When is the best time to buy a new AV receiver?

Hopefully you’ll be able to answer that question for yourself by the end of this diatribe. The number one reason why right now might not be the best time to buy a new receiver is simple: HDMI 2.1, the long-promised upgrade of the perennial digital audio and video interconnect protocol, is finally here.

Is there going to be HDMI 2.1 in AV receivers?

HDMI 2.1 is on the horizon, and seemingly as a result, AV manufacturers simply don’t seem to be fleshing out their model lineups as fully this year as they’ve done in the past. Granted, many of the most compelling features of the HDMI 2.1 specification are already trickling out in receivers that technically only support HDMI 2.0b.

Which is the best AVR receiver on the market?

The Yamaha RX-A1040, one of the “Aventage” flagship line of AVRs. This is an amazing receiver, offering a full slate of features equivalent to those offered by any of their competitors. The 4K pass-through puts the Yamaha ahead of many on the market. The sound is dynamic and the video performance is superb.

What are the features of an AV receiver?

So, as we stand here approaching the end of 2020, many of the most compelling AV receivers are actually 2018 models with a handful of features borrowed from the HDMI 2.1 specification tacked on. Namely, features like Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

What kind of sound can I get from an AV receiver?

Many new AV receivers also support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, newer sound formats designed to add an overhead element to the typical ear-level surround sound available for decades.

Hopefully you’ll be able to answer that question for yourself by the end of this diatribe. The number one reason why right now might not be the best time to buy a new receiver is simple: HDMI 2.1, the long-promised upgrade of the perennial digital audio and video interconnect protocol, is finally here.

How much space do you need for an AV receiver?

Too much heat build-up, and your receiver can shut down. Ideally, you should leave at least three inches of space above the top of your receiver. AV cabinets with removable back panels offer easy access for connections. Leave room for connections

Do you need an AV receiver for Dolby Atmos?

To enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound to its fullest, you need to add height speakers or buy special Atmos-enabled speakers (you can read more about that topic in our guide to the best surround-sound speaker system ), and you need an AV receiver that can decode these formats and provide power to more speakers.