Best Multi Zone Receiver Reviews

Are you looking for a high-quality receiver that can provide great sound quality in multiple zones? If so, then you may want to consider a multi zone receiver. These receivers are designed to provide superior sound quality in multiple zones, making them a great option for homes or businesses with multiple rooms.

Our pick

Denon AVR-X6700H

Best multi zone receiver

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This is an excellent premium 11.2 channel 8K AV receiver that has 140W of power per channel and fully supports 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X®, DTS Virtual:X™, DTS:X® Pro, IMAX® Enhanced and Auro-3D.

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In this blog post, we will discuss the best multi zone receivers on the market and what you should consider before purchasing one. We will also provide some tips for setting up and using your multi zone receiver. Let’s get started!

Best multi zone receivers reviews

Denon AVR-X6700H – best overall

If you can't decide if this receiver model is worth buying and there are some problems in making a choice, look through our Denon AVR-X6700H review. This model is really powerful and advanced. People choose it, because it includes many features that they cannot notice on other such devices.

You obviously should pay a lot of attention to its potent amplifier section. With its comprehensive range of connectors and ports, the model can accommodate virtually any type of both video and audio equipment. Moreover, the device is provided with different variants of connectivity. These features make it easier for connecting to a wide variety of the most popular streaming services. If you really want to buy a good Denon AV receiver, which is practical and powerful, the AVR-X6700H model is an ideal option to consider.

Design and built

I think most users will like this sleek and at the same time practical design. Its weight is 32 lbs. and its measures are 17.1 x 15.3 x 6.6 inches. First of all, let’s look at the front panel. It has a clean, minimalist interface that contains only a few regulation buttons and indicator lights. It includes the volume control, power and input selection buttons, etc. Besides, there you will find the display screen. It gives users a possibility to control the receiver's settings. As for other controls, they are located on remote control. You will find it also very sleek and straightforward. It’s easy to use because all buttons and controls are clearly labeled. Different color-coded connections make the rear side well-organized.

The Denon receiver isn’t difficult to set up. This model comes with a detailed instruction manual. It describes how to set up step-by-step. So even if you've never set up any devices for a home theater system, you will be able to do it with AVR-X6700H without any obstacles.

Features

Considering Denon AVR-X6700H specifications, let’s begin with the information that it is a popular 11.2 channel AV Receiver. People like its power output140 W(8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive). The model supports bi-amping. Here we speak about one of the needed features, especially if you are looking for high and better sound quality. When using a bi-amping, you are able to send different frequencies to each of your home speakers. It results in a more accurate and well balanced sound. In any case you should keep in mind that it requires access not only to one, but two speakers.

This device model supports even multi-room features. It means, you have a chance to enjoy listening to different sources in every, including the farthest room in your house. While someone is watching a movie in, for example, the living room, you will be able to listen to music in the bedroom or kitchen. The AVR-X6700H model can provide you with such a possibility because, as we have mentioned, it features enough for powering several rooms, 11 channels.

Looking at AVR-X6700H you can notice a lot of important ports, such as eight HDMI inputs and three outputs. Users will find three digital audio and component ports, composite one, and many other ports. All of them can be used for connecting your devices to a particular receiver. Besides, this receiver model has access to various popular streaming services, such as Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, and some others. Moreover, if you are a radio fan, it’s also for you.

There is a possibility to listen to any internet radio stations directly through your chosen receiver. In the case, if you are subscribed to some streaming services, you have a chance to use this model for listening to your favorite songs. Additionally, this device supports wide-spread AirPlay and, of course, Bluetooth. It’s not needed to explain that it’s a way how you can stream all music from a smartphone or other devices. Besides, it includes Wi-Fi. Here we speak about a popular and useful way that people use for streaming music, partfrom online music services just connecting to your home network.

The Denon AVR-X6700H includes a wide range of video features, including 4K Ultra HD60 Hz Pass-Through and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling. Besides, the model supports High Dynamic Range, known as HDR and BT.2020 pass-through, providing stunning video quality that provides enhanced details and all colors. Furthermore, the AVR-X6700H model has a 12V trigger output. It is useful for powering a motorized projector screen.

Sound

The AVR-X6700H model of Denon is a pacesetting model for most home theaters that provides high and clear sound quality. It supports wide-spread Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based and other popular audio formats. It also offers high-resolution audio support for lossless audio files, like FLAC. Additionally, it has modern HEOS wireless technology, which allows users to stream music from your favorite streaming services directly.

The Denon AVR-X6700H is a beautiful choice for anyone who wants to be the owner of a really powerful receiver for home theater. Whether you are watching your favorite films or listening to any kinds of music, the Denon model will deliver a top-notch audio experience.

There cannot be any doubt that the Denon AVR-X6700H will provide you with clear sound, whether it's during a favorite movie or music listening experience. This Denon model packs a lot of power and also built-in features which is evident in its ability to deliver crisp and distortion-free audio.

Verdict about Denon AVR-X6700H

Onkyo TX-NR797 – best budget

If you are not sure about this model, we suggest you read our Onkyo TX-NR797 review. The TX-NR797 is one of the most potent Onkyo receivers, and it differs from other receivers in its class in a few ways.

First, it offers plenty of features and capabilities to make your movie watching and music listening experience much better. For example, this receiver can decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, which gives you an immersive surround sound experience. It also has very robust and feature-rich network audio capabilities. Finally, it allows you to access your music library from any device on your network, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Build and design

It measures 17 1/8" x 6 13/16" x 14 15/16 inches and has a very sleek and modern design that will look great in any home theater. This receiver looks very attractive with its nice-looking curves on the front panel, which contains an aluminum facing plate combined with a black color metal casing.

The whole front panel is very logical and well designed. All connectors are labeled nicely with their names, making setting up much easier for connections between various devices. In addition, a front panel includes Power and Station preset buttons, a Volume control dial, a Mute button, Input selector, and Tuner.

The Onkyo TX-NR797 receiver is not difficult to set up. The receiver has a guided setup process that makes it easy to follow.

Features and specs

Onkyo TX-NR797 is a 9.2 channel network A/V receiver that supports 4K Ultra HD video playback, HDR10, and Dolby Vision passthrough. According to Onkyo TX-NR797 features, the power is 100 Watts, 0.08% THD, when two channels are driven. Furthermore, it has a built-in Chromecast that helps to stream content from your devices easily and quickly.

In addition, Onkyo TX-NR797 has AM and FM tuners. So, you can listen to your favorite radio stations. Furthermore, it includes AirPlay support, so it gives a possibility to stream music from your Apple devices. The Onkyo equipped this receiver with FlareConnect Multi-room Audio playback, which allows you to send audio to compatible speakers in other rooms.

The Onkyo TX-NR797 has a lot of different inputs and outputs that will fit any modern home theater system configuration. We have found the number of ports quite impressive. On the back side of this model, you will find 7 HDMI inputs, composite video inputs, digital and analog audio inputs. Besides, you will find 2 HDMI outputs, one composite and component video outputs. Besides, there are three digital and seven analog audio outputs.

In addition, the Onkyo equipped TX-NR797 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. So, you will be able to connect wirelessly to your home network and as a result stream your music from computer or mobile device. Furthermore, you will get access to Internet radio stations to discover new music or listen to your favorite online radio shows.

Let's consider some Onkyo TX-NR797 video specifications. This receiver supports video playback in 4K resolution. It has built-in HDMI 2.0a connections so that you can connect 4K video sources directly to it without extra converters. The TX-NR797 can also upscale lower resolution video to near-4K quality so that you can enjoy your old movies and TV shows with improved detail and clarity.

Sound

The sound quality is excellent, and it can quickly fill a large room with sound. The Onkyo TX-NR797 offers excellent sound quality when listening to music. This receiver generally produces clear and powerful sound, making it the perfect choice for movie enthusiasts.

In addition, it's perfect for listening to all types of music, from classical to rock. The technology that Onkyo TX-NR797 uses is Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It delivers impressive 3D surround sound effects, especially if you have a speaker system capable of reproducing height effects. This receiver also features THX Select2 Plus certification, which guarantees high-quality sound reproduction.

However, some users argue that this model has better but not the best sound compared to some other receivers.

Verdict about Onkyo TX-NR797

Marantz SR8015

Marantz is a known and respected brand in the audio industry. They offer superb sound quality and plenty of features, and the SR8015 is no exception.

The same as all Marantz receivers, the SR8015 is built with quality in mind. In this Marantz SR8015 review, I will show why this receiver punches well above its weight class with features that rival models that are twice as expensive. Read on to find out more!

Build and design

The Marantz SR8015 is a well-designed receiver, measuring 17.3 inches wide, 14.8 inches deep, and 6.5 inches tall. It weighs a hefty 33 pounds, so you will need a sturdy shelf or cabinet to place it on.

The front panel has a minimalist look with the Marantz logo in the middle and brushed aluminum finish around the edges. It is uncluttered and contains only the essentials: a power button, input selector, and volume knob. The display is easy to read, even from a distance.

The back panel is equally as simple, with all of the connections neatly arranged. It is just as well organized, with color-coded binding post terminals for the speakers and clearly labeled input and output ports. The build quality is excellent, as you would expect from a Marantz product. Everything feels solid and well put together.

Features and specs

This receiver is a powerhouse that has 9 channels of amplification, making it ideal for creating a gaming room or a true home theater. Actually, it means you can accommodate the receiver to any speaker setup. For example, I have 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers set up around my room and SR8015 was absolutely able to power even more. Multi-room functionality is also included, so you can enjoy your music in other parts of your house without quality loss.

Marantz SR8015's specifications include 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs.There are also component and composite video inputs for legacy devices. In case you prefer wireless technologies, you can easily connect your gadgets by using WiFi and Bluetooth. As a vinyl lover, I appreciate the possibility to listen to my vinyl collection with a phono input. Also, don't forget about streaming services and Apple AirPlay 2.

The SR8015 is also loaded with the latest audio technologies. You will get the best possible picture quality because Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported, as well as IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D. All of the HDMI ports are 4K/60p and HDR10, BT.2020, and Dolby Vision compatible, with support for HLG coming via a future firmware update. Besides, the receiver features auto-calibration that allows you to quickly and easily set up your speakers, so you don't have to be an audio expert to get the most out of this receiver.

Sound

Thanks to Marantz SR8015 features, the sound quality is simply amazing, never sounding muddy or overwhelming. My favorite Tarantino's soundtracks were truly atmospheric, I felt like I was transported into the movie. The surround sound effects, like motorbikes, wind, or breaking glass were placed accurately and with excellent depth, even at low volumes.

The music I listened to also sounded fantastic. The receiver handled all the genres with ease, from classical to heavy metal. I was able to push my speakers to loud volumes without any distortion or clipping. When listening to music at low volumes, you can activate the Marantz SR8015's eco mode to reduce power consumption by up to 30%.

Verdict about Marantz SR8015

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

I've seen a lot of impressive AV receivers in recent years, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 might just be one of the best. It's packed with features, delivers excellent performance, and has one of the most user-friendly interfaces.

In this Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 review I will go over in detail the capabilities of this receiver and tell my honest opinion about them.

Build and design

The first thing that caught my eye about Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is its elegant design. The entire receiver has a black finish with a hint of silver around the edges. It's a sleek look that will match any modern home theater setup. The receiver is solid and feels heavy, which gives me confidence that it will last for years. Overall, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is surely among the best-looking and best-built receivers I've ever used.

The front panel of the receiver is very user-friendly, with large buttons and a bright display. The buttons provide feedback with a satisfying click. The display is large and easy to read, even in low light conditions.The rear panel of the receiver is just as well-designed as the front. All the inputs and outputs are clearly labeled and easy to access.

Features and specs

I would call the receiver powerful just because of its rated power output. It is said to deliver 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) with 0.08% THD. Besides, this Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 uses 32-bit / 384 kHz capable DACs that can produce high-resolution audio. In practice, it means that I can push the receiver to its limits, and it never skips a beat. It has 11.2 channels of audio processing, so it can handle even the most complex home theater setups consisting of up to 11 speakers.

The receiver is also compatible with Pioneer's Multi-Zone Technology, which allows you to play different audio sources in different rooms.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904's features include 8 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs, Hi-Res Audio playback, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There's also a USB port on the front panel, which makes it easy to connect a portable hard drive or thumb drive. I was able to hook up a TV, PlayStation, smartphone, laptop, and even a turntable. The AirPlay compatibility was especially handy, as it allowed me to easily stream audio from my iPhone to the receiver. By the way, there is no energy-saving ECO mode, which might be disappointing to some people.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the inclusion of HDCP 2.2 support. This ensures that the receiver will be able to handle the new 4K Ultra HD. The receiver also includes support for 3D pass-through, 4K upscaling, and HDR. I tested the receiver with a 4K TV, and it did an excellent job of upscaling lower resolution content. The list of advantages complements support for Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and other pro features.

Sound quality

Listening to music and watching movies on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 was an absolute pleasure. The receiver delivered exceptional sound quality with crystal clear highs and thundering lows. I watched Captain Marvel and during the beginning of the movie, when Carol dreams and we see the explosion and the earth falling to the ground, there were numerous tiny elements in the soundtrack around me that I hadn't noticed with my old receiver. I never had to adjust the volume levels, even during explosions and other loud scenes.

Verdict about Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

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