The 9 Best AV Receiver Under $500 of 2024: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

John Campbell (Jax)
  Apr 25, 2024 8:09 AM

Are you in the market for a high-quality AV receiver without breaking the bank? Well, look no further–we’ve found the best av receivers under $500! An AV receiver is a device that can provide both audio and video processing for your home theater system. A good quality AV receiver will ensure efficient audio reproduction that fits into most budgets. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of some of our top picks, as well as details on their features and benefits to help you find the perfect option for your entertainment needs.

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR - 75 W/Ch (2021 Model), Advanced 8K Upscaling, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS Virtual:X & More, Wireless Streaming, Built-in HEOS, Amazon Alexa Voice Control

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Our Top Pick's Reviews

TOP Choice
1
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.5
  • Brand
    Denon
TOP Choice
2
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Yamaha Audio
TOP Choice
3
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Denon
4
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.3
  • Brand
    YAMAHA
5
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Sony
6
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    PIONEER
7
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.1
  • Brand
    Denon
8
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    PIONEER
9
  • MT Score

    MT Score is a ranking system developed by Mytheater.orgMT Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Onkyo

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

In-Depth Review

1. Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR - Best for overall

The Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one home theater solution. 

This receiver features seven channels of amplification, which allows you to drive up to 7 speakers in your home theater system. 

With its robust feature set, the Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR provides great value for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater experience without breaking the bank.

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

2. Yamaha RX-V485BL 5.1 Channel AV Network Receiver - Best high-end

The Yamaha RX-V485BL 5.1 Channel AV Network Receiver does just that- offering the latest in streaming technologies, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

This allows you to enjoy your favorite movies, music and shows in stunning 5.1 surround sound. 

But it's not just about the technology. The Yamaha RX-V485BL 5.1 Channel AV Network Receiver also offers incredible sound quality. 

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

3. Denon AVR-S760H 7.2-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver - Best budget

The Denon AVR-S760H 7.2-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver is the best budget option for those looking to create an immersive home theater experience. 

This receiver is packed with features including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth streaming, decentralized audio processing, and Alexa voice control.

All in all, Denon's AVR-S760H provides a great balance between performance and price that makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget home theater solution.

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

4. YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver - Top rating

The Yamaha RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver is perfect for you! 

This receiver brings all the latest technologies to your home theater, including Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Bluetooth, at an affordable price. 

Plus, with its low standby power consumption, you can save money on your energy bill, too.

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

5. Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver - Best mid-range

The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver is the best mid-range receiver available, giving you a truly immersive cinematic experience. 

It supports 4K, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X for the most realistic surround sound possible. With its built-in Bluetooth and Airplay compatibility, it’s easy to stream your favorite movies, shows, and music from almost any device. 

With this receiver, you get crystal-clear audio quality at an affordable price.

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

What To Look For In An AV Receiver Under $500 ?

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, there are many features to consider. From sound quality to connectivity options, there are a lot of factors to consider when making a purchase. This article will discuss six key points to look for in an AV receiver under $500: sound quality, connectivity options, power output, surround sound capabilities, audio processing, and user-friendliness.

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver 8K Video Ultra HD 4K/120 - (Renewed)

Sound Quality

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, sound quality should be the top priority. Look for receivers that have a minimum of 100 watts per channel and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Additionally, look for receivers that have a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 90 dB. This will ensure that the receiver is capable of producing clear and detailed sound.

Connectivity Options

Another important factor to consider when shopping for an AV receiver under $500 is the number of connectivity options. Look for receivers that have multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, as well as digital audio inputs and outputs. This will ensure that the receiver can be connected to a variety of devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, look for receivers that have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This will allow the receiver to be connected to wireless devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

Power Output

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, it is important to consider the power output of the receiver. Look for receivers that have a minimum of 100 watts per channel. This will ensure that the receiver is capable of producing loud and clear sound. Additionally, look for receivers that have a low total harmonic distortion rating. This will ensure that the receiver is capable of producing clean and accurate sound.

Surround Sound Capabilities

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, it is important to consider the surround sound capabilities of the receiver. Look for receivers that are capable of decoding Dolby Digital and DTS audio formats. This will ensure that the receiver is capable of producing immersive surround sound. Additionally, look for receivers that are capable of upmixing stereo audio into surround sound. This will allow the receiver to produce surround sound from stereo sources, such as CDs and MP3s.

Audio Processing

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, it is important to consider the audio processing capabilities of the receiver. Look for receivers that are capable of upscaling audio from standard definition sources to high definition audio formats. This will ensure that the receiver is capable of producing clear and detailed sound from all sources. Additionally, look for receivers that are capable of room correction technology. This will allow the receiver to automatically adjust the sound based on the acoustics of the room.

User-Friendliness

When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, it is important to consider how user-friendly the receiver is. Look for receivers that have an intuitive user interface and easy-to-use remote control. This will ensure that the receiver is easy to set up and use. Additionally, look for receivers that have built-in streaming services, such as Spotify and Pandora. This will allow the receiver to be used with streaming services without having to connect a separate device.


When shopping for an AV receiver under $500, there are many features to consider. From sound quality to connectivity options, there are a lot of factors to consider when making a purchase. This essay discussed six key points to look for in an AV receiver under $500: sound quality, connectivity options, power output, surround sound capabilities, audio processing, and user-friendliness. By considering these factors, shoppers can find an AV receiver that meets their needs without breaking the bank.

Summary

Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR is the best AV Receiver under $500 in 2024. It offers a great value for features, connectivity and amplification quality. If you're looking for a receiver that can provide powerful and accurate multi-channel sound, the Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR is worth your consideration. Thanks for reading our review of the best AV receivers under $500. We hope you found it helpful in finding the right product to fit your needs. Be sure to check out our other reviews for more great products at every price point.