Best AV Receivers Under $2000

There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a new AV receiver. Not only do you need to find one that fits within your budget, but you also need to make sure it has the features and capabilities you need.

Our pick

Marantz SR6015

Best AV receiver under $2000

The Marantz SR6015 9.2 channel 8K AV receiver will let you enjoy the best sound quality when watching TV or movies. Read the full review.

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If you’re looking for the best receiver under 2000 dollars, then read on for our recommendations. We’ll help you choose the perfect model for your needs, and we’ll even give you a few tips on how to get the most out of your new purchase.

Best AV receiver under $2000 reviews

Marantz SR6015 – best overall

Maintain your creative freedom to produce superior sound with the Marantz SR6015 receiver. It is the perfect choice for any home theater system. It's equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, which will let you enjoy your favorite movies and music in stunning detail.

Plus, this receiver also supports 4K Ultra HD video with HDR and Dolby Vision. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and shows in crystal-clear detail. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Build and design

Let’s get started with the specifications of Marantz SR6015. This receiver is a little over 18 inches wide, almost 8 inches tall, and just over 15 inches deep. It’s made of high-quality materials and feels solid and sturdy. The design is sleek and modern with a black finish and silver accents.

Marantz SR6015 only has a few basic buttons on the front, so I find all of the controls to be intuitive. All of the ports and connectors are in easy-to-reach places. The receiver also comes with an on-screen display and handy remote control. The only thing that takes a little getting used to is the location of the power button, which is on the left side of the receiver instead of the front.

Features and specs

The Marantz SR6015 is a great choice looking for a high-quality receiver with all the features you need to enjoy your favorite movies and music. It has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, which lets you experience surround sound in a whole new way. It also supports 4K Ultra HD video with HDR and Dolby Vision for crystal-clear visuals. Plus, it has 8 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs so you can easily connect all of your devices. The receiver also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 support for easy streaming. Plus, the intuitive setup and operation make it easy to get started.

One of the top features of the Marantz SR6015, in my opinion, is its multi-room capability. In case you want to explore Hi-Res Audio, the SR6015 has you also covered with built-in HEOS technology, support for FLAC, ALAC, and DSD files. With HEOS built-in, you can easily stream music to any room in your house. And with Amazon Alexa, you can control your receiver with your voice. But the SR6015's real strength lies in its ability to produce reference-level sound. Thanks to Marantz's proprietary HDAM circuits, you'll enjoy exceptionally detailed and musical audio reproduction.

Sound

The features of Marantz SR6015 are a powerhouse when it comes to sound. You'll never have to wish you could listen to what the actors are saying again. Every line is crystal clear and the visceral enjoyment coming from the sound effects is movie studio worthy. The sound is such a relief because every other receiver I had was too bright and would give me headaches. I can watch for hours with no fatigue.

The sound quality is amazing from vinyl to streaming digital. It has a warm, natural sound that is detailed and precise. I also tried MultEQ X to provide a sound configuration for the acoustics of my room. It was stunning to hear nuances in my music that I never knew existed.

Verdict about Marantz SR6015

Denon AVR-X4700H

Denon AVR-X4700H is a 9.2-channel AV receiver with an 8K HDMI OUTPUT, 125W per channel POWER CAPACITY, and native Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & DTS Virtual:X (DD only). Additional features include 4K/120Hz pass-through for viewing video in stunning clarity; VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to eliminate lag, latency and frame tearing; ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) that provides near instantaneous response time; Dynamic HDR to enhance contrast on large displays such as Samsung QLED TVs.

Design

The design of the Denon AVR-X4700H is fairly nice. It's sleek and comes in black. It's small but compact so it can sit nicely on your rack. The only downside is the weight, weighing in at 18 pounds so it would be best to have help putting this receiver on your rack but don't worry, you'll get used to taking care of it yourself.

Features and specs

The Denon AVR-X4700H's features make it one of the most feature-packed receivers on the market. It can deliver up to 165 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I tested the AVR-X4700H with a variety of speakers, and it had no trouble driving even the most demanding ones. Plus, the receiver's advanced 32-bit AKM DAC provides superb sound quality. And if I want to listen to music in another room, I can use the receiver's Zone 2 output to send audio to a second room.

I found it useful that the AVR-X4700H has eight HDMI inputs, three HDMI outputs, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so I easily connected all my devices, including a game console and a streaming device. Also, the AVR-X4700H supports Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, and even AirPlay 2 for Apple devices.

The thing I really love about the sound here is the built-in 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter. It is the sign you'll get the best possible sound quality from your Blu-ray discs and other high-resolution audio sources. Plus, "Denon Virtual Speaker Mode'' up-mixes stereo and 5.1 content to create a virtual 7.1.2 speaker setup.

The receiver also has IMAX Enhanced certification, so it’s able to decode IMAX Enhanced content and pass through IMAX Enhanced HDR signals. Used with the support of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and the latest 3D audio formats, it creates such a new sound dimension. The receiver passed all of my tests, and it handled HDR10 signals without any problems.

Setup

Setup of the Denon AVR-X4700H was a simple process. All I had to do was connect speaker wire from the speakers to the receiver and plug in all other wires. The Denon AVR-X4700H has an HDMI input, which is what we use for our inputs. It also has a variety of Digital Inputs, such as Optical and Coaxial, for people who still have Analog/Digital devices that they want to run through the system.

Sound quality

One of the Denon AVR-X4700H's specifications I was especially impressed with is the ability to reproduce delicate sounds. For example, in the movie "The Revenant," I could hear the subtle sound of leaves rustling in the wind. And in the song "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House, I could hear the delicate strumming of the acoustic guitar. The lows, mids and highs are all clear and crisp. AVR-X4700H handled loud and dynamic sounds that are neither too bright nor too dark.

Beyond that, the Audyssey setup was also flawless. Running this gave my system the tweaks it needed to sound powerful and provided enough power at low volumes.

Verdict about Denon AVR-X4700H

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

In this Pioneer's Elite SC-LX704 review we will take a look at one of the company's top-of-the-line AV receivers. It is a full-featured AV receiver with a bevy of advanced audio processing capabilities that should appeal to a wide range of users. While it's not the cheapest receiver on the market, it definitely offers a full performance.

Build and design

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has a sleek and elegant design that will look great in any home theater setup. The front panel is glossy black with a silver Pioneer logo in the center. The rest of the receiver is made of high-quality materials and feels very solid. It's not too big or bulky, and the front panel is relatively uncluttered. The receiver also has a built-in AM/FM tuner and comes with remote control. From my point of view, the buttons on the remote are a bit small and cramped. Even so, they become convenient once you get used to them.

The SC-LX704 is relatively easy to set up. The onscreen display is clear and easy to navigate, and the receiver comes with a well-written manual that will help you get everything up and running in no time. Included setup microphone makes calibrating your speakers a breeze.

Features and specs

Let's see what features Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 hides inside. The receiver has a 9.2-channel amplifier and a power output of 140 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% THD). Thanks to the A/B speaker, it's possible to use two different types of speakers. At the same, the Bi-Amp mode allows using the front left and right channels for bi-amp operation with compatible speakers. In addition, Multi-Tone Control adjusts the sound of each individual channel to match your speakers.

The SC-LX704 has a variety of inputs and outputs, including HDMI, a subwoofer output, an RS-232C port for integration with custom control systems, and a USB port for connecting a storage device. You can wirelessly stream audio from your mobile devices, using built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or connect wirelessly to speakers and favorite services like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal. There's also support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and DNLA. If you're into vinyl, the SC-LX704 has a phono input for connecting to a turntable.

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 also supports 4K Ultra HD pass-through with HDR support. This means that you'll be able to enjoy the latest and greatest in video quality, without having to worry about compatibility issues. The receiver comes with a variety of pre-set sound modes, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround, and DTS Neural:X. There's also a Cinema EQ mode that automatically adjusts the sound quality for movies and a Music EQ mode that does the same for music.

Sound quality

I've tested a lot of receivers before, and the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is definitely one of the finest. The calibration process, from my point of view, is better than many others. Besides, I tried to play the soundtrack of "Mad Max: Fury Road" with the Dolby Atmos enabled, and it sounded fantastic, with plenty of depth and detail. The explosions and gunfire were incredibly loud and realistically portrayed, and the sound stage was huge. The SC-LX704 handled music well, delivering a smooth and natural sound with good bass response. Even at higher volumes, the Pioneer is rich and full.

Verdict about Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Denon AVR-X3700H

In this Denon AVR-X3700H review, we will take a closer look at the key features of the receiver and find out how it can compete with more expensive models.

For instance, this receiver shares the same key features as the more expensive AVR-X4700H, however, there are some differences you will notice in the text below. Overall, Denon AVR-X3700H is a mid-priced option that saves them some money but still has all the features they need.

Build and design

Denon AVR-X3700H measures 17.1 x 14.8 x 6.5 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 31 pounds. It has a black finish with a brushed metal faceplate and an information display in the center that shows all the essential information at a glance. The buttons and knobs are all hidden away neatly.

One of the minor nitpicks about the receiver's design is that the power button is a bit small and difficult to press. The volume knob is also quite sensitive, so it's easy to accidentally turn it up or down too far by accident.

Actually, Denon AVR-X3700H looks similar to its older brother, the AVR-X4700H. The only real difference is that the AVR-X3700H is a little bit smaller and lacks a few of the more advanced ports. However, it does not take up too much space and fits nicely into most AV cabinets.

Features and specs

Denon AVR-X3700H has 9 channels and delivers 125 watts per each one. Compared with other receivers I tested before, it's more than enough even for a spacious house. Multi-room supports audio sources for two zones.

As for the ports, I think that Denon AVR-X3700H has just about everything you could need. On the back of the receiver, you will find eight HDMI ports, though I needed only four of them to plug in the TV, soundbar, Sony Playstation, and laptop without having to worry about running out of ports. It also has built-in HEOS that lets you play music from your own library or streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. As for me, I generally pair the receiver with my phone using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. By the way, it was a pleasant surprise to control the receiver with Siri voice commands.

Denon AVR-X3700H features an advanced video processor that is up to 4K/60Hz. Support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, and lossless file formats like FLAC, WAV, and ALAC adds extra quality to everything you watch or play. Plus, you get access to different audio decoding technologies, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X.

One of the coolest Denon AVR-X3700H's specifications is its ability to mix two-channel stereo sources to create a virtual surround sound experience. So, you are able to watch TV shows or movies that are not in surround sound. The receiver will automatically create a surround sound experience by using its algorithms.

Sound

Once you have everything connected, you can start listening to music right away. I tested Denon AVR-X3700H with a variety of music genres like jazz, rock, and indie. All of them sounded flawless and music filled my large living room to the fullest. I think that it was Audyssey MultEQ XT32 that did a great job of calibrating the sound of the receiver to my room. In other words, the system compensated for the acoustics of my room and made sound well-balanced, no matter where I was sitting.

Verdict about Denon AVR-X3700H

YAMAHA RX-A4A

This Yamaha RX-A4A review will take an in-depth look at one of the best AV receivers available on the market today. Previous models in the RX-A series have been very popular, and this one is sure to continue that trend. We'll go over the features, specs, design, and performance of this AV receiver to help you determine if it's the right model for your home theater setup.

Build and design

The Yamaha RX-A4A measures 17.1 x 6.8 x 14.6 inches and weighs just over 20 pounds, so it's not too big or too heavy to be inconvenient to move around. It's made to be placed in a standard AV rack and has plenty of ventilation to keep it cool during operation.

The front panel is fairly straightforward, with the power button, volume control, and input selection buttons located near the top. There are also indicator lights for power, input, and surround mode. The receiver has a clear glass finish and houses all the buttons and controls, while the back panel is packed with ports and connections.

Features and specs

The Yamaha RX-A4A's specifications are next. It is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with a maximum power output of 100 watts per channel. The receiver has 2 Multi-room zones and ESS SABRE DACs for superior sound quality. There is also a Music Enhancer included to improve the frequency response of compressed audio files.

The RX-A4A has a total of 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, which is more than enough for most home theater setups. It also features advanced voice recognition and control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can use your voice to control various functions of the receiver, such as power, volume, input selection, and surround mode.

Also, this AV receiver comes with a remote control and an iOS/Android app for controlling it remotely. So you can stream music from Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services using the built-in app.

The only drawback that happened to me while using the receiver was that it can take a few seconds for the audio signal to adjust and actually play.

This model is able to decode high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz and has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. Also, the receiver supports 4K Ultra HD, 3D, and Dolby Atmos and also includes Yamaha's Cinema DSP 3D technology, which creates a virtual surround sound environment that is faithful to the original soundtrack. This is a fantastic feature for action and sound-based movies or TV shows.

Another characteristic I find very special is Surround:AI that automatically adjusts the sound field to match the content you're watching. When I was watching a concert, the sound was focused on the center of the room, but after I switched it to a football game, the sound was more evenly distributed around the room.

Sound quality

I do video games, music, movies, and TV as well as my 4k HDR Blu-rays and MKV files on my computer hooked up to the receiver. The YAMAHA RX-A4A's features have so far handled everything just fine. The highs are crisp and detailed, the mids are well-balanced, and the lows are deep and authoritative. Besides, the receiver does a great job with all the different audio formats. I don't have Atmos speakers, but even without them, the receiver still creates a realistic soundscape.

Also, I think passthrough mode is worth mentioning here. Shortly, this feature enables you to route the video signal through the receiver while it's on standby. I found it useful for playing a game late at night with headphones through your controller; no need for the amp to be on and muted, or have headphones through the amp. Overall, I'm very pleased with this receiver.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A4A

Onkyo TX-RZ50

Are you searching for a powerful yet affordable home audio system and want to know if the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is right for you? Well, we've done all the hard work for you by testing this powerful amplifier and speakers, so let us tell you what we found. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV receiver has proven to be an excellent pick for adding quality sound to your home.

Build and design

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has a front panel with buttons and knobs. It is designed to look nice and has simple controls for adjusting the sound. The main power button is at the panel's top, with volume and input selection buttons below. The Tone Control knobs are on either side of the center display, allowing quick sound adjustments. Finally, a headphone jack is located at the bottom for private listening. These controls can customize your home theater experience quickly and easily.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 also features a sleek and modern look with black accents and silver trim. This combination of colors helps it stand out while still providing an elegant look.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 has dimensions of 17 1/8˝ x 7 15/16˝ x 15 11/16˝ (435 x 201.5 x 398 mm), making it a relatively small and portable device. Its weight also reflects this as it weighs only 30.9 lbs. (14.0 kg), making it light enough to be carried around easily.

Features and specs

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a unique audio amplifier that offers superior sound quality and performance. It boasts 250 W/Ch of THX® Certified Select RZ Series Dynamic Audio Amplification, meaning it can provide a powerful and crisp sound to any home entertainment system. It is also IMAX® Enhanced certified for an immersive signature sound by DTS:X®, providing a true cinematic experience.

The device features 11.2-ch processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 layouts, allowing you to get the most out of your surround sound system at home. In addition, it can be controlled with Hey Google or Alexa, making it easy to use.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is also equipped with a range of HDMI® inputs. Inputs 1-3 and the Main/Sub out support 8K/60AB and 4K/120AB, while inputs 4-6 support 8K/60B and 4K/120AB. The front HDMI input supports up to 4K/60 (HDMI 2.0). There's also an HDMI Sub/Zone 2 Out that can transmit media to a second display.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports Bluetooth® wireless technology, allowing you to send or receive audio easily. In addition, it features RX mode (SBC/AAC) and TX mode (SBC/Qualcomm® aptX™/aptX HD), providing superior sound quality when streaming music or other audio content.

In addition, the AVR is compatible with 4K/120, giving gamers an ultimate gaming experience. With this level of resolution, you'll enjoy the most stunning visuals and smooth gameplay from the comfort of your home.

For music lovers, the receiver is also Sonos Certified, meaning it can easily integrate into existing Sonos audio systems for expanded sound options. So whether streaming music or playing it through a CD player, you can experience your favorite tunes in crystal clear sound.

Sound quality

The sound from the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is really good. It makes everything you hear sound clear and crisp. The soundstage is wide and detailed, making it easy to pick out individual sounds in the mix. The bass response is tight and precise, giving plenty of power when needed without being too overpowering. Voices are natural and clear, while the highs have good sparkle without sounding harsh or grating. It also has a lot of dynamic range, allowing a wide range of music types to be enjoyed.

All in all, this receiver's sound quality is excellent, something that both seasoned audiophiles and novices alike can appreciate.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 truly shines after being calibrated with DIRAC, making movie watching an unparalleled experience! It not only adds clarity and precision to sound across the frequency range but also offers features such as adjustable dialogue enhancement, bass management, and subwoofer equalization. In addition, with DIRAC's unparalleled acoustic manipulation capabilities, your Onkyo TX-RZ50 will become a truly immersive home theater experience!

Verdict about Onkyo TX-RZ50

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an impressive receiver that offers a wide range of features and options for both audio enthusiasts and casual listeners.

This product is truly outstanding - it was effortless to get up and run, and the audio quality is incredibly clear. It's of note that this item outperforms many others in its price range!

AV receivers under $2000 buying guide