Best 7 Channel AV Receiver
An audio/video receiver is the brain of a home theatre setup. Such technologies are now really global and multifunctional, so you’ll need to invest some time in learning how they work.
The finest 7.2 receiver is in high demand because it provides the most immersive surround sound experience. Furthermore, only 7-channel receivers enable Dolby Atmos, which significantly outperforms 5-channel receivers.
If you’re in the market for a new audio system and could use some expert guidance in making a great purchase, keep reading our evaluation. Through extensive testing, we have narrowed the field to the following six models, all of which have received a score of 7.2 or above in my evaluations. and also pointed out their advantages and disadvantages, and detailed the qualities you should prioritise when shopping for a 7.2-channel home audio receiver, but before we jump onto product evaluation let’s get familiar with the 7 channel AV Receiver .
Table of Content
- Best 7 Channel AV Receiver
- What is 7 Channel AV Receiver?
- 7.2 Channel Systems
- The Marantz SR5015
- Sony STR-DH790
- Onkyo TX-SR494
- Yamaha RX-V6A
- Marantz NR1711
- Denon AVR-X2700H
- Conclusion
What is 7 Channel AV Receiver?
A 7 channel AV receiver is an audio-video receiver that has seven discrete channels of amplification built in. This means that it can power up to seven speakers in a home theater or surround sound system. The seven channels can be configured in a variety of ways, such as 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 surround sound.
In a 5.1 configuration, the seven channels are typically used to power five speakers and a subwoofer. The five speakers are typically arranged in a left, center, and right configuration in front of the listener, with two additional speakers placed to the left and right of the listener. This creates a surround sound effect where the audio seems to come from all around the listener.
A 6.1 configuration is similar to 5.1, but with an additional speaker behind the listener, which is used to create a more immersive surround sound experience.
A 7.1 configuration is similar to 5.1 and 6.1, but with two additional speakers placed to the left and right of the listener, which are used to create an even more immersive surround sound experience.
In addition to powering speakers, a 7 channel AV receiver can also serve as the hub of a home theater or surround sound system, receiving audio and video signals from multiple sources, such as a cable box, Blu-ray player, or gaming console, and then routing them to the appropriate speakers and displays. Some 7 channel AV Receiver even come with smart home control such as voice control and connect to wifi/bluetooth.
It’s important to note that the number of speaker channel in a receiver does not necessarily indicate the sound quality of a receiver as well, many other factors such as the brand, build quality, audio processing, power output and so on plays important role to the overall performance.
7.2 Channel Systems
Manufacturers are responding to the rising demand for 7.2 channel receivers, which can support this sort of surround sound speaker arrangement.
This kind of speaker system is built off of a 7.1 arrangement, with the main change being the addition of more subwoofers. Most 7.2 channel A/V receivers will be able to power two subwoofers. The primary motivation for this improvement is to achieve more consistent bass levels across the space. Bass with a longer wave length may cause standing waves in the room, which can be perceived as both soft and booming lows.
Naturally, producers would want to do rid of such variations in the duration of bass waves. The simplest solution is to include a second subwoofer into the existing arrangement. In addition, the system’s two independent components may more evenly disperse the bass intensity, relieving strain on the subwoofer. This results in less distorted noise.
The Marantz SR5015
The revised SR-line of Marantz AV receivers includes the SR5015, a 7.2-channel model. The creator has put in a lot of time and effort to make this receiver as potent as possible surely enough.
The Marantz SR5015 is an excellent choice for a 7-channel AV receiver in a home theatre or 5.1-channel surround sound setup. It supports the most recent surround sound codecs including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it provides a number of streaming alternatives, including Spotify and Tidal.
The superior audio processing capabilities of the Marantz SR5015 are one of its primary benefits. It supports a broad variety of surround sound formats, including 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1, as well as newer formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it employs powerful algorithms to reproduce sound with impressive fidelity and precision. This makes it so that whatever you’re viewing or listening to, you’ll get the full benefit of the surround sound system.
The Marantz SR5015’s many inputs and outputs are another plus. It features eight HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, so you can hook up your cable box, game console, and Blu-ray player, as well as any other HDMI-enabled devices, and send the audio and video to the proper speakers and displays. Further, it is equipped with a variety of interfaces for linking to other devices, including analogue, digital, USB, and HEOS.
The SR5015 is capable of playing high-resolution audio in a number of different file formats, including DSD and FLAC. It also has extensive streaming functionality, including native Spotify and Tidal integration.
The high cost of the Marantz SR5015 might be seen as a drawback. It is more costly than other AV receivers since it is a high-end model. The SR5015 setup procedure also requires some technical know-how and may be scary to some users.
It also lacks a built-in speech assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control, which may be a dealbreaker for certain customers.
Sony STR-DH790
High-quality audio and visuals for your home theatre system is what the Sony STR-DH790 is all about. Among its many features and capabilities are 4K pass-through and HDR support, as well as compatibility with the most recent surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The Sony STR-ability DH790’s to pass over 4K resolution and HDR is a major selling point. If your 4K Blu-ray player or streaming device supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), you can hook it up to the receiver and experience crisp video with nuanced tones throughout the whole spectrum. In addition, it works with a number of high dynamic range (HDR) formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.
The Sony STR-DH790 also has a distinct edge over its competitors since it can play music in many rooms simultaneously. Built-in Chromecast and support for additional wireless music streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer are included. The Sony Music Center app may be used to manage the music and volume across all of your connected devices.
The receiver features built-in compatibility for both Bluetooth and NFC, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your mobile device.
In addition to its high quality sound, the Sony STR-DH790 is also quite reasonably priced in comparison to other AV receivers in its class.
The Sony STR-limited DH790’s ability to power just 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers is a possible drawback, especially when compared to comparable receivers in its class that can power up to 9.2 or 11.2 channels.
Some users may also feel it lacks the precision and clarity of other high-end models due to its absence of sophisticated audio processing tools.
Onkyo TX-SR494
The Onkyo TX-SR494 is a 7.2-channel audio/video receiver built for use in home theatre setups. Among its many features and capabilities are 4K pass-through and HDR support, as well as compatibility with the most recent surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The Onkyo TX-high SR494’s output is one of its primary selling points. Its 100-watt-per-channel power output is more than enough to power even the largest or most challenging speakers. That’s why you can count on crisp and rousing audio playback.
The Onkyo TX- SR494’s ability to pass over 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range is a further benefit. If your 4K Blu-ray player or streaming device supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), you can hook it up to the receiver and experience crisp video with nuanced tones throughout the whole spectrum.
The Onkyo TX-SR494 has built-in Chromecast and is compatible with other wireless music streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer, allowing you to stream music across your house and manage the music and volume using the Google Home app.
Moreover, the Onkyo TX-SR494 is inexpensive in comparison to other AV receivers in its class, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
The Onkyo TX-SR494 may lack the sophistication of more expensive models in its class, which is a drawback. Although it does pass over 4K HDR content and is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it lacks some of the more sophisticated audio processing capabilities of higher-end versions.
Another drawback is that it does not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth built in, thus users will need to utilise an external networking device.
Yamaha RX-V6A
The Yamaha RX-V6A is an excellent choice for building a state-of-the-art home theatre since it has all the necessary components at a low price.
The Yamaha RX-V6A is a 7.2-channel A/V receiver built specifically for use in home theatre setups, and it is capable of producing stunning music and visuals. Among its many features and capabilities are 4K pass-through and HDR support, as well as compatibility with the most recent surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The Yamaha RX-high-end V6A’s audio processing is one of its primary selling points. Using Cinema DSP 3D and Virtual Presence Speaker, two of Yamaha’s unique audio technologies, it creates a more enveloping sound field. It also has MusicCast Surround, which lets you extend your surround sound system with no effort by connecting wireless back speakers.
The Yamaha RX-V6A pass over 4K video and HDR is a further benefit. If your 4K Blu-ray player or streaming device supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), you can hook it up to the receiver and experience crisp video with nuanced tones throughout the whole spectrum. HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision are only few of the HDR formats that are supported.
You can connect the RX-V6A to your home network and stream music wirelessly thanks to its built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as its compatibility for major music streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Pandora.
The Yamaha MusicCast multi-room audio technology included into the RX-V6A makes it simple to broadcast music across the house and adjust the volume from a smartphone app.
The Yamaha RX-price V6A’s tag is a possible drawback. It is more costly than other AV receivers since it is a high-end model.
Not having a voice assistant or other smart home capabilities integrated like some rival devices does is another possible drawback.
Marantz NR1711
Sleek and packed with features, the Marantz NR1711 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver. The NR1711’s small footprint is one of its best features, making it an excellent choice for households with restricted square footage.
Despite its compact form factor, it delivers a powerful performance, with support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Because of its eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) compatibility, this receiver can send high-resolution audio signals down a single HDMI cable to a sound system that can decode them.
The NR1711 has built-in compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, among many other streaming services. A noteworthy convenience is that you may use voice commands to manage the receiver as you listen to music online. It also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so you can connect your mobile devices and play music wirelessly.
The NR1711’s 50-watt-per-channel power rating is a major limitation. Because of this, it may not be the greatest choice for individuals who wish to utilise it for more powerful home theatre systems or in bigger spaces. The lack of multi-zone audio capabilities further reduces the NR1711’s adaptability for usage in different spaces.
The NR1711 has been praised for its excellent sound quality. The receiver’s soundstage is spacious and textured, and its dynamic range is above average. It’s capable of playing a wide range of audio file types, including those with high bit rates. Internal audio processing is likewise excellent, producing an authentic and lifelike tone.
Denon AVR-X2700H
Denon is well recognised as a leading producer of A/V receivers, and it has consistently ranked high on almost every such “best of” list.
The Denon AVR-X2700H is a powerful and flexible AV receiver with a tonne of extras. The AVR-amplifier X2700H’s portion is one of its strongest points, since it can provide 95 watts of power per channel. This makes it a fantastic choice for audiophiles and those who like watching movies in their homes, since it can easily power huge, high-quality speakers.
The AVR-compatibility X2700H’s with several audio and video formats, including as 8K and 4K Ultra HD video, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and eARC, is another one of its many strengths (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). It’s compatible with a wide range of streaming services, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 from Apple. A noteworthy convenience is that you may use voice commands to manage the receiver as you listen to music online. It also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS multi-room audio streaming capabilities built right in.
The AVR-powerful X2700H’s multi-zone audio features give you the freedom to set up a second audio system in any room in your home. It’s also has a nice software that can be used as a remote to manage the device, letting you tweak the settings and tweak the volume with ease.
The AVR-X2700H is on the pricier end of the market, which means it could not be within the pricing range of certain potential customers. It’s worth noting that the AVR-X2700H takes up a fair amount of room and isn’t the best option for individuals who are tight on space.
With a spacious and precise soundstage and a respectable dynamic range, the AVR-X2700H has earned widespread praise for its high-quality audio playback. The internal audio processing is excellent, delivering a genuine, lifelike sound, and it supports several audio formats, including high-resolution audio.
Conclusion
Today’s market is flooded with excellent 7-channel AV receivers. Your requirements and tastes will determine which of these receivers is the best fit for you, since they all provide different levels of functionality and performance.
Each of these 7 channel AV receivers has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the ideal one for you comes down to personal taste. When deciding, think about how much power you need, the aesthetics of the device, and how much it will cost you. Having read through this article, you will undoubtedly make a great buy.
