AV receivers can be costly. If you want to buy a top home theater receiver without breaking the bank, check out this guide to the best AV receivers under $1000.
Do you want to know which are the best AV receivers under $1000?
That’s great. In 2022 there are several great receivers for you to choose from.
The problem is, where do you start? To make your life a little easier, here are five excellent models to consider.
These AV receivers all come in under the $1000 mark and offer excellent performance with many of the must-have features that you would expect in a modern home theater amplifier.
You will learn the specifics of each model and discover some of the essential features that make each one stand out.
So, if you are looking for an AV receiver in this price range, which ones should you check out?
Top 5 AV Receivers Under $1000 Comparison Table
| Image | Model | HDMI In/Out | Power (W/Ch) | Dolby Atmos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Denon AVR-X2700H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver | 6 / 2 (eARC) | 95 | 5.2.2 | Check Price |
 |
Yamaha RX-A2A 7.2-Ch AV Receiver | 7 / 1 (eARC) | 100 | 5.2.2 | Check Price |
 |
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2-Ch AV Receiver | 6 / 2 (eARC) | 100 | 5.2.2 | Check Price |
 |
Marantz NR1711 7.2-Ch AV Receiver | 6 / 1 (eARC) | 50 | 5.2.2 | Check Price |
 |
Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-Ch AV Receiver | 6 / 2 (ARC) | 100 | 5.2.2 | Check Price |
1. Denon AVR-X2700H 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Denon is always a good option if you want to buy an AV receiver. Denon produces excellent amplifiers compared with any brand at a similar price point.
This model is part of Denon’s AVR-X range of receivers, which are their top-level models focusing on performance and build quality.
You can’t go far wrong with any of the AVR-X receivers – you just need to pick the model that gives the right balance between price and features that suits your needs.
Image Credit: Denon
Thumbs Up
- Pass-through support for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
- 6 HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.3 support and 2 HDMI outputs
- 8K upscaling for all HDMI inputs
- Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology
- DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support
- Bluetooth send and receive for connecting Bluetooth headphones
- Built-in HEOS multi-room streaming
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2
Thumbs Down
- 8K pass-through is only available on one HDMI input
Denon AVR-X2700H Highlights
The Denon AVR-X2700H is a 7.2-channel receiver supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio.
You can install a 5.2 or 7.2 surround sound system with dual subwoofer outputs. Of course, you don’t need to connect a second subwoofer if you don’t want to.
If you want to take advantage of object-based audio, you can use the two surround back channels for your height or elevation speakers.
To enable this, you need to go into the ‘Assign Mode’ menu and select the location of the overhead or Dolby elevation speakers you are using: ‘Top Front,’ ‘Top Middle,’ ‘Front Dolby,’ or ‘Surround Dolby.’
Of course, this means that you must choose between a 7.2 layout or a 5.2.2 setup. But this is the same with all 7-channel AV receivers.
If you don’t want to install height speakers in your room, you can still use Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology.
Enabling this sound mode on standard surround sound audio will create virtual height information across your speaker system.
It’s not as good as installing height speakers, but it can be effective. You can also use DTS Virtual:X, which is also available and does a similar thing.
As for power, the AVR-X2700H is rated at 95 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven), which is marginally less than most of the other models here.
Will it make much difference in your room? Probably not.
But, if you must have the most power possible at this price point, then another receiver might be a better choice for you.
Alternatively, if you need more power and channels, then the top-of-the-range Denon AV receiver features highly in the guide to the best high-end AV receivers of 2022.
One exciting new feature in this year’s model is 8K support for your new game console, available on one of the HDMI inputs.
This input and the two HDMI outputs allow for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through.
Bear in mind that only one of the HDMI inputs supports 8K. However, all the HDMI ports allow upscaling lower-resolution content to 8K.
If you need more than one 8K input, you will either need to buy an 8K HDMI switch – or connect your devices directly to your TV.
All the current HDR technologies will work without issue, with support for HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision images – plus 4:4:4 Pure Color and BT.2020 pass-through.
The HDMI ports also have the latest version of HDCP – 2.3.
The 2020 model of this AV receiver has fewer HDMI inputs than in previous years – there are six inputs on the rear and two outputs.
There were seven inputs on the rear and one on the front in previous years.
This shouldn’t be a game-changer for most people, but you should consider it if you have many devices to connect.
The main HDMI output also supports eARC. This is the latest version of the Audio Return Channel, which supports sending Dolby Atmos soundtracks back to your receiver from the TV.
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
| HDMI In / Out | 6 (1x 8K)/2 (eARC) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio – powered or line out) |
| Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Power (W)* | 95 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 – 16 |
| UHD / HDR Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP 2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network / Wireless | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Send & Receive), Airplay 2, HEOS |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (via AirPlay 2), Josh.ai |
| Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
| Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.1 x 6.6 x 13.4 in | 434 x 167 x 340 mm (w/o antenna) |
| Weight (lbs) | 21 |
You can use the built-in Audyssey room correction software – unless you are a sound geek and like to measure these things yourself with a calibrated microphone and SPL meter.
Audyssey MultEQ XT is available on this model, which allows you to measure and automatically optimize each speaker for the perfect sound balance in your room.
Audyssey is an excellent way to correct the sound in your room automatically and is one of the best options – until you get to the solutions found on high-end AV receivers, like Dirac Live.
Don’t worry too much, though. All the receivers here will do a reasonable job of balancing the audio in your room, and you can always do it manually if you wish.
If you want multi-room audio controlled from your AV receiver, you have several options with the AVR-X2700H.
Denon has its HEOS multi-room system, which is built into this receiver. Connect some HEOS speakers, and you can use the app to control what audio plays in your house.
- Excellent multi-room audio option
- Connects to Denon or Marantz receivers - or works standalone
- HEOS Built-in, Alexa Built-in, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth
- Stream audio from Amazon Music, Apple Music, TIDAL and more
- Larger 250 and 350 speakers are also available
You can even use the latest voice control technologies to control your receiver.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are available for controlling functions like adjusting the volume and switching inputs – and Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple Siri support are also present for Apple mobile devices or AirPlay speakers.
Finally, if you just want to use the receiver to send audio to another room, there is zone 2 support.
You can either connect speakers directly by assigning the rear speaker terminals to zone 2 – or send audio to an amplifier and speakers in another area using the pre-out connections.
2. Yamaha RX-A2A 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
The Yamaha RX-A2A is the entry-level model in the high-range AVENTAGE series of AV receivers.
If you have used Yamaha amplifiers before and like the ‘Yamaha sound,’ you will already know this is a good option. And, if you are yet to try a Yamaha AV receiver, you can be sure of an excellent amplifier that will serve you well.
While Yamaha does have receivers with a higher specification, they also come at a higher price. So, if you are looking for a solid receiver that won’t break the bank, you definitely need to think about this one.
Image Credit: Yamaha
Thumbs Up
- Great value for money
- Excellent Yamaha amplifier technology
- 8K/60p and 4K/120p video with HDMI 2.1 support
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (HDCP 2.3)
- Phono input connection for turntables
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth input and output. Stream music to the receiver – or send audio from the receiver to connected Bluetooth headphones.
- MusicCast Surround and Multi-room support
Thumbs Down
- 8K and HDMI 2.1 support are not available until a firmware update is released
- A second HDMI output for another zone would have been good
Yamaha RX-A2A Highlights
The Yamaha RX-A2A is a 7.2-channel AV receiver supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats.
Therefore, you can install a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system in your room – or add some height speakers and have a 5.2.2 layout. It’s your choice.
One excellent new feature in this latest range of Yamaha amplifiers is the new High Slew Rate Amplifier circuit, which reduces distortion and allows for more accurate sound reproduction.
It’s great to see Yamaha striving to increase the sound quality of all their amplifiers, not just the high-end models.
The RX-A2A offers 100 watts per channel @ 8 Ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 2 channels driven) – plenty of power for all but the most demanding speakers.
The 0.06% harmonic distortion is better than most amplifiers in this price bracket. While it is only a slightly better specification, it highlights the gradual improvement in performance from previous years – which must be a good thing.
The RX-A2A has a new look where the large volume control has been moved to the center of the front panel, and the display panel is relocated.
Not a significant reason to choose this amplifier, but it’s good to see an attempt to improve on the traditional look of most AV receivers.
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
| HDMI In / Out | 7 / 1 (eARC) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio – powered or line out) |
| Pre Out / Line Out | Front L+R + Subwoofer (x2) / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Power (W)* | 100 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4+ Front / 6+ Others |
| UHD / HDR Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p – 4:4:4 – HDCP2.3 / HDR10+ – HDR10 – Dolby Vision – HLG |
| Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (Transmit & Receive) / MusicCast Surround + Multi-Room / AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri (via Airplay 2) |
| Auto Room Calibration | YPAO Multipoint (with Reflected Sound Control) |
| Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD 2-ch to 6-ch (2.8 MHz), LPCM 2-ch to 8-ch (Max. 192 kHz/24-bit) |
| Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (requires firmware update), DTS Neo:6 Music, DTS Neo:6 Cinema, DTS Neural:X |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6-3/4 x 14-5/8 in | 435 x 171 x 372 mm (w/o antenna) |
| Weight (lbs) | 22.5 |
With the introduction of a new range of game consoles, it’s helpful that the RX-A2A supports the higher video resolutions of these devices.
Three of the seven HDMI inputs will accept and pass-through an 8K/60p or 4K/120p source.
Of course, if you don’t have an input device with the new video formats, you can still use any of the HDMI inputs.
If you have an 8K display, this receiver will only upscale internally to 4K.
However, this won’t be a problem because your 8K display device can scale any input resolution to 8K.
Other new features of the HDMI 2.1 specification – VRR, ALLM, QMS and QFT – are available via a firmware update.
You should be aware that the 8K pass-through support will also require the firmware update.
If you are not a gamer with the latest console or graphics card, then most of the improvements provided by the HDMI 2.1 features won’t affect you much.
But, even so, it might be good to have these features to future-proof yourself.
The HDMI output supports an eARC connection to your TV.
This will allow you to send high-resolution audio formats from your TV back to the receiver – but don’t worry if you only have an ARC HDMI port on your TV – this will work too.
With support for HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG, you won’t have to worry about passing through any of the current versions of HDR video.
Another exciting feature of this receiver is support for Yamaha’s MusicCast wireless speaker system.
It comes in two different formats – MusicCast Multi-room and MusicCast Surround.
Both allow for a wireless connection to either Yamaha MusicCast speakers – the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50.
- You can use two of these as wireless home theater speakers with a compatible Yamaha AV receiver
- Works with Alexa
- Connects via Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect or Bluetooth
MusicCast Multi-room allows wireless connection to the speakers in nine different rooms, and you can control the audio in each room by using the Yamaha app.
MusicCast Surround can configure the wireless speakers as the surround channels in a 5.1 speaker layout, which is impossible on most receivers without buying alternative adapters.
Having wireless surround speakers is ideal if you are fed up trying to run speaker cables to your surround speakers.
3. Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Onkyo is a very popular brand for AV receivers, and they have been a significant player on the market for several years.
Onkyo regularly releases models most years at several price points, and their receivers are well-known for being packed with features – often more than with many other brands.
The NR series of receivers are the mid-range models in the Onkyo stable, which offer the performance you need for most home theater rooms at an affordable price.
Image Credit: Onkyo
Thumbs Up
- THX® Certified Select™ reference standards
- 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz pass-through
- HDMI 2.1 support out of the box
- HDMI eARC support
- AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration with AccuReflex and Subwoofer EQ
- Dedicated powered Zone 2
- Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2 built-in
- Hey Google and Alexa voice control
- Bluetooth send and receive
Thumbs Down
- Are 6 rear HDMI ports enough?
- Limited pre-outs for adding external amplification
Onkyo TX-NR6100 Highlights
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 AV receiver is a 7.2-channel receiver that will support a 5.2, 7.2 or 5.2.2 speaker layout.
If one of your main aims is to install a Dolby Atmos system in your room, you can add two elevation or height speakers and hear the exciting effects of Dolby Atmos sound.
To be clear, you won’t be able to install a 7.2 speaker layout plus two Atmo speakers, as there are only seven power channels.
However, you can make the most of your speaker system with built-in audio processing modes that can upmix standard soundtracks to use your Atmos speakers.
Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X will upmix standard stereo and 5.1 surround mixes into your height or elevation speakers.
If you don’t want to install Atmo-style speakers, you can use Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization or DTS Virtual:X, which will give you a virtual 3D sound experience on a standard 5.1 or 7.1 speaker layout.
The receiver is rated at 100 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, FTC), comparable to most receivers listed here.
One of the unique features of the more expensive Onkyo AV receivers is THX certification, and this model is no different.
Built to THX reference standards, you can be sure that this receiver will sound great, whichever type of audio you play through your system.
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
| HDMI In / Out | 6 (3x 8K/60AB)/2 (eARC) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (HDMI & 2-ch audio – powered or line out) / Zone B (2-ch audio – line out) |
| Pre Out / Line Out | Subwoofer (x2) / Zone 2 & Zone B (2-ch) |
| Power (W)* | 100 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 – 16 |
| UHD / HDR Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP 2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) / Bluetooth (Send & Receive) / Airplay 2 + Siri / Chromecast / DTS Play-Fi / Sonos Connect / Amazon Alexa / Hey Google |
| Auto Room Calibration | AccuEQ Advance w/ AccuReflex and subwoofer EQ |
| Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24) |
| Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, THX Listening Modes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8 x 6-13/16 x 14-15/16 in | 435 x 173.5 x 379.5 mm |
| Weight (lbs/Kg) | 21.6 / 9.8 |
The certification guarantees this receiver will be able to provide the same reference volume that the sound engineers used in the production studio without any distortion of the audio signal.
That’s loud – and probably more than most people would need at home.
Learn more about THX certification with this THX video:
This receiver has 6 HDMI inputs on the rear, slightly less than other models here, but three are HDMI 2.1 compatible with support for 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz pass-through.
There are also two HDMI outputs to send the output to one or more locations – either in the same room or another.
An excellent feature that sets this receiver apart from the others listed here is dedicated 2-channel power for another set of speakers in zone 2.
This means that you don’t need to install another amplifier in your second room. A simple pair of passive speakers will do, and you can drive them from the receiver.
Most receivers in this bracket may offer a powered zone, but you will usually have to use the rear channels reserved for a 7.1 layout.
Another common feature of new AV receivers is sending and receiving Bluetooth audio.
So, not only can you send audio from your mobile device to the amplifier, but you can also transmit audio from the amp to compatible Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
This model supports SBC, aptX and aptX HD audio formats when transmitting.
4. Marantz NR1711 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Marantz is a brand that is well known for its excellent-sounding audio products, and Marantz amplifiers have been a favorite of audiophiles for many years.
Therefore, if sound quality is an essential feature for you, then a Marantz AV receiver should be high on your list of possible choices.
The NR series of receivers have a slim design and are built with a compact casing, so don’t take up the space that most receivers here will.
So, if you want performance and a sleek look in your room, this receiver should be on your list.
Image Credit: Marantz
Thumbs Up
- Compact design
- DTS HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X
- Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround and Dolby Height Virtualization
- 4K/120Hz & 8K/60Hz support (1 input)
- HDCP 2.3
- HDR10+ / HDR10 / HLG / Dolby Vision
- eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- HEOS multi-room audio support
Thumbs Down
- Less power than most at this price point
- Only one HDMI 2.1 input
Marantz NR1711 Highlights
The Marantz NR1711 is an AV receiver with 7.2-channels.
Therefore, it supports standard 5.1 and 7.1 surround speaker layouts – or you can have 5.2 and 7.2 surround if you take advantage of the extra subwoofer independent pre-out.
If you want more than a standard surround sound setup, you can install a 5.2.2 system for Dolby Atmos.
You can also use this model’s extra audio processing modes if you have height speakers in your room.
There aren’t that many dedicated Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks around – so Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X will transform 5.1 soundtracks by extending the audio into your height speakers.
These modes are pretty convincing and ensure you get the most out of your Atmos speakers. In fact, you can use these modes to extend stereo audio around your complete home theater speakers system too.
If you don’t want to install height speakers, you can use Dolby Height Virtualization or DTS Virtual:X, which will attempt to give the effect of height speakers even when you don’t have any.
As previously mentioned, one of the main selling points of Marantz hardware is the musical sound.
Like many Marantz products, you can expect excellent performance with movies and music – although this model doesn’t have their proprietary Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM) technology.
If you want an amplifier with this, you will need to step up to one of the SR-series AV receivers.
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
| HDMI In / Out | 6/1 (eARC) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (2-ch audio – powered or line out) |
| Pre Out / Line Out | Front L+R + Subwoofer (x2) / Zone 2 (2-Ch) |
| Power (W)* | 50 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 4 – 16 |
| UHD / HDR Support | 8K/60p & 4K/120p, HDCP 2.3 / HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Airplay 2 / HEOS / Spotify Connect / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Apple Siri / Josh.ai |
| Auto Room Calibration | Audyssey MultEQ |
| Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 & Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Express, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD (2-ch – 5.1-ch, 2.8 MHz), LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
| Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.3 x 4.1 x 14.9 in | 440 x 105 x 378 mm (w/o antenna) |
| Weight (lbs) | 18.3 |
This receiver’s power is rated at 50 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven), which is less than the other amplifiers in this price range.
The difference is unlikely to make that much difference in a real-world situation – however, you won’t be able to drive your speakers quite so hard with this amp.
The lower power specification is because of the compact design of the receiver. You need a hefty power supply to get all that power, which won’t fit here because of the lack of space.
This is one reason why powerful AV receivers are so big and heavy.
If this might be a deciding factor for you, there is a 2-channel pre-out that you can connect to an external amplifier.
You would use this to send the front left and right audio to a power amp, which might compensate for the lack of power – especially for music.
There are 6 HDMI inputs on this receiver and one output.
One of the inputs supports HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through. Ideal for connecting a new game console or the output of a PC’s graphics card.
But, if you need more inputs, you will need to connect your other devices directly to the TV – or use a suitable HDMI switch.
If you need help connecting your system, you might want to check out the article, how to set up surround sound.
The zone features on this receiver are limited compared to other models.
However, you can send stereo audio to a second zone – either powered by two of the 7-channels – or using the zone 2 line-outs.
Automatic speaker configuration is controlled via the advanced Audyssey MultEQ system.
This is the standard version of this software with fewer measurement points, but it still uses the same advanced algorithms to measure your room and adjust the speaker output.
Audyssey is one of the best room correction systems available, which is definitely a plus point for this receiver.
5. Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-Ch AV Receiver
Unlike many leading AV receiver brands, Sony doesn’t release a new model yearly. However, as long as the receiver you buy has all the features you need, it doesn’t matter much.
Sony is a trusted brand for many people when it comes to buying multimedia products of all types. So, for an AV receiver, you can be sure of a certain level of performance.
The STR-DN1080 is the most recent release in the DN-Series. These receivers are at a higher level than the budget DH Series receivers.
If you are looking for a respected AV brand at a price that won’t break the bank, this is a receiver you should consider.
Image Credit: Sony
Thumbs Up
- Great value for those on a tight budget
- 4K/60p UltraHD with HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG pass-through
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- HDMI ARC connection for receiving audio from your TV
- You can send audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers
- High-definition Bluetooth LDAC support
- DCAC auto calibration with additional sound modes
- Spotify and Chromecast support
- Works with Google Assistant
Thumbs Down
- No support for Amazon Alexa
Sony STR-DN1080 Highlights
The Sony STR-DN1080 is a 7.2-channel model with support for Dolby Atmos.
This means that you can use it to install a standard 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system or add a couple of height or elevation speakers and take advantage of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.
This receiver will comfortably power most speakers designed to be used in the home, and while it’s not the most powerful amplifier, it will have plenty of output for most people.
Unfortunately, Sony only provides power specifications rated against 6-ohm speakers – 100 watts per channel at 6 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.09% THD, 2 channels driven.
It’s best to check the rated power against 8-ohm speakers – because that is the impedance of most hi-fi and home theater speakers.
However, if you find 6-ohm ratings for the other amplifiers, you can compare them to this receiver’s power.
It’s nothing to worry about much, though. Most amplifiers in this price range will all have a similar power output – regardless of the available rated power.
The STR-DN1080 receiver supports the pass-through of 4K video at 60Hz, and you can use HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG if you have a source that plays HDR video.
You get most of the expected network and wireless connection types – from Ethernet and Wi-Fi to Bluetooth, Chromecast and Airplay.
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 5.2.2 |
| HDMI In / Out | 6/2 (ARC) |
| Zones | Zone 2 (video and 2-ch audio) |
| Pre Out | Subwoofer (x2) |
| Power (W)* | 100 |
| Speaker Impedance (Ohms) | 6 – 16 |
| UHD / HDR Support | 4K/60p, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network / Wireless | Ethernet / Wi-Fi / AirPlay / Bluetooth / Chromecast / NFC / Spotify Connect |
| Auto Room Calibration | DCAC EX / Speaker Relocation / Phantom Surround Back / Automatic Phase Matching |
| Selected Audio Decoders | Dolby Digital, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-ES (Matrix6.1 / Discrete6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS-HD HR Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DSD, LPCM (Up to 192/24 7.1ch) |
| Selected Sound Modes: Post Decoding | Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17 x 6-1/4 x 13-1/8 in | 430 x 156 x 331 mm (inc. projecting parts/controls) |
| Weight (lbs) | 20.1 |
The Bluetooth technology in this receiver also allows for sending audio to connected devices, which means that you can play audio on connected Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
This is useful because, while many AV receivers only allow you to transmit Bluetooth audio to the amplifier from a device, they don’t send audio.
But, the STR-DN1080 does.
There are 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, which is a decent amount for a receiver in this price range.
The automatic configuration of sound in your room is performed by the DCAC EX system, which stands for Digital Cinema Auto Calibration.
This uses the included microphone to calibrate speaker distance, levels, and crossover settings.
There are other sound modes that you can select to alter the sound in your room, such as:
- Phantom Surround Back: creates a virtual 7.1 effect from a 5.1 speaker layout
- Front Surround: creates a virtual surround sound effect if you are only using two front speakers
- In-Ceiling Speaker Mode: lowers the perceived position of in-ceiling speakers
- Center Speaker Lift Up: lifts the location of the center speaker audio up to the height of the screen
You can connect a pair of speakers in zone 2 by using two of the channels on the back of the receiver.
While the USA and Canadian models have dedicated zone 2 speaker terminals, you must use the terminals allocated for a 7.1 surround system in other regions.
Either way, you can only use powered zone 2 audio with a 5.1 speaker layout.
Alternatively, there is an RCA line-out stereo pair for sending audio to another amplifier in zone 2.
You can also play content in another room using the second HDMI output and connect this to a TV in the other zone.
What to Expect From an AV Receiver Under $1000?
AV receivers come in several price points with increasing features, making it hard to decide which price bracket you should aim for.
In another article, you can discover the best AV amps under $500. So why should you consider spending more money and upping your budget to $1000?
Here are the main areas where you will get more value for your money:
- Power: if you want to increase the sound level – or simply drive your speakers harder for a better sound – these receivers will offer more power per channel. However, there’s not that much difference, so don’t expect to double the audio output in your room.
- Channels: receivers in this price bracket will all offer seven audio channels as a minimum. However, if the number of channels is your only requirement, a few cheaper amps will also have seven channels. If you want nine channels to get a 5.2.4 Atmos layout, you will probably need to go over $1000, although not by much.
- Components: you will likely get an amplifier with better-quality components in this price range. This will improve the sound quality, so it might be worth it if you a fussy about the sound. However, this will depend on your speaker quality too.
- Connections: a more expensive receiver may have more inputs. So, if you need more HDMI inputs, or several optical, coaxial, component or composite connections, you should carefully check each amplifier’s specifications.
- Audio Formats: there won’t be many differences in the number of audio formats between these and cheaper amps. But, if the amp has seven channels or more, you will likely get support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X audio. Other sound formats like IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D will only be available on more expensive amplifiers.
- Advanced Features: the features you will get on these more expensive receivers are more zone outputs and more pre-out and line-out channels. You will likely need to pay some more money if you need these.
You just need to figure out the most critical points from your point of view before you buy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – five excellent options for anybody looking for the best home theater receivers under $1000.
In this price range, the main difference from those in a lower price bracket is the quality of the components used to build them.
You will likely notice a better sound quality, which can be important for those people with better speakers, or those who like listening to music more.
You will also likely get a few extra features like pre-out connections for connecting to power amplifiers.
If these AV amps aren’t what you are looking for, you might want to check out cheaper receivers.
But, if a standard surround sound speaker system is all you need, then any of these high-quality AV receivers are a great option.
If all the options available in a modern AV receiver are making your head spin, check out the buying guide for the best AV receivers.
Pin Me!
About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.
