What is an AV Receiver?

An Audio/Video Receiver (AVR) controls what you see on your TV and what you hear on the speakers of your home theatre. It’s a hub managing multiple device sources, such as cable TV, Blu-Ray or DVD player, CD player, turntable, gaming device or streaming services. Your AVR allows you to connect, play and switch between all these sources seamlessly. Think of it as the quarterback of your home theatre.

What does an AV Receiver do?

An AV Receiver (AVR) organizes the audio and video inputs and outputs of your home theatre system and allows you to control them in one easy-to-use interface. The inputs come from the devices you'd like to connect and play from, such as cable TV, Blu-ray player, turntable, or gaming device. The outputs would be the video you see on your TV and the audio you hear on your speakers. Since AVRs control and refine the signals between the devices, they also greatly influence the video & sound quality of your entertainment system.

Is an AV Receiver with speakers or a sound bar right for me?

If you are looking for the highest quality surround or 3D audio experience and enjoy wired front, rear, floor and overhead speakers, an AV Receiver (AVR) is most likely the right solution for you. If you are looking for a simpler home theatre solution that improves your TV sound without running wires to passive speakers, a sound bar is probably more suitable for you.

Is an AV Receiver and surround sound worth it?

If you enjoy watching movies in vivid and clear audio detail, we think it is definitely worth it. Adding surround sound speakers (or surrounds) to your home cinema setup will completely immerse you in the movie experience as all the action happens around you. Try adding a subwoofer for even more impact.

How to choose an AV Receiver?

This depends on the size of your entertainment space, how many devices and speakers you'd like to connect, and which features you want to take advantage of (certain features can enhance how enveloping the sound is such as Dolby Atmos or IMAX Enhanced). Bigger spaces need more power to adequately fill the space with sound. You'll also need to consider how much you'd like to spend. Denon has a wide range of legendary AV receivers to fit every budget.

How much power do I need for my AV Receiver?

The main rating you should consider when shopping for power is “Watts Per Channel”. Generally, this will vary from 70 to 150 watts per channel. The amount of power you need depends on the size of the room and richness of sound you’re looking for. For most typical living spaces, 70-100 watts per channel will be plenty, but if you need more power, we’ll always have a good solution for you.

How many channels do I need for my AV Receiver?

Channels equals speakers, so the right number of channels depends on the size of your space and how immersed you want to be in the sound. 5 channels gives you simple surround sound. More channels could be used to add floor speakers and overhead speakers, which will enhance the 3D impact of the sound.

What AV Receiver is best?

The best AV Receiver is the one that most closely matches your entertainment needs. Pick one that has enough channels, the wattage you want, and that fits in your desired entertainment space. You should choose one made by a reputable brand with great customer reviews and amazing quality. Ideally, that brand has a long history in the business, like Denon's legacy of over a century.

Why should you buy Denon AV Receivers?

We’ve been consistently pushing the boundaries of audio equipment for over a century, and we’ve been at the forefront of AV Receiver technology since, well, AV Receivers were invented. Buy a Denon AV Receiver because they’ll last for years to come, have incredible customer support, and are built with the passion and precision of people who really care about great sound.

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Inside Denon

AV Receiver Buying Guide

Everything you need to know.

Denon AVRs offer a wide range of features and price points to suit different home theater setups. When choosing a model, consider your room size, speaker configuration, audio and video requirements, and future-proofing needs. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level receiver or a high-end audiophile solution, Denon provides some of the best options in the industry for immersive home entertainment.

What is an AVR?

An Audio Video Receiver (AVR) is a central component in a home theater system, responsible for processing and amplifying audio signals while managing video signal distribution. It serves as the hub that connects various audio and video sources—such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and televisions—to speakers and display units. The AVR decodes and processes surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring an immersive audio experience. Additionally, modern AVRs support high-resolution video standards, including 4K and 8K, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10, delivering enhanced visual clarity and depth. Most AVRs include multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and advanced room calibration technologies such as Audyssey or Dirac Live for optimized sound quality based on the listener’s environment.

What benefits do AVRs have?

The primary benefit of an AVR lies in its ability to unify and enhance both audio and video performance within a home entertainment system. Unlike traditional stereo amplifiers, an AVR enables multi-channel audio playback, creating an immersive surround sound experience for movies, gaming, and music. Its built-in equalization and calibration features allow users to fine-tune the audio output to match their room acoustics, ensuring optimal sound quality. Additionally, AVRs support multi-room audio through technologies like HEOS, enabling seamless music playback across different areas of a home. For gamers, features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 4K/120Hz support ensure smoother and more responsive gameplay. With its ability to integrate multiple audio-visual components, an AVR not only simplifies setup but also future-proofs a home theater by supporting the latest audio and video formats.

In recent years, soundbars have become a very popular entry point for premium home audio. AV receivers offer several advantages over soundbars, particularly in terms of audio quality and system expandability. AVRs allow for a more customizable audio setup, supporting multiple speakers and subwoofers to create a true surround sound experience, which is more immersive and precise compared to the often simulated surround sound of soundbars. Additionally, AVRs come equipped with more input and output options, providing greater flexibility for connecting various audio and video sources, making them ideal for expansion and complex home theater systems.

What is the difference between an AVR and an amplifier?

AV receivers and amplifiers serve different roles in audio and home theater systems, though they share some overlapping functions. An AVR is essentially a multi-functional device that not only amplifies sound but also acts as a hub for routing and processing audio and video signals from various sources, often including features like HDMI switching, audio decoding, and network streaming. In contrast, an amplifier is primarily focused on increasing the power of audio signals to drive speakers without additional audio or video processing capabilities, making it a more specialized component in an audio setup.

What is ARC?

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and ARC (Audio Return Channel) are specific functionalities within the HDMI interface that focus on improving audio capabilities between devices. Regular HDMI primarily facilitates the transfer of both audio and video data from a source device to a display. HDMI ARC allows for the transfer of audio from the TV back to an audio output device, like a soundbar, using a single HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an additional audio cable. HDMI eARC is an advanced version of ARC that supports higher-quality audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and offers improved bandwidth and speed, enhancing the overall audio experience.

What is the difference between an AVR and an AVC?

The primary difference between an AVR (Audio Video Receiver) and an AVC (Audio Video Controller) lies in their amplification capabilities. An AVR integrates both an amplifier and a processor, making it a standalone unit capable of driving speakers directly. It is designed for users who need an all-in-one solution for managing audio and video sources while providing power amplification. In contrast, an AVC, sometimes referred to as an AV preamplifier/processor, lacks built-in amplification and instead functions solely as a signal processor and preamplifier. It requires an external power amplifier to drive the speakers, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability in high-end home theater setups. AVCs are typically preferred by audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking superior sound quality, modular upgradeability, and the ability to use high-performance external amplifiers tailored to their speaker system.

Note: Although both AVRs and AVCs are used worldwide, individual stores often carry one or the other. Check your local Denon site for your country’s offerings.

What benefits do AVRs provide for gaming?

Denon AV receivers that support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and 120Hz refresh rates offer significant benefits for gaming. ALLM allows the AVR to automatically switch to a low latency mode when gaming is detected, ensuring minimal input lag and a smoother interaction. VRR helps in eliminating screen tearing and stuttering by allowing the display to dynamically match its refresh rate to the frame rate of the game, complemented by the capability of a 120Hz refresh rate which provides ultra-smooth motion in high-speed gaming scenarios. These features collectively enhance the gaming experience, making Denon AVRs a great choice for gamers looking for high performance and seamless video quality.

Key Features to Consider

1. Channel Configuration

Denon AVRs come in various channel configurations, from 5.2 to 15.4 channels, providing different levels of surround sound capability.

5.2 Channels – Ideal for small home theaters and stereo setups with surround sound.
7.2 Channels – A balanced choice for medium-sized rooms, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
9.2+ Channels – Suitable for larger spaces, supporting more speakers and immersive audio formats like Auro-3D.

2. Audio Technologies

Dolby Atmos & DTS:X – Enables 3D surround sound with overhead effects.
IMAX Enhanced – Delivers optimized sound and video for IMAX content.
Auro-3D – An advanced format for a more immersive audio experience.
Audyssey Calibration – Automatically adjusts sound settings based on room acoustics.

3. Video Capabilities

8K & 4K HDMI Support – Future-proofing for high-resolution content.
HDR Formats – HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG for enhanced picture quality.
Gaming Enhancements – Features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and 4K/120Hz support for gaming.

4. Connectivity & Multiroom Audio

HEOS Built-in – Enables wireless multi-room audio streaming as well as Voice Assistant control.
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi – Ensures seamless streaming from devices.
AirPlay 2 & Spotify Connect – Supports popular streaming services.
Phono Input – For vinyl enthusiasts.

5. Power Output

High-Current Discrete Amplifiers - Denon AVRs are equipped with high-current discrete power amplifiers that deliver stable and powerful performance, ensuring exceptional sound quality and driving capability across all channels.
Wide Range of Power Output - Depending on the model, Denon AVRs offer power outputs ranging from about 50 watts to over 140 watts per channel at 8 ohms, catering to both small and large home theater systems.
Multi-Zone Audio Support - Many Denon AVRs feature multi-zone audio capability, allowing users to power multiple speakers in different rooms simultaneously, each zone adjustable independently for tailored listening experiences.
Eco Mode for Energy Efficiency - Select Denon AVRs include an Eco Mode, which optimizes power consumption based on the volume level, reducing energy use while maintaining audio fidelity, making them both powerful and energy-efficient.

Helping you choose the best AVR for you

Whether you need a ton of sound for a home theater or crystal clear clarity for an intimate space, we have a solution for you.

For those who want the very best

A new benchmark in AVRs, the A-Series is crafted with the most innovative features and is meticulously designed to deliver breathtaking audio experiences.

✓ Power for even the largest home theaters.
✓ Flexibility for any and all speaker layouts.
✓ Customizability for multi-room builds.

Explore A-Series

For those who want to expand

Our X-Series delivers larger than life surround sound and endless adaptability. Designed for ease of use and reliability based on over 100 years in the industry.

✓ Power for expanding home theater systems.
✓ Features all the latest audio technologies.
✓ Easy intuitive setup.

Explore X-Series

For those new to the game

Denon's S-Series are the essential centerpiece to any home entertainment system. This reliable and simple to use series is perfect for the starter enthusiast.

✓ Big sound for compact spaces.
✓ User-friendly setup for all skill levels.
✓ Premium sound. Cost-effective price.

Explore S-Series

Why Denon?

For over a century, we've been crafting cutting-edge audio products that deliver on ultimate detail, inspired by our Japanese heritage, with each product hand-tuned by our sound master. Prepare to hear sound differently.