The Best Budget Audio Receiver For 2025
By, Tim PowersUpdated
If you’re looking for the best budget audio receiver to replace your old home theater receiver, then this article will come in handy. The market is flooded with numerous options for home theater receivers. While many brands are releasing products with cutting-edge features, others are offering products with affordable price tags. This post will help you know what to look for in a budget audio receiver, and how much you need to spend on one.
If you are new to the world of home theater receivers, let us give you a brief introduction first. A home theater receiver (HR) or AV receiver is an electronic device that combines multiple audio inputs and outputs into a single unit. It reduces the number of boxes sitting on your listening room’s shelf and helps reduce cable clutter as well.
We will help you choose the best products. With our Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver and YAMAHA RX-V385, you will surely be satisfied with the convenience it brings when using.
Our Top Picks
OUR EASY ON-SCREEN HD SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear, simple, and intuitive instructions to connect your TV, while the specific EQ settings help you optimize your surround sound so that you can make the most of your movies, music, TV, or gaming
With its 100-year legacy and Japanese precision technology, Denon AV Receiver S570BT delivers multi-dimensional surround sound with 5.2 channel compatibility and supports 8K Ultra-HD picture quality, perfect for your home theater and entertainment system
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth, play music from various audio sources and create an integrated multi-room audio system. Allows wireless music streaming from popular streaming apps like Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, and more
4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log-gamma and BT.2020
HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4-in/1-out)
Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
4K Pass Through: 4K HDR Compatible with Hdcp 2.2 Support for Sharper Source to Screen Image Quality
SMART CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby to turn on the receiver from your phone
Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
- Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
- 155 watts per Channel
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
- Accueq with subwoofer EQ and accureflex
- Dolby Atmos height virtualizer* and DTS virtual: x
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X
Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
DISCRETE 2 HDMI SWITCHING: Set up different high-definition entertainment options with up to 8K60 resolution* in two different rooms from the VSX-LX105 when the kids don’t feel like partaking in whatever you like or vice versa.
STREAMING MUSIC SERVICES AND FASTER WIFI: Works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi; includes Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TIDAL, Deezer, or TuneIn streaming services
MCACC AUTO ROOM TUNING: Adjusts the sound according to the listening room and speakers, and also creates clearer sound by suppressing the standing waves that occur between walls or ceiling and floor. Measurement of up to nine positions can be saved for a wide listening area. Auto Phase Control Plus* makes real-time analysis of the phase difference, and automatically compensates the gap between the LFE and main signals, providing strong bass and clear high-frequency sound.
- AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
- Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
- 160 watts per channel
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* and DTS Virtual:X
- 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
What to Look For in a best budget audio receiver?
Upon looking for the perfect best budget audio receiver, a lot of things should be taken into account. Each item has its own challenge of purchasing. As a result of the formation, we're here to help, advise, and provide answers to these problems.
Please keep in mind the following points to select best budget audio receiver that fit you most:
Calibration
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.
Power
Interface
Network Connectivity
Inputs And Outputs
Total Harmonic Distortion
Multi-zone Audio Feature
FAQs
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.
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 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 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.
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.
The list of best budget audio receiver will be regularly updated to be included in additional data by our editor's team. Please keep an eye around for any amendments made to our website.
Our consultants could support you with problems related to best budget audio receiver and other things as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice.
About Tim Powers
