AV Receiver Reviews
The Best AV Receivers Reviewed
Onkyo TX-SR308 Review
2 months ago
Onkyo TX-SR308
| Average Customer Review |  |
Available on Amazon for $204.88 here.
The Onkyo TX-SR308 is a fine basic receiver. It is simple and easy to set up and connect. Very intuitive and a snap with the on-screen menu. Perfect for your home theater setup with a new HiDef Television.
Not only is it ready for the 3D video future—thanks to its HDMI 1.4 specification—but it also handles high-definition lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS.
Advanced A/V processing on a bedrock of classic Onkyo engineering is complemented by a bevy of convenient features: a new overlaid On-Screen Display for easy adjustment of settings; a Universal Port for single-cable connection of peripherals; and a front-panel audio input for direct connection of iPods and other MP3 players.
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With the TX-SR308, you get a home theater centerpiece ready to drive the latest high-def entertainment sources, today and beyond.
Here are some great features of the Onkyo TX-SR308:
- 65 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.7%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- HDMI Version 1.4 to Support 3D Video Formats, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color , x.v.Color , LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
- Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (3 Inputs and 1 Output)
- Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for iPod or HD Radio Tuner
- Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI
Aside from just sounding great, the functional aspects of this unit are absolutely rock solid and do exactly what you would expect from Onkyo. For the money, I don’t know how you could beat this unit. This Onkyo receiver is a great buy for under and is also future proof for when 3D TV goes main stream in the next year of so.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo TX-SR308:
Before purchasing, I checked my consumer review site to search for recommendations on AV amps. This model was recommended highly by several users. Though system features are a bit challenging to set up at first, revisiting the manufacturer’s set up instructions several times finally improved my understanding and eventual success. The sound quality and system capabilities are exceptional for the price. (A. Terhune)
Onkyo TX-SR308 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo TX-SR308 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Onkyo TX-SR608 Review
6 months ago
Onkyo TX-SR608
| Features | |
| Performance |  |
| Overall | |
Available on Amazon for $419.95 here.
The Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver is a versatile home theater centerpiece. CNET gave very favorable reviews for this Onkyo with no downside at a very good price for what you get.
This receiver is simply amazing. It’s easy to set up and fully adjustable the onscreen menus make operation and customizing your sound stage easy enough for the first timer yet gives enough options for the expert to have full control.
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There are so many settings that you can tweak. If you like the ability to configure your equipment, you will love this receiver!
This a terrific performer offering strong power (power consumption is up from the 607 to a very grown up 756 watts), terrific flexibility (four speaker terminals can be assigned to wide, height or zone 2)
Here are some great features of the Onkyo TX-SR608:
- 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- THX Select2 Plus Certified
- HDMI (Version 1.4 to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel) with Deep Color, x.v.Color, LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
- HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
- Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (1 Front/ 5 Rear Inputs and 1 Output)
The Onkyo TX-SR608 is an excellent receiver. It delivers performance above and beyond its value for all the features that it has. It gives you a lot of flexibility and makes your system sound great. For the price and features it can’t be beat. Nothing out there comes anywhere close to this.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo TX-SR608:
One of the best aspects of this receiver is the way it handles the volume control. First of all you can set the volume level that the receiver on turns on so you are not overwhelmed with a loud volume right away. Also you can set a maximum level so you don’t accidentally turn the volume level too high. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is perfect when you don’t want huge fluxuations in volume so that dialogue, music and surround effects don’t drown each other out. The Onkyo TX-SR608 is an amazing receiver for reasonable price. (M. Luellen)
Onkyo TX-SR608 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo TX-SR608 Review by AV Receiver Reviews Staff
Onkyo TX-NR708 Review
9 months ago
Onkyo TX-NR708
| Average Customer Review |  |
Available on Amazon for $694.99 here.
The Onkyo TX-NR708 brings the audio goldmine of Internet radio to your living room. It sounds great, runs cool and has a ton of features for the price.
Easy to get running out of the box, more complex controls are there if you want to super tweak but they aren’t necessary to great sound quality (nice that they’re available though).
With seven HDMI® 1.4a inputs, the Onkyo TX-NR708 offers copious connection possibilities, as well as 3D video compatibility. For your convenience, one of the HDMI inputs is located on the front panel, along with a USB input for flash memory devices and iPod® models.
If you want to connect a non-HDMI multichannel component—say, a legacy SACD or DVD player—the TX-NR708 sports a full complement of 7.1-channel analog inputs.
The Onkyo name connotes serious audio quality, so it’s no surprise to find low-jitter Burr-Brown DACs and sophisticated Audyssey MultEQ® room-correction onboard, along with lossless HD audio formats and the expansive surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz. All of this processing and connectivity power receives the coveted THX® Select2 Plus™ stamp of approval.
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Here are some great features of the Onkyo TX-NR708:
- HDMI® 1.4a Support for 3D Video and Audio Return
- Windows® 7 Compatible PC Audio and Internet Radio
- Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz Surround Sound
- THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified
- HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja Dcdi Cinema™
- A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment
- PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology
- Preprogrammed RI Remote with On-Screen Setup and Presets
THE ONKYO TX-NR708 SOUND QUALITY WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!! The Dolby z field makes your room seem bigger than it actually is, expanding the front sound stage, while the Audyssey DSX field seems to bring the front action closer to you with more detail.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo TX-NR708:
I believe you would be hard-pressed to find a better receiver at this price anywhere. It is packed with features that even many higher priced receivers do not have. Whether you like listening to music or watching movies, the Onkyo TX-NR708 has most everything the home theater owner will ever need–and then some. I highly recommend it. (K. Timper)
Onkyo TX-NR708 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo TX-NR708 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Onkyo HT-RC260 Review
10 months ago
Onkyo HT-RC260
| Value for money | |
| Instruction manual | |
| Dependability | |
Available on Amazon for $329.99 here.
The Onkyo HT-RC260 gives you competitive receiver quality for a fraction of the cost. The quality of sound and the system’s versatility and configurations allows you to hear a wide range of different sounds and sound quality.
The HT-RC260 gives you performance and features that leave class-competitors gasping in its wake. Six of the latest HDMI 1.4a inputs provide easy connection for all your high-def sources and compatibility with the eye-popping new 3D video format.
Another connectivity highlight is a handy Universal Port that allows you to hook up Onkyo peripherals such as a Dock for iPod/iPhone. Meanwhile, if you want to distribute music to another room, the HT-RC260 provides Zone 2 line-outs and speaker outputs.
Regardless of their resolution, all video sources can be upscaled to stunning 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema. High-quality Burr-Brown DACs work alongside jitter-cleaning technology and three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry to minimize distortion and deliver extremely realistic audio for movies, music, and games.
The Onkyo HT-RC260 also offers compatibility with lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as the expanded surround formats of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Quality home theater has never been more affordable.
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Here are some great features of the Onkyo HT-RC260:
- 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel
- HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
- Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz for New Surround Channels
- Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room
The Onkyo HT-RC260 sound quality is totally outstanding!!! Highly recommended, most bang for your buck. No matter what set of speakers you want to hook up, this thing can handle it, and is very future proof. You really will not find a receiver that will deliver more value than this one.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo HT-RC260:
This receiver is an exceptional value for this price range. You get a ton of features including some that you can’t find on comparably price Yamaha’s, Denon’s, or Sony’s. I found set-up to be quite intuitive and easy. Overall, this is a fantastic receiver for this price and, contains a ton of bells and whistles you can’t find on other receivers in this range. It also sounds great and should have all of the connections you need for your A/V equipment. (J. M. Wetterich)
Onkyo HT-RC260 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo HT-RC260 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Sony STR-DH100 Review
10 months ago
Sony STR-DH100
| Average Customer Review | |
Available on Amazon for $125.54 here.
The Sony STR-DH100 is a very capable receiver, nicely built with a useful and easy to understand remote.
This unit is perfect for someone not wanting to do surround sound but still wants to run a blu ray and a few other items thru their stereo.
A solid, 2-channel stereo receiver, the Sony STR-DH100 delivers clear stereo sound for everyday music fans and rooms where a complex home theater system is not needed. With the right mix of inputs and technologies, the STR-DH100 transforms any environment into a concert hall.
In addition, it also includes the Digital Media Port input that allows you to extend your music selection from an iPod, Walkman digital music player, Bluetooth device or from a PC (accessories sold separately).
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Here are some great features of the Sony STR-DH100:
- 2-channel audio receiver
- 100 watts per channel
- 5 audio inputs/2 audio outputs
- A and B speaker switching for front speakers
- 1/4-inch headphone jack output
If you’re looking for a basic audio receiver that delivers high quality sound at a reasonable price and without a whole lot of “bells and whistles”, the Sony STR-DH100 is an excellent receiver for the money. Although the bass is not as strong as I would like, the highs are very crisp. Overall an excellent buy. You can’t go wrong with this one!
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Sony STR-DH100:
I really enjoy the sound coming through the speakers. For the money you can’t go wrong, everything I play sounds very good and there is no distortion even when turning the volume up considerably loud. If you are on the fence about this, do what i did, buy it and try it out and if you don’t think it is worth the price you can always return it, that’s the great thing about Amazon, no hassles!! Anyway, I highly recommend the Sony STR-DH100.
Sony STR-DH100 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Sony STR-DH100 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Onkyo TX-NR808 Review
10 months ago
Onkyo TX-NR808
| Sound quality | |
| Audio quality | |
| Product packaging | |
Available on Amazon for $710.93 here.
The Onkyo TX-NR808 is a top class performer in the middle class range of AV equipment. Home Theater magazine rates it a best buy, and this receiver performs extremely well.
You will love the on-screen display, the quick HDMI switching and the iPod integration. Audyssey Multi-EQ with the Microphone setup makes tuning a breeze. Individual crossovers for each channel. There are plenty of inputs and all of the HDMI and digital audio inputs are assignable which makes for great flexibility in how you configure your system. Even the inputs can be renamed.
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Here are some great features of the Onkyo TX-NR808:
- 135 Watts per Channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel)
- HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
- Certified with Windows 7 and DLNA Version 1.5
- Front-Panel USB Input for Memory Devices and iPhone/ iPod Models (Enables Display of Album Artwork)
The set up was easy and the sound clarity, accuracy and other performance criteria were met superbly. This is a very large unit. Measure your cabinet before purchasing.
The Onkyo TX-NR808 is a great receiver…performance, component interface, ease of use, and looks…it has it all. For the money you simply can’t beat this receiver.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo TX-NR808:
WOW! Any source that i’ve run through the Onkyo TX-NR808 (CD, DVD, iPod, or Blu-ray) has resulted in a sonic explosion! Highs, mids and lows all are perfectly represented by the 808. Man was I blown away by the overall sound quality. Sonic power and clarity is all I can say. With either format you get improved ambiance, harder hitting bass, and amazing dynamic range which creates an unequalled movie watching experiance! No movie theater can even come close with the sound quality I now have in my home theater! (A. Zeller)
Onkyo TX-NR808 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo TX-NR808 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Pioneer VSX-1020-K Review
1 year ago
Pioneer VSX-1020-K
| Average Customer Review | |
Available on Amazon for $356.03 here.
The Pioneer VSX-1020-K delivers amazing home theater performance in an elegant package. It has great sound, tons of features, and lots of connectivity for whatever device you may have.
The receiver does offer a really good listening experience for a very light (and presumably efficient) unit. Pioneer does a great job at offering several different presets of how to listen to your content. I also like that each input maintains it’s own setting. There is a plethora of logical adjustments that are easy to understand and implement including display changes. Pioneer really did a great job with the software on this model, and for the price I couldn’t be any happier.
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I’d highly recommend this to anybody who has multiple inputs of various formats, who enjoys simple setup and operation, who has a less than ideal speaker setup, and who requires a smaller footprint.
Here are some great features of the Pioneer VSX-1020-K:
- “Works with iPhone”-certified, USB/Composite video cable included; free iControlAVR iPhone app available for control of receiver with iPhone
- Support for latest HDMI spec (3-D ready) with 1080p upscaling, plus DTS-HD®, Dolby® TrueHD, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz
- Multi-zone configuration (7.1-channel, or 5.1 + 2)
- Full-color GUI with Advanced Sound Retriever
- Bluetooth® ready (with AS-BT100 adapter, sold separately)
- Front USB connectivity provide iPod, touch, and iPhone users ultimate plug-and-play integration of their Apple products with their home theater
- Simple connectivity to high-performance HD video, HD audio, portable, internet, wireless, and analog components
- The latest version of HDMI inputs and outputs provide more HD connectivity options with “future-proof” 3-D capability
- 1080p video conversion and upscaling ensures the highest quality video from any source
Gizmodo already called this the best receiver can buy, saying the 1020 “hit the sweet spot” that gave the most bang for buyer’s buck. So if you’re considering buying a new receiver to replace old one or are buying for the first time, I would highly recommend this excellent receiver. The only negatives of note for me is that the little front port cover is a little cheap. It’s not even a door, simply a little plastic piece that pops out if you push one side.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Pioneer VSX-1020-K:
Check out the Pioneer VSX-1020-K for yourself. On top of the basics, you’ll find that it has more options that you can imagine. Pioneer is truly giving you a lot of receiver for a modest amount of cash. Did I mention that the VSX-1020-K has great sound? (I. Haas)
Pioneer VSX-1020-K Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Pioneer VSX-1020-K Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Onkyo TX-SR508 Review
1 year ago
Onkyo TX-SR508
| Average Customer Rating | |
Available on Amazon for $244.09 here.
With the 7.1-channel Onkyo TX-SR508 , you get an entry-level home theater centerpiece built to unleash the potential of your favorite entertainment sources.
For you can’t ask for more. The Audyssey 2EQ Acoustic Room Correction is awesome. Onkyo did a great job implementing this feature in their receiver. No more guess work when it comes to speaker calibration. I was up and running after 10 minutes, it can’t get any easier than this.
Four 3D-ready HDMI 1.4a inputs for connecting your high-definition sources, studio master-quality HD audio formats from Dolby and DTS, Dolby Pro Logic IIz for new surround-sound possibilities, powered Zone 2 and bi-amping for more speaker flexibility, and a Universal Port and front-side input for connecting peripherals and portable devices.
Meanwhile, Audyssey volume and equalization technologies ensure comfortable listening and a room-fitting soundstage. Underpinning it all is decades of Onkyo amplifier expertise in the form of WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and a high-current, low-impedance drive.
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Quite simply, if you compare all of its features, ease of use, quality of sound, and its price, there is nothing better out there. The TX-SR508 arrives brimming with processing and connectivity features previously unheard of at this level.
Here are some great features of the Onkyo TX-SR508:
- 80 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (4 Inputs and 1 Output)
- 4 DSP Modes for Gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG (Role Playing Game)
- Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room
- Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI
One of the most impressive elements of the TX-SR508 is the ease of use. The on-screen set up is great. It makes customizing the inputs and the equalizer so easy. And the speaker test really lets you know what where you need to place you speakers.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Onkyo TX-SR508:
I could not ask for a simpler device. I have always been impressed with the way Onkyos sound (which is why I own 2 of them). Sounds are clear, responsive, and distinct. Voices come out the center loud and clear, and ambient noise and music come out the left and right. I could not be happier with the sound quality. I honestly believe the features, ease of use, quality and price on the TX-SR508 make this receiver a best choice out there for a home theater system. (H. Greenberg)
Onkyo TX-SR508 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Onkyo TX-SR508 Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Pioneer VSX-1120-K Review
1 year ago
Pioneer VSX-1120-K
| Average Customer Review | |
Available on Amazon for $536.85 here.
The Pioneer VSX-1120-K delivers the ultimate level of control and sophistication for your home theater.
It is the newest of the VSX line.
With connectivity options for all your latest high-definition home theater components and digital 1080p upscaling from any source, the VSX-1120-K takes performance a step further with multi-zone and RS-232 support for home automation systems.
And the VSX-1120-K brings extensive connectivity for your digital media via Ethernet and a front USB input, and compatibility with Bluetooth sources (using the optional AS-BT100 adapter, sold separately).
It’s “Works with iPhone”-certified, so you can incorporate your favorite Apple products into your home theater easily. iControlAVR, a free iPhone app (downloaded separately) and PC control turns your iPhone, iPod Touch, or PC into the ultimate control center.
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With high-end receiver features at half the price, Pioneer VSX-1120-K “takes the Yellow Jersey in Mid-Range Receivers.” Home theater systems don’t get more powerful or versatile than the Pioneer VSX-1120-K.
Here are some great features of the Pioneer VSX-1120-K:
- “Works with iPhone”-certified, USB/Composite video cable included; free iControlAVR iPhone app available for control of receiver with iPhone
- Support for latest HDMI spec (3-D ready) with 1080p upscaling, plus DTS-HD®, Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, and THX®, Select2 Plus
- Multi-zone configuration (7.1-channel, or 5.1 + 2), plus RS-232 support for home automation
- Full-color GUI, Advanced Sound Retriever, and PC control
- Bluetooth®, ready (with AS-BT100 adapter, sold separately)
While this receiver does have a few noticeable shortcomings (lack of on screen display and Pandora streaming), it is an incredible package at its current street price floating between and There are a few shortcomings with the 1120 but they were not a deal breaker. Highly recommend this unit over others costing 2X.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Pioneer VSX-1120-K:
After listening to a variety of blu rays and SACDs from my Oppo, I was nothing but amazed by the power and quality of the sound. Please keep in mind I am of the school that callibrated mid and entry level receivers tend to offer about the same quality audio with incremental differences – speakers (and power to push them) have the biggest impact on quality. That said, this is a very capable receiver that keeps putting me in trouble with my wife to turn it down! Its power, flexibility, and connectivity is excellent, though I would like to see 7.1 MCH inputs. All in all, it’s a very competitive offering and highly recommended. (WDH)
Pioneer VSX-1120-K Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Pioneer VSX-1120-K Review by AV Receiver Reviews
Sony STR-DH510 Review
1 year ago
Sony STR-DH510
| Average Customer Review | |
Available on Amazon for $168.00 here.
The Sony STR-DH510 is a great deal for someone looking for a straight-to-the-point, entry level 5.1 system. If you want to make your first jump to intro home theater but don’t want to sweat the details, this does the job well.
Outfitted with 5 HD inputs (3 HDMI, 2 component), it’s easy to integrate your HD home components such as a Blu-ray Disc player or PlayStation 3 system. You’ll also experience audio closer to the way it was recorded with built-in Blu-ray Disc audio decoding (LPCM only).
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Additional features include Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your TV, and standby pass-through which lets you access all of your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the receiver.
Here are some great features of the Sony STR-DH510:
- 5.1-channel A/V receiver with 100 watts per channel
- 5 HD video inputs (3 HDMI, 2 component)
- HDMI Repeater for simplified audio and video signal management
- Blu-ray Disc audio decoding (linear PCM only)
- Audio Return Channel uses just one cable for TV audio
The Sony STR-DH510 provides plenty of power and enough options to create an economical yet strong performance package. If you want to make your first jump to intro home theater but don’t want to sweat the details, this does the job well.
Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Sony STR-DH510:
I am by no means saying this is the best receiver out there by giving it 5 stars, but within its class of receivers, this is a good one. It was a breeze to setup, aesthetically pleasing and great sound with decent power. Overally, couldnt be happier and got what anyone should expect at this price. (J. Jacobs Jr.)
Sony STR-DH510 Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here
Sony STR-DH510 Review by AV Receiver Reviews