The Best Av Receiver For Gaming In 2025
By, Harlan EllisonUpdated
Summary
Best Overall
Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-ch AV Receiver
The Sony STR-DN1080 has everything you could want in a modern receiver: multiroom music, Chromecast streaming, AirPlay, Dolby Atmos, and a slew of 4K-compatible inputs. The sound quality is excellent, particularly for a game.
Best Bang For The Buck
Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
With a wide variety of capabilities and high performance at a price that most people can afford, the Yamaha RX-685 is an excellent choice for music, game, and movies.
Best For Surround Sound
Denon AVR-S960H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
This fantastic AV receiver can amplify your content with a superb room-filling audio performance.
Do you wish to create a terrific gaming setup for your home? Then an AV receiver is the way to go. This machine acts as the system's hub, accepting a variety of audio formats, sending HDMI data, and connecting and amplifying all of your speakers.
Needless to say, an AV receiver is the brains and power behind any home theater system, ensuring that your TV and movies sound vibrant, realistic, and dynamic so you can get the most out of them.
We recognize that for a non-audiophile, buying a complicated electronic product like an AV receiver can be stressful. In order to help our beloved readers, we have compiled a list of the best AV receivers for gaming. After testing, we chose the Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-ch AV Receiver to be our winner as it is capable of delivering a good surround sound experience.
Our Top Picks
- IN THE BOX: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
- DYNAMIC SETUP: 6 in/2 out HDMI flexibility, front USB port and optical digital, analog AV connections
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM: Enjoy a multi channel stereo setup and preset channel FM / AM radio tuner
- 4K PASS THROUGH: 4K HDR compatible with HDCP 2.2 support for sharper source to screen image quality
- ADVANCED AUDIO: DTS: X object based surrounds sound adapts to your speaker configuration in real time
- PHANTOM SURROUND SETTING: Experience 7 channel surround sound with only a 5 channel speaker setup. Chrome cast built in is present
- SPECS: 1155 Watts, 6 ohm, 1 kilo Hertz, THD 0.9% A/V receiver with 2nd zone and available 3rd zone connectivity
- CINEMATIC SOUND AT HOME: Enjoy your favorite TV shows & movies, stream your favorite music and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
- EASY LISTENING: The STRDN1080 has Chromecast and is AirPlay, Multi Room and Google Home compatible
- Unrivaled experiences; Boldly explores entertainment possibilities for an advanced home theater with the latest in video and Audio, including Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Wireless streaming, dual HDMI outputs and more
- Music cast multi-room: Wirelessly expand your Audio to other rooms over time
- Spotify, Apple Music via airplay 2, Pandora, Sirius internet radio, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz and more
- Music cast surround-capable: Add 2 music cast 20 speakers to provide wireless surround sound for a 5.1-Channel or 5.1; 2-Channel setup
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplay 2, Spotify connect and music cast multi-room
- 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log-gamma and BT.2020 HDMI (5-in/2-out) with HDCP 2.3 and eARC
- Voice control using your Alexa device like echo or echo dot
- CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND - USB, 8 HDMI ports (6 In/ 2 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
- 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
- NEXT GEN GAMING - Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & 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
- 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 the Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
- ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 7.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
- ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV - Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the AVR-S960H is 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available
- 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
- 160 watts per channel
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* and DTS Virtual:X
- AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
- Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
- ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+; This 11.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
- Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
- NEXT GEN GAMING – Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
- AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
- 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 the Denon Home series; without any extra hardware; Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
- Enjoy high quality 3D audio & video knowing that AVR-X6700H IS 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE; This high-power amplifier capable of 13.2 channel processing allows to build your choice of speaker configuration; TO MEET YOUR EXCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT NEEDS
- CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 11 HDMI ports (8 In/ 3 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
- FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA; so you can adjust the volume, change tracks & switch inputs absolutely hands-free; also works with Google Assistant, Apple Siri & integrates with home-automation systems like Josh.ai & Control4 SDPP
- RANGE CONTROL. With this unique mid-range sound control feature, you can make independent volume adjustments to the range including dialogues in films, with the up/down key on the remote control.
- BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This smart receiver remembers your device and starts playback whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
- PERSONAL PRESET. Press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode. Up to three presets can be registered and called up from the front panel button or remote control.
- DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without employing additional surround or height speakers. 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos.
- DTS:X PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences.
- CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND – USB, 8 HDMI ports (6 In/ 2 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
- 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
- FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALEXA, and other major voice agents like Siri, so you can adjust the volume, change tracks & switch inputs absolutely hands-free. Seamlessly integrates with popular home automation systems for remote monitoring
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV – Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the AVR-X2700H is 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available
- Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
- AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
- 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 the Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
- ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 7.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
- NEXT GEN GAMING – Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- MusicCast multi-room audio and MusicCast Surround capable with MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless surround speakers
- Pandora, Spotify, Napster, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music
- 4K/60, 4K/120AB, 8K/60B, HDMI 2.1 (via future update)
- HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7 in / 1 out)
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Voice Control and MusicCast multi-room
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos with Height Virtualization (via future update) and DTS: X
- YPAO - R.S.C. and multipoint
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant devices or Siri via AirPlay 2
- Dolby Vision, Hybrid-Log Gamma and BT.2020
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![Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 9.2 Channel AV Receiver]()
- DTS Play-Fi
- Advanced MCACC Auto Room Tuning featuring Auto Phase Control Plus
- Bi-directional Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- BUILT-IN MULTI-ZONE STREAMING AND VOICE CONTROL
- IMAX Enhanced MODE
- ULTIMATE 4K GAMING EXPERIENCE
- Built-In Streaming Music Services and Faster Wifi
- DIRAC Live Room Correction
- Works with Sonos Certified
- HDMI 2.1 with 8K
- 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
- 210 W/Ch THX Certified Select Dynamic Audio Amplification system
- 8K with HDMI 2.1 40Gbps (3 ins)
- Discrete Zone 2 Audio and Video
- THX Select Certification
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Which Characteristics To Consider On Selecting best av receiver for gaming For 2025?
To make a practical purchase, you guys need to be aware of best av receiver for gaming ultimately. Several key factors must be taken into account and evaluated. Of course, there are some challenges for you during the process of studying products. So we are available here to provide you with comprehensive advice and support.
Thanks to the evaluation supported by high technology, we have come up with some significant features for you to go through. Let’s check it below!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
FAQs
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.
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 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.
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.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.
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.
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.About Harlan Ellison
