What's the best midpriced AV receiver?
(Credit:
Pioneer)
Update (February 12, 2009): Check out our follow-up story, with full reviews of all the products mentioned here.
I receive a lot of e-mail asking why we haven't reviewed many AV receivers in recent months. First off, let me say: mea culpa. Reviews coverage of this category has suffered, mostly because AV receivers are among the most time-consuming products to analyze (because they now need to be examined in detail for their audio and video performance). But enough of the excuses; here's what we're doing to remedy the situation.
We're concentrating our efforts on receivers that deliver the maximum value in the sub-$500 range. That means as many HDMI inputs as possible (ideally, at least four), support for Blu-ray lossless audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), and the ability to convert analog video inputs to HDMI (i.e. HDMI upconversion of composite, S-video, and component inputs). That latter feature is becoming somewhat less important now that most every new home video device tends to sport an HDMI output, but there are still plenty of sources--most notably the Nintendo Wii--that don't.
With those bullet points in mind, here are five models on our reviews radar. All of the models listed below are 7.1-channel models that offer lossless audio decoding, HDMI inputs, automatic speaker calibration, onscreen interfaces, built-in compatibility with Sirius and/or XM satellite radio, and analog-to-HDMI video conversion:
Denon AVR-1909 ($600-$650, review coming soon): This receiver can upscale incoming analog video to 1080p, but it's generally more expensive than the competing models listed, and only has three HDMI inputs.
Onkyo TX-SR606 ($430 or less): This update to 2007's excellent Onkyo TX-SR605 includes four HDMI inputs, and delivered an impressive bang for the buck. However, we found the analog-to-HDMI video conversion to be subpar, so those with non-HDMI video sources might want to consider the alternatives.
Pioneer VSX-1018AH ($470 or less): While this Pioneer receiver only has three HDMI inputs--and no S-video connections at all--it delivers many of the features found on Pioneer's upscale Elite receivers at a far lower price.
Sony STR-DG920 ($500 or less): This Sony receiver offers a graphical onscreen interface and four HDMI inputs. But like the Pioneer above, it includes no S-video inputs or outputs.
Yamaha RX-V663 ($500 or less, review coming soon): The Yamaha's otherwise impressive spec sheet is marred by the fact that it's got only two HDMI inputs.
Keep in mind that the Onkyo is the only one we've actually reviewed so far, with the Yamaha, Denon, and Pioneer soon to follow. (We're hoping to get the Sony as well.) Still, even just from the spec sheets, I think it's safe to say that any of the models listed above would be a better buy than the most recent AV receiver we reviewed: the Panasonic SA-BX500. That model had a fat list price of $800, but it lacked many of the niceties found in most of these models (no onscreen interface, no analog-to-HDMI video conversion--just to name two big ones).
So, let us know: Are you considering any of the receivers above? Do you have others that you're interested in? Or, if you already own one of these--or another recent model--let us know if you would recommend it to a friend (or not), and why.
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
Also, I'm looking in the $400 to <1,000 range. Trying to understand what you get for the extra money is killing me. :0
Things I like:
Multiple video and sound modes, including a roof-raising THX.
Ext Microphone to set sound levels automatically
Multiple augmentation modes for MP3 sound enhancements.
Pioneer was out of iPod adapters when originally shipped, but they sent it later (free). I have no use for it, but their follow-up was still flawless.
Things I don't like:
Remote is very busy and crowded, difficult to manage all the options, not backlit
On-receiver indicators are too small to be seen without standing one foot away and ducking down level with front panel.
Bottom line - I would buy it again, especially since I got it much cheaper than your listed price.
That's more of the low end, with $5000+ AVR's out there I consider $1500 receivers like the 3808ci Denon to just be in the mid priced range.
I wound up with the Yamaha listed here and it works really well. I'm definitely happy with it. Two HDMI inputs could be a slight problem, but if/when I decide to get an Xbox or other third component, I figure an HDMI switcher would do the trick perfectly fine.
Receiver has performed flawlessly. Seamless, correct, and "quiet" recognition of any/all audio sources and changes. This is a big plus to me as my old Denon gave an annoying "click" and momentary loss of signal everytime a broadcast show, movie, or commercial broadcast in or out of Dolby. No signal lapse at all with this one. Again, a big plus to me. Also works beautifully with all bluy ray discs with Dolby True HD and DTS Master.
Played with the settings for a few days prior to trying out the Audio EQ microphone set-up. Pretty slick, though I found it wanted to increase the center channel output a bit too much for my taste, but easily tweaked. It's worth the effort. Plenty of clean power, and a respectably legible display.
Paid $289 delivered on Amazon. To me, that's a deal all day and Sunday for this product!
- by JimOD November 19, 2008 8:26 PM PST
- In your reviews please indicate which inputs have a pass through so, for example, one can determine if one can just pop a dvd in a player, that is input to an HDMI port on the AVR, and view it on the TV and listen to the sound from the TV speakers without having to turn on the AV unit.
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- by my3girls6201dsjk November 30, 2008 9:17 PM PST
- I AGREE, THERE ARE TIMES i WATCH TV/MOVIES IN SURROUND SOUND AND OTHER TIMES i JUST WANT THE TV SPEAKERS. tHERE SHOULD BE A CHOICE
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