Best 9-Channels AV Receivers [Reviewed and Tested]

Denon AVR-X3800H – best overall

One of the most popular models today, the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2-channel receiver, has become the crown of my rating. This AVR’s first and foremost advantage compared to other models on the list is its optimal price/quality ratio.

Traditionally, I will start with the design and construction quality. Denon is always a good receiver, which is only a little short of the premium Marantz (in the review, there is a model SR7015 at a higher price precisely because of the quality of internal components). But in general, AVR-X3800H can serve you for decades without losing the quality of work. This applies to both sound and construction details. Why change something that works well? Apparently, that’s how Denon thinks, and they haven’t changed the design (unlike Marantz) for a very long time. I personally love the bright LCD, which allows you to see everything, and the high-precision controls. The narrow buttons right below the monitor, on the other hand, are a pain. They leave fingerprints every time you press them. And they’re generally uncomfortable. But that’s not why we love Denon.

By buying AVR-X3800H, you can create a system of 11.4 with the help of an additional amplifier and two additional subs. The receiver’s power of 105 W (8 Ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08%, 2ch) is enough, and you won’t sacrifice the quality at high volume thanks to the low distortion coefficient. Still, frankly, the AVR-X3800H isn’t a powerful receiver, and that can be a drawback if you like to really feel the sound.

Being part of Denon’s Soundmaster lineup and released in 2022, the AVR has modern features that will keep you from thinking about upgrading for a long time. However, amidst the bonuses, there are some compromises. For example, the AVR-X3800H has only 6 HDMI inputs, which aligns more with budget options. And yet all of them have version 2.1 and support HDCP 2.3 functionality, 8K video in Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, upscaling up to 8K, and end-to-end 3D signal transmission. Enough for any content today and in the near future. The HDMI outputs support eARC and allow you to stream 4K video to a second zone (audio is also only for 2 zones). Perfect for those who like to separate from their kids in the evenings so they don’t have to watch the same cartoon for the hundredth time.

Since I’m talking about movie nights, it’s worth mentioning that with this receiver, you’ll also be watching content with encoded DTS:X and Dolby Atmos soundtracks, as well as the less popular but “advanced” IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio and Auro 3D, in each of which it sounds great, smooth and detailed. With the Yamaha RX-A6A on my list, you also get accessibility to a wide range of advanced content, but the Denon is about $800 cheaper.

If you want to listen to high-quality music around the house, with the AVR-X3800H, you can also do that. The built-in HEOS system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, support for streaming services, and voice assistants will help you do that. Although all wireless options are quite simple and do not have advanced versions, I still noted quite stable operation without excesses.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 – also great

Also, a great receiver of my selection, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a frequent choice for those who want to get more and pay less. The receiver was released in 2021 and cost slightly less than the previous Denon AVR-X3800H. It also can expand the system to a 7.2.4 configuration with additional pre-outputs but, unlike the AVR-X3800H, with 2 subs only.

A lower price point against a backdrop of identical features (and some of which the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has even better than the winner of my chart) means compromises. For example, here I see inconvenient small buttons on the control panel, which both look unreliable and will eventually get clogged with dust. In addition, they are very small, and the captions on them are not readable at all. However, with proper handling, you can extend the life of any rank of equipment. But even the weight of the design at 30.9 lbs speaks of the simplicity of the components used in it.

The advantages of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 include:

• Higher power output of 120 W (8 Ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 ch);.
• More (though still insufficient) HDMI (7 inputs) than AVR-X3800H. With the same functionality,.
• Audio distribution to 3 rooms;.
• Advanced wireless functionality: DTS Play-Fi Ready and Bluetooth with support for AAC and aptX HD codecs. This automatically means your Android or iOs will be compatible with the AVR;.
• The receiver is THX Certified Select.

On the downsides:

The receiver can work with Hey Google or Alexa voice assistants, but you’ll have to get a separate device for that;

Most important: The TX-RZ50 only supports two surround formats, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. That’s very high-quality surround sound, which is more appreciated by connoisseurs. But if you’ve been dreaming of Dolby Atmos, it’s gone.

Yamaha RX-A6A

Yamaha RX-A6A has several advantages over the Denon AVR-X3800H but costs several hundred dollars more. For this difference, you can buy a decent speaker system, which will suit those not used to saving money.

So, the RX-A6A Aventage series can also be expanded to an 11-channel system, but its power is as much as 150 Watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch). And you’ll feel this sound even from the place you’re sitting when watching movies. But for some reason, you can only connect 2 subs, which is a bit disappointing. The receiver also significantly wins in external design and construction quality. Its glossy body looks futuristic, and its weight is 41.2 lbs. But underneath the gorgeous shiny plastic framing the top of the case, you can’t see the dim LCD at all. However, with modern receivers being controlled mostly from an app, maybe that doesn’t matter anymore.

The Yamaha RX-A6A was created in 2021, and it features 7/3 HDMI ports (version 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC), support and upscaling to 8K, and HDR10+. All in all, weight is standard for the category.

In the audio realm, there are some special pluses. In addition to Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and DTS:X sound, the receiver is equipped with CINEMA DSP HD3 concert sound technology. Its background effect adds to the experience when you hear this beast. And it also broadcasts audio to 4 zones, so it’s sure to suit those with a large home. You can stream high-quality video and audio to the bedroom (if the living room and nursery areas are already occupied) or the dining room. Also, unlike the Denon AVR-X3800H and Onkyo TX-RZ50, the RX-A6A works with a wider range of streaming services and voice assistants, and most of them are built into the unit, which enhances the quality of audio streaming.

Marantz SR7015

The Marantz SR7015 is another premium 9.2 AVR on my list. Its price is between the Yamaha RX-A6A and the Denon AVR-X3800H, and it is just as likely as the others to be used for an 11.2 system. The receiver’s power rating is also in the middle of the previous data and is 125W (8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch).

The SR7015 has the highest number of HDMI ports of my entire top. But the receiver was released in 2020, so only 1 input and 2 outputs support 8K video resolution operation. It’s worse than the competition but good enough for today’s content.
In the wireless area, things are very good. The AVR integrates dual-band Wi-Fi (including Apple AirPlay 2), Bluetooth, and multimedia HEOS for streaming services and voice assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri).

Surround sound is available in a full range of the highest-quality formats available today. These include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. And here, perhaps, finally, I’d like to tell you about the SR7015’s sound. It’s all about the unique warm tone and unchanged technology Marantz has used for years. HDAM modules make the sound much more detailed than other receivers, and Multi-room is available in 3 zones. I was also impressed with the “music in surround sound” performance. Sure, stereo is still stereo, but the music is streamed through each speaker, and it’s just a separate effect to your ears. Also worth mentioning is Audyssey MultEQ’s most user-friendly room correction system, which easily handles the adjustment of all 11 channels by asking questions on the on-screen menu. And even without manual intervention, it creates a sound picture that will satisfy the average user.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505

Rounding out my chart is the 9.2-channel Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 with the ability to expand the surround sound system to 11 channels. In many ways, it resembles the leader of the list, Denon AVR-X3800H, including the identical price of the receivers. Although it uses only 2 subs, it offers slightly more power at 120W (8 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.08%, 2ch).

The receiver has 7/2 HDMI ports, but since the model was released in 2021, 6 of them (unlike the Marantz SR7015) support 8K video resolution, with HDCP 2.3, ARC, and eARC functionality.

Among the surround sound formats supported by the AVR under consideration, there is no Auro-3D only, but you have Multiroom for 3 zones (including 1 for video). In wireless audio streaming, there’s DTS Play-Fi (via Pioneer Music Control App), AirPlay 2, Bluetooth with support for AAC and aptX HD codecs, and built-in Chromecast. So, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 will work with any tablet or smartphone.

The outright disadvantage of the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 is the MCACC calibration system. It is rightly considered the most primitive and will not create for you a sound picture worthy of a 9-channel system. The manufacturer compensated for this with an additional room correction system, Dirac Live. Still, it isn’t very easy and requires a lot of time, especially if you are unfamiliar.

If in surround sound, I have no complaints about the receiver; everything is quite smooth, as always with Pioneer, without frills and cries of admiration; it is very good.