8805 preamp | Marantz MM8077 |
| Emotiva RMC-1 | Emotiva XPA-9 Gen3 |
| NAD M17 V2/V2i | NAD M28 power amp |
| Monolith by Monoprice HTP-1 | Monolith 11-Channel Amp |
| Anthem AVM 60 | MCA 525 GEN 2 |
| Krell Foundation 4K Ultra HD Processor | Krell Chorus 7200 XD |
| NuForce AVP-18 | Optoma NuForce MCA-18 |
| Parasound HALO P7 | Parasound HALO A51 |
| Integra DHC-80.3 Surround Processor | Integra DTA-70.1 Amplifier |
Audio/Video inputs
This is one of the crucial things. An AV receiver must have enough input for all of your video and audio sources. And it must have the right kind of input.
If you’re buying an expensive receiver, there’s a great chance that you will have more audio/video inputs at your disposal than you actually need. Any receiver that costs more than $2000 has a bunch of inputs of all kinds.
However, if you’re on a budget and looking for something really cheap, you will have to be really careful. Look for the right number of HDMI inputs first and find something that can accept the signal from all of your video sources (Blu-ray and DVD players, cable boxes, etc.).
Furthermore, pay attention to the analog and digital audio inputs (RCA, AUX, digital optical, and coaxial) and look for something that covers all of your needs.
Some cheap AV receivers don’t have phono inputs so pay attention to this if you have a turntable that you want to connect to the receiver.
Speaker outputs
Look for something that can handle your existing home theater speaker setup. If you have enough money, look for the highest number of speaker outputs so you can make upgrades in the future.
Also, pay attention to the type of speaker terminals.
Pricier receivers have 5-way binding posts while some budget-friendly units have poor-quality spring-loaded terminals.
Power output ratings
Power output ratings are crucial if you already have a surround sound speaker system and are looking for a matching receiver.
What you need to do is compare the power output values for your speaker’s impedance (found in the receiver’s manual) with the speaker’s power requirements (found in the speaker’s manual).
Ideally, the receiver should have a slightly higher power output per channel than your speakers require. Even if the required power is 75W and the receiver’s power output for the given impedance is twice as high, you can use this receiver and get a great performance.
Buying a receiver that has a lower power output than your speakers require is a bad option.
What’s the Best AV Receiver for Music?
Well, we can’t give you a single answer since there are so many magnificent choices, especially if you can spend up to $5,000.
The best advice we can give you is to go through our list of 6 best AV receivers for music and find the perfect receiver for your needs.
