Best Home Theater Receiver Under 1000 Reviews

You’re about to upgrade your home system, and I know you’re thinking, “AV receivers are very expensive.” In my article, I’ll prove that you don’t have to break the bank to make an upgrade, and I’ll tell you how to find the best AV receiver under $1,000. I’ve put together some great models for you in this price range, and they’ll make you want to purchase them immediately. But remember, it’s not about the price but the experience. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on this exciting journey.

Our pick

Marantz SR5015

Best AV receiver under $1000

Marantz SR5015 is a 7.2 channel 8K AV receiver with HEOS built-in, featuring 100W per channel power, 8K upscaling, and enhanced audio return channel (EARC) HDMI Support. Read the full review.

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AV receivers under $1000 comparison table

Top picks for best AV receiver under $1000

Marantz SR5015 – best overall

The main contender for first place in the table is the Marantz SR5015. While I’m not discounting the brand’s quality, the design is impressive and looks premium. However, I wouldn’t say I like their round screen, which makes it hard to read anything from a great distance.

So, the Marantz SR5015 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. With 100W (8 Ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 ch), a wide range of connectivity options, and Marantz’s outstanding sound quality, the SR5015 could be the Atmos receiver you’ve been looking for under one thousand dollars.

With HDMI 2.1 ports (2 HDMI eARC outputs), you can connect various devices such as game consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and a turntable. They also support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video streaming and HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG formats. Moreover, you can enhance video to 4K or even 8K with the up-scaling option.

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connections and compatibility with streaming services (AirPlay 2, Spotify, TuneIn) and voice assistants. This receiver also has built-in HEOS for multi-room audio and easy playback of streams from various sources.

Setting up the receiver was easy with the Audyssey MultEQ XT32. When it came to movie playback, I had a thrilling experience. The sound of the flying overhead of “Fast and Furious” demonstrated the SR5015’s ability to create a convincing 3D soundscape. When listening to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” the singer’s vocals were delivered with impressive clarity and emotion.

YAMAHA RX-V6A – also a great choice

The Yamaha RX-V6A is also a great choice for those looking for quality, functionality, and affordability. It is not much different from my review leader. The brand features are more likely to come to the fore here than any unique features of these models. But still, I will try to compare them.

The Yamaha RX-V6A has one more HDMI input but only one output. They all support CEC and HDCP 2.3, as well as eARC for the output port. So you have HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision video available at 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz. But the passthrough feature here is only for 4K video, unlike the SR5015.

Also, like the Marantz, there’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for pairing with streaming services and voice assistants, and built-in MusicCast multi-room technology will help stream them to different areas of your home.

The RX-V6A has identical 100W Marantz power (8 Ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.06%, 2 ch), the finest THD value of those on my list, and is available with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. But the main value lies in the Virtual Cinema DSP technology, so you can use these formats even if you don’t have special overhead speakers. Instead, the sound will be virtually routed upwards, creating the illusion of high-altitude broadcasting.

I like Yamaha YPAO autocalibration because it’s convenient and easy, and I often test receivers, so I understand the point. This time I chose Finch the film. I really liked the sound of the ominous storm, the robot’s movements also sounded impressively realistic, and the dialogue listened well with the background of the car driving. Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” showcased the receiver’s ability to handle complex instrumental compositions, though it is worth noting the somewhat cold Yamaha specificity inherent in all brand receivers.

Onkyo TX-NR7100 – best 9.2 receiver under 1000

Onkyo released its 9.2-channel TX-NR7100 in 2021. And it’s the only AVR with this configuration in our chart, which sets it apart from its predecessors and means you can build a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 system to your liking.

Its power is the same as Marantz and Yamaha described above, i.e., 100W per channel (8 Ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 ch), and it is quite suitable for large-size rooms.

But it has more HDMI ports (7/2), although, with them, you get all the same features: HDCP 2.3, 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, VRR, and ALLM for gamers, ensuring compatibility with the latest video and audio formats, which include 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz passthrough as well as HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.

The other inputs and outputs are about identical to the competition. There is wireless connectivity as well. But I really like the built-in streaming services Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora. As I made sure in my testing, they worked perfectly. But to control your voice, you’ll have to shell out some money, my dears. Unfortunately, the device for this is sold separately.

So, we got surround sound for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but the TX-NR7100 also features THX Certified Select Dynamic Audio Amplification and IMAX Enhanced technologies for an even more impressive experience. Finally, there’s also the simple AccuEQ Advance auto-calibration with AccuReflex and 3-Zone audio broadcasting.

To test the Onkyo, I turned on RoboCop and was pleasantly impressed with the crisp and clear soundscapes. The action effects of the gunfights didn’t blend into a splashy mess but corresponded very clearly to the picture on the screen. I listened to the music on the built-in Spotify, and the indie-rock selection I adored sounded in the 2 Zones with the same precision and clarity.

Denon AVR-S970H

The next home theater receiver under $1000 in my rating is the Denon AVR-S970H, which, like the Marantz SR5015, has a 7.2 configuration and can play DTS:X and Dolby Atmos surround sound formats.

Although the AVR-S970H is slightly less powerful at 90W (8 Ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08%, 2ch), it’s still productive enough for medium and large spaces. In any case, for receivers in this category, I don’t recommend turning the volume to the maximum; the sound will lose clarity. You can find here two Multi-Room zones, built-in HEOS Wireless Multi-Room technology, wireless Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support for streaming services and voice assistants. All in all, for those with a large family with different preferences, this is the one for you.

AVR-S970H supports the same video formats and resolutions, so the 8K/60Hz and HDR content is available to you here, and I will not repeat myself but proceed to describe the experience.

I will not hide that I am a fan of Denon equipment. I love the authentic warmth of its sound, so I chose A.I. Artificial Intelligence because I don’t know a more heartwarming movie with powerful sound scenes. My speakers produced sounds worthy of the more expensive models during the arena scene. Of course, in the case of Denon, I always try vinyl, which sounds as natural as possible with this particular brand, and my old Ace of Base record brought me back to my childhood, giving me a 90s beat in all its glory.

Sony STR-AN1000

Meet the newcomer! The Sony STR-AN1000 AV receiver 2023 was released recently, and I can’t wait to tell you about my impressions.

I won’t repeat myself by listing the connectivity and available video formats; they are identical to those in its predecessors (including IMAX Enhanced and 2-Zone video streaming). But there is no phono input in the receiver, so record lovers will have to connect an external preamplifier.

As for sound, Sony is also a modern device and is not inferior to the previous competitors, offering us 165W (6 ohms, 1kHz, 0.9%, 1ch) for listening to DTS:X and Dolby Atmos surround sound as well as earlier versions. And its unique 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology will deliver concert sound to the home. But an even cooler feature is the near-high-quality enhancement with DSEE Ultimate, which simulates the sound of a studio recording as it uses AI-based technology.

Wireless capabilities are already standard on this chart – WI-FI and Bluetooth are compatible with AirPlay, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The device also has a built-in Chromecast, is Sonos compatible, and streams audio for 3 Zones.

Sony has updated its calibration system, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, allowing you to set the screen height and speakers for manual calibration. I really liked this, as this option is very rare to find. So, I set about exploring by turning on the movie Passengers. The scene of the main characters extinguishing the reactor didn’t make my windows shudder with power, but it was enough to satisfy me with the surround sound quality. So I wasn’t stunned by the quality of the surround sound, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed either.

Connecting my iPhone via WI-FI gave me clear, uninterrupted sound to my diverse playlist for all 3 Zones.

What to expect form an AV receiver under $1000

When shopping for an AV receiver in the sub-$1000 price range, you’ll find various useful features that enhance your home theater experience. Let’s look at some key aspects to expect from a quality AV receiver at this price point.

Power Output

In my experience, a decent AV receiver under $1000 should provide sufficient power output to drive your speakers and deliver an immersive audio experience. Aim for a receiver that offers around 80 to 100 watts per channel, which I’ve found enough to fill most living rooms with crisp, dynamic sound.

Wireless Streaming

We all know how important wireless streaming capabilities are in today’s connected world. While testing AV receivers in this price range, I’ve noticed that most of them offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music easily from your smartphone or other devices. Some models even support popular streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music, making it super convenient to enjoy your favorite tunes.

Multi-room Audio

Multi-room audio functionality is one feature I’ve always appreciated in AV receivers under $1000. It allows you to connect multiple speakers and control them independently throughout your home, creating a seamless audio experience across different rooms. From my experience, I recommend looking for receivers that support popular multi-room audio platforms like HEOS, MusicCast, or Play-Fi for optimal compatibility and user experience.

Voice Control

As smart home technology continues to gain popularity, voice control has become an increasingly common feature in AV receivers. Many models in the sub-$1000 price range offer compatibility with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. I love controlling various aspects of my home theater system, such as volume, input selection, and even playback, using just my voice.

Reasons to upgrade to the higher-end AV receiver

I understand the temptation to upgrade to a higher-class receiver. From my experience, there are several reasons why you might consider taking that step. Let’s look at them together and see if upgrading is right for you.

So, upgrading to a higher-class AV receiver can provide many benefits. I can attest that such an upgrade can transform your home theater. But first, evaluate your needs and financial capabilities and decide if it’s really time to upgrade your system.

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