The Av Receiver Preamp For 2024

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel

The AVR-X3700H delivers high-power performance at 105W per channel thanks to discrete high-current amplifiers on every channel, ensuring a strong and accurate entertainment experience every time. Read Review

2. Best Overall: Pyle Rack Mount Studio Pre-Amplifier - Audio Receiver

If you're looking for a rack mount studio pre-amplifier with a lot of features, the Pyle Pro PRRP2 Rack Mount Studio Pre-Amplifier is for you. It also has an FM antenna for better signal reception and comes equipped with a power switch, Read Review

3. Best Powerful: Denon AVR-X1600H 4K UHD AV Receiver

This model delivers the best in sound and home theatre technology, with Dolby Atmos, DTS :X immersive audio, and Amazon Alexa voice control. Read Review

4. Best Slim Design: Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver

Marantz's NR1510 5.2ch Ultra HD AV receiver delivers high-fidelity audio in a small chassis. Enjoy enhanced sound for movies and music with the same power on all five channels and low-impedance drive capability for excellent speaker control thanks to the high-current discrete power amplifier section. Read Review

5. Best Compact: Arylic & Bluetooth 5.0 preamplifier/Audio Receiver

Now it is possible to enjoy high quality sound in every room of your home. This WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 preamplifier/audio receiver with home stereo music can not only be used for a traditional audio system, but also as an amplifier for an existing wireless speaker. Read Review

We tend to focus on DACs (digital-to-analog converters) and other devices that process digital signals in the digital audio world. But what about all those beautiful preamplifiers you might have in your home theatre system? Aren’t they important too? Without a preamplifier, your receiver won’t be able to drive most amplifiers to produce sound at their fullest potential. This is why a suitable AV receiver preamp is so essential. It helps you get the most out of your amplifier by providing high-quality amplification for all its inputs.

Our Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel was the most highly recommended. We tested these products based on features such as radio tuning,  unique recording mode and a great  USB flash and SD memory card reader. Other options presented here are certainly worthy of your attention and to assist you in making an informed choice. In addition, we have compiled some other receivers you can consult.

 

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel
Our Score:
9.9
Denon
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
  • Enjoy high quality 3D audio and video knowing that AVR-X3700H IS 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier capable of 11.2 channel processing allows to build your choice of speaker configuration to meet your exclusive entertainment needs
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (with 2 preset options) accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup and tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
  • CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER AND TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 10 HDMI ports (7 In/ 3 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input and Network support with a range of wireless connections
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA so you can adjust the volume, change tracks and switch inputs absolutely hands-free; also works with Google Assistant, Apple Siri and integrates with home-automation systems like Josh.ai & Control4 SDPP
  • NEXT GEN GAMING – Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag and frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
  • ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 9.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast and color, and Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS like Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn and more
  • REMOTE CONTROL: A simple and user-friendly remote control is included with the PPRE70BT, providing all the functionality you need from switching input sources. And, it will allow you to access all functions of the receiver quickly and efficiently
  • 2. 1 BLUETOOTH VERSION: Built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming receiver that ranges up to 25’+ ft with digital LCD display. It works with all of today’s latest devices such as iPhone, android, smartphone, iPad, tablets, computer and the likes
  • FRONT CONTROL CENTER: The front panel button control center consists of a power switch, independent input source selectable, bass, treble, mid, balance and master volume adjustment. Also, pack with headphone jack, USB flash and SD memory card readers
  • RACK MOUNT COMPATIBLE: Pyle pro audio pre-amplifier has FM radio tuning and unique recording mode that saves audio via USB/SD port. Also, pack with detachable hardware rack mounts for quick and easy assembly
  • AUX INPUT AND OUTPUT: This receiver/preamp also features two sets of RCA inputs, RCA preamp out, 2 Mono RCA's for subwoofer output, and Bluetooth that wirelessly connects to your iPod and MP3 player. Also, an FM antenna for better signal reception
TOP Choice #3 Denon AVR-X1600H 4K UHD AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
Denon
  • Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice control – Use your voice to control the AVR-X1600H and wireless music services hands-free
  • AMAZON ALEXA VOICE CONTROL – Sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote every now and then. Control this amp hands-free with Amazon Alexa. Adjust the volume, change the track or switch the inputs – Just Ask Alexa
  • MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO – In addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X, the AVR-X1600H also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology that creates virtual height effects even without the height channels for a truly immersive experience
  • ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION WITH eARC support (HDMI 6 in / 1 out) – Features 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video with full HDCP 2.3 support, 4:4:4 pure color sub-sampling, Dolby vision, HDR10, HLG, eARC, 3D and BT.2020
  • YOUR HOME AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – Denon's In-command series receiver AVR-X1600H features external control and IP control capabilities for seamless integration with Home Automation Systems like Control4 SDPP and allows REMOTE MONITORING of connected devices
  • AWARD-WINING ON-SCREEN QUICK SETUP GUIDE walks you through simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, specify EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. The back-panel is laid out with color-coded connections that makes organizing simple
  • ENJOY WIRELESS STREAMING with Pandora, Spotify, Tidal and more via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2. Play the same song in every room or a different one in each connected room with HEOS MULTI-ROOM SPEAKERS
  • POWERFUL 7-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER WITH THE LATEST HOME CINEMA TECHNOLOGY – 80 watts per channel delivers high power performance and operational stability for a range of speakers with HDCP 2.3 and advanced video processing with 4K upscaling for HDMI sources
4 Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.3
Marantz
  • ULL COMPATIBILITY WITH 4K ULTRA HD TV – Featuring 60Hz full-rate content, pure color sub-sampling, BT.2020, HDR, HLG, eARC & Dolby Vision, enjoy an IMPACTFUL HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE with EXCEPTIONAL PICTURE QUALITY & A THRILLING SURROUND SOUND
  • At 4-inches tall, this 5.2 channel stereo receiver is A COMPLETE HOME ENTERTAINMENT BOX LOADED WITH FEATURES. Connect all your audio sources, enjoy wireless streaming, plug your USB drives or play vinyls using the MM phono preamp – it’s got it all
  • This 5 CHANNEL DISCRETE POWER AMPLIFIER (50W per channel) boasts 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output, full HDCP 2.2 support for copy protection - a must-buy for your home entertainment and speaker system
  • HANDS-FREE OPERATIONS – Command your favorite voice control agent - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri - to STREAM UNLIMITED MUSIC using popular services like Spotify, TuneIn, Netflix and more via Built-in HEOS, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
  • EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND & USER-FRIENDLY SETUP ASSISTANT comes with an ADVANCED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE that guides you through the step-by-step process and connects all your audio sources to the stereo amplifier receiver
  • MULTI-ROOM AUDIO TECHNOLOGY – With the HEOS Home Entertainment App, play the same song in every room, or a different one in each room. Connect all your HEOS speakers to the app and get full control everywhere in your home
  • 【Easily Control Via App & Web】:Choose your music source and control playback, set EQ, control multiroom/independent playback, select preset content, control alarm clock, WiFi settings, update firmware and more... All the useful features you need in our free 4STREAM App for iOS & Android.What's more, you can Control each unit directly via web browser. Just enter the device IP in the browser.
  • 【STABLE STREAMING AND HIGH SOUND QUALITY】: Supports playback of lossless music files-MP3, APE, FLAC, WAV with Hi-Res audio.When streaming wirelessly, Bluetooth can reach up to 30 meters. With stream music over the network, Wifi can reach anywhere the signal covers. And free iOS and Android app: 4stream
  • 【Application】: Advanced circuit design with built-in speaker protection circuitry, best suited for your home bookshelf/ceiling/desktop/speakers; recommended for home TV audio, computer audio system games, tower speakers and garden speakers.You can enjoy high quality music everywhere!
  • 【Multiple Music Sources & Protocols】: Supports Spotify, Tune in, iHeartRadio, XIMALAYA, QQ Music, TIDAL, Napaster, Qobuz, QQFM, Deezer etc. And airplay1, Qplay, DLNA, UPnP protocols. Also Other audio sources for local music, USB flash drive, NAS and line inputs.
  • 【WIRELESS STEREO&Multiroom Control】:Add wireless/network streaming capability to your current speakers, home amplifiers ,home stereo or receiver.Set multiple Arylic devices connected on the same network, then you can start to stream your audio by a smart phone or a tablet. Through our 4stream app you can control to play the different audio or same sound simultaneously on each devices.
  • Display meter: The rack mount Home theater system receiver has a built-in digital LCD display W/ front panel control center. Equipped w/ built-in cooling fan and integrated overload short circuitry. Remote control and mounting brackets are included
  • Bluetooth-compatible: the professional integrated high powered stereo receiver is equipped w/ Bluetooth wireless music streaming. Works with today’s latest devices including smart phones, iPhone, iPad and computers with hassle-free receiver pairing
  • 7 inputs: The Pro Audio digital amp box supports headphone, dual USB, SD card, MP3, FM tuner, aux, CD player, 2 microphone input w/ echo for Karaoke or event hosting, RCA Audio input and output dedicated for subwoofer W/ Screw-Type speaker Terminals
  • 2000 watt power: the Pyle multi-channel hybrid preamplifier receiver is perfect for your home entertainment system. Gives you 2000 watts peak power to be used for multi speaker w/ 2-8 ohms impedance allowing you to enjoy high quality amplified audio
  • Eq controls: the home amplifier with Bluetooth has crisp buttons for audio sources and selector, Rotary knob for equalization, echo, bass, treble, microphone and Master volume adjustments. Also features LED backlight illumination W/ dimmer control
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • STREAM UNLIMITED MUSIC from Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and enjoy FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATABILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA & GOOGLE ASSISTANT. Play your favorite tracks via HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 from your smartphone or Apple TV
  • With 60 YEARS OF INNOVATION and DEDICATION to PREMIUM HOME THEATER ENTERTAINMENT AND AUDIO SYSTEMS, Marantz gives you the best surround sound and stereo listening experience imaginable
  • SEAMLESS OUT-OF-THE-BOX EXPERIENCE with an ADVANCED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE guides you through the step-by-step process and lets you easily connect all your audio sources to this receiver
  • ADVANCED HDMI INPUTS SUPPORT 4K PURE FULL-RATE PASS THROUGH for your ULTRA-HD 4K TV that gives PRISTINE PICTURE QUALITY - 4:4:4 pure color, HDR, and HDCP2.2
  • Add the Marantz MM7055 or MM8077 Power Amp to design your choice of a 7.1.4, 5.1, 7.1 or 2.1 speaker setup with virtual height effects & IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO FORMATS - IMAX ENHANCED, AURO-3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, & DTS Virtual:X
9 Moukey Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receivers
Our Score:
8.6
Moukey
  • ☑️BLUETOOTH 5.0 WIRELESS CONNECTION: The sound amplification mixer device is equipped with Bluetooth music streaming with a wireless range of 40 feet / 12 meters or more. Compatible with today's latest devices (including smartphones, iPads, iPhones and computers), this stereo amplifer is easy to pair with the receiver.
  • ☑️EASY BALANCE CONTROL: The improved professional compact bookshelf sound amplifier with clear, responsive buttons for mode control. Knobs control microphone echo / volume, balance, bass, treble, master volume, input source and unique folder / track.
  • ☑️220 WATTS PEAK POWER: The dual-pass Moukey Bluetooth stereo amplifier receiver is perfect for your karaoke, home theater, acoustic sound system, and monitor headphones. Provide you with enough powerful power amplification, which can accommodate 2 sets of speakers, so that you can enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification.
  • ☑️MULTIPLE INPUT AND OUTPUT MODES: The digital amplifier box supports various external signal sources. 2 RCA audio inputs for tuner, CD player, tape drive, two 2.5-inch / 6.35 cm microphone inputs, headphone output port, USB, SD card, 3.5mm AUX IN and FM radio antenna. With RCA audio output, 2 pairs of banana plug speaker output. With the special monitor headphone output design, so you can enjoy audio all the time without the worry that bother others.
  • ☑️HD SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo has a built in LED display w/ front panel audio control center. FM antenna and remote control are included in the stereo amplifier package for distant audio adjustments.
  • SMOOTH, SOOTHING, CLEAR SOUND EVERY SINGLE TIME – During setup, the Audyssey Suite – an EQ calibration system – measures & dynamically optimizes all speakers in your home theater for all listening levels. No sudden blasts or muffled dialogues anymore
  • UNPRECEDENTED REALISM AND NEW FEATURES – eARC and heightened sound effects with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. Be it the sound of a helicopter or torrential rains, it’ll sound so real, you'll think it's happening right above you
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote. Adjust the volume, change the track or switch the inputs absolutely hands-free
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEW 4K ULTRA HD TV with this 7.2 Ch stereo receiver. Featuring HLG, HDR10, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut & 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, it DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST and COLOR enriching your movie and gaming experience
  • All HDMI ports (6 In, 1 out) follow the LATEST REVISION TO HIGH-BANDWIDTH DIGITAL CONTENT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS (HDCP 2.3) and are backward compatible with the earlier versions. Don't fret if your devices have HDCP 2.2 - they'll work perfectly well
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. Denon's legacy and Japanese precision technology makes it a must-have for your home
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS. No Command Center or extra hardware required. Get Hi-Fi sound around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer and more
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a av receiver preamp?

Please follow the bellow points before selecting the av receiver preamp:

Power

Power is not simply another term for volume, it's also measured in Watts. This also affects the receiver's ability deliver dynamic and detailed sound. A high-wattage receiver produces better sound quality, regardless of the volume.

Calibration

Audio-video beginners will find it difficult to set up an entertainment system in their home.
Automatic speaker calibration is an option on many receivers that makes it easier to calibrate the speakers. The receiver sends test sounds to each speaker and subwoofer, and monitors the sound with a microphone. This allows it to determine the size of the speaker, to measure distance between the speaker and the listener, and to check that the connections are correct. This technology is compatible with surround sound as well as traditional 2-channel home entertainment systems.

Network Connectivity

Some receivers come with both wired or wireless network support. You can either connect them to your router using an Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi. You can stream media from any device connected to the same network, such as laptops and smartphones. AirPlay will only work with Apple devices. It is not compatible with other AV receivers. If you live in a house where everyone uses Apple devices, make sure that the model supports AirPlay.

Interface

If you don't know how to use your high-tech receiver, it is useless. A well-designed receiver panel that is easy to navigate can make the difference between having high quality sound and picture quality or having your costly system go stale because it's difficult to get on. It's important that you use the receiver display panel to navigate and learn all functions. A graphical interface is the screen that allows users to set up the receiver and operate it. The viewer must display song information and album art when AirPlay is used.

Multi-zone Audio Feature

Some models of amplifier-receivers support the ability to use one or more speakers in a different room. Some receivers can support multiple zones while others allow you to play different sources simultaneously in two rooms. One person may enjoy surround sound in their living room while another can listen to music through the speakers connected to the receiver. If you want to enjoy a great audio experience in your bedroom and living room, but don't have the budget to purchase two speakers systems or amplifiers to achieve it, this feature will be a huge help.

Inputs And Outputs

This is because the device has more outputs and inputs than it can handle. A receiver might accept audio signals from a television via the input, and then send them via an out to speakers. There should be enough outputs and inputs for all your equipment. You can also have a few more in case of expansion.

Total Harmonic Distortion

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of how much distortion the sound produces. THD can be measured as a percentage. It is the amount of deviation from the original signal. THD is a measure of distortion. The higher the THD the more beneficial. THD is a norm in most receiver amplifiers, and it should be below 0.1%.

FAQs

Which A/V Receivers Are Better For Music Or Movies?

No. Music can reveal more about sound quality and character than movies soundtracks. Those who listen to music may prefer one brand over another.

Is An A/V Receiver Good For Gaming?

You might find it possible, particularly if surround sound is important for immersive gaming. Before you purchase, make sure it supports the most recent standards, such as Dolby Atmos (one of the newer HDMI standards), and HDR compatibility. You can also find features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh rate support on the Denon AVRX4700H. While an A/V receiver doesn't need to be used for gaming, it is a great addition if surround sound is important.

What Is The Difference Between An AV Receiver And An Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier that includes a preamplifier as well as a power amp in one box is called an AV receiver. It is also known as a receiver. It could be called an amplifier.
A receiver can be described as an integrated amplifier and a tuner that receives AM/FM radio signal. Technically speaking, an AV amplifier should not be used if it doesn't include a tuner. An AV receiver can be used, but it is still a common term.

Does An AV Receiver Improve Video Quality?

Advanced video processing abilities can be found in some AV receivers that improve image quality. The best performance is only possible with high-end, expensive models.
Even if your receiver is not high-end, modern televisions are equipped with excellent video processing algorithms, which will produce a stunning picture, regardless of source.

What Is Upconverting In An AV Receiver?

You connect the player to the receiver with one type of connection and expect that the receiver will output the video using another type.
You might, for example, connect an analog DVD player to the receiver and ask it to transmit this via HDMI.
Only the most expensive receivers are capable of upconverting different video inputs to HDMI output. You will need to transmit the component video signal through a component attached to the receiver if the receiver is unable to upconvert.

What Is The Difference Between 5.2 And 7.2 Receivers?

Five surround sound speakers can be connected to a 5.2 receiver, as well as two subwoofers. For the surround sound speakers, there are five options: front left, front right and center.
Seven channels are available for surround sound speakers, and two subwoofer channels. A 7.2 receiver can handle both. The 7.2 speaker arrangement is identical to a standard 5.1 setup, with two additional surround sound speakers at the back and one more in the back.

What Is The Difference Between A Stereo Receiver And A Surround Sound Receiver?

Stereo receivers have two channels, and can be used to play stereo audio. Surround sound receivers have five channels or more and can connect to surround sound speakers.
To get surround sound, most people desire surround sound speakers. Stereo amplifiers can be used to enhance the sound quality in your home.

In general, it's difficult to say who creates the av receiver preamp since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!


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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.