2013 Midpriced AV Receiver Comparison: The Best AVR for $1,000?

original publish date:  December 5th, 2013

Looking back at our $500 A/V receiver roundup, it’s apparent you can buy a fairly capable unit for relatively little cost. Still, while budget models bring feature sets that seemingly defy their price tag, there’s little question that stepping up to the $1,000 mark will buy you more AVR goodness. Relative to their less expensive siblings, $1,000 models typically feature a modest bump in amplifier power and are usually better suited to dealing with lower impedance (4-6 ohms) loudspeakers. In addition, among other niceties in this price class, most models also offering video processors capable of upscaling content to 4K resolution as well as a second HDMI output.

So who’s got the best $1,000 receiver on the block? As was the case last time around, what’s best largely depends on what features you personally care about. Still, we’ve got our opinions, as well as another beautiful chart to help you sort things out:

The Winners Circle

Yamaha RX-A830

Coming in at $900 (the lower end of the price scale in this comparison), the Yamaha’s RX-A830 checks off just about everything you could ask for from an A/V receiver: 7.2 channels of sound, 8 HDMI inputs (with one boasting MHL for connecting mobile devices) and a pair of outputs, YPAO auto-setup and calibration, a useful array of legacy video inputs, and a full complement of pre-outs are all on the menu. For an additional $100, you can also add Yamaha’s WiFi adapter (or attach a cheaper wireless bridge), and still not break the budget. The only missing feature that really sticks out to us is the lack of Dolby PLIIz to make use of front height channels, or Audyssey DSX post processing.  However, Yamaha has their own proprietary post processing scheme with an assortment of DSP modes to allow you to add front height channels which they call "presence channels". 

Yamaha RX-A830

Onkyo TX-NR828

Technically Onkyo’s TX-NR828 is a bit above budget at $1099. Unsurprisingly then, it boasts the most power in this roundup (130W x 2 into 8 ohms) and is the only model here that offers built in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Like the aforementioned Yamaha, the Onkyo TX-NR828 hits all the right marks, but also includes Dolby PLIIz and Audyssey DSX, as well as a potential third zone for audio. On the downside, while the Onkyo does boast Audyssey for auto-setup and calibration, it is the base MultEQ flavor versus the more advanced MultEQ XT (or XT32). Also, like the less costly TX-NR525, the TX-NR828 does not support Airplay, which could be a big con if you’re an Apple fan.  Still the Onkyo appears to be the powerhouse of the receivers in this comparison which is why incidentally its also the bulkiest, tipping the weight scale at 33lbs.  It's also the only A/V receiver of the bunch certified for THX Select2.

  

Onkyo TX-NR828

The Rest Of The Pack

To be fair, we wouldn’t call any of the below A/V receivers “losers”. There’s not much question in our minds that Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, Sony, and Harman Kardon are putting out quality products (though we’re still skeptical of Harman’s switch mode power supply). It’s quite possible that depending on your priorities, one of these models might still fit the bill nicely, even if we feel the winner’s circle AVRs to be better balanced on the whole.

Denon AVR-X3000

Tipping the scales at $999, the Denon AVR-X3000 plays a bit of give and take with the members of our winners circle. To its credit, the Denon boasts a more advanced version of Audyssey than the Onkyo TX-NR828 (MultEQ XT vs MultEQ).  However, in return the AVR-X3000 features marginally less powerful amplification (105W vs 130W), one less HDMI input and no MHL support, and no built in WiFi/Bluetooth. However, for power hungry audiophiles, the most damning omission is the lack of pre-outs for connecting outboard amplification. While it’s possible you may never need pre-outs, the flexibility offered by having them present can come in quite handy if you ever decide to shop for new speakers that will benefit from beefier amplification than this AV receiver can provide. 

Denon AVR-X3000

Marantz SR5008

As audiophiles, we really like the Marantz SR5008. Priced at $899, the Marantz is the only receiver here to boast both Audyssey MultEQ XT and a full complement of pre-outs, giving it a lot of potential on the audio side of things. Conversely, the overall feature set is a tad weaker than the top picks, lacking a MHL input as well as being the only receiver in this comparison to feature a single HDMI output. Nonetheless, if these features aren't a dealbreaker to you, we feel the SR5008 makes a great choice.

Marantz SR5008

Pioneer SC-71

As you’d expect from Pioneer’s Elite line, the SC-71 is a powerful (120W x2) and feature rich receiver. In fact, the $1,000 SC-71 mostly hits every check mark on our handy dandy list including a MHL HDMI input on the front panel, 4K upscaling, and Advanced MCACC auto-setup and calibration. So why is it down here among the riff-raff? While the SC-71 does boast 2.2 channels worth of pre-outs, we’d really like to see the full seven channels. Yes, it matters that much to us. In addition, it’s worth nothing that unlike all the other options here, zone 2 is only available via assignable amplification, as opposed to offering a line out option as well for connecting an outboard amplifier.

Pioneer SC-71

Sony STR-DA2800ES

It’s interesting to contrast Sony’s position in this roundup relative to their winning position in the $500 receiver showdown. For $450, Sony was able to offer built in WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as support for Airplay. For $1,000 you get…none of the above? The Sony is also in a three way tie for the least amount of amplification on tap, but unlike its 100W/channel rated brethren, it offers no pre-outs to help augment things a bit. However, it’s not all bad for the STR-DA2800ES. It features a total of 3 HDMI outputs which can support 2 mirrored screens in zone 1 and a single independent screen in zone 2 (only 2 outputs can be active at once). The Sony also has the longest warranty in this group at 5 years, which can offer some peace of mind versus the normal 2-3 year warranties offered by the rest of the crowd.

Sony STR-DA2800ES

Harman Kardon AVR-3700

In our last go-round, we found the HK AVR-1710 to be a winner on paper, though we were hesitant to recommend it due to its switch mode power supply. This time around with the AVR-3700, things aren’t quite as favorable. To be fair, the Harman mostly hits the right marks with a relatively high amount of rated power (125W x2), 7.2 pre-outs, built in WiFi connectivity, and 4K upscaling. Conversely, it lacks MHL support and is a little light on legacy connections relative to the Onkyo and Yamaha. Beyond that, you’re still stuck with the switch mode power supply, and unlike with the AVR-1710, there’s no slim form factor here to help make up for it.

Harman Kardon AVR-3700

Conclusion

If you haven’t been shopping for an A/V receiver in a while, it’s not hard to be impressed by what $1,000 can get you these days. Things like 3D, control applications for iDevices and Android tablets/phones, and networking features are becoming passé, and even upscaling content to 4K resolution is available on all but one of the contenders (admittedly also one of the least expensive). In this sea of features, it’s easy enough to get lost or miss a key feature that you’d like. Fortunately, with a little guidance from the Audioholics, it’s also possible to end up with a very capable receiver that fits your needs. Happy hunting!