Model reviews

When Yamaha first announced their premium Aventage lineup, in which the receiver RX-A6A takes second place to the top-of-the-line RX-A8A, they made an incredible leap forward in audio and video performance.

We have long been accustomed to the fact that even the average receiver has so many functions that it’s almost impossible to use 100% of them. But why overpay if you’re primarily interested in music?

Purchasing a receiver is might what you need, especially considering that today, even the most inexpensive devices have rather good capabilities.

The TX-8220 stereo receiver resembles AV devices in appearance, but it is a two-channel amplifier. This simple unit combines various connectivity options with pure analog amplification technology.

You don’t have to buy a monster of a receiver or the unit of a sky-high cost that comes with it if you want a compact home theater setup. A simpler model, such as the TX-SR494, can be a simpler approach for you to operate your speakers and equipment.

Today, in my Onkyo TX-NR6100 review, I am testing the budget receiver, a modernized copy of Onkyo’s previous model TX-NR696.

Home entertainment systems do not have to be ridiculously costly. When it is related to purchasing one, RX-V385 is an optimal affordable alternative.

Price isn’t always the decisive factor when it comes to flagship receivers. In this instance, we’ll need to pay close attention to factors that might tempt you one way or the other.

My Yamaha RX-A8A review is dedicated to the flagship model in the Aventage line, which is an organic symbiosis of modern components and innovative technologies.

In the evolving world of home theater equipment, the VSX-LX305 stands out as a feature-rich addition to the Pioneer Elite series. In my opinion, this is a quite successful solution from the manufacturer, which will satisfy not only movie buffs but also music lovers. In addition to being certified to the highest standards by IMAX Enhanced, this model has a lot to surprise you with. In my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 review, I’ll talk about its key features and what kind of experience it can bring to your home theater.

Features and specs

Elite VSX-LX305 specifications start with a 9.2-channel system. It supports configurations like 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or basic 9.2, giving you flexibility in setting up your home theater. The receiver is not too powerful, but its 0,08% THD with the power of 100W (8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz) allows it to produce crystal clear sound even at maximum power (provided you have good speakers, though).

This device comes with 6 HDMI inputs 2.1 and 2 outputs 2.0 with support for 8K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (beneficial for those who regularly watch real-time content). The model can upscale 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K from HDMI sources. Gamers also should pay attention to this AVR since it supports ALLM, VRR, and QFT. For those who prefer multi-room audio/video setups, there’s a discrete HDMI Zone 2 switching. Zone 1 will have 8K/60 Hz in this scenario, while Zone 2 – 4K/120 Hz.

The VSX-LX305 features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music wirelessly via Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TIDAL, and Deezer. Additionally, it supports popular wireless audio protocols like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, enabling easy integration with your smart devices. If you have a Sonos system, you may connect to this AVR, however, the Sonos port is required to purchase.

Moreover, you can transmit audio from the gadget to the receiver using both SBC or AAC with Bluetooth of 4.2 version. In addition, you can send sound via the receiver to suitable wireless headphones that are equipped with SBC, aptX, or aptX HD codecs. DTS Play-Fi also transfers audio data from any connected gadget to your receiver as well as other compatible audio sources across your home. This results in a flexible multi-room audio configuration.

And now, the most critical aspect of this receiver is the surround sound technologies it supports. There are Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Height Virtualizer, and DTS Virtual:X. As you can see, enjoying a more immersive audio experience is guaranteed, especially without the need for complex speaker installations with the last two processing technologies.

Did you think that was all? No, on top of that, this unit comes with an Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live room correction system, including the calibration microphone. It’s great that Pioneer gives us these two options. If you want a basic room calibration system, you may use MCACC since it’s more straightforward and may be adequate for less complex setups. Dirac Live is ideal if you seek a higher level of audio optimization and have more advanced audio equipment.

Listening experience

Testing VSX-LX305, I mainly wanted to check how it works as part of a home theater. This time, I’ve chosen MCACC. Its automatic settings are sufficient for the average viewer. As a result, the overall sound quality of the system was significantly improved, and the bass became clearer and more energetic. When watching movies, this Pioneer receiver demonstrated excellent conversion and playback quality. As for music, in my opinion, it sounded quite rich, creating a realistic acoustic picture.

Onkyo hasn’t modified the exterior look of their premium RZ models in a long time, and it appears that the TX-RZ50 doesn’t change this tendency. Since it belongs to the RZ series, this device has some significant hardware, with some common components for all of the brand’s top models.

Before I start my Marantz NR1200 review, I’d like to remind you that a brand had an identical SR5023 model that was highly well-received by many people but had already been discontinued. And so, Marantz has released another stereo receiver.

My Marantz NR1510 review would like to characterize it as “cheap and surly”. Released in 2019, the 5.1-channel receiver Marantz NR1510 is today’s only budget-friendly device in the brand’s range.

Writing articles about premium models is always a great pleasure. In this Marantz SR8015 review, I will tell you about this 11-channel receiver, the only one in the brand’s lineup today.

The Yamaha R-N303 can be a good choice of entry point to take your audio experience to the next level. It’s a worthy addition to any home entertainment setup and a budget-friendly sound investment in your audio enjoyment.

As of 2024, there is only one 11-channel receiver in the brand’s lineup; that’s why my Denon AVR-X6700H review will be more interesting. After all, at a price slightly higher than the previous 9-channel AVR-X4800H, you will get as many as 13 channels if you decide to expand your system. This model has that option! Without further ado, let me give you a closer look at the AVR-X6700H specifications, after which I’m sure many of you will become its fans.

Features and specs

The fact that you have a quality receiver in your hands can be indicated by its weight. When it is large, it means that the manufacturer uses high-quality components, which in turn necessarily affect the sound, signal transmission quality, and device durability. In the case of the Denon AVR under consideration, we have as much as 32 pounds. That inspires confidence. It couldn’t be otherwise, as the AVR-X6700H delivers 140W per channel (8 Ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 2ch). Even in a large room, your speakers will be jumping with happiness, making your pastime full of loud, powerful sound. And clean! Just look at the THD, which is 0.05%. Not all models, even premium ones, provide such clarity. Feel free to turn the volume up to maximum.

The number of connections will also make you happy: 8/3 HDMI ports, including 1 front (I love it when there is one), a lot of component, coaxial and optical connectors (including digital), analog inputs, and phono-input. But the special thing is the 3-zone multi-room with connection via HDMI/Opt, Coax/Network, USB/Analog. And even video streaming to the second zone. For subwoofers, only 2 can be connected via special outputs, but if you read more information, you will learn that other connections can be used for more subwoofers.

Our receiver was released in 2020, so it only has 1 HDMI version 2.1 with 8K/60Hz video streaming capability. Other ports will provide only 4K/120Hz with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats. The rest of the “charms” of this type of connector meet modern requirements, providing HDCP2.3, CEC, ARC/eArc, VRR, and ALLM functions (perfectly combined with PS or Xbox). To some of you, it may seem insufficient, but I’m definitely not among them. Such a receiver would serve for a long time (IMHO) without the need to upgrade because I do not worry about the resolution, being satisfied with 4K.

Of course, from a receiver with 11 channels, you should expect surround sound in many variations for every taste. The AVR-X6700H meets our expectations to the fullest, decoding Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (including Pro), DTS Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D soundtracks. What else do you need today if you love movies with theater-like sound?

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that AVR-X6700H includes modern wireless features in the form of some built-in streaming services (which enhance the listening experience), is compatible with AirPlay2, voice assistants, and has HEOS wireless multi-zone music streaming. Although more recent receivers have advanced versions of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, in practice, I didn’t notice any disadvantages in using the usual ones with this model. Stereo broadcast sounds stable, high quality, but not supernatural. Files in Hi-Res format sound clear, with inherent Denon dynamism and brightness.

Listening experience

But when I test a receiver, of course, everyone expects to experience its sound not in stereo but in immersive formats. Well, what can I say? Delightful! I love fantasy and often test the movie playback on Games of Thrones. I like the musical accompaniment of the movie, and it also has a lot of battle scenes. Any battle contains many sounds of metal guns clanking, heavy swings, heroes shouting, and the sound of fire or icy wind. What to speak about dragons flying as if above you? All this plays with colorful shimmers of diversity when you use Denon AVR-X6700H, where every shade is in its place and reaches you from the right corner of the room, making you squeeze into your chair from the feeling of approaching threat. Fans appreciate the brand for the brightness and dynamism that is so suited to this kind of scene. The sound synchronization deserves high praise. Everything’s top-notch. Due to the computer graphics used in the series, we can also appreciate the quality of the picture. In my opinion, this receiver is worth every cent spent on it.

The Denon AVR-S660H review will interest those looking for a 5.2-channel receiver for a minimal surround sound system at home. It’s a budget model released in 2021, so you won’t need an upgrade for long.

Modern stereo receivers strive for the versatility of AV receivers, and today’s guest is a prime example. I present to you the Denon DRA-800H network stereo receiver, which is similar in many ways (including size, weight, and even the front panel) to the Denon AVR-X1500H.

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a receiver from the Elevated Standart series, offering a fairly good blend of cutting-edge technology and performance. I had high expectations for this receiver, and I can say that it exceeded them in every aspect. It’s really good in its class!

In my Denon AVR-X3800H review, I want to examine the mid-range model the brand introduced to its lineup in 2022. The receiver is a modern device with advanced features and is only slightly inferior to the more expensive AVR-X4800H model.