OVERVIEW
A top-of-the-line AV receiver might not have all of the capabilities you need, so there's no use in shelling out money for something you don't use. It's possible to find a fantastic home theater receiver for less than you might expect if you cut out some of the features. The best atmos receivers under 500 are available from a variety of manufacturers, and this article will showcase some of the best. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on all of these receivers is around 500. (MSRP). Remember that the price of AV receivers can change at any time of year, so it's always a good idea to shop around for the best deal.
- SCORE9.0
- BrandYamaha Audio
- SCORE9.0
- BrandOnkyo
Last update on 2023-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
In a budget AV receiver, you'll discover these features:
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Power
There will be less power available to drive your speakers using a low-cost receiver's single channel. In this price range, you can expect to pay between $50 and $80 per channel. Exactly how significant is this? Not a lot. If you don't have difficult-to-drive speakers or need a lot of loudness in your home, the power output be suffice for the majority of users.
Yamaha RX-V683BL AV is miles ahead of the chasing pack
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Channels
Each speaker in your space has its own dedicated channel. Large Dolby Atmos or 7.1 speaker systems are more expensive and will require a larger outlay of cash. Only speaker combinations with less than six speakers – such as 5.1 or 5.2.2 – are supported by lower-cost models.
Yamaha RX-V583BL 7.2 is incredibly hard to beat this receiver from Yamaha
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Components
Manufacturers save money by reducing the cost of components. An inexpensive amplifier won't have the same level of engineering and quality components as a high-end audiophile amplifier. A decent mid-range speaker system, on the other hand, will allow you to enjoy a terrific movie experience.
Onkyo TX-NR575 7.2 produces a surprising amount of volume for your home theater system
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Connections
A lower-cost receiver will have fewer inputs, making it difficult to connect all of your other gadgets. Fewer alternatives including component, composite, optical, and coaxial connectors are likely to be available. However, as most individuals only intend to connect a small number of HDMI devices to their receiver, this may not be a major concern.
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Audio Formats:
High-resolution audio formats like DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD are supported by most current receivers. However, formats including Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced are less likely to be found.
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Advanced Features:
In terms of advanced features, you may expect to get all the essentials in a budget AV receiver, but you won't get the tiny extras that come with more expensive models. For example, HDR video can be passed over, as can zone and pre-out connections, as well as voice control and wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth transmit and receiver.