Yamaha launched two new AVRs recently – the RX500A and RX300A. They have a lot in common with each other – like Dolby Atmos support for one – but there are also some key differences to be aware of.

What exactly are those? And which is best for your needs? That's what we're here to find out.

We haven't tested either AV receiver yet, so this is based purely on specifications, as well as our expert knowledge.

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: price

The RX500A is the more premium offering of the two, with better specs, but at the moment, we don't know how much it will cost. Expect a price to arrive closer to its on-sale date of September.

We do have a price for the RX300A, which is set to retail for £349 (around $475 / AU$650). It launches in August.

** Winner: TBC **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: design

Looks-wise, there's really not much to choose between these two. They're both discreet black boxes designed to fade into the scenery rather than take centre stage. Which is exactly how an AVR should be, in our opinion.

Their dimensions are even identical (157 x 434 x 319mm), although the RX500A is a little heavier, at 8kg to the RX300A's 7.6kg.

There are some slight differences around the back. The RX500A has two height speaker outputs to go with the two surround, two front and one centre, making a total of seven speaker ports to the RX300A's five. The RX500A also has an Ethernet port, which its sibling lacks.

But one design feature is common to both: Yamaha's Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge. This centre-mounted fifth foot works with the four outer feet to keep the unit stable and disperse vibrations. It's usually only found on Yamaha's high-end models, so it's a boon to see it on these more affordable AVRs.

** Winner: Draw **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: features

In terms of features, both models have a lot in common. They both offer Dolby Atmos, although the RX500A's 7.2 channels should create a more engrossing sound than the RX300A's 5.2 channels.

They both have 70W of power too, and have the same range of sound modes for different situations or content (Music, Movie, Night etc). Room correction comes as standard, allowing both to optimise the sound depending on your room layout.

They both have four HDMI inputs – all of which support 4K/120Hz (and 8K/60Hz), VRR and ALLM – and support passthrough of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ signals.

HDMI eARC functionality brings audio and video from your TV to the receiver in one cable, and both AVRs support all four of the major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG).

One of the biggest differences between them is that the RX500A has network capabilities. It plays nice with streaming services like Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, as well as AirPlay 2 and Google Cast wireless tech.

It can also wirelessly unlock digital music stored locally within your home. And it's compatible with the Audio Connect app, which the RX300A isn't.

** Winner: Yamaha RX500A **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: sound

We haven't tested either of these AV receivers, so we can't comment on the sound at the moment. But while it doesn't currently feature in our list of best AV receivers, Yamaha does make some very good AVRs.

The RX-A6A picked up five stars thanks to its exhaustive features and expansive sound. It's a few years old now, but still a doozy, with a "clean, crisp and dynamic performance", we noted in our Yamaha RX-A6A review. Its presentation is spacious yet authoritative, with a keen sense of balance.

Costing in the region of £2000, the RX-A6A is much pricier than the RX300A, and likely the RX500A, so we're not really comparing like with like. But it shows what Yamaha can do in the AVR space. Consider our expectations raised.

** Winner: TBC **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: early verdict

The Yamaha RX500A and RX300A look like very promising AV receivers. While they share a lot of features, the RX500A adds networking skills to the mix, which will give you more playback options.

As ever, the proof will be in the listening. We'll update this article once we've reviewed these AVRs to reach a definitive verdict.

MORE:

Read our review of the Denon AVC-X6700H

Also consider the Arcam AVR5

These are the best AV receivers you can buy

Can you believe it’s been four years since Denon released the hugely talented AVR-X2800H? That model stormed our test room to deliver a superb cinematic sound at a reasonable price, earning a rightful spot on our best AV receivers list and a What Hi-Fi? Award.

But 2022 was a long time ago, and things have certainly changed. The Product of the Year-winning Sony TA-AN1000 emerged to dethrone the AVR-X2800H, and we’ve been waiting for Denon to bite back against its Japanese AV opponent since.

Our patience has, as you can probably tell by the headline of this hands-on review, paid off. The AVR-X2900H is a direct sequel to the beloved X2800H, and Denon has made a handful of key upgrades to make it the Kryptonite to Sony’s Superman.

As this is a hands-on review based on a brief introduction to the new amplifier we had at Denon’s offices in Tokyo, we won’t be attaching a star rating yet – that’ll have to wait until we get the new amplifier into our dedicated home cinema testing facility. As for now, here are our initial impressions of the X2900H.

Price

Denon has officially revealed pricing for the AVR-X2900H, and it’s surprisingly pleasant news.

Despite significant global economic instability since 2022, the same £899 price tag applies here in the UK, meaning we’ve avoided a dreaded price hike. While that is good news indeed, there’s still the competition to be mindful of.

Crucially, Denon is positioning this as a direct rival to the TA-AN1000, so the price needs to remain competitive with that amplifier; which in itself may be a big ask as the TA-AN1000 has been on the market for a few year and, as such, is now subject to nearly constant price decreases.

While Sony launched that AV amplifier at a higher £999 price, we’ve seen it widely available for £899, and it can drop to as low as £699 during major sales events.

Build

Consistency is key with Denon’s AVR range, and truth be told, the X2900H looks like it’s long lineage of predecessors.

The genes run strong with the X2900H; this is another angular black box with a brushed metal finish and a rectangular display placed atop a tidy line of on-device buttons.

Denon has made a couple of changes, though. These buttons are now angled slightly upwards, making them easier to press if you have this AVR placed at shin-height in a media unit, and the volume and source select knobs look slightly different.

Subtle upgrades aside, this AVR remains functional-looking rather than particularly eye-catching. Denon’s sister company, Marantz, wins the AVR beauty contest – just look at the Cinema 30 and tell us you disagree…

Features

But beauty is merely skin deep; it’s what the Denon offers in terms of features and sound that is more compelling to us.

Much like its predecessor, the AVR-X2900H offers seven channels of amplification, supporting up to a 5.1.2 or 7.1 surround sound system. Denon claims that this amp can output 95W per channel, though that’s with only two of the seven available channels driven.

The mention of 5.1.2 support might give away that this AVR supports Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X is also supported. Audyssey MultEQ XT also makes a return for straightforward room correction, including automated speaker level and distance settings.

On the subject of calibration, Denon has added the basic version of Dirac Live Room Correction this year, although it’s an optional extra that requires additional equipment to set up.

In terms of connectivity, the AVR-X2900H sports six HDMI inputs, three of which support signals up to 8K resolution, and Denon has added 1440p video pass-through and AMD FreeSync this year for better PC gaming support. There are also dual HDMI outputs, one of which is HDMI eARC, while the other supports Zone 2 functionality.

Denon has made direct reference to this AVR supporting HDR10+, but Dolby Vision hasn’t been mentioned yet. Considering the AVR-X2800H supported the dynamic HDR format, we’d be very surprised to see this missing in the new model.

Wireless connectivity is also solid, with streaming supported over wi-fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Denon’s HEOs application, which also provides access to countless music streaming apps, including Tidal, Qobuz and more.

Internally, Denon says it’s made a few changes in pursuit of improved sound performance, too. It says that it’s implemented an upgraded 32-bit multi-channel DAC architecture for “improved imaging, clearer high-frequency detail and more confident low-frequency energy across every channel”.

Sound

So, have these improvements made a noticeable change to how this amplifier sounds? It’s far too early to say, but we did get a chance to listen to a very familiar test scene from Dune: Part One on both the existing AVR-2800H and new AVR-X2900H, to get a flavour of what the new model is capable of.

The AVR-X2900H was hooked up to a totally overkill speaker package comprising Bowers & Wilkins 801 Diamond speakers; far too high-end to match a mid-range AVR such as this, but fun to listen to nonetheless.

The scene in which the Atreides clan boards an Ornithopter to see the spice fields of Arrakis sounded noticeably richer and larger in scale on the new model, while also remaining agile and exciting in an impressive display of cinematic balance.

Everything felt more layered and detailed, with voices in particular carrying more character and tonality. This helped to convey more natural and emotive dialogue, aiding immersion and allowing us to get sucked into the tense conversation had within the cockpit of the Ornithopter.

Bass and dynamics, two areas that we appreciated on the Sony competitor, also appear to have improved on the X2900H. Bass goes deeper when the tribal drums of Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack burst into life, and it’s a snappier and punchier affair too.

It remains controlled, but it felt like the low end had more attack, resulting in a more engaging and exciting experience.

Early verdict

It’s taken a while, but our early impressions of the Denon AVR-X2900H lead us to believe that our patience has paid off.

After having its confidence knocked by Sony, we’d like to say that Denon is back with a vengeance, but in reality, it seems like the changes made here are both subtle and considered.

That seems like the right move to us, as the AVR-X2900H has made a strong first impression; now all it has to do is live up to expectations in our AV testing room…

MORE:

Read our full Denon AVR-X2800H review

As well as our Denon AVC-X3800H review

And check out our picks for the best AV receivers

It has been only a month since Denon announced the arrival of its new AVR-S980H AV receiver, but the Japanese audio giant has clearly earmarked 2026 as a big year for home cinema. It has just taken the wraps off a further two new models!

Designed and tuned at Denon’s Shirakawa Audio Works in Japan, the new AVRs seem to have sound quality high on the agenda, promising as they do “improved imaging, clearer high‑frequency detail and more confident low‑frequency energy across every channel”.

Key to the audio improvements are the inclusion of a new 32-bit, eight-channel DAC, plus upgraded components and mechanical improvements across both models, many of which are designed to reduce the effects of noise and vibrations.

The Denon AVR-X2900H (£899/€1000/$1349) is a 7.2-channel AVR with 95W per channel, while the step-up AVC-X3900H (£1299/€1499/$1849) is a 9.4-channel AVR with 11.4 channels of processing and 105W per channel.

Both AV receivers feature a refreshed front-panel design and include Denon HEOS multiroom audio and support for Bluetooth (including LE Audio), Apple AirPlay 2 and online streaming services including TuneIn Internet Radio, Spotify and Qobuz.

Movie fans can take advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks through both amps, with the AVC-X3900H adding IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D, and 360 Reality Audio to its specification sheet.

• Hands on: Denon AVR-X2900H review

HDMI connectivity is, as you would expect, high on the agenda. The AVR-X2900H features six inputs and two outputs, while its pricier sibling gets an extra output. Both amps offer 1440p passthrough and AMD FreeSync.

They will also be compatible with Denon’s Home 200, 400 and 600 wireless speakers via a future firmware update, should you want to use those models as surrounds in a speaker package.

Another promised future update will allow the amps to support Dolby Atmos music via AirPlay 2.

To help get the AVRs set up for your room layout, they each support Audyssey (you get a calibration mic in the box). Should you want to delve deeper into their settings, there is also optional Dirac Live Room Correction support, plus Bass Control and Active Room Treatment (ART) if you opt for the more premium model.

With Denon, Arcam and Yamaha all announcing new AVRs in recent months, 2026 looks set to be a strong year for home cinema enthusiasts. We can’t wait to get all of these new offerings into our test rooms for review.

MORE:

Denon is gunning for Sony’s Award-winning AVR with its latest release

Yamaha’s two new Dolby Atmos AV receivers borrow one feature from their high-end siblings

Arcam’s Radia AV line of home cinema amps promises serious movie magic

Our pick of the best AV receivers we have tested

Yamaha has announced two affordable new AV receivers, both featuring Dolby Atmos and an anti-resonance feature from the brand's high-end models.

The 7.2-channel RX500A and 5.2-channel RX300A should please gamers – while each model has just four HDMI inputs (a relatively small number by AVR standards), they all support 4K/120Hz (and 8K/60Hz), VRR and ALLM.

Passthrough of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ signals is also supported.

We're promised "exceptionally stable and reliable high-quality playback", garnered from Yamaha's years in AV receiver development.

You also get Yamaha's Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge, which is usually only found on Yamaha's high-end models.

This centre-mounted fifth foot works with the four outer feet to disperse vibrations – Yamaha says this creates "exceptional stability, with focused, accurate sound."

Room correction comes as standard, so you can get decent sound no matter how oddly shaped your room is. There are also buttons for Quick Guide (which walks you through setup) and Scene (i.e. custom presets).

The RX500A is network compatible, giving you access to all the big streaming services – Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect – as well as AirPlay 2 and Google Cast wireless tech. It can also unlock digital music stored locally within your home.

The Atmos delivery will be interesting to test, particularly in the case of the 5.2-channel RX300A, which can be switched to a 3.1.2-channel configuration to deliver the 3D audio format. In other words, the surround channels are sacrificed in the name of height channels.

The RX500A can be configured in a 5.1.2-channel arrangement, which is much more common for entry-level Atmos setups.

A heatsink above the HDMI circuitry keeps the heat under control, and HDMI eARC functionality brings audio and video from your TV to the receiver in one cable.

There are Sound Modes to tailor the sound to what you're listening to. Musical purist? You'll want Pure Direct and Stereo modes. Cinephile? Movie mode is for you, as it gives you "maximum cinematic impact". Watching at night? Night mode reduces volume while maintaining the balance, so it won't wake the kids or ruin your enjoyment.

The Yamaha RX300A is out in August for £349 (around $475 / AU$650), and the RX500A is out in September, price TBC.

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How to build the perfect home cinema system

What would you say is the main purpose of an AV receiver? Multiple channels of amplification? Surround sound processing? Audio/Video routing?

While all of these are true, at the end of the day your AV receiver is there to make your movies sound sensational – far more than a soundbar or built-in speaker could hope to achieve. That’s exactly what the Arcam AVR5 does, and it can now be yours for £1299 at Richer Sounds.

There are certainly AV receivers that cram in more features – often, to be frank, too many – but the AVR5 makes no compromises when it comes to sound. This results in sparkling clarity and an agility that outperforms AVRs well above its price bracket.

We were big fans of the Arcam AVR5 when we had it in for testing – so much so that it earned our spot on our best AV receivers list as our mid-range pick.

That was despite the AVR5 technically being an entry-level model – the sound is just that good.

“The ’80s classics in the opening of Ready Player One sing out from the soundtrack with resounding rhythmic agility and kinetic energy, an early indication that the AVR5 is a capable amp with music. As Wade’s narration begins there’s a distinct cleanness to the vocal that feels natural and unprocessed with plenty of presence and warmth,” our Arcam AVR5 review reads.

“There’s a transparency to the AVR5 that’s rare for a home cinema amp, bringing to life subtle sonic touches that lesser kit leaves unearthed.”

Arcam has clearly prioritised sound over features here, and that does mean HDMI 2.1 and a built-in calibration system are absent. The AVR5 is still more than capable, however, with seven HDMI inputs that handle 4K 60Hz passthrough signals with HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG compatibility.

The AVR5 offers seven channels of amplification, allowing for either a 5.1.2 or 7.1 setup, although it can natively decode up to 12 channels of Dolby Atmos audio. For larger systems, you will need to pair this AVR with the Arcam PA410 power amplifier, which is sold separately.

We find the feature shortcomings of the AVR5 to be more than made up for in its music and sound performance, with its agility and pinpoint accuracy making for an engaging performance. For anyone looking for a step-up AVR that offers more nuance and authenticity when it comes to cinematic sound, look no further than the Arcam AVR5, now £701 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the Denon AVC-X3700H

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Best AV receivers: brilliant home cinema amplifiers

There’s a new AV receiver on the block: meet the Denon AVR-S980H, which is set to go toe-to-toe with one of our current Award-winners.

The new unit is being pitched as a scalable option that can run everything from basic stereo setups, all the way up to a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos or 7.2-channel system with 90 watts of muscle per channel.

Lyle Smith, president of Sound United at Harman, added: “With the AVR-S980H, we’re giving families an easy way to make every day experiences feel more engaging and far more enjoyable.”

Audyssey room calibration is onboard, adding to its "no hassle" setup and usage chops.

For people looking to cut the cord, the receiver supports Denon's Home speakers as rears, namely the new 200, 400 and 600 models.

The company says this is ideal for those wanting to create a “fuller home theatre experience in spaces where running wires isn’t practical.”

For music fans, the system supports Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and HEOS (Denon’s multi-room music streaming technology).

In terms of gaming, Denon has included support for 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync, which it says delivers “smoother visuals and more responsive gameplay.”

To tinker with the settings of the AVR, you can use the TV’s on-screen menu, the remote app, or a web-based interface from your smartphone or PC.

It's available now on Amazon for £799, although the retailer states it will ship "within three to seven months".

At that price, it has tough competition against our current best overall AVR – the Sony TA-AN1000. Although the Sony model launched at a higher price, it is now regularly available for around £699.

In our review, we praised the TA-AN1000 for its precise sound and impressive dynamics, ultimately earning it a What Hi-Fi? Award.

We will have to wait until we get the Denon model into our test room to deliver a verdict, but its impressive specifications have caught our eye. Hopefully, we'll get one in for review soon.

MORE:

Here is our review of the Sony TA-AN1000

These are the best AVRs we have tested

Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Fancy a high-end AV receiver without the massive price tag? You could be in for a real treat with this deal we've found, but you'll have to be quick.

Right now, the impressive Arcam AVR31 is down to just £3499 at Peter Tyson. That's a whopping £2300 saving on one of the best AV receivers we've ever tested.

Sure, it's still expensive, but if you're in the market for a high-end upgrade, then this Denon AVR delivers simply sublime home cinema sound and, as a What Hi-Fi? Awards winner, we're happy to recommend it.

The Arcam AVR31 is a five-star product that boasts a sleek build and clean, open sound.

When it comes to sonic performance, the AVR31 prompted our expert testers to say: "If future-proofed features are equally as important to you as having the very best sound quality, and your pockets are deep enough, then the AVR31 is an ideal choice to make your home cinema sing."

With seven channels of power amplification and up to 16 channels of decoding, it's capable of processing audio for systems with configurations up to 9.1.6.

It boasts wide-ranging audio format support, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D, as well as Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X for systems without height speakers.

And there's nothing lacking from the AVR31's connectivity spec sheet either with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs, all capable of handling 8K video signals at 60fps and 4K at 120fps with support for VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. One of the outputs also supports eARC.

Physical connections at the rear also include six digital (four coaxials, two opticals) and six analogue (RCA) inputs, as well as optical and analogue outputs and and pre-amp outputs.

There’s an aerial connector for an FM/DAB tuner, a USB port and trigger outputs with IR extenders for two zones, along with an RS-232 serial connector and an Ethernet port. Users can also stream content wirelessly with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon and Tidal Connect.

The AVR31 is certainly a high-end pick delivering modern AVR functionality, paired with a distinguished sound. And fortunately, it's now a little more affordable dropping to just £3499 at Peter Tyson.

MORE:

Read our full Arcam AVR31 review

Check out the best AV receivers: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

And find out how to choose and set up your amplifier

Swiss hi-fi manufacturer Goldmund has revealed its latest high-end home cinema processor, and it has its sights set on powering "the world’s most ambitious private cinemas and reference listening rooms".

The Ouranos Excellence is, on paper, as prestigious as its name suggests. It's being billed as a "no-compromise" 16-channel acoustic processor featuring Goldmund's next-generation DSP architecture, proprietary room-optimisation technology, and a fully redesigned user interface.

Goldmund aims to set "a new benchmark in high-performance immersive audio and seamless configurability for both integrators and end users" with these features, and it's not stopping there.

The Swiss audio company has affirmed that this isn't merely a spec bump over the existing Ouranos Signature, as it has outfitted the Excellence with a completely new electronic system built from the ground up.

This integrates Goldmund's Proteus HT multichannel algorithm, which allows for advanced room correction through the processor by generating optimal sound configurations and uploading them directly to the processor's DSP.

Furthermore, the Ouranos Excellence is compatible with Goldmund's range of active speakers, which features the brand's Leonardo time-correction technology built into each speaker unit.

If you plan on using this pricey processor with a passive speaker package, perhaps the Rhea Passive or Thea Passive speakers, for example, then you'll be pleased to hear that it also has this timing feature built in for optimal performance regardless of your preferred pairing.

Remember that this is a home cinema audio processor that only houses the brains of your home cinema setup, and you'll need to provide your own amplification to power said speakers.

As referenced by the fact that this is destined for the most exclusive private cinemas in the world, the Ouranos Excellence carries quite the price tag. It's launching at 60,000 CHF, which is around £58,000/$78,000.

While we're yet to try Goldmund's high-end AV range, we were very impressed by its latest hi-fi entry to grace our listening rooms; that being the five-star Telos 690.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AV receivers

As well as our full Marantz Cinema 30 review

And the best surround sound speaker systems

Are you looking to buy your first AV receiver, or do you wish to upgrade from a budget model? The five-star Denon AVC-X3800H should definitely be on your radar if so.

Not only does it have a refined, warm sound, but it’s also solidly built and has a plethora of connectivity options.

When we tested the mid-range AVC-X3800H in 2022, it cost £1499 and we thought it was an excellent buy at that price. It usually costs £100 more nowadays, but thanks to this brilliant deal, you can get it for a whopping £500 off the normal retail price of £1599!

Grab it for £1099 at Sevenoaks, Peter Tyson, Richer Sounds or AV.com, and get a great deal on a quality bit of AV kit!

When looking for an all-round AV package at the mid-range price point, it doesn’t get much better than the AVC-X3800H.

It offers nine amplification channels (meaning you can drive up to a 5.4.4 channel system), plus six HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz signals, so there should be enough connectivity options to suit most people.

One of its most-appealing features, however, is how future-proof it is. This is thanks to a toggle-able pre-amplifier mode that gives you the option to upgrade the amplification for individual speaker pairs, should you feel the need.

In terms of format support, you could say the Denon’s selection is extensive. In addition to Dolby Vision and Atmos, it supports HDR10+, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Sony 360 Reality Audio.

For those who wish to enjoy wireless streaming, a variety of options are also available, including AirPlay 2, HEOS, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Bluetooth.

However you wish to make use of the AVC-X3800H, you’ll be treated to a hugely impressive sound. During testing, we watched a Blu-ray of No Time To Die and reported that the explosive scene at Vesper’s tomb sounded “dynamic and weighty, but the tumbling debris that scatters the mountainside remains distinct and nicely textured”.

Switching to Dune and listening to the dialogue in the Ornithopter as the family flies out to the spice field for the first time, we noted rich-sounding voices with a warmth and naturalism that’s more engaging than its predecessor, the former Award-winning Denon AVC-X3700H, and some of its pricier competition.

As you can see there is a lot that we love about the Denon AVC-X3800H, and now that it’s £500 off, we’d encourage you to experience these things for yourself by snapping it up for £1099 at Sevenoaks, Peter Tyson, Richer Sounds or AV.com.

MORE:

Check our our top picks for the best AV receivers

LG has revealed pricing for its Sound Suite Dolby Atmos system – and let’s just say it had better sound great

Arcam’s Radia AV line of home cinema amps promises serious movie magic

Home cinema amplifiers are a personal favourite category of mine. Despite being one of the most awkward products to set up and test in our home cinema room, the cinematic sound payoff is, more often than not, a total joy to experience.

It's been far too long since we've had an AVR to test in our home cinema room, which is a shame considering we've had a handful of impressive surround sound speaker packages from the likes of KEF and Fyne Audio.

In fact, 2025 was a pretty disappointing year for new AVRs, as new reveals were slim to none. Sony, Denon, JBL, Arcam and Yamaha were all suspiciously quiet, whereas Marantz did show off a high-end pre-amp and power amp duo, but that's about it.

Thankfully, 2026 immediately seems to be off to a better start, and we have an inkling that it could be the start of a much bigger year for the product category.

This confidence has been inspired by the announcement of Arcam's absolutely stunning-looking Radia AV range, which includes no less than three new AVRs and a processor/power amp combo. If these AVRs sound as good as they look, we're in for a total treat.

Arcam seems to be targeting the upper-mid-range AVR market with its new AVA15 (£2599 / €2999 / $3000), whereas its two more premium models – the AVA25 (£4499 / €4999 / $5000) and AVA35 (£5999 / €6999 / $7000) – look to covering the upper price range and, most importantly, challenge the Award-winning Marantz Cinema 30.

With a plethora of HDMI 2.1 sockets, a 6.5-inch glass-bonded full colour display, and between 12 and 16 channels of amplification depending on the model you choose, this new AVR range already has me on the edge of my seat.

While it's great to see Arcam take the first step in launching new AVRs in 2026, what I'm really hoping for is that this new range of AVRs will be a sign of things to come from other manufacturers for later this year.

I've already mentioned that many AV amplifier brands have been suspiciously quiet for over a year. Denon unveiled its last AVR, the exceptional AVC-X6800H, back in 2023, whereas Yamaha has remained tight-lipped regarding new AVRs since its last launch in 2021.

The less said about Sony, the better; I'm still waiting for another model to accompany the repeat Award-winning TA-AN1000 after it hit the market back in 2023.

While I won't get my hopes up for Sony currently, as it has bigger fish to fry with its new home entertainment partner, TCL, I do hope that Denon, Yamaha and JBL are priming new models as we speak.

We're overdue for new ranges from all of those mentioned above, and I think that my patience will be rewarded later this year. An AVR renaissance is on the cards for 2026; I just hope that it comes to fruition.

MORE:

Arcam’s Radia AV line of home cinema amps promises serious movie magic

Read our full Marantz Cinema 30 review

And check out our picks for the best AV receivers

We have seen (and heard) plenty from Arcam’s Radia range of two-channel hi-fi electronics in recent months. At the same time, we have been patiently waiting for any morsel of news about a new home cinema amplifier.

That time has finally arrived. Arcam has just unveiled a trio of new AVRs and a processor/power amp pairing that, on paper at least, look the business.

The Radia AV range kicks off with the Arcam AVA15 (£2599 / € 2999 / $3000 / AU$6,995), which is being billed as a successor to the old AVR11, and is the most affordable option in Arcam’s new line-up.

The step-up AVA25 (£4499 / € 4999 / $5000 / AU$9,995) comes next, and the receiver range tops out with the AVA35 (£5999 / € 6999 / $7000 / AU$13,995). As you should expect, moving up the price points adds more to the mix in terms of features and performance.

All three AVRs boast the trademark design cues of Radia, so expect a deep black finish with yellow highlights, including a backlit halo around the volume dial.

Each model has a 6.5in glass-bonded full colour display, multiple HDMI 2.1a, (and 8K compatible) HDMI inputs and at least two HDMI outputs, one of which supports eARC.

You also get several analogue and digital inputs, streaming support for Spotify, hi-res for Tidal, Amazon, Qobuz, plus UPnP, digitally controlled analogue volume controls, and internal wi-fi and Bluetooth antennas.

There’s two-way Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support and Dirac Live Bass Control and Active Room Treatment (ART)

Stepping up from the AVA15 to the AVA25 adds a third HDMI output (including Zone 2 functionality), Auro-3D support and more channels of processing power (up from 12-ch to 16-ch).

Processing in the AVA15 and AVA25 is handled by an ESS Hyperstream IV DAC chipset.

Power switches from 9x100W of Class D amplification on the entry-level model to 9x100W of Class A amplification on the AVA25.

The AVA25 is deeper and heavier than the AVA15, and Arcam claims its sound quality isn’t a million miles away from the performance you get from its Award-winning A15+ stereo amplifier.

The jump up to AVA35 introduces the more advanced ESS Hyperstream IV DAC Pro, which the company already uses in its five-star SA45 streaming system. Power is once again rated at 9x100W, but this time it’s Class G amplification – this is the first time Arcam has used Class G for nine channels in one box.

You also get what Arcam calls ‘matrix channel assignment’. This new feature allows you to use any of the amplified channels for any channel you like. So, you could go into the menus and swap all the channels for use as height and rear channels if you wanted, so you could run another amplifier for the main channels.

Want a serious two-box home cinema solution? Arcam also has an option for you in the shape of the Radia AVP45 processor (£5299 / €5999 / $6000 / AU$11,995) and a matching Radia PA9 power amp (£3499 / €3999 / $5000).

The AVP45 boasts all the processing power and features of the AVA35 in a slightly shorter box, while the matching Radia PA9 power amplifier features the same Class G amplification as AVA35.

Last but by no means least, Arcam has even introduced a smaller, wall-mountable four-channel power amp called Radia PA4 (£899 / €999 / $1499). This could come in handy if you want to drive more than 9 channels and it boasts 4x50W of Class D amplification.

Arcam is also promising big improvements where the software is concerned, including its Radia app, with changes designed to make the amplifiers more intuitive for users and easier to install.

A new AVR range from Arcam is just what we’ve been waiting for, especially since it has produced some of the most musical AVRs we have tested over the years – even if they perhaps weren’t the most advanced in terms of features.

We are extremely excited to see how these new models perform in our test rooms when they go on sale in Q3 later this year.

MORE:

Arcam's new Radia loudspeaker range could be the perfect match for its Award-winning electronics

Read our Arcam A15+ review

Our pick of the best AV receivers you can buy right now

And the best surround sound systems

How to build the perfect home cinema system

When it comes to the best AV receivers, there's a clear favourite here at the hallowed halls of What Hi-Fi?.

The Sony TA-AN1000 not only received five stars and a What Hi-Fi? Award, but has consistently won the prestigious Product of the Year Award every year since its release.

Despite its strong pedigree, the AV amplifier is no stranger to a generous discount – the price tanked on Black Friday and has held firm for the January sales, so you can still get the Sony TA-AN1000 for £649 at Sevenoaks.

We thought the AN1000 was a fantastic proposition at its test price of £999, so with £350 off this is a deal worth shouting from the rooftops!

As a combination of fantastic sound, solid features, ease of use and an affordable price, the Sony TA-AN1000 is an excellent all-around package.

During testing, we found the AN1000 to be a seriously talented performer in all the key areas we look for.

It's effective at delivering large, bold, dynamic shifts with immediacy and impact, without losing sight of subtler details.

As our Sony TA-AN1000 review reads: "Its crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance, and it elevates every movie and song we throw at it."

Sony's Sound Field feature is also included, which aims to create a bubble of sound around and above you without the need for additional speakers. We found it did make the soundstage bigger and more immersive, but at the expense of some focus, so this will come down to personal preference.

Format support is extensive: Dolby Atmos is on board, of course, alongside DTS:X and Dolby Vision HDR.

The six HDMI inputs should be plenty for most people, particularly with three of them at the HDMI 2.1 standard for 4K/120Hz signals.

Wireless streaming options are also extensive, with the likes of Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect all included. All of which is easy to use, including the microphone-assisted setup process.

We could go on all day about what we love about the Sony TA-AN1000, but you can see for yourself now that £350 has been slashed off at Sevenoaks.

MORE:

Also consider the Denon AVR-X2800H

Here are the best AV receivers you can buy right now

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Are you craving smooth, rich, and powerful cinematic sound? Then you need one of the best AV receivers that money can buy. It's the Marantz Cinema 30, and right now it's discounted by £500 down to £3499 at Peter Tyson.

The Cinema 30 is for the person who desires a serious cinema setup and has the funds to indulge it. This is a feature-rich amplifier with a premium build quality, and it sounds absolutely fantastic! You really do get what you pay for here.

Premium price, elite performance: the Award-winning Marantz Cinema 30 is a feature-rich beast that dominates its class.

We deem the Cinema 30, in our review, to be an AVR of “rare ability”, due to its sensational cinematic sound. Rich, punchy, dynamic, detailed, this AVR has it all – and it's the perfect amplifier to take your home cinema to the next level if you've been thinking of upgrading.

With 11 channels of amplification and a claimed 140W of power when two channels are driven, the Cinema 30 can easily drive a 7.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos system. DTS:X and Auro-3D are also on board, and you can easily configure and calibrate your system with the included Audyssey microphone.

It's the perfect hub for all of your connected devices, thanks to its seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which support up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz with VRR, ALLM and QMS. HDR is also supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG.

Wireless streaming is another key component of this AVR, with a wide range of services supported. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music HD, and HEOS are all available, allowing you to beam music directly to the amplifier from a smartphone or tablet.

We also have to give Marantz credit for how this AVR looks. Available in two finishes – Black or Silver Gold – the Cinema 30 is a handsome piece of home cinema kit, with Marantz's iconic circular display up front and sleek accent lighting that accentuates the textured metal finish; this AVR is easily one of the best-looking home cinema amplifier we have tested.

Having all of these features and good looks to match is all well and good, but sound performance is paramount, of course. Thankfully, the Cinema 30 delivers a smooth and refined sound that can balance huge scale and control without breaking a sweat.

This AVR has earned its spot as the reference amplifier in our AV testing room, which should serve as a testament to its performance. We have been using it to test the capabilities of the latest speaker packages from Fyne Audio and KEF, so keep your eyes peeled for reviews of those 5.1 speaker systems coming soon.

The on-screen setup menus and easy calibration have made this process refreshingly simple, and its reference-worthy sound has ensured that these speakers are performing at their very best.

If you've been considering an AVR upgrade for your home cinema setup, the Marantz Cinema 30 is simply the best around at this price. While it costs quite a lot more than our current AV receiver Product of the Year – the Sony TA-AN1000 – its stellar sound (and looks) make it a serious consideration if you have extra cash to spend.

This deal at Peter Tyson will, of course, soften the blow to your wallet, and we assure you that you won't regret the purchase once you hear it in action.

MORE:

Read our full Maratnz Cinema 30 review

Here are the reference home cinema products we use every single day

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Marantz has announced the newest additions to its home cinema range: the AV 30 Preamplifier and AMP 30 Power Amplifier.

They are taking a page from the Award-winning Marantz Cinema 30's design, featuring an "iconic porthole" screen and stylish illumination on the side. The remote controls for each model also feature backlighting to “ensure an effortless user experience in darkened rooms".

Taking a closer look at the AV 30, the 11.4-channel preamplifier is deploying “state-of-the-art processing” and “comprehensive features”, according to the brand.

The AV processor comes with the "latest and most powerful" Analogue Devices SHARC dual-core DSP chipset, which is paired with 32-bit two-channel DACs.

Marantz claims the AV 30 will be able to decode and process "all forms of incoming audio", including Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X and AURO-3D.

And, with 11.4 channels supported by the discrete HDAM SA-2 preamplifier stage (via either RCA or XLR), it seems promising that the AV 30 will be able to deliver an immersive audio experience.

The brand is offering an impressive seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, which can support up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video.

On top of that, the AV 30 is powered by the HEOS platform to give you access to a range of music streaming services. That includes Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect for hi-res tunes, as well as AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.

You can fine-tune the product to your space with the help of Audyssey MultEQ XT32 advanced room optimisation, which automatically calibrates based on speaker size and distance via the included microphone.

Moving onto the AMP 30, Marantz has dubbed the entry “powerful and versatile”.

It delivers six channels of amplification, rated at 200W per channel, which Marantz claims is ideal for "multiple different system configurations".

It also provides the option of reconfiguring pairs of 200W amp channels into bridged-tied-load (BTL) outputs, with up to a maximum of three channels of 400W available if the chosen speaker system requires it. You can also choose to bi-amp up to three speakers.

Having 'just' six channels of amplification means that a single AMP 30 can't take full advantage of the AV 30's 14 channels of processing, but buyers can, of course, partner the AV 30 with the 12-channel AMP 20 or 16-channel AMP 10 if they prefer.

The AV 30 and AMP 30 will be available this month from select retailers, with each priced at £3500 / $4000 (around AU$7105).

MORE:

Check out our review of the Marantz Cinema 30

Here are the best AV receivers right now

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market

To celebrate its grand 80th anniversary, Onkyo has already announced a whole range of new hi-fi products, including the Muse Y-40 and Y-50 streaming stereo amplifiers.

But there's home cinema news, too: the Japan-based brand has also teased a new generation of TX and RZ Series AV receivers at CES 2026, which it claims combine "cinematic immersion, musical fidelity, and seamless connectivity".

Onkyo are keeping fairly schtum on what we can expect from these new models, but it says they are "engineered for monstrous multi-channel and multi-room performance". They can also support up to 15-channel processing and have up to 11 channels of power.

The new AVRs include a thorough set-up procedure, courtesy of Dirac Live, which optimises the sound to suit your particular room layout and listening conditions. Also available is Dirac's Active Room Treatment, which uses multi-speaker processing to reduce room reflections in your listening space.

We don't know how much the new AVRs will set you back, and there's no word on the rest of the specifications, but it's great to see one of the sector's historically big players looking to make a return and challenge the dominance of Denon and Marantz in our best AV receiver guide.

There’s a bit of a catch, though – we won’t see the new models hit the market until 2027. Stay tuned for more news as we get it.

MORE:

Here are the best AV receivers

Onkyo celebrates its 80th anniversary with all-new Muse streaming amplifiers

Check out our review of the Denon AVC-X6800H

Christmas has come (slightly) early for home cinema fans, as one of the best AV receivers that we've tested is currently subjected to a deal that knocks thousands from the price tag.

The JBL Synthesis SDR-38 is an enthusiast option for dedicated cinephiles with deep pockets, and we awarded it five stars at its launch price of £7300.

That is an unquestionably steep asking price, and we highlighted that in our full review of this amplifier. Thankfully, Richer Sounds has come to the rescue, as a deal has surfaced that makes this AVR a must-buy for anyone looking to get serious about home cinema sound.

It's being offered for just £3999 at Richer Sounds currently; that's still a fair chunk of change; however, it's a meaty £3301 discount nonetheless.

The JBL Synthesis SDR-38 won't appeal to the masses thanks to its high price tag and enthusiast-leaning setup and operation, but the sound it provides is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest of audiophiles.

Beneath its stylish and premium chassis, the SDR-38 features 180W of Class G amplification with all seven channels driven, and seven HDMI 2.1 sockets which feature the full 48Gbps bandwidth. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive home cinema sound.

Furthermore, it supports a plethora of wireless connectivity options, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth with the aptX HD codec.

Onto that all-important sound performance, and the Synthesis SDR-38 is an absolute dream thanks to its "excellent detail and clarity", alongside its impressive handling of big dynamic shifts. It delivers a sound with oodles of warmth and richness, and music is also handled with "rhythmic precision and a rich vocal presentation".

Despite it being nearly identical to the SDR-35 it replaced, we found that JBL improved the bass response on this upgraded model, meaning low-end effects are handled with extra low-end oomph and sensational control.

It's seriously difficult to pick holes in the SDR-38's sound performance, hence why we were so complimentary towards it in our full five-star review. It excels at everything from large dynamic shifts (such as explosions or soundtrack crescendos) to hushed conversations, making it a top-notch choice for home cinema aficionados.

It's undoubtedly still a pricey option, but at a £3301 discount at Richer Sounds, it becomes an even more enticing AVR. Be sure to sign up for Richer Sounds' VIP Membership to access the full savings; it's a free and easy process that's well worth doing to score this huge saving.

MORE:

Read our full JBL Synthesis SDR-38 review

As well as our Denon AVC-X6800H review

And check out our picks for the best AV receivers

Sony's Award-winning TA-AN1000 sits atop our list of best AV receivers for a very good reason. It delivers supreme cinematic sound at a price that more than justifies its performance, and we deemed this to be the case when it originally retailed for £999.

That price tanked in the Black Friday sales, reaching as low as £649 at Amazon, and it's not gone back up since, meaning you can still grab this five-star amp at a discount of £350.

If you're shopping for an AVR and haven't considered the Sony TA-AN1000, then now is the time to change that. It's an amplifier that packs fantastic sound and excellent features into an easy-to-use and, generally speaking, pretty affordable package.

We awarded it five stars and bestowed it with the Product of the Year title not once, but twice, which should affirm exactly how we feel about it. It's also just secured a third year on our prestigious Awards list, which should serve as a testament to how great we think it is.

But in case you still want to know more, we'll run through exactly why we think it's so good.

As you'd hope, the TA-AN1000 excels at delivering proper cinematic sound, with an open, detailed and dynamic performance that blew our socks off when we reviewed it back in 2023.

It's effective at delivering large, bold, dynamic shifts with immediacy and impact, though its energetic characteristics don't come at the expense of subtler details.

Sony's Sound Field feature, which can also be found on its soundbars, is also featured. It opens up the sound to create a much bigger and immersive experience, but it does sacrifice some focus in the process. We certainly still think it has a place, but it will be up to you whether it's better switched on or off.

Features-wise, the Sony impresses yet again. Dolby Atmos is, of course, supported alongside DTS:X and Sony's 360 Degree Reality Audio, as is Dolby Vision HDR.

There are six HDMI inputs in total, three of which are the HDMI 2.1 standard, which can handle up to 4K/120Hz signals.

Pair that with an easy microphone-assisted setup process with an on-screen settings menu, and a long list of wireless streaming options (including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect), and it's hard to argue that the Sony is anything less than feature-packed and user-friendly.

With £350 slashed from the price at Amazon, this AV amplifier is sensational value for money thanks to its excellent sound and feature set.

MORE:

Read our full Sony TA-AN1000 review

Also consider the Denon AVR-X2800H

Here are the best AV receivers you can buy right now

Denon is a titan in home cinema sound, so a deal on one of its five-star products is always exciting.

However, it's particularly exciting when said product is the Denon AVC-X6800H, a five-star flagship that sits firmly in our list of the best AV receivers.

The Denon AVC-X6800H is back down to £2299 at Richer Sounds, a solid £700 off the price we tested at.

Better yet, you also get a free AudioQuest Carbon 48 HDMI 1.5m worth £229!

The AVC-X6800H is the successor to the Award-winning AVC-X6700H, but somehow Denon has managed to come up with several generational improvements.

For starters, Denon has upped the HDMI 2.1 socket count from one on the previous model to seven, making the AVC-X6800H ideal for gaming enthusiasts.

These seven HDMI outputs are capable of delivering 4K/120Hz video passthrough (and even 8K/60Hz), as well as support for VRR and ALLM.

Movie fans have not been forgotten however, with the full suite of HDR options (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG) all on board, as well as the IMAX Enhanced picture mode and even Quick Media Switching.

Music streaming options are comprehensive also, with Denon's own HEOS system, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music HD all supported.

The AVC-X6800H features support for 11.4 channels, meaning you can use this amplifier with a full 7.4.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound speaker system without the need for an external power amplifier.

And the all-important sound quality? Rich, full-bodied and with plenty of dynamic punch, as we discovered with a test playback of No Time To Die.

"As this scene transitions into a tense chase through a forest with Bond being hunted by henchmen on dirt bikes, we are treated to a seamless surround experience," our Denon AVC-X6800H review reads. "As the bikes zip by, the rattling of their engines travels organically around our seating position and towards the rear channels in a swift and consistent manner.

"There are no noticeable gaps in the sound as it makes the move from the front to surround channels, and we can practically pinpoint the sound as it shifts around our AV testing room."

Our one quibble? If money is no object, we recommend considering the Marantz Cinema 30. It's a fair bit more expensive at £3499, but our Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30 head-to-head found the Cinema 30 to be a step up in directionality and dynamics.

The Denon AVC-X6800H is still an excellent home cinema amplifier, however, backed by an intuitive user experience, solid HDMI support and an impressive sound experience. For a one-box solution to drive your Dolby Atmos home cinema speaker system, check out the AVC-X6800H for £2299 at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AV receivers

Here are 5 crucial tips to help you get the most out of your Denon AVR

And find the best surround sound systems to go with your new AVR

Choosing the right AV receiver for your home cinema set-up can be a difficult choice, especially when looking at the premium end of the market. As the price tag increases, it becomes all the more essential to make the best decision for you.

But, luckily, we have spotted a great discount on Marantz's Award-winning Cinema 30 that could well be the ideal addition to your system. It's still very much at the pricey end of the market, but this Black Friday deal has seen its price drop by just over £800.

You can grab the Marantz Cinema 30 for £3199 at Peter Tyson. To get this impressive saving, you will need to apply the code TRADEIN300 at the checkout. Offering excellent audio and oodles of connectivity options, this AVR is simply the best choice for those who can afford it.

So what makes this model so special? Well, in our review, we called the Marantz Cinema 30 an AVR of "rare ability" because of its sensational sound performance.

We continue: "It has the promised richness, smoothness and control, but it also delivers all of the scale and punch that one could hope for – and it’s talented with music, too."

As you expect for an AVR at this price point, there are plenty of connectivity options to choose from. That includes seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which support up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz with VRR, ALLM and QMS. HDR is also supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

There are lots of choices when it comes to wireless connections as well. With support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music HD and HEOS, you can beam music directly to the amplifier from a smartphone or tablet.

Its design will be a draw for many, too. Featuring subtle golden highlights, textured metal accents, and tasteful side lighting, it's hard to deny that this AVR receiver looks sleek and stunning.

All of that good stuff means that it has earned a What Hi-Fi? Award not once but twice in a row, and is the current reigning champ in the 'best home cinema amplifier over £1500' category.

It's also sitting pretty in our guide to the best AV receivers as the best high-end model.

With all of this in mind, this £800 saving at Peter Tyson is a great find this Black Friday for those with the cash to splash. Just don't forget that discount code at checkout!

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• Stereo amplifier: Cambridge Audio now £299
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

It's been an unfortunately quiet year for home cinema amplifiers. The key players in the market, namely Denon, Marantz, Sony, Yamaha, JBL and Arcam, have all been suspiciously quiet, leaving us to choose from an existing cohort of five-star AVRs when it comes to appointing this year's Award-winners.

It should, therefore, come as no surprise that we settled on the exact same winners as last year, and for good reason, too.

Kicking off with the previous Product of the Year-winner, the Sony TA-AN1000. This (frustratingly) remains the only home cinema amplifier in Sony's lineup here in the UK, so we're thankful that it performs exceptionally when it comes to delivering cinematic audio.

We first reviewed the TA-AN1000 back in 2022, when it dethroned the Denon AVR-X2800H as our pick for the best-value AVR, though both now live harmoniously on our best AV receivers list.

The Sony made an incredibly strong first impression with its sleek design and easy set-up, and it happened to sound exceptional too. We complimented its punchy, agile sound that was bursting with life and detail, and it happened to be an absolute champion when it came to dynamics, too.

While a couple more HDMI 2.1 sockets wouldn't have gone amiss, the Sony TA-AN1000 is a practically flawless home cinema amplifier, and that's why we continue to use it in our reference home cinema set-up to this very day.

However, we think it's always best to have two AVRs on hand, and that's where the Award-winning Marantz Cinema 30 comes in...

The Marantz Cinema 30 looks as good as it sounds

The devilishly handsome Marantz Cinema 30 defends its title for another year, making it the "Best home cinema amplifier over £1500". This suave AVR serves up a rich, powerful and engaging surround sound experience, all in a price that undercuts its more expensive peers, such as the Arcam AVR31 and JBL Synthesis SDR-38.

It also happens to support more amplification channels than its rivals, with 11 channels supporting up to a 7.4.4 system, thanks to its four subwoofer outputs. There are seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which support up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz signals with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ included. Add to all that the Audyssey set-up system, which calibrates this AVR with minimal effort required, and it's hard to argue that this AVR is anything but feature-packed.

It’s all wrapped up in a stunningly designed chassis, embellished with a textured metal faceplate, an adorable port-hole display, and a touch of tasteful ambient lighting that allows the AVR to shine in dark home cinema rooms.

And it impresses where sound is concerned, too. Punchy, powerful and dynamic, yet totally controlled and capable of digging up subtle detail, the Marantz Cinema 30 will appease even the pickiest audiophiles when it comes to delivering cinematic audio.

It's no wonder that we continue to use it in our reference set-up as our go-to AVR for testing home cinema speaker packages, and it happens to match the Award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 system rather nicely.

It's a two-horse race here, but you'll have to wait until the 14th of November to find out which AVR takes home the coveted Product of the Year title.

MORE:

Find all of the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winners here

Check out our picks for the best AV receivers

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

• We rank the best home cinema amplifiers

Marantz struck gold when it launched the Cinema 30, a premium Dolby Atmos-touting AVR that looks as good as it sounds.

While we acknowledged in our full review that it is a pricey piece of home cinema equipment, we couldn't resist its smooth, rich, and powerful cinematic sound, which is why it found its way onto our best AV receivers list and earned a coveted What Hi-Fi? Award.

Thankfully, our sticking point regarding the price of this home cinema amp has been addressed, as it's just seen a major discount at Peter Tyson, which drops the price from £3999 to £3499.

We deemed the Cinema 30 to be an AVR of "rare ability", due to its sensational cinematic sound. Rich, punchy, dynamic, detailed; this AVR has it all, and it's the perfect amplifier to take your home cinema to the next level if you've been thinking of upgrading.

With 11 channels of amplification and a claimed 140W of power when two channels are driven, the Cinema 30 can easily drive a 7.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos system. DTS:X and Auro-3D are also on board, and you can easily configure and calibrate your system with the included Audyssey microphone.

And it's the perfect hub for all of your connected devices, thanks to its seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which support up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz with VRR, ALLM and QMS. HDR is also supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG.

Wireless streaming is also a key component of this AVR, with a wide range of services supported. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music HD, and HEOS are all available, allowing you to beam music directly to the amplifier from a smartphone or tablet.

We also have to give Marantz credit for how this AVR looks. Available in two finishes – Black and Silver Gold – the Cinema 30 is a handsome piece of home cinema kit, with Marantz's iconic circular display up front and sleek accent lighting which accentuates the textured metal finish; this AVR is easily the best-looking home cinema amplifier that we've tested.

Having all of these features and good looks to match is all well and good, but sound performance is paramount. Thankfully, the Cinema 30 delivers a smooth and refined sound that can balance huge scale and control without breaking a sweat.

This AVR has earned its spot as our reference amplifier in our AV testing room, which should serve as a testament to its performance. I've been using it to test the capabilities of the latest speaker packages from Fyne and KEF, so keep your eyes peeled for reviews of those 5.1 speaker systems coming soon.

The on-screen setup menus and easy calibration have made this process refreshingly simple, and its reference-worthy sound has ensured that these speakers are performing at their very best.

If you've been considering an AVR upgrade for your home cinema setup, the Marantz Cinema 30 is simply the best around. While it costs quite a lot more than our current pick for the best AV receiver – that being the Sony TA-AN1000 – its stellar sound (and looks) make it a worthy consideration if you have extra cash to spend.

This deal at Peter Tyson will, of course, soften the blow to your wallet, and we assure you that you won't regret the purchase once you hear it in action.

MORE:

Read our full Maratnz Cinema 30 review

Here are the reference home cinema products we use every single day

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Home cinema setups deserve one of the best AVRs, and if we were recommending a trusted manufacturer, then Denon would be up towards the top. After all, we gave each of the AVR-X2800H, AVC-X3800H and AVC-X6800H five stars when we reviewed them.

One of Denon's other X-series home cinema receivers is the AVR-X1800H. We haven't reviewed it, but it certainly looks great on paper. Even better, right now you can pick it up for £399 at Peter Tyson. That's a sweet saving of £300.

Building a home cinema set-up on a budget shouldn't mean that you have to compromise too much on performance. The Denon AVR-X1800H is the smaller sibling of the excellent, Award-winning AVR-X2800H, and it shares many features with it.

These include support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, as well as up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video pass-through with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision supported.

It's a 7.2 channel receiver with a claimed 120W per channel (with two channels driven), meaning it can support up to a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system.

With six HDMI inputs, three of which support the HDMI 2.1 specification with VRR and ALLM, this is also a great AVR for gamers.

It's also well suited for those looking for a wireless music streamer, as Denon's HEOS multi-room platform is featured here too. HEOS supports a range of services including Tidal and Amazon Music HD. You'll also find AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TuneIn internet radio on board, as well as Bluetooth.

On the subject of radio, this doesn't appear to be the version with DAB tuner capabilities built in, but we don't deem that to be a deal breaker.

We haven't put this specific model through its paces in our AV testing room, but the rest of this range has thoroughly impressed us.

If you're looking for a feature-rich AVR with major pedigree at a great price, this Denon £399 deal at Peter Tyson could be just for you.

MORE:

Read our full Denon AVR-X2800H review

And check out the best surround sound speaker systems

As well as the best AV receivers

The perennial AVR or separates question has always had AV enthusiasts scratching their heads.

The same conundrum faces hi-fi aficionados in the two-channel world. But for the purposes of this article, we will focus on home cinema and multi-channel audio devices.

So, is it enough to install an AV receiver in your home cinema? Or should you plump for separates, namely an AV processor (AVP) plus power amplifier(s)?

Your final decision will likely come down to budget and other practicalities. But there are clear advantages and disadvantages to each solution.

First, let’s look at what AVRs, AVPs and power amplifiers do. Then we’ll examine some of the benefits and drawbacks of AVRs vs separates.

What is an AV Receiver (AVR)?

An AV receiver, or AVR, is a one-box audiovisual solution for a home cinema. It is not only the intelligent hub or ‘brains’ of an AV system, it also includes a set of amplifiers to power your loudspeakers.

The term ‘receiver’ can be something of a misnomer. It’s an overhang from when most stereo and multi-channel integrated amplifiers sold in the US market included an AM/FM tuner. That’s not always the case nowadays, although the term has stuck.

An AVR handles input switching – sometimes with multiple connection options – for both video and audio sources. The latter include Blu-ray players, turntables, CD players, gaming consoles and streaming devices.

It can process audio signals for surround sound and immersive multi-channel audio codecs, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You can choose to let an AVR handle video processing and image upscaling too, if you prefer not to use the features built into a media player or display device.

AVRs usually also come with an automated built-in room calibration system, like Audyssey, YPAO or Dirac Live. These optimise the performance of your loudspeakers in any given acoustical environment.

Some AVRs also support a second or third zone of audio for other rooms in the house.

Finally, an AVR includes amplifiers inside the enclosure to power your loudspeakers. There could be as many as 12 or more amps on board for complex immersive audio set-ups.

What is an AV Processor (AVP)?

An AV processor (AVP) might be referred to as an AV controller (AVC). You might also see them described as a preamplifier, pre-amp or pre/pro.

Whatever you call it, the unit acts as the nerve centre of a home cinema, like an AVR. All the features and functionality outlined above and built into AVRs are often found inside AVPs as well.

However, they differ in one key respect in that they do not include onboard power amplifiers.

The rear connection panel of AVPs carry a bank of RCA line-level or balanced XLR outputs designed to transmit audio signals directly to an external multi-channel amplifier.

What is a Power Amplifier?

A power amplifier for home cinema is a device capable of driving multiple loudspeakers. It boosts the low-voltage signals inbound from a processor or preamplifier to produce sound for each channel/loudspeaker.

It will usually contain any number of discrete amplifiers, typically ranging from three to 16, all built into one enclosure.

A single monoblock amplifier can be used for each channel. But it’s most common to find, say, two, five, seven or eight channel amplifiers in high-end home cinema installations.

What are the upsides and downsides of an AVR in a home cinema?

There are some obvious advantages to buying an AVR instead of separates.

An AVR, as mentioned, includes all the switching, control, audio/video processing and room calibration features, as found in an AVP.

However, as an AVR has power amplifiers onboard, it will usually take up less space on a shelf or on your rack. An AVP plus, say, an 11-channel power amplifier will often need at least twice as much real estate.

There’s also the issue of wires. An 11-channel home cinema will need 11 line-level or XLR cables snaking their way from an AVP to the power amp(s). An AVR does away with all that spaghetti.

AVRs typically use less power than an AVP/power amp combo for those concerned about energy consumption.

Perhaps critical to most, though, will be budgetary concerns. You can buy an excellent AVR for around £1,500 (US $2k, AU $3k). A fine AVP plus 11-channel amplifier could easily set you back £6,000 (US $8k, AU $12k).

But AVRs are usually suitable for small to midsize rooms, rather than large, dedicated home cinemas. They typically have less powerful amplifiers onboard than dedicated power amp enclosures.

An AVR may claim 100 watts per channel. But read the fine print in the spec sheet, and you may find that the figure only applies with ‘two channels driven’. The all-channel power figure is rarely quoted because it is usually far more modest.

This relative reduction in amp power can result in less dynamic sound and sometimes less clear placement of discrete audio cues across an array of loudspeakers. You might also perceive less ‘weight’ or ‘grunt’ than a pre/power combo might produce.

Because so much more circuitry needs to be contained within the one enclosure, an AVR also tends to suffer from reduced transparency, dynamics and detail resolution compared to a separates set-up. This is due to the sensitive processing and preamp circuits sharing a power supply with the current-hungry power amps, which leads to a degradation of the signal. Heat build-up is also an issue, limiting how hard those power amplifier channels can be driven.

The concentration of PCBs and sometimes lesser quality components inside an AVR also means that there can be a corresponding increase in the noise floor. Furthermore, there can be heightened electromagnetic interference between components. Both phenomena can affect the quality of the sound.

What are the upsides and downsides of using separates: AVPs plus power amplifiers?

In many cases, separates are used for larger dedicated rooms. Multi-channel power amplifiers usually support higher power ratings per channel and incorporate separate power supplies to each amplifier module.

These qualities result in a more consistent power delivery across all outputs, even when driving the most demanding loudspeakers.

Opting for an AV processor and separate power amplifiers provides future redundancy. If you decide you need more power or more independently powered channels, you can always upgrade the amplifier components down the line.

Likewise, if the surround-sound codecs or the channel processing count of your present AVP gets superseded in a later model, you might decide just to upgrade the processor section.

Most manufacturers select higher-quality components inside dedicated AVPs and power amplifiers. These include power supplies, transistors and capacitors, which can promote a cleaner signal path and more accurate sound.

So, those are the pros of using separates. What about the cons?

Partly due to the last point about higher quality circuit boards and components, separate pre/pros and power amplifiers tend to be much more expensive (as mentioned above).

You will also need more space for an AVP plus power amps. If you decide to buy, say, eight two-channel power amplifiers for an immersive audio set-up, they will take up a lot of rack space!

All those 11 or more balanced or unbalanced interconnect cables from an AVP to the corresponding amplifiers will also need a careful cable management system.

Keep in mind that high-end pre/pros often have less streaming features, multiple zone functionality and/or inputs than the mass-produced AVRs from the well-known manufacturers. This is usually because the makers of luxury devices plough more development resources into the sound quality, rather than the features per se.

So which is it to be? An AVR or separates?

In the end, it comes down to your budget, personal preferences and what is right for your room.

Also note that there are no hard and fast rules. Some of the best AVRs sound so good, they are almost indistinguishable from pre/pro and power amp combos.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is a blinder of a receiver for £4,000 (US $4,800, AU $8,000), for example.

And StormAudio’s 20-channel ISR Fusion 20 at £20k (US $20k, AU $33k) – while embodying completely isolated processor and amp sections in one enclosure – is considered ‘separates in one box’.

What’s more, there are multi-channel power amplifiers out there which would not be considered optimal for home cinema.

So, it’s best to keep an eye out for our equipment reviews at What Hi-Fi?, chat to your dealer, and make your decisions wisely!

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Amazon Prime Day is beginning to feel like a distant memory, but there are still some deals lingering in its wake, and this one might just be our favourite.

The Sony TA-AN1000, the Award-winning home cinema amplifier that you've surely heard us fawn over countless times at this point, is still on sale at Peter Tyson. It's officially priced at £999; however, you can currently snag it for £799 – that's a saving of £200.

Admittedly, this isn't the best price we've seen it at; in fact, it dropped to £699 last week, but if you missed out on that deal and deeply regret it, then this deal provides a pretty solid saving to help you rectify your mistake.

If you're shopping for an AVR and haven't considered the Sony TA-AN1000, then now is the time to change that. It's an amplifier that packs fantastic sound and excellent features into an easy-to-use and, generally speaking, pretty affordable package.

We awarded it five stars and bestowed it with the Product of the Year title not once, but twice, which should affirm exactly how we feel about it.

But in case you still want to know more, we'll run through exactly why we think it's so good.

As you'd hope, the TA-AN1000 excels at delivering proper cinematic sound, with an open, detailed and dynamic performance that blew our socks off when we reviewed it back in 2023.

It's effective at delivering large and bold dynamic shifts with immediacy and impact, though its energetic characteristics don't come at the expense of subtler details.

Sony's Sound Field feature, which can also be found on its soundbars, is also featured. It opens up the sound to create a much bigger and immersive experience, but it does sacrifice some focus in the process. We certainly still think it has a place, but it will be up to you whether it's better switched on or off.

Features-wise, the Sony impresses yet again. Dolby Atmos is, of course, supported alongside DTS:X and Sony's 360 Degree Reality Audio, as is Dolby Vision HDR.

There are six HDMI inputs in total, three of which are the HDMI 2.1 standard, which can handle up to 4K/120Hz signals.

Pair that with an easy microphone-assisted setup process with an on-screen settings menu and a long list of wireless streaming options (including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect), and it's hard to argue that the Sony is anything less than feature-packed and user-friendly.

We have seen it drop lower in the past, but £799 is still a great price for this Award-winning AV amplifier. Peter Tyson currently has the best price, with the likes of Amazon, Richer Sounds, and Sevenoaks Sound & Vision all sticking closer to the RRP.

If you're feeling like you missed out on Prime Day, then this saving is one you definitely shouldn't miss.

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To say there's a rivalry between Sony and Denon's home cinema amplifiers would be an understatement. Indeed, the Sony TA-AN1000 and Denon AVR-X2800H are like the John McEnroe and Björn Borg of the AVR world. And now both are reduced for Prime Day – you cannot be serious!

Last time around, we said the Denon was the better buy, as it dropped to £499 during Black Friday. But this time, the Sony gets our vote.

It may have dropped to the same £699 as during Black Friday (its lowest ever price), and the Denon still undercuts it, at £629. But the Denon has been much cheaper before, and the Sony is the better performer. So for our money, the newer Sony is worth the £70 extra.

But really, whichever you opt for, you won't be disappointed. The Denon AVR-X2800H set a new benchmark when it launched in 2022.

In our Denon AVR-X2800H review, we praised its "mature and authoritative sound" and "well-spread soundstage". Dialogue is lively and engaging, while its dynamic ability gives movies a fantastic sense of atmosphere. It's a musical performer too, and soundtracks are communicated with minimal effort.

But the Sony is our current Product of the Year (for two years running), and justifiably so. "Seriously talented" was our verdict in our Sony TA-AN1000 review.

Its dynamics are impressive, and there's plenty of detail to enjoy. There's also a great sense of scale and immersion, while bass remains taut and snappy, powerful yet controlled.

Pitted head to head, the Sony comes out on top. While the Denon provides a smoother and richer presentation, it doesn’t quite pick up on the subtleties in the same way that the Sony does.

The AN1000 feels more emotive and refuses to smooth over any aspects of the sound, whereas the Denon appears to round off higher frequency bite and doesn’t get close to delivering a similar amount of excitement and energy.

That being said, the Denon is still a good choice for those who prefer a smoother, more easy-going listening experience.

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When JBL announced its latest range of home cinema AVRs, there was a collective sense of excitement throughout the What Hi-Fi? AV team.

Denon has ruled the roost with very little competition for a long while now, dominating the entry-level and mid-range markets with its excellent X-series of home cinema amplifiers.

JBL’s mission is simple; the Modern Audio series is an accessible line of AVRs aimed towards those looking to dabble in home cinema audio or graduate from a soundbar. Likewise, JBL hopes to entice seasoned cinematic audiophiles, which is a tricky balance, though the five-strong lineup of amplifiers should cover most bases.

We have the MA7100HP here today, which serves as the step-down model from the flagship, and it has a promising feature list on paper, too, but the most important factor is – no surprises here – sound quality. With a small yet talented cohort of competitors in this area, the MA7100HP must excel. So, does it?

Price

The JBL MA7100HP is priced at £1399 / $1199 / AU$2055, putting it into the mid-range sector of the AVR market, where the five-star Denon AVC-X3800H looms large.

Some notable alternatives undercut the MA7100HP too, including the Sony TA-AN1000 (£999 / around $1240 / AU$1850) and Denon AVR-X2800H (£869 / $1200 / AU$2399) – both of which are now heavily discounted at many retailers. Need we also remind you that both the Sony and Denon are previous What Hi-Fi? Award winners, so the competition is piping hot.

If we’re being honest, the JBL feels a touch overpriced for our liking – especially when we take the build quality and feature set into account compared to its aforementioned peers.

Build

We’re not entirely convinced by the JBL’s build as, while it's unique compared to the fairly uninspired-looking Denon models in our test room, we wouldn’t consider it to be to our collective taste.

We’ll start with the positives; the display on the front is a really nice touch – especially when you stream music to the AVR as it shows album artwork, track listing and a 'play bar' akin to a premium music streamer. It also makes navigating the system menus a breeze, though these menus are handily mirrored on your connected TV or projector.

Furthermore, the customisable LED light strip along the bottom of the unit adds a pop of colour, and it can be disabled if you have an aversion to ambient light.

Flipping the unit around, we appreciate how straightforward the set-up is; you’ll find neatly laid-out ports that are all clearly labelled. This should make set-up very easy, even for those not au fait with home cinema receivers.

The AVR is also available in two finishes – black and white – and the cheeky nod to This Is Spinal Tap that adorns the volume knob is also a fun Easter egg.

That all being said, we find that the MA7100HP doesn’t feel particularly premium to the touch.

At 7.6kg, the JBL is much lighter than the Sony TA-AN1000 or Denon AVR-X2800H; and while that isn’t necessarily an issue, it just makes the JBL feel slightly cheap despite it costing considerably more than both of those models.

And, while the edgy orange accents might suit some people’s taste, and we certainly can’t knock JBL’s effort to create something unique that’s not just another black cuboid, it certainly won’t appeal to everyone.

Features

This home cinema receiver features seven channels of Class D amplification and two subwoofer outputs, meaning it can support up to a 7.2 surround-sound system or 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system.

This is on par with its Sony, Denon and Arcam competitors, and means you’ll need to step up to the JBL MA9100HP if you have a larger system such as a 7.2.2 speaker package with rear surrounds and height channels. Sound format support includes all of the usual suspects, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

JBL claims 125W of power output with two channels driven, which is considerably higher than the Sony and Denon (85W and 95W, respectively), and less than the Denon AVC-X3800H’s claimed 180W power output.

There are a total of six HDMI inputs, three of which are the 2.1 standard that support 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz sources with VRR and ALLM. All inputs support HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, too, while the dual outputs feature HDMI eARC connectivity and Zone 2 functionality.

There is also a built-in moving magnet phono connection for hooking this AVR up to a turntable, alongside coaxial, optical and USB digital audio inputs, and RCA line-level analogue inputs. Wireless connectivity is solid, with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth with support for the aptX Adaptive codec.

JBL has also taken an unconventional and, if we’re being brutally honest, frustrating approach to room correction.

You’ll need to download the EZ EQ app, which is different from the JBL Premium Audio app that’s required to stream music and connect devices via Bluetooth.

From there, the app requires you to correct each speaker individually (front, centre and surrounds) by walking around the room with your iPhone’s microphone (tough luck if you have an Android smartphone, as you’ll need to buy an external microphone).

There’s a catch to this process, however: it doesn’t set speaker distances or levels, you’ll need to do that yourself. The Sony and Denon receivers, on the other hand, have intuitive microphone-driven auto calibration systems that handle this for you.

It’s a strange omission considering that JBL is attempting to make this a user-friendly home cinema amp. This amplifier is Dirac Live Ready, though that process is a lot more involved and incurs additional costs.

Sound

This is the make-or-break category for any home cinema receiver, so does the JBL deliver? Unfortunately, we’re not entirely convinced it does. We’ve hooked the amplifier up to our reference speaker package – the PMC Twenty5.23 package in a 7.2 configuration – and raided our 4K Blu-ray shelf for a collection of reference discs including Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two.

There are positive aspects to the MA7100HP, namely its big and bold sound characteristics. For scenes that require sheer brawn and scale, the JBL can deliver a punchy, room-filling sound with ease, which is shown off in the rip-roaring introduction montage of Top Gun: Maverick.

It also does a solid job of tracking the positions of the fighter jets as they speed down the aircraft carrier and soar into the sky, with effects passing seamlessly between channels.

Speaking of which, the MA7100HP manages to create a harmonious balance between each channel in a convincing surround-sound effect, with no noticeable gaps between the speakers to detract from the immersive bubble of sound.

Finally, it produces a solid, weighty kick of bass when needed, with plenty of punch and heft. We’d hesitate to compliment its bass control, but if you’re after sheer low-end rumble, then this JBL is capable of delivering.

Unfortunately, that’s really where the positives end, as elsewhere the JBL just misses the mark.

There is an overall sense that the 7100HP is lacking in subtlety, as the spacious sound comes at the expense of finer sonic details.

Low-level dynamics, for instance, are a notable weakness, which leads to flat and unengaging dialogue. The strained conversation between Cooper and Brand, as they realise that the minutes they’ve spent waiting for their waterlogged engines to reboot equate to years in Earth-time in Interstellar, should be conveyed with desperation and panic – but the JBL doesn’t quite capture this.

Sticking with Interstellar, we take issue with synthetic-sounding effects – specifically the waves that lap against the hull of the Endurance space shuttle. There is a metallic quality to the water that’s accentuated when a character steps through it, causing unnatural-sounding splashes.

Furthermore, the overall sound of this AVR can be best described as mushy, with a noticeable shortcoming when it comes to definition and detail.

There is a congested nature to the audio, which means that dialogue is often lost in scenes with many competing effects. The bustling Fremen party in Dune: Part Two, during which Paul Atriedes is granted the Muad’Dib title, is a prime example, as crucial pieces of dialogue are mixed up in the general hustle and bustle of the tent.

Switching to some music in stereo, the JBL’s issues persist, with Taylor Swift’s The 1 and Bombay Bicycle Club’s Luna both sounding fine, but by no means particularly engaging or inviting.

We pair the MA7100HP with JBL's own Stage 2 loudspeakers to see if the synergy between the AVR and speakers improves the experience.

While you don’t necessarily have to pair these together, they were developed in tandem to suit each other when it comes to sound characteristics. Ultimately, though, we find the issues to persist, with scale and punch presented at the expense of subtlety and detail.

While these sonic shortcomings are certainly an issue in isolation, they become even more apparent when we put the JBL side-by-side with the Award-winning Sony TA-AN1000.

Considering the Sony costs considerably less, there is no competition when it comes to sound quality. The Sony’s expert handling of dynamics and more detailed sound seal the deal, while the comparatively expansive soundstage makes it the obvious choice.

Verdict

The JBL MA7100HP isn’t a complete write-off, thanks to its big, bold and encompassing sound. However, it's not a home cinema receiver that we can really recommend.

The sub-par detail, weak dynamics and lack of sonic subtlety hinder its true potential, and it likely won’t be enough to tempt die-hard soundbar fans to join the world of true home cinema sound.

SCORES

• Sound 3
• Features 4
• Build 3

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Best AV receivers: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

If you’ve dipped your toes into home cinema at any time over the past 20 years, the chances are you’ve heard of Audyssey.

It’s a room correction system designed for AV and multi-channel audio systems, and it’s specifically built into Denon and Marantz receivers and processors, which frequently appear in our list of the best AV receivers.

Although the various versions of Audyssey MultEQ room correction are simple to use in their basic form, there’s also a chance for more experienced consumers to dig in with more advanced levels.

Getting a room to sound good can be a big challenge. But the prospect of hiring a sound professional to consult on your room’s environmental shortcomings isn’t at the top of most AV enthusiasts’ lists. Nor is buying pricey acoustic treatments such as absorbers, diffusers or bass traps.

Luckily, automated room correction systems such as Audyssey go some way to compensate for the worst acoustical quirks.

Let’s find out who Audyssey is, how many versions there are, and why you might need it.

Who is Audyssey?

Audyssey hails from the US. It’s a spin-off from the National Science Foundation, a research centre at the University of Southern California. Among its alumni is Professor Tomlinson Holman, famously the ‘TH’ of Lucasfilm’s original THX group.

The company specialises in the acoustical properties of audio equipment in different environments, including home cinemas, studios, cars and even professional cinemas.

The first technology to emerge from the company was the Audyssey MultEQ room correction system in 2004.

What are the different versions of Audyssey MultEQ room correction?

Before we get into how Audyssey room correction is set up at home, let’s look at the three layers of the software that might be built into your Denon or Marantz AVR or processor.

Audyssey MultEQ – also known as ‘Bronze Built-in’

This is the base level version of Audyssey room correction with adjustment of speaker levels and time delays. It includes Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ (more on these later). It is designed primarily for small rooms.

Audyssey MultEQ XT – also known as ‘Silver Built-in’

This mid-size room version provides more measurement positions and better equalisation filters than basic MultEQ. It allows for more precise adjustments with emphasis on low frequencies. MultEQ XT also includes Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 – also known as ‘Platinum Built-in’

This is the top level and latest version of MultEQ with yet more measurement positions and high-resolution filters available. MultEQ XT32 is suitable for large rooms with complex setups. With more than 10,000 control points, it supports 32 times the resolution of plain MultEQ. It includes Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ, as in the previous entries, along with SubEQ HT and LFC (also explained below).

How does Audyssey work?

The built-in versions of Audyssey MultEQ contain an easy walk-through as part of the Denon or Marantz on-screen menu interface.

Audyssey tries to correct for off-axis listening and room acoustics. An included microphone needs to be placed in the main listening position (MLP) as well as up to seven other locations, all from a tripod.

In doing so, the system looks for acoustical anomalies and attempts to fix them. The idea is to improve the sound for all seating positions while smoothing out the frequency response.

It can be a good idea to enter levels and distances manually (using a tape measure or laser distance meter, test tone generator and SPL meter). Audyssey tends to undercook the subwoofer and centre channel levels in the automated procedure.

MultEQ, in all its incarnations, works by analysing the acoustics of a room and applying digital signal processing to optimise the audio output.

Both frequency responses and time domains help the software to pick out reflections, standing waves and other acoustical anomalies. But the key difference between the versions of MultEQ lies in the increasing efficacy and resolution of the filters applied.

Are there software and hardware add-ons?

Yes. For £20 / $20 / AU$31, you can purchase the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app for Android or iOS, which allows for more fully fledged control of your room correction and offers customisation.

Because a phone or tablet has more processing power than a typical AVR, making adjustments in the app can create more detailed profiles and more accurate results. The app supports saving of profiles, target curve adjustments and subwoofer levels.

For those who wish to dig in even deeper, it costs $200 (around £145 / AU$300) for the Audyssey MultEQ-X software, which is compatible with a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.

This gives the user many more levels of flexibility and control, including detailed frequency responses of individual channels, an ‘advanced curve designer’ with targets for each channel and more sophisticated subwoofer level adjustments.

MultEQ-X is designed essentially for professionals or hardcore enthusiasts who want to tweak their system to perfection. (A Pro version of the software is more expensive and includes multiple licences.)

All Audyssey versions must use approved microphones, whether the basic model included with a receiver, or the more accurate ACM1-X (£80 / $80 / AU$140). You can also go for the MultEQ-X Calibrated Microphone kit with extender leads, particularly useful if the AVR is in a remote location in the house.

What are some of the other Audyssey MultEQ features?

Dynamic Volume

Applying to all versions of MultEQ, this feature protects against sudden volume peaks or troughs for a more consistent sonic level.

It tracks the volume in real time and optimises the dynamic range for the situation. This can be useful for late-night viewing, not startling the neighbours or recalibrating the output when loud adverts suddenly interrupt programme viewing.

Dynamic EQ

Also available on all MultEQ platforms, this feature optimises sound quality at lower volumes by boosting bass and treble responses.

Again, the adjustments are made in real time and account for the way humans perceive audio at varying levels. Dynamic EQ is also useful for late-night viewing by enhancing content at low levels.

SubEQ HT

This feature is found on the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 platform only. Designed to work with two or more subwoofers, SubEQ HT allows individual calibration of each bass enclosure. It also aligns their timing and levels, so that they should blend seamlessly.

SubEQ HT ensures that room correction filters are applied to all the subwoofers, as if they were a single unit.

LFC (Low Frequency Containment)

Also reserved for the XT32 version only, the LFC feature limits the transmission of low frequencies through walls to different rooms. It does so while maintaining the sound quality.

LFC is a great asset for shared living spaces or those with close proximity to neighbouring homes.

Verdict

While Audyssey in its basic forms promotes easy setup and operation, there’s plenty of scope for digging in and expanding your horizons with the MultEQ Editor app or MultEQ-X software.

With so many competing room correction systems, such as those from Yamaha (YPAO), Emotiva (Emo-Q), Lyngdorf (RoomPerfect), Trinnov (Trinnov Optimizer) and Anthem (ARC), you should read up on their potential advantages/disadvantages when compared to the Audyssey platform.

But because Audyssey is so simple to execute - with its delightful user interface and pleasing results – perhaps it’s not surprising that it’s still very much in contention after 20 years of great service to home cinema users.

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Denon's X-series of home cinema receivers have been consistent hits in our AV testing room, with the AVR-X2800H, AVC-X3800H and AVC-X6800H all scoring top marks in their respective reviews.

As a whole, Denon has delivered some of the best AVRs on the market, despite competition from the likes of Sony, Arcam, JBL and even its sister brand, Marantz.

The only issue with the models mentioned above is that they can be quite pricey. The Denon X2800H has dropped in price plenty of times; however, the AVC-X6800H has stuck at a premium near-£3000 price point for the majority of its lifespan.

So, if you want a Denon AVR that delivers most of the features of the more premium models in the lineup, but are looking to spend well below £500, then we have the deal for you.

It's not a model that we've reviewed (yet); however, the entry-level AVR-X1800H is down to just £399 at Peter Tyson. That's down from the launch price of £699, meaning you're saving yourself £300.

You'll need to be a member of Peter Tyson's VIP programme; happily, that's a free and easy sign-up that's certainly worth doing to save yourself an additional £100.

Building a home cinema set-up on a budget doesn't mean that you have to compromise. The Denon AVR-X1800H is the smaller sibling of the excellent, Award-winning AVR-X2800H, and it shares many features with it.

These include support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, as well as up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision supported.

It's a 7.2 channel receiver with a claimed 120W per channel (with two channels driven), meaning it can support up to a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system.

With six HDMI inputs, three of which support the HDMI 2.1 specification with VRR and ALLM, this is also a great AVR for gamers.

It's also well suited for those looking for a wireless music streamer, as Denon's HEOS multi-room platform is featured here too, which supports a range of services including Tidal and Amazon Music HD. You'll also find AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TuneIn internet radio, as well as Bluetooth.

On the subject of radio, this doesn't appear to be the version with DAB tuner capabilities built in, but we don't deem that to be a deal breaker.

While we haven't put this specific model through its paces in our AV testing room, the rest of this range has thoroughly impressed us.

If you're looking for a feature-rich AVR with major pedigree at a great price, this Denon £300 deal at Peter Tyson is looking like the early Prime Day deal to beat.

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And check out the best surround sound speaker systems

As well as the best AV receivers

Marantz has unveiled its latest preamplifier and power amplifier duo, and they feature a medley of features derived from the Award-winning Cinema 30 AVR, as well as the company's flagship AV 10 series.

The AV 20 AV Preamplifier and AMP 20 Power Amplifier sport classy designs similar to the Cinema 30, with the stylish "porthole" screen and tasteful side illumination returning; two aspects we thoroughly approved of in our full review. Marantz's premium aluminium remote is also included, with backlit buttons ideal for operating these new amps in dark home cinema rooms.

While these amps certainly pass the style check, it's how they sound that's truly important. Starting with the AV 20 preamplifier, Marantz has outfitted this AV processor with the "latest and most powerful" Analogue Devices SHARC dual-core DSP chipset, which has been coupled with 32-bit two-channel DACs complete with dedicated jitter reduction.

It claims that this powerful digital platform will be able to "precisely decode" and "accurately process" a wide range of cinematic audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro and IMAX Enhanced. And, with 13.4 channels supported by the discrete HDAM SA-3 preamplifier stage (via either RCA or XLR), the AV 20 should have no trouble delivering a full immersive surround sound experience.

Connectivity seems strong in usual Marantz (and its sister company Denon, for that matter) fashion, with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of supporting up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz signals. While Marantz hasn't explicitly confirmed which HDR formats the AV 20 will support, we'd be surprised if it wasn't the same HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision suite found on the five-star Cinema 30. The AV 20 also sports three HDMI outputs, two of which are labelled as supporting 4K signals.

Wireless connectivity appears equally strong, too. Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and the newly announced Qobuz Connect are all supported, alongside Bluetooth and Marantz's HEOS multiroom streaming platform.

There is also a robust suite of room correction technologies on board, including Audyssey MultEQ XT32 advanced room optimisation via the included microphone.

This will automatically measure speaker sizes, levels, distances and more via a simple setup process; in our experience, it has worked a treat on various Marantz and Denon AVRs. This is supported by an on-screen display, which should make setup even more of a breeze.

Furthermore, optional Dirac configurations are available, with Dirac Live Room Correction plus Dirac Live Bass Control for "fully optimised low-frequency integration" on up to four independent subwoofers.

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART) is also supported, which will reportedly deliver the "most cohesive and tonally consistent listening experience" of any available room optimisation system. It's worth noting that this feature won't be supported at launch, but will be added with a firmware update down the line.

Moving onto the AMP 20, Marantz is positioning this as a powerful and versatile power amplifier. It delivers 12 channels of amplification, rated at 200W with two channels driven, which Marantz points out is enough to "drive multiple different speaker configurations and speaker layouts with ease".

If their speaker system requires more power, users can reconfigure the 12 channels into up to six 400W bridged-tied-load (BTL) outputs. Alternatively, if preferred, users can bi-amp up to six speakers.

The Marantz AV 20 and AMP 20 will be available starting today from selected retailers, and are both priced at £4750 / $6000. Therefore, the full system should cost £9500 / $12,000, though Marantz notes that these components are available to mix and match with other preamplifiers and power amplifiers in its range.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AV receivers

As well as our Marantz Cinema 30 review

And our JBL Synthesis SDR-38 review

If you're passionate about cinematic sound and are in the market for a new home cinema amplifier, then the Sony TA-AN1000 should be your first port of call. This five-star AV amplifier has proven its worth time and time again, though we did have one complaint in our review.

It was notably more expensive than its predecessor, the STR-DN1080. That serial Award-winning AVR and Hall of Fame inductee retailed for just £429, while the TA-AN1000 hiked the price up to £999.

Thankfully, there are deals to be found which do bring the current Sony amplifier down to a slightly more palatable price, such as this £200 saving on Amazon, which drops the price to just £799.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although it does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room set-up, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we showered it with praise, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set tie together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we have already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer – but now, with £200 off, it's an even more tempting choice.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Amazon's Spring Deal Days event is over, meaning time has run out if you were hoping to score huge savings on TV, home cinema and audio gear – or so we thought.

While there weren't many home cinema deals during the sales event, we did spot this spectacular offer on the Award-winning Sony TA-AN1000. The price was dropped from £999 to £699, a saving of £300.

If you missed the Spring Deal Days and are having AV FOMO, fear not – Amazon (alongside a couple of other retailers) has kept the deal alive, meaning you can still snag the five-star AV amplifier at a huge discount. You can also grab the same deal at Peter Tyson, Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

So, why do we recommend this Sony so highly? The TA-AN1000 is a fantastic and flexible machine with seven channels of amplification. It can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

HDMI connectivity is all there, and includes twin outputs with eARC and six inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback for music via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2.

Sonos users can even integrate their multiroom setup, thanks to the amp's Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our Sony TA-AN1000 review, we couldn't be more impressed with its abilities, saying "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised the Sony for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set combine with a sonic performance that makes it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer at its full asking price – but now, with £300 off once again? It has to be considered a home cinema bargain.

MORE:

Read our full Sony TA-AN1000 review

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

If a product earns both five stars in our review and is given a What Hi-Fi? Award then you know it's going to be good. That's the case for our favourite AVR, the ever-impressive Sony TA-AN1000. Thanks to a Peter Tyson deal, you can supercharge your home cinema with the TA-AN1000 for only £799.

The deal makes it £200 cheaper than the original asking price, and even though we saw it drop to £699 during Black Friday, the current deal is more than worthy of consideration. The home cinema amplifier is a gem, delivering an energetic and rich performance, with an intuitive set-up process and smooth operation.

It's a strong performer that we've endorsed time and time again, so if you're in the market for a new AVR, then this might just be the one for you.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room set-up, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we steeped high praise on it indeed, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer – but now, with £200 off, it's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

On the hunt for a top-quality AV amplifier that is an excellent all-rounder? Luckily, we've found quite the deal for you. The What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Marantz Cinema 30 is down from £4000 to £3799 at Sevenoaks.

That's the lowest price we've seen our reference AVR drop down to, so if you have the cash to splash it's well worth considering.

We gave the Cinema 30 a five-star rating for its plentiful options when it comes to HDMI 2.1 connections, as well as its controlled performance. With £200 off, this is a deal worth your time.

We were impressed by the Marantz Cinema 30's sound quality during testing, describing its audio performance as smooth, refined and always in control. When we listen to Sleep Token’s The Summoning for our review, we said: "Rival amplifiers can sound slightly more attacking, but they regularly veer into unwanted aggression as they struggle to keep a grip on proceedings. The Marantz, though, is thrillingly agile and solid while also unfazed and refined, even at very high volumes."

In terms of set-up, the built-in calibration is through Audyssey and is very easy to get up and running. Using the included microphone, you take measurements from eight locations around your listening position. If you would like to further tinker with room correction, the Marantz Cinema 30 is compatible with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app, but this will set you back £20 / $20 / AU$31.

All seven of the HDMI inputs and two of the outputs support 4K/120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz) and all other advanced gaming features.

It's quite the aesthetic piece of kit, too. The AVR is perfectly symmetrical with the 6.3mm headphone output on the right-hand side mirroring the identically sized power button on the left.

Of course, £3799 is by no means cheap. But if you are looking for an AVR to splash out on and are keen to save some precious cash with this deal, this could be the one for you.

MORE:

Here is our review of the Marantz Cinema 30

These are the best AV receivers

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As soon as we heard about the five-channel MRX SLM receiver, we asked to borrow one. Our motives were two-fold. Firstly we loved the concept: a full AV receiver packed into a chassis far lower than the usual double-height beasts which dominate home cinema racks, lower even than the ‘slimline’ receivers on offer from some companies. And secondly the MRX SLM comes from Anthem in Canada, one of our favourite amplifier and receiver brands (and one of the best-selling in the States and Canada), which since 2019 has been back in the hands of founder Scott Bagby and son John Bagby.

In fact we had asked three times before the Australian distributor Audio Active finally sent one over, a delay perhaps due to robust early demand. Once installed, it didn’t disappoint. On the other hand, the shrink-to-fit approach does provide some limitations; the MRX SLM won’t suit everyone. But it will surely delight those into whose systems it does fit.

Build & features

The most obvious gift of the MRX SLM is its compactness. Where Anthem’s more traditional AV receivers can rise to heights of 16cm, the MRX SLM is 3.8cm high – that’s the height of, say, an AppleTV 4K media box: tiny. Width and length are 28cm, so it’s square from above, while less than 4cm high.

You can simply shelve it, using its stick-on rubber feet, or you could rack it. At 11 inches wide it’s far short of full rack-width, but there’s a 19-inch rack adaptor into which it fits neatly. Anthem has pics (see below) of multiple racked’n’stacked MRX SLMs.

It also comes with a mounting kit to put it vertically at the back of your TV, or on the wall, or between studs of the wall using a back box with full cable management, so it can be “out of sight, but not out of sound”, as Anthem neatly puts it.

It’s certainly worth considering your cable management options. AV receivers, of course, generally have an abundance of cable connections. Even with the reduced socket count of the SLM, hanging this amplifier vertically might, depending on your system, leave quite the collection of sidefacing or downhanging cables to accommodate, including five sets of speaker cables which are then required to spread somehow all over the room.

So if it’s neatness which attracts you to the MRX SLM, get your cable planning sorted well in advance of plugging it up. For our purposes we certainly found it easiest to keep the unit flat and horizontal.

Having said that, the MRX SLM’s socketry is certainly simplified over the profusion of inputs and outputs which appear on the back of one of Anthem’s full-sized receivers.

Here you get just two HDMI sockets: one input for a source, the other with HDMI eARC which both forwards any HDMI input on to your TV and also plays any sound from the TV if you’re using its tuner, streaming, or other sources plugged into the TV. The eARC channel should allow full Atmos playback from TVs which can provide it.

There is just one optical audio input and a single analogue input, with that disappointingly on a minijack socket – that’s how tight the space gets on the rear panel, with barely room to fit in the Ethernet input, dual antenna sockets for Bluetooth/Wi-FI, an essential IR extender input for those hiding the SLM away – and that’s about it, except for a subwoofer out and the speaker connections.

Oh, the speaker connections. One price to pay for the size here is the loss of proper speaker binding posts, and the substitution of a Euroblock-style Phoenix connector for all 10 speaker cables. Having recently struggled with the fiddliness of a mere stereo Phoenix connector, this five-channel expansion did rather fill us with dread; it also precluded the use of our usual thick front speaker cable with banana plugs. The Phoenix connector block here is capable of handling cable only up to about 1.5mm thick; you need each cable perfectly trimmed down to leave 5mm of bare wire. Phoenix connector blocks are usefully removable, so you can screw down 10 cables into the marked holes, taking great care with polarity, then slide the block into place carefully. We had a small short first time, from rogue cable strands splayed on entry, but with careful prep the connections weren’t quite the nightmare we had anticipated.

The five channels are another limitation of the MRX SLM. For most users this will be best configured as three channels at the front (LCR) and two at the rear, with an active subwoofer connected to the subwoofer output, delivering 5.1-channel surround. That leaves no height available for Atmos content there, and no pre-outs available for expansion.

But there is another option, which is to run in 3.1.2 – so having height, but no rears. While this is an unusual and certainly less immersive option, it might be worth considering if you’re in a scenario where there’s no way to run rear cables.

Otherwise there seems no way here to, say, reallocate spare channels to biamp the front L/R channels, or to play to a second zone, which are common options on receivers. Of course with only five amplifiers and no pre-outs, that would leave you listening in 3.1.

It is easy to make and implement any such configuration changes because despite its low-slung convenience, the MRX SLM comes equipped with pretty much the full control implementation of all Anthem receivers, including the Anthem Remote app for iOS and Android, and our favourite interface of all: Anthem’s marvellous web user interface. Once it’s networked, just type its IP address into any browser on your network, and you have full control over everything from general operation to level tweaks to full-on calibration.

Inputs & profiles

Having lived with most brands of AV receiver and become accustomed to their ways, we have little hesitation in proclaiming Anthem’s method of inputs and profiles to be among the simplest and most versatile in set-up, and particularly in allowing easy switching between different scenarios designed for different purposes and different inputs.

For example, we will listen to movies in full surround, so here that might be an Atmos soundtrack rendered to 5.1. But if we are listening to Atmos music, rather than movies, we prefer to have a virtual centre, and so choose to listen in 4.1.2 if the channels are available, or here without our height channels in either 4.0 without subwoofer, or 4.1 for the extra welly deep down below (our usual choice).

On some receivers that would be a complicated bit of preset creation, potentially needing a tweak every time you wanted to move between modes. But Anthem allows you not only to set up different speaker profiles for such scenarios, but also to create virtual inputs for each individual situation.

So the HDMI input for our AppleTV 4K might be called just ‘AppleTV’ for movie and TV watching, using Profile 1 to listen in 5.1.

But we could make another input called ‘AppleTV music’, also using the same HDMI eARC as input, but auto-selecting Profile 2, which is configured for 4.1. Admittedly this input won’t be on the physical remote control, which offers the default inputs. But the virtual inputs will be on the app and the browser interface, making selection pretty easy.

We also love the ease with which you can sit in your seat and use the app to calibrate each channel by entering distances then listening for level with test tones. There is also Anthem’s ARC (Anthem Room Correction), and again we have tried many room correction systems to conclude that Anthem is one of the few which we sometimes (not always!) leave in circuit for actually improving the sound. Anthem ARC was created out of the famous Athena research at Canada’s National Research Centre dating back to 1988, co-funded by Canadian companies including Axiom, Paradigm and PSB Speakers.

“The goal of the Athena project was to design a ‘smart loudspeaker’, a speaker that could self-calibrate the frequency response in a room to fit a target curve determined by subjective double-blind screen listening tests, using DSP to do the room correction,” Paul Barton of PSB Speakers told us recently, and Athena’s room-correction research was later used, inter alia, to create the ARC correction in Anthem receivers, here in the latest Genesis version.

Even with this smaller receiver you get a calibrated USB microphone in the box to connect to your computer (the software runs on your computer, not the receiver), though not the full-sized mike stand that comes with Anthem’s larger models. You measure from at least five positions, these being where your head would normally be, then the front left and right or your couch, and a little behind the left and right of your couch. You can then store the results, turn the correction on or off, and choose to use it in your input definitions or not, as you prefer for different sources.

Control & streaming

We’ve already seen how useful the browser-based control interface can be; your other choice is the Anthem Control app (above). This not only speedily spots your networked device and connects quickly when required, its main screen has a big circular volume slider, its very size allowing finer and more precise control than buttons or horizontal sliders, although occasionally we did slip and engage rather high levels accidentally. (You can set a maximum volume if this happens too often!)

Marvellous further flexibility comes from a touch of the ‘Settings’ button in the app, bringing up individual sliders for bass, treble, and for each individual set of speakers, so there’s front L+R on one slider, centre on another, subwoofer, and rears (or height) together. This doesn’t mess with your overall calibrated settings within the Speaker Profiles, and adjustments are easily returned to their default positions, so this is great for perhaps hottening your rears temporarily for a soundtrack which benefits from this slight departure from reference, or to shove up the centre channel if dialogue is getting lost, and particularly, we found, to tweak the balance for surround and Atmos music, of which we are great fans.

You can also make more permanent adjustments by entering the Setup Menu and creating up to four speaker profiles, additional duplicate inputs with different treatments, as well as storing and loading user settings.

Besides surround material, there is also stereo music, of course, to which you can listen in straight L and R stereo, or you might set up a Profile and Input to play stereo in 2.1 with the subwoofer, or 3.0 or 3.1, or even ‘all-channel stereo’, which may not be strictly ‘hi-fi’ but which does make use of all your available amplification and can be just the thing when entertaining.

Your music can come from apps on your TV, from a plugged-in media player, or from the Anthem’s own streaming abilities. There is Google Cast streaming (good from Android devices) and Apple AirPlay (good but often limited in quality by Apple from iOS devices), while Spotify Connect lets you use the Spotify app on your phone to control a stream direct to the receiver. There’s no Tidal Connect, though, and the Bluetooth is limited to the SBC codec and perhaps AAC, with no higher third-party codecs available.

There’s one more control option: via the network from third-party integration solutions, including Savant, Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI and ELAN. In which case you’re likely leaving all the hard work to a professional installer, and can simply settle back to enjoy the results. As we now did.

Listening sessions

We began in stereo, and we figured that if the MRX SLM was going to reveal its limitations, it would be when running only two channels for critical stereo listening. But no apparent limitations were revealed. Perhaps the best compliment we can give this receiver was that it stayed in our music room for three weeks without us ever hankering to get our reference power amps back behind the music; we even had a music night with guests, and not only forgot to mention that it wasn’t our usual amps, we didn’t even remember that ourselves until after they had gone. The music flowed forth beautifully at whatever level we demanded.

But why listen to boring old two-channel when you can listen in five-channel? Got any old music DVDs? Check the soundtracks: some have not only 5.1 but high-res DTS 5.1, which is about as good as you can get – discs as common as Best of Bowie or Ladies & Gentleman George Michael have fantastic 5.1 mixes on the DVDs. Or treat yourself to a copy of the Beatles ‘Love’ CD+DVD 2-pack (commonly around on eBay); select the high-res DTS soundtrack and crank it.

That was our first post-warm-up surround treat; we never listen to anything less than the whole disc of ‘Love’, and by the time we’d reached Eleanor Rigby we’d established beyond doubt that both quality and power more than acquit themselves under the trial of surround music. The guitar in Julia panned lazily across the front soundstage while the rears whirled ambulance effects and atmosphere hinting at this tragedy in Lennon’s life, then in bursts the thrilling rip-it-up remix of I Am The Walrus, a full system work-out, and still no apparent limitations imposed by the size constraints of the MRX SLM.

So what are the amplifiers in here? Anthem’s bigger receivers use proper Class-AB power, but could they fit it five Class-AB amps in a box this size? We had guessed they had done so, given that after a good session the SLM could run quite hot, so that if you do hide it or rack it, we’d suggest giving it some surrounding air space, although Anthem’s racking image above shows several of them stacked pretty tight.

But no, these are Class-D amps (no word on whose), confirms Australian distributor Audio Active; they are rated at 50W each into 8 ohms. This made us even more impressed by the MRX SLM’s musical abilities.

Especially when from Blu-ray via HDMI we played the recent Atmos release of
‘Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars’, a magnificent remix by original engineer Ken Scott, and an exemplar of how a classic album can get an Atmos treatment. It truly surrounds you, and without the ‘effects’ of ‘Love’, just brilliantly mixed. If you’ve never liked surround music, try this one.

We also played a good bit of Atmos from Tidal (through an AppleTV 4K connected to the HDMI input); we only slightly missed the additional immersion of our usual height speakers; Atmos height is often mighty subtle.

We had already been running casual surround TV and movies, but we loaded up the Blu-ray of Oppenheimer. When played at the Cremorne Orpheum in Sydney this had been one of the loudest movie presentations we’d ever seen… and the home version doesn’t disappoint. In the opening scene Oppenheimer stares into a puddle; we set our levels on this pitter-patter of rain and the accompanying music, then seconds later a fireball bursts into the sky with an effect not only massive, tinglingly visceral indeed, but also sharply-etched and edged, with every sound in the following crescendo impeccably controlled, every angle of delivery accurate.

Ours is not a huge listening room, so perhaps a larger room would reach the power limits of the little MRX SLM, but our experience was unrestrained, full-on dramatic. Indeed such was the workout given to the Anthem plus Krix subwoofer during this brief scene that the missus came rushing from downstairs, informing us that Mr Oppenheimer was disturbing wildlife resting in the bathroom below. An impressive first for our system.

Jarhead, played from a mere 5.1-channel DVD, was another soundtrack to demonstrate the placement and impact of effects: the Gulf War battle sequences, one-sided as they were, hurled explosions all around the soundstage, with whip-crack transients and apparently no shortage in the reserves. It’s hard to imagine an Atmos delivery of this soundtrack being any more immersive even with added height.

From Netflix, playing via the HDMI eARC from the TV, we enjoyed a delightful combination of dramatic, atmospheric and musical surround in the cyber-thriller Leave The World Behind, the rears pumped up even through the Joey Bada$$ intro theme and nicly for the house-gazing sequence with a hip-hop soul soundtrack by Blackstreet.

Again the ability to tweak surround and subwoofer levels in the app made it so easy to achieve exactly the right balance. And more: with every movie we played, we were reminded how much more entertaining movies are when delivered with powerful sound, and surround. The ease of tucking this receiver away, even racking it elsewhere, could help bring surround sound back to rooms where it has been neglected since modern décor banned cables and boxes at the back of the room. With a bit of planning, the MRX SLM could operate with remarkable discretion, but to great effect.

If you do hide it, you should run an IR receiver on a cable to somewhere convenient, so that you can keep using the physical remote control, even though the phone app will still work over the network.

The smart app also helped overcome the only operational issue we encountered, which was when selecting an input with the remote control. We would select ‘analogue’ (our computer audio via DAC was connected this way), then start music playing, but we would invariably still need to select ‘analogue’ again before hearing the input. If we paused listening for a while we might need to select it again. The same happened when selecting the external HDMI input.

We think this may have been the MRX SRM switching automatically back to HDMI ARC, because the TV was active. We tried turning off HDMI CEC to prevent this, at the cost of losing additional volume control from the TV remote, but it persisted. So we just got used to doing it twice. One thing that might help enormously would be having a multicolour LED on the front panel to indicate the current input status.

The other things to consider carefully are the few specific limitations of the compact design: only five channels, limited physical inputs, the Phoenix speaker connections, and no pre-outs for left and right, which we normally use to feed superior power amps for stereo music listening. That last is a pity, as if Anthem did so, you might be able to reallocate the MRX SLM’s amps for everything else in a 5.1.2-channel system, thereby restoring height along with surround. Currently it’s a choice of either/or, when both would be more fun.

Verdict

But what a game changer. Anthem’s slimline receiver can fully power a five-channel surround sound system from a hideaway position, with high levels of performance and power for both movies and music.

The reduced physical size brings a few specific limitations, but if those don’t affect your particular situation, then the MRX SLM could change your whole idea of how an entertainment system is put together.

Equally importantly it shows how clever thinking can create a different and potentially better way of doing things.

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As we see out the end of Black Friday and welcome the short-lived dawn of Cyber Monday, it may seem that all of the best deals have been snapped up.

But all is not lost: we've found a massive price drop on a five-star AVR.

The Arcam AVR31 is down from its launch price of £5799 to £3699 at Sevenoaks – and a free pair of Sennheiser SPORT True wireless headphones is being thrown in for good measure.

With a price drop of £2550, this is definitely a deal worth considering.

The AVR31 earned the full five stars for its clear sound and oodles of options for connectivity.

It has seven channels of power amplification and up to 16 channels of decoding, making it capable of processing audio for systems with configurations up to 9.1.6.

It boasts wide-ranging audio format support, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D, as well as Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X for systems without height speakers. It ticks all the boxes on the connections front too, with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs, all capable of handling 8K video signals at 60fps and 4K at 120fps with support for VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. One of the outputs also supports eARC.

Other physical connections include six digital (four coaxials, two opticals) and six analogue RCA inputs, plus optical, analogue and preamp outputs. There’s an aerial connector for an FM/DAB tuner, a USB port and trigger outputs with IR extenders for two zones, along with an RS-232 serial connector and an Ethernet port. Streamers are well catered for as well, with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon and Tidal Connect all supported.

Sonically, it offers an appreciable level of refinement, separation and articulation not often heard at this level. It certainly packs a punch during action scenes, but then there's a lightness of touch during quiet moments that is quite spellbinding. It sounds excellent streaming music too, putting in a buoyant and musical performance.

If you're looking to boost your home cinema set up with a top-notch amplifier, this could be the deal for you. Check it out while you can.

MORE:

Here is our in-depth review of the Arcam AVR31

Looking for more Cyber Monday deals? We've got you covered

Find out how to choose and set up your amplifier

We're getting into proper winter now, so it's high time you sorted out your home cinema. An amp is a key component to any set-up, and this Marantz model is now £800 off for Black Friday.

The Marantz Cinema 40 is just £1599 at Sevenoaks. It looks like a great deal, but there are a couple of caveats to be aware of...

Marantz Cinema 40 Black Friday deal

The first caveat is that we haven't tested it. We have reviewed its higher-end sibling, the Cinema 30, and we liked it very much too, bestowing on it a What Hi-Fi? Award this year. The Cinema 30 combines huge scale with spatial precision, so you get broad brush strokes as well as fine detail. But that's not necessarily to say the Cinema 40 will be as good.

Because without putting it through its paces in our test room, there's no way of us knowing. But it ticks most boxes in terms of specs, supporting the main sound formats from Dolby and DTS, 8K pictures at 60Hz (4K @ 120Hz), and ALLM for gaming.

It's also equipped with plenty of wireless technologies, including AirPlay 2, HEOS multi-room skills and Spotify Connect. Streaming services include Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer, while it's upgradeable to room optimisation software Dirac Live (for a subscription fee).

But there's only so much you can tell from the spec sheet alone. We might not be able to vouch for the performance, but with this much money off, the Marantz Cinema 40 certainly looks worth exploring...

MORE:

Check out the best AVRs around

The best AVR deals

And the best home cinema systems

Are you in the market for a new AVR? You shouldn't settle for anything but the best, which is why we'd like to point your attention to this stellar early Black Friday deal on the exceptional Sony TA-AN1000.

This home cinema amplifier has just been crowned Product of the Year in the AVR category, which should speak for itself. If that isn't enough of an incentive to opt for this AVR, then maybe a saving of £300 will do it. We reviewed the TA-AN1000 at £999 originally; however, the price has dropped to just £699 at Peter Tyson, Amazon, Richer Sounds, and Sevenoaks.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

So, why do we recommend this Sony so highly? The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multiroom setup, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we steeped high praise on it indeed, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer last year – but now, with £300 off? It's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Looking to upgrade your home cinema setup but not sure where to start? Then we’d strongly recommend you look at this stellar early Black Friday deal on the Denon AVR-X2800H.

VIP members at Richer Sounds can currently grab the Denon AVR-X2800H £499, a healthy £370 saving on its £869 regular price. Not a member? Don't worry, all you have to do is sign up for a free account on Richer Sounds' website.

Though it isn’t the newest AVR we’ve reviewed, we still recommend the Denon AVR-X2800H to people looking to take their first, or even second step, into the world of true home cinema, multi-speaker surround sound.

With it remaining a staple site in our comparative testing process we can confirm the Denon AVR-X2800H is a fantastic AVR and former What Hi-Fi? Award winner that will delight any home cinema fan looking to create a true surround sound setup.

Featuring nine channels of amplification and the ability to run up to 11.4 configurations alongside 8K support, plus three HDMI 2.1 inputs, the Denon AVR-X2800H is one of the most feature packed options you’ll find at this price. Its intuitive, user-friendly screen interface also makes it one of the easiest to use, hence why we particularly recommend it to people new to full home cinema setups.

VRR and ALMM support alongside the ability to run 4K@120Hz video at up to 40Gbps also make it a dab hand at next-generation gaming, on the off chance you also want to connect a PS5, Xbox Series X or modern PC to it.

But, most importantly it sounds great. Whether you’re enjoying the action packed Dune: Part 2’s soundtrack, the heated car chase in The Batman or bopping along to one of the numerous and brilliant songs in Little Shop of Horrors, the AVR-X2800H delivers an authoritative but spacious sound.

Hence why we stand by our AVR-X2800H review’s conclusion:

“The AVR-X2800H ups the ante with more HDMI 2.1 inputs, a new user-friendly interface and, most importantly, a more responsive, coherent and spacious sound. It retains Denon’s signature authoritative weight but refines and balances it with a bolder top end that can do better justice to both music and movies. With its onboard room calibration software and a modernised full-screen interface, it's relatively easy to use and well-equipped.”

On the off chance the AVR-X2800H doesn’t tick all your boxes, don’t panic. We’ve still got plenty of time before Black Friday proper lands at the end of November and our team of home cinema experts will be on hand all month flagging all the latest AVR deals they’ve spotted. Make sure to follow our best Black Friday deals guide for all the latest and greatest ones we’ve spotted on products we’ve tested and know are worth your hard earned cash.

MORE:

Read our full Denon AVR-X2800H review

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

6 mistakes to avoid with your AV receiver

We've seen a handful of truly impressive AVRs this year, which really made deciding our favourite models a tricky process.

We've reviewed new offerings from Denon, JBL, Marantz, and (in a surprise comeback) Pioneer this year, putting each model through its paces with our intensive testing process. Ultimately, two models have risen above the competition to become the victors in the best AVR category of the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024.

One of which is a returning model – the Sony TA-AN1000 – which was first awarded the "best home cinema amplifier under £1500" title last year. The second is a new model for 2024, the Marantz Cinema 30.

The big news this year is that the Marantz Cinema 30 claimed the title of "best home cinema amplifier over £1500" after fending off competition from the updated (and extremely pricey) JBL Synthesis SDR-38, long-running favourite Arcam AVR31, and even its Denon AVC-X6800H counterpart.

Right from the outset, we knew that the Cinema 30 was a special AVR thanks to its premium and stylish design. The metal chassis felt solid and premium, while the design aspects sprinkled throughout such as the circular display, accent lighting and etched design sealed the deal. However, while it was all well and good that the Cinema 30 looked good, it (more importantly) needed to sound good Thankfully, it delivered in this department too.

Put simply, the Marantz Cinema 30 has not left our testing room since we first got it out of the box, and every member of the team has been invited to the AV testing room to try it out – which should speak for how highly we regard this AVR. Its sound is rich, powerful and smooth, yet refined and controlled in equal measures, making it a truly talented home cinema receiver. Spatial audio, namely Dolby Atmos, is also delivered with immense scale without sacrificing precision, which is a balance we find other AVRs can struggle to hit.

Furthermore, the Cinema 30 has a practically flawless feature set, including seven HDMI 2.1 inputs which support up to 8K/60Hz signals with VRR, ALLM, QMS and HDR in all of the major supported formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It also features 11 channels of amplification, making it an ideal companion for those with a 7.4.4 speaker configuration who don't want to shell out for an additional power amplifier to drive their full system. It's even super simple to set up, with the included Audyssey calibration microphone in the box and an on-screen menu system which makes navigation a breeze.

Next up we have the now two-time Sony award-winner, TA-AN1000. Although we have already given it many plaudits, it certainly deserves another shout out. Its dynamic and expressive sound packs a punch, with plenty of detail and precision, while the simple setup, intuitive user interface and comprehensive feature set – including Dolby Vision HDR, 4K/120Hz gaming support with VRR and ALLM, and support for a wide variety of streaming platforms – the Sony TA-AN1000 remains the best AVR under £1500.

It's a small list, however both models here have truly earned their spot thanks to their top-notch home cinema sound. However, there can only be one Product of the Year winner, and only time will tell as to whether Marantz or Sony will reign supreme.

MORE:

Read our full Marantz Cinema 30 review

And our Sony TA-AN1000 review

As well as our list of the best AV receivers

Looking for a Dolby Atmos-ready AVR, but don’t fancy paying full price? Then we’d recommend you check out Peter Tyson’s latest early Black Friday deal on the Denon AVR-X1800H.

The deal is live on Peter Tyson now and lets VIP members buy the Denon AVR-X1800H for £399, a £50 saving on its price for non-members and an even healthier £300 discount on its full RRP.

Not a VIP? Don’t worry. All you have to do is sign up for a free Peter Tyson account and you’ll be granted access to the discount.

The discount returns the Denon AVR-X1800H to its best price yet, with it retailing for £449 until October this year. It then only briefly sold for £399 for a few days, before jumping back up in price at the start of the month.

The only minor downside is that we’re still yet to get the unit into our home cinema testing rooms. We’re happy flagging the deal to you still due to our incredibly positive experience, reviewing its step-up, big brother, the Denon AVR-X2800H.

The X1800H shares a lot of the same DNA as the Denon AVR-X2800H, which is a former What Hi-Fi? Awards Product of the Year winner, and was a staple sight in our best AVR buying for many months.

The unit supports 7.2 channel surround sound or 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X speaker setups and comes with a number of premium features.

Highlights include support for 8K via three compatible HDMI inputs plus key next gen gaming features. These include Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and 4K@120Hz – three key things you need to make the most of a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S games console.

Add to this network streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Denon’s comprehensive HEOS multi-room platform and it becomes a very compelling package, especially at this price.

If you’re not completely sold on the current Denon deal, don’t worry. We’ve already seen numerous retailers start to push aggressive early Black Friday deals and are expecting this to continue throughout November.

Make sure to follow our best Black Friday deals guide for our team’s curated picks of the best home cinema savings to be had this year.

MORE:

Our picks of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

We rate the best surround sound systems money can buy

Our picks of the best projectors for movies

• We rate the best AVRs for serious movie fans

Well here we are at Prime Big Deal Days, and already we have seen this Award-winning home cinema amplifier hit its lowest price ever. We're off to a good start.

With £300 off the 'tested at' price, this five-star AV receiver is now just £699 at Amazon, making it better value than ever. That's around £100 cheaper than its previous best price.

Sony TA-AN1000 best ever deal

The TA-AN1000 AV receiver is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on a par with its rival the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although it does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It is similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, and wireless playback is available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room setup, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance, in our review we bestow high praise on it, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We note how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praise it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amplifier at this level, we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer last year – but now, at just £699? It's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

Tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Soundbars might be all the rage, but home cinema enthusiasts who can accommodate a full-blown surround sound speaker package are still being catered for, as Onkyo’s latest announcement goes to show.

Fresh for 2024 is the TX-RZ30. Costing $1199 and launching in October (it is scheduled to arrive in the UK by the end of the year, priced £1199), this feature-packed amplifier, with 100W of Class A/B amplification per channel, will doubtless be in the hunt for a spot on our list of the best AV receivers.

It’s fully equipped and includes a thorough set-up procedure, courtesy of Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth. Dirac’s tech will optimise the sound to suit your particular room layout and listening conditions. Also available, as an optional extra, is Dirac Live Bass Control, which sees machine learning and AI quickly optimise your subwoofer settings.

The Onkyo also supports IMAX Enhanced. This means you can experience enhanced movie soundtracks from compatible sources, such as 4K Blu-ray discs. An IMAX Enhanced soundtrack uses a special ‘signature’ version of the DTS:X audio format which IMAX claims helps to preserve the full dynamic range of the original movie mix.

Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity are both included and the Onkyo has one additional wireless trick up its sleeve which allows it to transmit and receive audio (including aptX HD) to compatible Bluetooth headphones. Perfect for a spot of late-night listening when you want to enjoy an action flick but don’t want to disturb anyone else in the house (or your neighbours).

On the rear are no fewer than six HDMI 2.1a inputs and a pair of outputs should you want to send pictures – and there is support for the pass-through of both 8K and 4K content.

Today’s home cinema receivers are more than just movie maestros, which means you get support for a wide range of music streaming platforms and apps. There is Google Cast built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora (for US customers) and Tunein. It is also Roon Tested, should you want to use a Roon Core server over AirPlay or Chromecast. The Onkyo even has a Sonos port allowing you to distribute your audio through your Sonos wireless network.

Onkyo and Klipsch have teamed up to create a special audio mode designed to work with Klipsch’s Reference Premier speaker line. Admittedly, it’s a little niche, but nice to have if you happen to have a speaker package which uses speakers from this range.

MORE:

Our pick of the best AV receivers

IMAX Enhanced: what is it, how do you get it and is it any good?

6 mistakes to avoid with your AV receiver

I listened to two five-star AVRs – and it reminded me why home cinema should be fun

Denon has announced a new flagship AV receiver as part of its A-series lineup with the AVC-A10H joining the existing A1H in this flagship roster. Denon claims that this new model takes inspiration from the A1H, while also cramming it to the brim with features and new internal components.

The A10H is a 13.4-channel receiver capable of supporting up to 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 speaker configurations without needing an external power amplifier. It supports a wide range of sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. Denon touts 150W of power with two channels driven, which is the same as its predecessor, though the new hardware should reportedly deliver a "significant performance upgrade". 

Inside the beefed-up Denon's slick yet familiar-looking casework, you'll find an upgraded ESS DAC array consisting of nine audiophile-grade 2-channel DACs which Denon claims will "maximise the resolution of all 17 channels", alongside an OFC wound transformer. The chassis features a three-layer construction for enhanced rigidity which should subsequently reduce vibrations and unwanted noise. The AVR has also been hand-tuned by Denon's own Sound Master, Shinichi Yamauchi, which means that the A10H should retain the brand's signature “vivid and spacious” sound.

Denon has included Audyssey's MultEQ XT32, which it says will allow users to calibrate the system with a more accurate frequency response system in correlation with your environment to achieve a more balanced soundstage. It also claims that the new microphone (which we expect to be bundled in with the amplifier based on previous models) is more precise, which should result in an even better result post-calibration. If you'd like to delve deeper into calibrating the system to suit your room layout then Dirac Live is also on board, though that tends to require additional software and accessories.

As per usual with Denon AVRs, the A10H is very well equipped when it comes to wired and wireless connectivity. It features no less than seven HDMI 2.1 sockets with support for 8K, 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR, ALLM and QFT, and it supports HDR in all of the current formats including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision HDR and HLG. Wireless connectivity comes in the form of Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music HD and Denon's own HEOS wireless streaming and multi-room platform. 

The AVC-A10H is set to go on sale in November of this year with an RRP of £3999 / $4,699 / AU$7999. 

MORE:

Read our full Denon AVC-X6800H review

And check out our picks for the best AV receivers

As well as the best surround sound speakers

McIntosh has unveiled its latest AV processor, the MX200, which promises to deliver a potent combination of high-end audio processing and room correction technology for discerning home cinema enthusiasts.

Set to hit authorised McIntosh dealers this month with a price tag of $6,000 (UK prices have yet to be released), the MX200 can process up to 11.2 channels of audio, making it suitable for a wide range of surround sound set-ups – from basic 5.1 configurations to more elaborate 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos arrangements, if that’s more your jam.

On the video front, the processor supports 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps passthrough, along with a smattering of HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG. This futureproofs it for compatibility with the latest 8K TVs and next-gen gaming consoles, while rec.2020 colour space support should ensure vibrant, true-to-life visuals.

One of the MX200's standout features is the inclusion of Dirac Live Full Bandwidth room correction software – a notable upgrade from the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 found in its predecessor, the MX100. Dirac’s advanced audio processing tool analyses room acoustics and adjusts the audio output accordingly, promising clearer and more accurate sound reproduction, regardless of room characteristics. It’s a big selling point for those who want to squeeze the absolute best possible sound from their set-up, with as little hassle as possible. 

Under the hood, audiophiles will also appreciate the presence of seven discrete 32-bit DACs, which should ensure pristine audio quality for both stereo and multichannel content. The processor also supports immersive audio formats in the form of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for a more immersive listening experience.

Connectivity-wise, the MX200 offers four HDMI inputs and one output with eARC support – a configuration that, while sufficient for most set-ups, might feel a tad limited for users with multiple source devices. On the plus side, it does include a range of analogue and digital inputs, including a dedicated phono input for turntable enthusiasts.

Aesthetically, the MX200 maintains McIntosh's signature design DNA, featuring an aluminium and glass front panel adorned with two silver-ringed control knobs. Its 2U rack-mountable form factor should appeal to custom installers, while built-in support for Control4 and Crestron systems makes it a versatile option for smart home integration.

While the $6,000 price point positions the MX200 firmly in higher-than-entry-level territory, it represents a compelling option for home cinema aficionados seeking top-tier audio processing and room correction capabilities in one package. The MX200 is set to land at McIntosh dealers later this month, with specific UK pricing and release dates to be confirmed.

MORE:

These are our picks for the best AV receivers

And the best surround sound speaker systems

Here are 24 of the best film scenes to test your surround sound system

Earlier this week, my fellow AV enthusiast Tom Parsons and I spent the day with JBL at their UK offices with an exclusive look at its new range of Modern Audio AV receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers. Demoing the new systems was, of course, the focus of the day, and we have no complaints about testing out shiny new home cinema kit by watching some of our favourite film clips.

We listened to three systems in total; a 2.1 set-up driven by the cheapest AVR in the range, a mid-range 5.1 system using the MA510, and a flagship 5.1.4 system using the MA9100HP (hands-on review of that system coming very soon). While we'll reserve final judgment for when we get these AVRs and speakers into our own testing room, the bottom line is that we found plenty to like with all three systems.

While the speakers deserve their time in the spotlight, today we're here to discuss the new AVRs. JBL is putting a serious focus on ease of use, aesthetics and musicality with this new series, and from what we've seen so far, it appears to have met those criteria in most capacities. Clarity and spaciousness alongside good rhythmic drive were a few positive attributes that we identified, and we also have to commend how stylish the new units look in their transparent black and white finishes. 

Subtle style cues like the underglow light bar that can be set to a range of colours, the "safe to turn it up to eleven" easter egg on the volume knob that is a cheeky nod to This Is Spinal Tap, and the full-colour display on the two most expensive models are all appreciated design motifs. 

Moreover, JBL has positioned these AVRs in a rather sweet spot when it comes to pricing and features, which has me thinking that this new range could be a good competitor for the current AVR kings. Denon's range of X- and S-series amplifiers have models at a wide range of prices, with differing features to match, and while this new JBL range might not compete at every level, it should have Denon slightly worried at the very least.

JBL has priced these aggressively, with the range starting at just £499 / $399, which puts it in direct competition with the Denon AVR-X1800H, while the new flagship model goes toe-to-toe with the Denon AVC-X3800H at £1399 / $1199. There are options in between that target different price demographics, making this range practically the only competitor to Denon aside from its sister brand Marantz. 

While we haven't heard these new AVRs directly alongside the existing Denons (almost all of which we really like), I'm personally looking forward to pitting them against each other in some head-to-head comparisons. While sound is, of course, the most important factor, I feel like these AVRs have some character and are perhaps taking a more fun and light-hearted approach to home cinema sound. 

However, only time will tell if they are true competitors, but at least Denon finally has some direct competition for much of its dominant AVR lineup. 

MORE:

Read our full JBL Synthesis SDR-38 review 

As well as our picks for the best AVRs

And the best surround sound speaker systems

Denon’s X-series AV amplifiers and receivers have been hugely successful in terms of both reviews and sales. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that it completely dominates a big chunk of the AVR market.

That said, prices have risen with each new generation of X-series amps, and what once was entry-level is now firmly mid-market. That’s where Denon's S-series comes in. Designed to sit below the X-series and offer every core feature that someone new to home cinema amplifiers might need while stripping out some of the expensive elements that they probably don’t, the S-series is a tempting proposition.

This AVR-S670H model sits around the middle of the S-series and offers five channels of amplification, two subwoofer outputs, three HDMI 2.1 inputs (plus three standard HDMI inputs) and super-simple (by AVR standards) set-up and operation. That all seems perfectly promising, but there are a couple of issues.

Price

The first of those issues concerns pricing. The Denon AVR-S670H is priced at £599 / $549 / AU$699, which initially looks like good value – and arguably genuinely is in the US and Australia. However, the Award-winning AVR-X2800H, which launched at £869 / $1200 / AU$2399 in 2022 and has remained at that sort of level in the US and Australia, is regularly (and currently) available for just £599 in the UK. Not only is this a better-specified AVR, but it also sets a high benchmark in terms of sound quality.

The X-series AVR-X1800H, meanwhile, is available for £499 / $749 / AU$950. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to review that particular model, but it enjoys a higher position in Denon’s lineup than the AVR-S670H we have here.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Denon also sells an AVC-S670H (note the 'C') which does without the AVR-S670H’s FM/AM tuner but is otherwise, we are told, identical. You can usually save a little bit of money by opting for the AVC model.

Design

The AVR-S670H is fairly compact by general receiver standards, no doubt at least partly due to it featuring just the five amplifiers. This compactness is really just in the depth measurement, though – the height and width are a roughly typical 15 x 43cm.

Higher-end X-series models tend to have buttons hidden below drop-down doors on the front, while the AVR-X2800H has slick, almost hidden buttons on the lip below the front display. The S670H, however, has a series of simple, round buttons on its face, which makes it look comparatively cluttered and old-fashioned. The display is good, though, and there’s a nice feel to the volume and input knobs.

The accompanying remote looks and feels a little basic, but its relatively stripped-back selection of buttons is good and the AVR is very responsive to inputs.

Features

Around the back of the AVR-S670H is a well-curated selection of inputs and outputs. There’s just one HDMI output, which makes sense at this level, and three of the six HDMI inputs are 4K/120Hz affairs that are labelled ‘8K’ but are more useful for their ability to handle 4K/120Hz signals. Gamers will also be pleased that all of the inputs can handle VRR and ALLM. And the receiver can, of course, pass through HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision signals.

The non-HDMI connections include two optical inputs, two standard stereo RCA inputs and a dedicated phono input for a turntable, which is a nice touch.

Despite its entry-level position in the range, the AVR-S670H benefits from the same ‘Setup Assistant’ featured on much higher-end AV receivers from Denon and Marantz, including the recently reviewed, premium Marantz Cinema 30. This assistant guides you through the initial installation and calibration of the AVR in a fabulously straightforward manner, complete with animated diagrams for various steps, including stripping and connecting speaker cables.

Towards the end of this process you will be guided through the mic-driven Audyssey calibration, which involves measuring the output from all of your speakers from six positions around the seating position. We find the results to be slightly less accurate than those from the more expensive Denon and Marantz AV receivers we’ve tested lately, so we recommend that you also manually adjust speaker distances and levels if you feel comfortable doing so.

Once you’ve calibrated the speakers, the amp offers to turn on Audyssey Dynamic EQ. This can be useful for late-night listening, but for serious stuff (such as testing) it’s best switched off.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume is automatically disabled if you select not to turn on Audyssey Dynamic EQ, but Audyssey MultEQ – essentially the room correction element – is enabled. This is the basic version of MultEQ; the AVR-X2800H features MultEQ XT.

Another setting to be aware of is Loudness Management, which is another form of dynamic compression specifically for Dolby signals. When you enable it, a dedicated ‘Dynamic Compression’ option becomes available, allowing you to choose how aggressive to make the compression. Again, any form of compression is bad for critical listening so we disable such settings for testing, but you may want to experiment with them for home use.

As this is a five-channel receiver, 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are off the menu. If you want Atmos support now or feel you might in the future, you’re better off with the AVR-X1800H or AVR-X2800H.

Sound

As we’ve discussed many times before, music is actually great for testing an AV receiver, so we kick off with Polyphia’s James Franco. We’re immediately impressed by the energetic nature of the Denon’s delivery. The amp (which is playing in stereo in the Pure Direct mode) isn’t fazed by the quick, start-stop nature of the track. It sounds really crisp and direct and doesn’t struggle to maintain a hold of the frenetic, chaotic ensemble.

Unfortunately, though, while the delivery is lithe and energetic, it’s lacking weight and solidity. The initial strike of each note is crisp and fairly precise, but there’s little in the way of body behind it, making the whole track sound a bit lightweight. The choral swell that appears later in the track is also a little lost on account of the Denon’s lean tonal character.

Invincible by Tool again benefits from the AVR-S670H’s fast-paced delivery, and it highlights the amp’s solid spatial organisation and strong stereo focus. There’s decent detail and low-level dynamic resolution in the way it delivers Maynard James Keenan’s vocals, too. Again, though, we’re frustrated by a lack of weight and warmth. Keenan’s voice lacks some of its richness, and when the bass comes in it feels fairly inconsequential rather than the next important step in the track’s evolution.

We change pace with Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos, and the general lack of weight is evident once again. The lack of solidity behind each note combines with a fairly lacklustre approach to larger dynamic shifts to rob the track of some of its power and impact, making for an overall experience that is less engaging than it should be.

Switching to our first film – Deepwater Horizon – proves once again that the characteristics revealed by music are also present in movies. We are, of course, now listening to the full 5.2 speaker system and we opt for the Direct setting, which is far punchier than Movie.

The AVR-S670H’s energy and enthusiasm are present once more. The regular eruptions and explosions hit with exciting precision and there’s real zing to the debris as it pings around the drilling platform. There’s good dialogue clarity in all but the most sonically chaotic sections, too, so you rarely miss anything important. 

But again, we’re disappointed by a lack of weight behind each effect, and as water spews from a pipe we get lots of trebly hiss but miss out on much of the churning, glugging elements of the sound. There’s also a bit of a beaming quality to the delivery, with each speaker struggling to sonically blend with the one next to it, leading to a slightly gappy presentation that doesn’t have the natural cohesion necessary for full immersion.

During the sand cloud battle in Dune II, meanwhile, we find that the creeping steps of the Harkonnen troops are a little too subdued and that explosions and gunfire, while fizzily precise in terms of timing, struggle to stand out as they should in terms of volume and weight. These traits repeat as we run through many more of our test favourites, from Unbroken and The Batman to Blade Runner 2049 and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Verdict

The AVR-X2800H isn’t a hugely bassy performer, but it’s much weightier and richer than the AVR-S670H and still has the same energy and pace. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which, if you don’t want now, you might want to upgrade to in the future.

We fully appreciate that the AVR-X2800H is a higher-end receiver whose price might rise again in the future, but its price history suggests that the current discount in the UK is far from unusual and it’s quite simply a much better AV receiver.

More importantly, though, the AVR-S670H unfortunately just isn’t a great receiver in its own right. While its drive and enthusiasm are laudable, it’s too lightweight, dynamically limited and lacking in surround cohesion to provide a truly satisfying cinematic experience. Consider it a very rare miss from Denon.

SCORES

• Sound 3
• Build 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Denon AVR-X2800H

Also consider the Samsung Q990D

Best AV receivers: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

JBL has announced a brand new, five-strong range of AV receivers for 2024 with models ranging from affordable, entry-level to 8K, Dolby Atmos-equipped amplifiers. They join the new Stage 2 range of speakers which include new floorstanders and standmounters, a new centre channel, new Dolby Atmos height modules and two new subwoofers.

Back to the AVRs, JBL has opted to title this new range the Modern Audio AV Receivers (or MA for short).  JBL says that the aim with this new range of home cinema amplifiers is to "blend seamlessly into modern home interiors" and ensure they're "refreshingly simple to install, connect, and upgrade". As expected these new AVRs are designed to be partnered with the new Stage 2 speakers for maximum ease of use and compatibility, however, you should have no trouble pairing these AVRs with a surround sound system from another brand. 

With simplicity at the core, the MA series features a handful of useful features, including an app-based calibration system within the EZ Set EQ mobile app. This is a feature we usually see reserved for soundbars, however, JBL assures us that you can use your handset to accurately calibrate the sound to best suit the shape of your room. However, Dirac Live support is also on board which will likely be the more accurate method of calibrating these amps. These AVRs also feature wi-fi streaming and can be integrated into the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem – ideal if you have a lot of Samsung gear in your home.

While usability and sleek design are important, an AVR also has to sound good, and JBL assures us that its 75 years of audio expertise has played a part in the creation of these AVRs. JBL touts the use of its products in cinemas and recording studios alike and says that these new home cinema amplifiers were developed at the JBL Center of Acoustics Excellence in Northridge, California; so expectations are high. Each model features Class D amplification, although little has been shared as to what components are driving these new AVRs.

As previously mentioned, there are five new models within the MA range, each of which offers a different value proposition and feature set. Here's a quick breakdown of what each model offers; it's worth noting that power output is quoted, however that figure is for two channels driven.  

JBL MA AVR range breakdown:

• MA310 5.2-channels, 60W, 4K AV receiver – £499 / $399/ AU$TBC
• MA510 5.2-channels, 75W, 8K AV receiver – £699 / $599 / AU$TBC
• MA710 7.2-channels, 110W, 8K AV receiver – £999 / $799 / AU$TBC
• MA7100HP 7.2-channels, 125W, 8K (High Performance) AV receiver – £1399 / $1199 / AU$TBC
• MA9100HP 9.2 channels, 140W, AV receiver with Dolby Audio and DTS or Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, low noise Class D amplification, and broad compatibility – £1899 / $1599 / AU$TBC

All models aside from the cheapest MA310 model include HDMI 2.1 passthrough for 4K/120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM, as well as HDR support for all major formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. However, on the three most expensive models, not all ports are rated at HDMI 2.1, with three of the total six supporting the latest specification. Interestingly, the second cheapest model (the MA510) gets the most HDMI 2.1 sockets with all four inputs supporting higher bandwidth signals.

As you can see, these models are more affordable than other JBL AVRs that we've reviewed as of late, such as the Synthesis SDR-38 (£7300 / $8550 / AU$16,999). In fact, we have a sneaking suspicion that JBL is targeting Denon with these new affordable, feature-rich amps, as these prices overlap with some of Denon's S-series entry-level amplifiers and even some of the X-series AVRs, including the AVR-X2800H. 

The new range of JBL MA AVRs is available to order now in either espresso (black) or latte (white) with both finishes costing the same. 

MORE:

Read our full Denon AVC-X6800H review

As well as the Marantz Cinema 30 review

And check out our picks for the best AV receiverss

Think of Denon and Marantz like two houses in Game Of Thrones; technically speaking they're separate entities, but they are deeply intertwined through family bonds. That being said, each company continues to develop their own respective AV receivers with their distinctive sound characteristics being the key differentiator. 

Both companies have recently launched premium AVRs, and coincidentally both scored five stars in our full reviews. The Denon AVC-X6800H and Marantz Cinema 30 are two eye-catching and, more importantly, great-sounding AVRs – but which one should you choose? 

Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30: price 

As we noted in our full review of the Denon AVC-X6800H, the latest model from Denon has launched at a higher price than its predecessor. At £2999 / $3500 / AU$5999, the X6800H is pricier than the X6700H which launched at £2299 / $2499 / AU$6190; however, it's worth noting that in the UK that price has already dropped to around £2799. Better still is that the Denon is much cheaper than the Marantz.

The Cinema 30 is £4000 / $4500 / AU$7900, which is a grand more in the UK and US, and nearly AU$2000 more Down Under. Unlike the Denon, the price of the Marantz is holding firm for now, so you had better be prepared to cough up the extra cash if you want the Marantz. Is the Marantz worth the extra money though? That's the question we're here to answer.

** Winner: Denon AVC-X6800H **

Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30: design

Sure, design is subjective – but come on, just look at that Marantz, it's a thing of beauty. Its subtle golden highlights, textured metal accents, tasteful side lighting and circular display in the centre cement it as the more visually appealing receiver. Even its remote is luxurious, with a metal finish and backlit buttons that are activated by a perfectly positioned side-mounted button. The Marantz's design is also a complete breath of fresh air compared to the model it replaces. It's a totally new design compared to the SR8015 which launched in 2020.

The Denon, on the other hand, looks like every other Denon AVR we've reviewed. Its brushed metal finish looks smart, while the sharp, boxy shape is functional if not remarkably attractive. Denon's signature styling is going nowhere, and while we don't have any concerns when it comes to functionality, it's by no means a stand-out performer in the looks department. 

While this factor may not wildly influence your decision, it's worth noting for style-conscious AV enthusiasts that the Marantz is the looker out of this pair.

** Winner: Marantz Cinema 30 **

Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30: features

Here is where things get slightly trickier to judge, as these AVRs have a practically identical feature-set on paper. Both support up to 11 channels of amplification, supporting a maximum speaker arrangement of 7.2.2. They also both support a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio alongside Dolby TrueHD, Neural:X and Auro-3D. Internally, both systems use the latest 32-bit ESS digital-to-analogue converters, as well as upgraded power supplies and transistors. The Marantz ever so slightly edges out the Denon here, as it features HDAMs (essentially amplifier modules that consist of discretely mounted components rather than an integrated circuit) which allows for greater fine-tuning by the Marantz engineers. 

Furthermore, they have a near-identical HDMI specification, with three outputs and seven inputs. All of the inputs are rated as HDMI 2.1 on both devices, meaning they are capable of handling up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz signals. However, they also carry a peculiar restriction of 40Gbps bandwidths, rather than the full 48Gbps we see on other HDMI 2.1 devices. We don't suspect this will be an issue, as neither AVR is missing any gaming features (both support VRR and ALLM), but it could potentially pose an issue further down the line if the next generation of consoles feature more advanced HDMI technology. That is, of course, a hypothetical, so don't let it bog down your buying decision too much.

Moving on to wireless connectivity, yet again, both of these amplifiers are once again practically identical. Both leverage the HEOS wireless streaming system, which can integrate with other HEOS devices for a multi-room set-up if you so desire. You can stream music from a mobile device via the HEOS app too, and connect multiple streaming services (such as Tidal and Amazon Music) to the HEOS app to use it as a hub of sorts. If you prefer a more direct approach, you can use AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect or Bluetooth to get streaming straight away. TuneIn is also on board for streaming radio over the internet, and both models are Roon Ready.

Moving onto HDR support and, stop us if you've heard this one before, both AVRs feature practically identical specs. Both support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG, meaning there should be no compatibility issues with hooking these up to certain TV or projector models that only support a limited set of HDR formats.

Rounding things off, both systems are a breeze to set up with on-screen directions and the microphone-assisted Audyseey system. Further refinements and calibration can be made via Dirac, although that incurs an additional cost. 

Essentially, these AVRs are uncannily similar to the extent that it's too close to call a clear winner, resulting in a draw.

** Winner: draw **

Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30: sound

This is, by all accounts, the most important category. Sound is everything when we judge an AVR, so how do these five-star amplifiers stack up? Let's start with the Denon, as it was the first of these two AVRs that we reviewed. It delivers a rich, powerful and well-rounded sound that is brilliantly immersive.

Not only does it nail the basics with a clear, rich and detailed sound, but it can also deliver a large-scale sound when required. During large-scale scenes found in the likes of Dune Part One, the Denon digs deep to provide a sound that is huge in scale and scope. It's effective at reproducing a sense of space, with everything from huge aircraft carriers and sprawling deserts presented just as effective as scenes set in medium-sized rooms.

It's also dynamically talented, adding the necessary punch to sudden explosions in Oppenheimer. That dynamism is reflected at lower levels too, with dialogue being rewarded with subtle tonal variation that really elevates vocal performances. In scenes with lots of background noise and dialogue at the same time, the Denon captures the atmosphere of the space without sacrificing clarity when dialogue is concerned, which is a major win for us. 

Furthermore, it excels in directionality and height presentation, making it a truly impressive performer in practically every respect. We could accuse the Denon of rolling off some effects in favour of its easygoing and rich characteristics, but overall the Denon is a stunning performer.

However, there is one problem that the Denon cannot escape... and that's that the Marantz is even better. Much like the Denon, it is rich and powerful with a smooth and rich sound; it also handles large-scale scenes with the necessary oomph. It's the Marantz's adeptness at handling spatial sound that really wins us over though, with pinpoint directionality when it comes to vocals and larger effects alike. 

The Cinema 30 also excels dynamically, with everything from the brash, metal-crunching crashes of Mad Max: Fury Road to the whisper-quiet ambushes that explode into all-out battle in Dune Part Two being handled with masterful dynamism. It also happens to be more musical than the Denon too, with a controlled yet delicate and considered performance that nails timing and isn't afraid to up the pace where required. 

Simply put, the Marantz steals the Denon's thunder, and while they're both five-star performers, we have to give it to the Marantz on sound quality alone.

** Winner: Marantz Cinema 30 **

Denon AVC-X6800H vs Marantz Cinema 30: verdict

We've said it once, but we'll say it again – these are two excellent home cinema amplifiers. If you opt for the cheaper Denon AVC-X6800H, we can promise you won't be disappointed as it sounds great and has a fully stocked feature set.

However, if money is no object, then the Marantz is worth spending extra on. Sound performance is the key attribute here, and the Cinema 30 is a step up in this regard. Its enhanced directionality and powerful dynamics make it more immersive and dig out intricacies in nearly every piece of dialogue or sound effect. 

** Overall winner: Marantz Cinema 30 **

Check out our picks for the best AV receivers

Here are 5 crucial tips to help you get the most out of your Denon AVR

And find the best surround sound systems to go with your new AVR