What you get for under a thousand dollars
A budget under $1,000 gets you a capable receiver for almost any home theater. At this tier you can expect Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, HDMI 2.1 with 4K at 120 Hz and 8K pass-through on at least some inputs, a room-correction microphone, and wireless streaming. What you give up compared with a $2,000 receiver is mostly amplifier power, the number of amplified channels, and advanced calibration options like Dirac Live on some models.
That is a fair trade for most rooms. A 7-channel receiver can run a 5.1.2 Atmos layout, which is the sweet spot for a living room, and the amplifier is usually enough to drive efficient speakers to loud levels. If you plan a 7.1.4 layout with four height speakers, you need 11 channels of amplification, which means a larger receiver or a separate amplifier. See our best home theater receivers guide for the step up.
How we picked
We chose receivers that are in stock on Amazon and priced under $1,000 as of this update, from major receiver makers. The notes come from manufacturer specifications and the product details on each listing. We did not run lab tests, so rely on the specifications and the setup advice, and compare the channel count to the layout you plan.
AV Receiver Reviews
Denon AVR-X1800H
Best OverallThe Denon AVR-X1800H is a 7.2-channel receiver rated at 80 watts per channel. The listing describes three dedicated 8K HDMI inputs and one output with 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz pass-through, support for Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10, and audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X.
The reasons we lead with it: the on-screen setup guide walks a first-time buyer through connecting speakers and the TV, built-in HEOS multi-room streaming handles music, and seven amplified channels run a 5.1.2 layout without an extra amplifier. See how it compares with the step-up model in our Denon AVR-X1800H vs AVR-X3800H page, or against Yamaha in Denon AVR-X1800H vs Yamaha RX-V6A.
- 7.2 channels, 80W per channel
- 3 x 8K HDMI inputs
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- HEOS built in
Pros: Easy setup, Atmos, 8K HDMI, strong streaming, good value at the top of the range.
Cons: 80 watts per channel is modest for inefficient speakers; no more than 7 amplified channels.
Marantz Cinema 70s
Best SlimlineThe Marantz Cinema 70s is a slimline receiver just over four inches tall, with 7.2 channels at 50 watts per channel, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, six HDMI inputs with three 8K-compatible, and HEOS streaming. Marantz describes the sound as hand-tuned by its Sound Master in Japan for a warm tone.
It is the receiver to choose when it has to fit inside furniture or a shallow shelf. The lower amplifier power means it works best with efficient speakers in small and medium rooms. Compare it with a Denon in our Marantz Cinema 40 vs Denon AVR-X3800H page if you are weighing the families.
- 7.2 channels, 50W per channel
- Slimline, just over 4" tall
- 6 HDMI inputs, 3 x 8K
- HEOS streaming
Pros: Slim, warm sound, Atmos, strong music streaming and phono input.
Cons: Lowest power in the group and a premium price for the size.
Sony STR-AN1000
Best for Gaming SetupsThe Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2-channel receiver with 8K and 4K/120 HDMI 2.1 support on six inputs and two outputs, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma and IMAX Enhanced, and works with Sonos.
Because it handles 4K at 120 Hz on its HDMI inputs, it is a good match for a console or PC gaming setup, and the Sonos integration helps if you already own Sonos speakers. Use the HDMI 2.0 vs 2.1 guide to check which inputs matter for your sources.
- 7.2 channels
- HDMI 2.1, 8K and 4K/120
- Auto calibration IX
- Works with Sonos
Pros: Full HDMI 2.1 support, Sonos integration, good calibration.
Cons: A menu system that is less polished than Denon; fewer streaming options out of the box.
Onkyo TX-NR6100
Best PowerThe Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a 7.2-channel THX Certified Select receiver. The listing describes a 210 watts per channel amplifier, 5.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback, three 8K HDMI 2.1 inputs, and a discrete Zone 2 for audio and video.
THX Select certification is aimed at rooms of moderate size and means the receiver passes performance criteria for that class. The headline power number on listings like this is often measured under easy test conditions, so compare it with other receivers by their rated power into 8 ohms with two channels driven. It is still a good pick for larger rooms or less efficient speakers.
- THX Certified Select
- 5.2.2 Atmos
- 3 x 8K HDMI inputs
- Discrete Zone 2
Pros: THX certification, strong power rating, Zone 2 for a second room.
Cons: Interface and app are less polished than Denon or Yamaha.
Denon AVR-X1700H
Best ValueThe Denon AVR-X1700H is a 7.2-channel receiver with 80 watts per channel and three dedicated 8K inputs plus one output, with 8K/60 and 4K/120 pass-through and 8K upscaling on all six inputs. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X, including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, and the same on-screen quick setup guide as the X1800H.
It is the choice for buyers who want the Denon experience for less and do not need the newer model's extras. Stock changes frequently on older receivers, so if it is out of stock, the X1800H is the natural alternative.
- 7.2 channels, 80W per channel
- 3 x 8K inputs
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
- HEOS built in
Pros: Well-regarded Denon platform, easy setup, strong streaming, lower cost.
Cons: Slightly older than the X1800H; not the most powerful in the group.
Yamaha RX300A
Best BudgetThe Yamaha RX300A is a 5.2-channel receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, 4K/120 and 8K/60 HDMI, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, a setup microphone for room correction, and Bluetooth Multipoint. It is the entry point of this list.
With five amplified channels it runs a 5.1 layout, and Atmos effects come from virtualization rather than height speakers, so it fits small rooms and first systems. If you plan to add height speakers later, spend a little more on a 7-channel model.
- 5.2 channels
- Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
- 4K/120 and 8K/60 HDMI
- Setup mic and room correction
Pros: Lowest cost, current HDMI standards, simple setup.
Cons: Five amplified channels limit Atmos height layouts.
Match the channel count to your layout
The first number in a layout is the main speakers, the second the subwoofers and the third the height speakers. A 5.1.2 layout needs seven amplified channels, a 7.1.2 needs nine, and a 7.1.4 needs eleven. Receivers in this price range top out at seven channels of built-in amplification, so for nine or eleven you add an external amplifier. The Atmos angles calculator helps you place whatever you choose.
Power ratings and what they tell you
Compare power by the number of channels driven and the impedance. A rating of 80 watts with two channels driven at 8 ohms is normal at this price. A larger number with one channel driven is not comparable. Efficient speakers, like the ones in our floor standing and bookshelf guides, need far less power than an inefficient speaker to reach the same volume.
HDMI features that matter
If you game at 4K and 120 Hz, check that your preferred input supports HDMI 2.1 with eARC to the TV. For movies, make sure the receiver passes Dolby Vision and HDR10. Our HDMI 2.0 vs 2.1 guide explains the differences, and the best HDMI cables page lists cables rated for the bandwidth.
Room correction and setup
Every receiver here includes a microphone-based room-correction system. Run it once with the speakers in their final positions, with the mic at ear height at the main seat, and again if you move anything. Then listen and adjust the subwoofer level by ear. A poorly placed speaker cannot be fixed by room correction, so use the placement guide first.