AV Receivers

AV receivers are the hub of a home theatre, switching your HDMI sources, decoding surround formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and powering the speakers from one chassis. Our range comes from Denon, Marantz, Arcam and NAD, and runs from 7.2-channel models for a living room to 13 and 15-channel models for dedicated cinema rooms.

Channel count, from 7.2 to 15 channels

In a receiver's specification, the first number is the main speaker channels and the second is the subwoofer outputs. A 7.2 receiver such as the Denon AVR-X2900H or Marantz CINEMA 60 SERIES 2 can run a traditional 7.2 layout or a 5.2.2 Atmos layout with two height speakers. The Marantz CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 fits seven channels into a slimline chassis 109mm tall, for cabinets where height is tight.

Nine-channel models open up 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 layouts. The Denon AVC-X3900H and Marantz CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 add four independent subwoofer outputs and 11.4-channel processing, so an external AV power amplifier can add channels later. Above that sit the Marantz CINEMA 30, the Denon AVC-X6800 and AVC-A10H, and the 15-channel Denon AVC-A1H, which supports a 9.4.6 layout.

Room correction, streaming and amplifier design

Every room changes how a system sounds, so room correction is worth weighing up early. Denon and Marantz models such as the AVR-X2900H, AVC-X3900H and CINEMA 30 use Audyssey, calibrated with a supplied microphone, and many current models are ready for a Dirac Live upgrade. Arcam's AVA15, AVA25 and AVA35 have Dirac Live built in, and the NAD T 778 also uses Dirac Live. Streaming platforms differ too: HEOS on most Denon and Marantz models, BluOS on the NAD T 778, and AirPlay 2 and Google Cast on the Arcam AVA15 and AVA25, with Roon Ready on the AVA25 and the Marantz CINEMA 60 SERIES 2 and CINEMA 70s SERIES 2.

Arcam is the brand to look at if amplifier topology interests you: the AVA15 is Class D, the AVA25 Class AB and the AVA35 Class G. For records, several Denon and Marantz models have a moving magnet phono input; moving coil cartridges need a separate phono preamp.

Questions we get asked

What's the difference between an AV receiver and an AV amplifier?

For most buyers, very little. Denon, Marantz and Arcam call some of their models AV amplifiers, but they do the same job of switching, decoding and powering a surround system. The useful comparison is channel count, room correction and connections.

How many channels does a home theatre receiver need?

Count your speakers, including height speakers, then allow for where the system might go. A 5.2.2 room fits a seven-channel receiver; a 7.2.4 room needs eleven channels, either built in or added with external amplification. Think about how many subwoofers the room will run too, since 9.4 models such as the AVC-X3900H feed up to four independently.

Do I need ceiling speakers for a Dolby Atmos receiver?

Not strictly, but height channels carry the overhead layer that Atmos is designed around, and in-ceiling speakers are the usual way to add them. Speaker positions relative to your seats matter, so the team can help with the layout.

Choosing between a Denon AV receiver, a Marantz receiver or an Arcam comes down to your room and speakers. Call the team or visit our Murarrie showroom to talk it through, and arrange demos by calling or messaging first.