The best AV receiver of 2025

Yamaha RX-V6A ($600, save $150): This Yamaha RX-V6A offers a new take on AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and simple controls, while maximizing sound quality. Yamaha can even make you forget about going to the cinema once again, and the music is no slouch either. It offers plenty of Wi-Fi connectivity with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Yamaha’s MusicCast system for streaming from your devices. It should be noted that the TSR-700 is identical — it’s an exclusive model to some outlets — and you can find it refurbished $400 here on Amazon. Learn more at CNET review of the Yamaha RX-V6A.

Marantz SR6015 ($1,499, save $1,000): The Marantz SR6015 does everything you’d expect—Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz throughput—and with a lot of aplomb. It sounds great, but it’s not as versatile as the best receivers here – for example, you can’t watch a video source while listening to music like the Onkyos can, nor can you ask Google Nest to play a song on it. The Marantz SR6015 was replaced by Cinema 500but the original is currently selling for $1,000 less than its retail price.

Denon AVR-X3800 ($1572, save $127) Denon has long been one of the top AV receiver brands due to its reputation for quality sound and powerful amplification, and the AVR-X3800 will be able to power most systems with ease. In terms of features, the Denon has everything you need in a modern receiver, including Dolby Atmos and six 8K HDMI inputs. Based on my immediate tests, I found the Denon to be on par with movies and music, but not as good as the Marantz SR6015 with music (above), nor as good in home theater as my current choice, the Onkyo RZ50. Read on CNET’s first look at the Denon AVR-X3800.