The Best AV Receivers for Most People

If you’re trying to get as close as possible to re-creating a genuine movie-theater experience at home, there’s no replacement for a good AV receiver. Soundbars are a great step up from built-in TV speakers, but an AV receiver gives you significantly more control over how you set up, use, and upgrade your home theater system. With an AV receiver, you can connect multiple speakers and customize the audio output to suit your room’s acoustics, ensuring immersive surround sound that rivals the cinema. Additionally, the flexibility to upgrade components and integrate various media sources makes an AV receiver an essential investment for any serious home theater enthusiast.

For most people, the Denon AVR-X1800H offers everything necessary—now and for the foreseeable future—to enjoy a premium movie, video game, TV, or music experience. All you have to do is add some speakers. This AV receiver provides excellent sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and user-friendly features that make it easy to set up and use. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, engaging in intense gaming sessions, or listening to your favorite music, the Denon AVR-X1800H delivers exceptional performance that enhances your entertainment experience.

Everything we recommend

The Denon AVR-X1800H is our top choice because it’s a great-sounding receiver that guides you through the setup process and offers excellent value. It features seven amplifier channels, allowing you to power a standard surround-sound speaker system along with two additional speakers for a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X home theater setup. This receiver ensures an immersive audio experience, making it ideal for those who want high-quality sound and straightforward installation.

It has six HDMI inputs, three of which are HDMI 2.1 compatible, supporting the advanced gaming features of the Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 consoles. You can stream music to it wirelessly via Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2, as well as through the Heos wireless streaming platform, which competes with the Sonos platform. This ensures seamless connectivity and high-quality audio for both gaming and music streaming.

It also features Audyssey’s advanced MultEQ XT room correction, which lets you fine-tune your speaker system’s performance to match your room’s acoustics. Our tests consistently show that, in this price range, the effectiveness of the room-correction system is the key differentiator in sound quality among AV receivers. For optimal results, consider adding the optional $20 MultEQ app (available for iOS and Android).

For the movie lover willing to invest more for superior sound quality, additional amp channels, and extensive customization options, we recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H. This receiver outperforms the sub-$1,000 models we tested, largely due to its advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction, which significantly enhances audio performance.

The 9.4-channel AVR-X3800H includes two additional amp channels for powering more speakers and can independently process sound for up to four subwoofers. All six of its HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1 compatible, supporting 8K video and advanced gaming features. Additionally, it offers superior multiroom audio and video support compared to the AVR-X1800H, making it an ideal choice for those seeking enhanced versatility and performance in their home theater setup.

However, all of its features and performance advantages come at a much higher price point.

If you’re looking to set up a basic 5.1-channel surround-sound system, or if you already have one and require a receiver that supports 4K, 8K, or high dynamic range video, the Denon AVR-S570BT presents itself as a solid option priced under $500.

Easy to set up and operate, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers commendable performance at its price point, despite its ability to power only five speakers and the absence of Audyssey room correction found in pricier Denon models. With four HDMI inputs, all HDMI 2.1 compatible, it caters well to gamers. However, it can only stream music via Bluetooth and does not support Wi-Fi-based platforms like Heos or AirPlay 2.

Who this is for

If you’re aiming to replicate the movie-theater experience as closely as possible within the comfort of your home and desire maximum flexibility in speaker selection and setup, an AV receiver is essential at the core of your AV system.

While modern soundbars have undoubtedly elevated audio performance to levels previously unimaginable a decade ago, they still come with certain limitations in both performance and flexibility. Due to space constraints, the speaker drivers in soundbars are often relatively small. Additionally, the option for only one subwoofer and a limited number of connection options are common drawbacks associated with soundbars.

If your existing AV receiver possesses all the essential features required to seamlessly integrate with your AV sources and display, there may be no immediate need for an upgrade. In such cases, the potential for discernible improvements in sound quality with a newer model is minimal, unless the upgrade entails a receiver with superior room correction capabilities.

However, if you’ve recently invested in a new 4K or 8K HDR TV along with compatible source devices, an older AV receiver might not have the capability to pass through these higher-quality signals. It’s worth noting that all of our current recommendations support 8K HDR displays and sources, ensuring compatibility with the latest technologies for an enhanced viewing experience.

How to pick an AV receiver

An AV receiver serves as the central hub for your audio-video system, consolidating source switching, audio (and sometimes video) processing, speaker amplification, and volume control into a single unit. Think of it as the traffic controller of your entertainment setup, seamlessly directing video signals from your sources to your display and routing audio to your speakers. Simply connect your source components—such as media streamers, gaming consoles, cable or satellite receivers, or disc players—to its inputs, and then link its outputs to your display and speakers. The AV receiver efficiently manages all AV signals, ensuring they reach their designated destinations in the appropriate formats.

AV receivers come in a wide price range, spanning from a couple of hundred dollars to well into the four-figure territory. However, our focus is on receivers that offer a balanced combination of performance, features, and value. Therefore, all of our recommendations are priced around $1,700 and below, ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck without compromising on quality.

For the serious audio or home theater enthusiast, spending more money may be justified for additional power, especially if your speakers have low sensitivity and require more driving force. Investing in a higher-priced receiver can also offer more amplified channels, advanced setup and customization options, and superior build quality. However, it’s important to note that beyond the $1,700 mark, you may experience diminishing returns in performance relative to your investment.

We didn’t impose strict minimum specifications to narrow down our selection of models, but there are several crucial specifications worth considering as you embark on your receiver search. These specifications will help you determine whether you require a budget-friendly, midrange, or higher-end model:

How many channels of speaker amplification do you need?

A fundamental home theater configuration typically comprises 5.1 channels of audio. The “5” denotes the number of amplified channels: two front speakers (left and right), one center speaker responsible for dialogue and on-screen sound effects, and two surround-sound speakers positioned either behind or to the sides of the primary listening area.

The “.1” in a home theater setup represents the subwoofer, typically equipped with its own built-in amplifier, alleviating the need for the receiver to supply power to it. Some mid-range and premium receivers are designated as “.2” instead of “.1,” indicating they feature two subwoofer outputs, which may offer the option to set up and adjust each independently. In the case of our upgrade recommendation, it boasts four individual subwoofer outputs, leading Denon to market it as a 9.4-channel receiver.

At around $400 or less, most receivers are designed with 5.1-channel configurations. Upgrading to a 7.1-channel receiver offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to incorporate an additional pair of surround speakers, enabling you to create a more enveloping audio environment. Moreover, a 7.1-channel receiver provides the flexibility to power a second audio zone or establish a basic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X system with two “height” speakers, granted that the receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding— a feature present in most newer 7.1-channel models. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks introduce overhead effects, enhancing the immersive audio experience. Incorporating more height speakers enhances this effect, but it also necessitates additional amplifier channels, leading to a higher price point for the AV receiver.

With the introduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the channel configuration becomes more intricate. You may encounter designations such as “5.1.2” or “5.2.4.” In these designations, the first numeral signifies the number of conventional ear-level speakers requiring amplification, the second indicates the number of subwoofer outputs, and the third numeral denotes the number of height channels. As the subwoofer typically features its own built-in amplifier, determining the number of amplified channels in a receiver involves adding the first and third numerals. For instance, a 5.1.2-channel receiver boasts seven amplified channels and may also be referred to as a 7.1-channel receiver.

How many sources do you plan to connect?

Your receiver should have the capability to connect all the HDMI source devices you own, which may comprise a media streaming device, cable or satellite box, disc player, and gaming console. For most users, having five HDMI ports is typically adequate, as it provides inputs for every commonly used source in your home theater setup, with the flexibility to accommodate one or two additional devices if needed.

You should also take into account the number of non-HDMI-equipped sources you intend to connect and ensure that the receiver has an adequate number of digital or analog inputs to accommodate them. For instance, if you own a turntable without a built-in phono preamp, you might prioritize a receiver with a dedicated phono input to seamlessly integrate it into your audio setup.

Which HDMI 2.1 features do you need?

HDMI 2.1 represents the most recent iteration of the digital connection standard utilized by contemporary video-based components. This updated version, HDMI 2.1, introduces support for 8K resolution through a significant enhancement in maximum bandwidth, escalating from 18 gigabits per second to potentially as high as 48 Gbps.

Additional notable enhancements accompanying HDMI 2.1 encompass automatic low-latency mode, enabling devices to autonomously detect and transition to the optimal gaming mode, as well as eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), facilitating the transmission of higher-quality lossless audio through HDMI instead of solely compressed formats. Furthermore, variable refresh rate and quick media switching functionalities further augment the overall user experience by ensuring smoother visuals and seamless content transitions.

The specifications of an AV receiver may include various features of the HDMI 2.1 standard, even if the receiver only supports one or two of them. This can undoubtedly lead to confusion for shoppers. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully read the fine print to select a receiver that supports the specific HDMI 2.1 features you require. This ensures that you invest in a receiver that aligns with your needs and preferences, avoiding any disappointment or frustration post-purchase.

What type of streaming audio support do you want?

Even dedicated music enthusiasts with large physical collections often stream some of their music online. Therefore, a receiver must support streaming audio apps like Amazon Music and Spotify.

With a budget receiver priced at $400 or less, you’ll probably only get Bluetooth support. As you go up in price, you can expect a receiver that connects to your home network (look for wired or wireless options based on your preference) and has built-in support for services like Spotify (so you don’t need to cast audio from your phone). Additionally, higher-priced models often include built-in streaming protocols such as Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast.

If you already own Wi-Fi speakers that use a specific platform (such as AirPlay), it’s advisable to find a receiver that supports the same streaming technology. This ensures that all your devices will be compatible and work seamlessly together.

What level of room correction are you willing to pay for?

Room-correction systems significantly enhance the sound quality of a receiver for most listeners. Since few people have ideal listening environments, and speakers (especially subwoofers) are frequently placed in locations for convenience rather than optimal sound, room-correction technology helps adjust the audio to improve overall performance.

Room correction enhances overall sound quality by utilizing microphones and built-in software to assess how your room and speaker placement distort the audio. The system then compensates for these distortions, resulting in improved sound performance.

Many receivers come with basic room correction, but at the budget end, this processing can sometimes dull the sound without effectively addressing major issues with bass frequencies. However, investing in advanced room-correction technologies like Audyssey MultEQ XT32 or Dirac, available on AV receivers from various brands, allows for more precise adjustments and supports multiple subwoofers. These advanced systems fine-tune the sound more effectively without making it feel overly processed.

In the price ranges we tested, most receivers sounded indistinguishable from one another when room correction was disabled. We discovered that the type of room correction used had the most significant impact on sound quality, offering substantial benefits for some receivers while only providing minor improvements for others.

The best room-correction systems prompt you to position the calibration microphone at various locations around the main listening area. This approach provides the system with a comprehensive snapshot of your room’s acoustics. Top-tier room-correction systems also offer the option to set limits on what the system can and cannot “correct,” allowing for more precise and tailored adjustments.

How we tested AV receivers

In each round of testing, we begin by individually installing and calibrating each receiver, as if conducting a standalone review. Throughout this process, we take detailed notes on the setup procedure and document our initial listening impressions.

For each receiver, we dedicate at least a day to testing with and without room correction, immersing ourselves in a range of content. This includes movies, TV shows, music, YouTube videos, and action-packed video games, spanning from casual to extreme volume levels.

In the second phase of our testing, we arranged the receivers in pairs within the same room, utilizing a simplified 3.1-channel speaker setup to facilitate direct sound comparisons. While this approach may provide a slight advantage to receivers with weaker power supplies, as they won’t need to drive multiple speakers simultaneously, it enables us to focus primarily on pure sound quality and the measurable benefits of one room-correction system over another. This setup also streamlines the comparison process and enhances our ability to evaluate sound performance accurately.

Our pick: Denon AVR-X1800H

The Denon AVR-X1800H stands out as an exceptional 7.1-channel receiver, offering a comprehensive range of features and impressive installation flexibility, all at a price point comfortably below $1,000. Even if your current setup only involves a 5.1-channel speaker system, the inclusion of two additional amp channels provides versatility for future expansion, whether that involves adding more speakers or setting up a secondary audio zone.

The performance of this receiver is notably impressive, largely due to its implementation of Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction technology. Throughout our listening assessments, discerning differences between receivers with room correction disabled proved challenging. However, the quality of the room correction system emerged as the key determinant of sound quality, with Audyssey MultEQ XT outperforming alternatives from brands like Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha, particularly in receivers priced similarly to this model. The optional $20 MultEQ Editor mobile app for iOS and Android further enhances the effectiveness of room correction, solidifying its status as a standout feature.

Following the application of Audyssey room correction, the Denon receiver showcased significantly improved bass control compared to its competitors. Unlike Onkyo’s AccuEQ or Pioneer’s MCACC room-tuning software, which tended to flatten or deaden upper frequencies, the Denon maintained clarity and balance across the entire frequency spectrum.

The AVR-X1800H offers an abundance of inputs to accommodate all your source devices. Notably, three of its six HDMI inputs are equipped with essential features of the HDMI 2.1 specification, such as 4K 120 Hz passthrough, quick media switching, quick frame transport, variable refresh rate, and automatic low-latency mode. This makes it an ideal option for gamers seeking complete compatibility with the advanced gaming features found on consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

The X1800H introduces several additional connections compared to its predecessor, the AVR-X1700H (formerly our top pick). It now includes left- and right-channel preamp outputs, offering the flexibility to connect a more potent amplifier for your main speakers. Additionally, a notable inclusion is the amplified 5-volt/1.5-amp USB-A port located on the back, designed to power an HDMI streaming stick for convenient multimedia streaming.

Furthermore, the X1800H features a phono input for seamless connectivity with a turntable, three digital-audio inputs, LAN and Wi-Fi network options for versatile networking capabilities, and built-in AM/FM tuners, among other connectivity options.

The AVR-X1800H stands out for its ease of installation and operation compared to similarly priced competitors. This is largely attributed to its meticulously designed rear panel and exceptional setup wizard. Unlike many Denon receivers, the speaker connections on the back are arranged side by side instead of stacked on top of each other. This configuration simplifies the physical setup process, particularly when using bare-wire speaker connections, minimizing frustration for users.

The on-screen interface excels in guiding users through various setup tasks, such as connecting speakers, adding source devices, renaming them, configuring the home network, and more. It strikes a balance between being comprehensive and user-friendly, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Exiting the wizard to configure settings independently is effortless, allowing users to proceed at their own pace and in their preferred order. Given the extensive configuration options available with the AVR-X1800H, this flexibility proves invaluable.

The AVR-X1800H boasts both clear and helpful interfaces, whether accessed through the on-screen display or the front-panel controls. Additionally, its remote features an intuitive button layout, facilitating seamless switching between sources and sound modes. Supporting all major Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X, the receiver offers immersive audio experiences by simulating the effect of height speakers, even if all your speakers are positioned at ear level.

The receiver is packed with a comprehensive selection of music streaming platforms and services, covering all the popular options you’re likely subscribed to. Through the built-in Heos multiroom streaming platform, various music streaming services are seamlessly integrated into one app. This includes Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn, offering users a diverse range of choices for their listening pleasure.

While it’s true that some essential music services like Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Qobuz are absent, the receiver compensates with support for Bluetooth and AirPlay 2. This enables seamless streaming of these services directly from your smartphone, ensuring you can still access your favorite music content effortlessly.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The X1800H does not feature analog video connections, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the X1700H. The notable change is the removal of composite-video connections, making this model less suitable for connecting older analog sources such as VHS or DVD players directly to the receiver. In such cases, you would need to connect these devices directly to your TV instead.

To access the MultEQ Editor app, an additional $20 fee is required. However, utilizing this optional app enhances the Audyssey room correction experience significantly, offering valuable features such as the ability to limit the frequencies addressed by the room correction. Despite its benefits, we feel Denon could improve in notifying buyers about the existence of the app during the setup process.

Additionally, it’s important to note that if you intend to use the app, you must ensure it is running before initiating the room-correction measurement process. If you run Audyssey during the initial setup and later opt to upgrade to the app, you’ll need to reconnect the microphone and conduct the measurement process at all eight positions once more, including listening to the test tones again.

Proper ventilation is essential for the AVR-X1800H. Given its reliance on less-efficient Class AB amplifier technology, which is common among AV receivers, the device can generate significant heat during prolonged use, particularly at higher volume levels. To ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating, it’s crucial to provide ample space around the receiver for adequate airflow.

Upgrade pick: Denon AVR-X3800H

For those seeking to enhance their audio setup with additional speakers for a more immersive cinematic experience or to achieve superior room correction and sound quality beyond what the AVR-X1800H offers, we recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H. This receiver builds upon the strengths of the AVR-X1800H in terms of performance, features, and user-friendliness, elevating each aspect to a higher level. As expected, given its higher price point of roughly $1,000 more, the AVR-X3800H offers significant improvements and is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for top-tier audio performance.

The AVR-X3800H provides nine channels of speaker amplification, offering versatile setup options for immersive surround sound configurations. With this capability, users can configure a surround-sound system featuring five ear-level speakers along with four height speakers, enhancing the audio experience with immersive overhead effects. Alternatively, two of the channels can be allocated for a separate stereo audio zone in another room, allowing for multi-room audio setups and expanded listening options throughout the home.

For those willing to incorporate an outboard stereo amplifier into their setup, the AVR-X3800H offers preamp outputs that enable the expansion of the total speaker count to 11. This flexibility allows for further customization and scalability in configuring a robust audio system tailored to individual preferences and room acoustics.

Additionally, the AVR-X3800H features four independent subwoofer outputs that offer versatile configuration options. In Standard mode, all subwoofers operate monophonically, receiving identical low-frequency information, regardless of individual level, delay, or other settings. Alternatively, Directional mode assigns each subwoofer to receive low-frequency sounds from the nearest main speaker, along with the .1 (or LFE) channel from the surround soundtrack being decoded, enhancing bass distribution and directional accuracy for a more immersive listening experience.

During our testing, we found that Standard mode yielded superior performance, delivering more consistent bass response from seat to seat. This outcome aligns with the primary objective of employing multiple subwoofers, which is to achieve uniform distribution of low frequencies throughout the room. Contrary to common perception, the goal of adding multiple subs isn’t solely to increase bass output to ear-shattering levels, but rather to evenly distribute low frequencies, reducing the workload on individual subwoofers and ensuring a consistent bass experience for all listeners, regardless of their seating position.

If you typically watch movies alone or aren’t particularly concerned about the listening experience of others in the room, having four subwoofers might seem excessive. However, if you frequently watch movies with large groups of people, the ability to utilize four subs becomes a significant feature. This level of customization and versatility is not commonly found in more affordable AV receivers, making it particularly valuable for those seeking an enhanced cinematic experience in a group setting.

The built-in room correction on the AVR-X3800H is already impressive, but users have the option to upgrade to Dirac Live for even more advanced room correction capabilities. Dirac Live offers enhanced room correction in both limited- and full-bandwidth forms, providing AVR-X3800H owners with greater flexibility to tailor their audio experience to their preferences. The upgrade is available at a cost ranging between $260 and $350, depending on the selected version.

To be frank, unless you’re well-versed in room acoustics, we’re not entirely convinced that Dirac Live can deliver markedly better results than the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction already integrated into the AVR-X3800H. In our evaluations, MultEQ XT32 emerged as a notable improvement over the MultEQ XT room correction found in our top pick, showcasing enhanced bass control, reduced variation in sound quality across different seating positions, and notably improved clarity in dialogue reproduction.

During our voice-intelligibility stress test, which involved the Mines of Moria sequences from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on UHD Blu-ray, MultEQ XT32 demonstrated a significant improvement in clarity. This leap in performance is evident when examining the Audyssey charts below, particularly in the midrange (100 to 1,000 Hz) response. With MultEQ XT32 room correction applied, the midrange response appeared notably smoother compared to the midtier MultEQ XT room correction found in the AVR-X1800H. This range is crucial as it encompasses the frequencies where most vocals are situated.

The AVR-X3800H boasts more power compared to our more budget-friendly selections. The necessity for this extra power largely hinges on factors such as the size of your room and the efficiency of your speakers, which determines their output volume when powered by a 2.83-volt input. In our testing environment, a room measuring 12 by 15 feet with 8-foot ceilings, we found that the AVR-X3800H could produce volumes louder than what we deemed comfortable for listening.

The AVR-X3800H impresses with all six of its HDMI inputs supporting 8K video at 60 Hz, both compressed and uncompressed, in addition to 4K at up to 120 Hz. Furthermore, these inputs incorporate HDMI 2.1 features such as auto low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, quick media switching, and auto lip sync (provided the receiver is connected to displays that support this feature), making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. Moreover, it offers the same array of music-streaming capabilities as the AVR-X1800H, ensuring a comprehensive entertainment experience.

Despite being a feature-rich AV receiver, the AVR-X3800H proved surprisingly straightforward to install and configure, largely owing to Denon’s well-designed setup wizard. However, we encountered a few minor issues during the setup process. For instance, while following the guided setup, we encountered a screen prompting us to select a time zone, but found that a list of time zones was unavailable. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate an option to skip this screen, forcing us to exit the wizard entirely and restart the setup process from the beginning.

Updating the receiver’s firmware proved to be a bit challenging and required some workaround. During the upgrade process, we encountered an error message at 99% completion, prompting us to check the network, unplug the receiver, and then reconnect the power. After conducting online research, we discovered a workaround for this issue. To bypass the error, we had to unplug the HDMI cable connecting the receiver to the display, power cycle the AVR-X3800H, allow the firmware update to proceed, and then reconnect the HDMI cable once the update was complete.

Another factor worth considering is that, similar to the AVR-X1800H, the AVR-X3800H tends to generate significant heat during operation. Therefore, it’s advisable to install this receiver in a location with sufficient ventilation. Additionally, it’s important to avoid stacking objects on top of it or crowding it from either side to ensure optimal airflow and prevent overheating.

Budget pick: Denon AVR-S570BT

If you’re looking to set up a simple 5.1-channel surround sound system and lack experience in doing so, we suggest considering the Denon AVR-S570BT. This receiver is also a budget-friendly option for those who already have a 5.1 system but require an upgrade to support 4K, HDR, or features of the new HDMI 2.1 specification tailored for modern gaming consoles.

Compared to other budget receivers we evaluated, the AVR-S570BT is notably easier to set up and operate. Although it lacks the advanced Audyssey calibration system found in our higher-priced recommendations, it compensates with an equally intuitive setup wizard. This wizard guides users through the installation process, providing clear explanations for each step. In contrast, other budget models we tested assumed a higher level of prior knowledge in their setup language, making them less intuitive to configure.

Similar to our other Denon selections, the AVR-S570BT features a tidy back panel with side-by-side speaker connections, simplifying the process of connecting bare speaker wire. Additionally, its front panel boasts a spacious display and an equally uncluttered layout, contributing to its user-friendly design.

The remote for the AVR-S570BT is larger compared to other competing designs, providing ample space to arrange the buttons in an intuitive manner. Additionally, the inclusion of glow-in-the-dark functionality enhances usability, especially when navigating controls in low-light conditions. Furthermore, Denon offers a Bluetooth-based control app for mobile devices, providing users with convenient access to their receiver’s functions from their smartphones or tablets.

The AVR-S570BT offers all the essential features needed to construct a contemporary 5.1-channel system. Supporting high-quality Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks, this AV receiver delivers immersive audio experiences, although it does not support the overhead speakers required for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Despite having a power rating approximately 10 watts lower than our top pick, we encountered no difficulties driving a 5.1 speaker system, even with 4-ohm tower speakers installed in the front left and right positions, achieving impressively loud listening levels.

The AVR-S570BT provides four HDMI 2.1-compliant inputs capable of supporting 8K video at 60 Hz and 4K video at 120 Hz, while also featuring auto low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, and quick frame transport. However, it does not support quick media switching. Additionally, the receiver includes one HDMI output with eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) support, ensuring high-quality audio transmission from compatible devices.

Alongside its HDMI inputs, the AVR-S570BT offers three digital audio inputs and a pair of analog audio inputs, though it lacks a dedicated phono input for turntables. Bluetooth functionality is included for convenient audio streaming, while AM and FM tuners cater to traditional radio enthusiasts. Additionally, a front-panel 5-volt/1-amp USB port is available, suitable for powering an HDMI streaming stick or playing high-resolution audio files directly.

This receiver does not feature Wi-Fi support or integrated music streaming options. Similar to many budget AV receivers, streaming music requires Bluetooth connectivity, necessitating proximity between your phone or other source device and the receiver. Alternatively, you can augment its capabilities by adding a cost-effective Wi-Fi streaming device.