AV Receivers and Home-Theater Components Worth Shortlisting

The Naim NAC 252 is not an AV receiver, but it is relevant to buyers building a serious music-first system alongside home theater.

Based on the NAC 52, it is described as offering expanded control and connectivity, improved design and finish, and a faster, more detailed, more transparent and musical sound.

The source highlights extensive circuit work, precision rotary potentiometers, ten independently regulated power supplies fed by a matched SuperCap, and separate regulation for digital control and relay sections to reduce noise. Connectivity includes traditional DIN inputs, two configurable RCA inputs, and a configurable unity-gain input, making it a high-end stereo control component rather than a surround processor.

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition is a floorstanding speaker, not an AV receiver, yet it is one of the more directly home-theater-relevant products in the source list.

It is described as the largest model in its series and capable of delivering high sound pressure in a large room.

The three-way configuration uses a separate midrange driver, while upgraded crossover components, including improved bypass capacitors and upgraded high-frequency and mid-frequency capacitors, are credited with better resolution and clarity. Its reinforced MDF cabinet, internal partitions, solid base, and supplied support options underline its role as a serious front-channel speaker for a surround system.

Pioneer’s VSX-835 and VSX-535 are genuine AV receivers and sit at the more accessible, practical end of this selection.

The VSX-835 is presented as a 7.2-channel model, while the VSX-535 is a 5.2-channel model; the source notes that both share the same terminals.

Power is stated as a 165-watt peak into 6-ohm speakers, or 80 watts with two channels driven into 8 ohms. The VSX-835 adds IMAX certification, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, DTS Virtual:X, HDMI 2.1 with 8K and 4K support, and MCACC room calibration using a supplied Auto Room Tuning microphone. It can be configured for 7.2 or 5.2.2 systems, and height virtualization is available for three-dimensional sound without overhead or rear sources.

The Canton Ergo SUB 650 is a subwoofer rather than an AV receiver, so its role is low-frequency reinforcement within a stereo or cinema system.

The source frames the wider Ergo line as a long-running classic, associated with wooden cabinets, rounded edges, stamped metal grilles, and a design language that has changed only gradually.

It also notes Canton’s attention to driver matching and crossover design in the Ergo series. For an AV receiver buyer, the practical takeaway is that a subwoofer like this belongs on the speaker side of the system plan: it can support bass performance, but it still requires appropriate bass management and connection from the electronics.

The Onkyo TX-NR7100 B M2 is one of the most complete AV receivers in the supplied material.

It uses a 9-channel setup, carries THX certification, meets IMAX Enhanced standards, and is specified with Dynamic Audio Amplification delivering up to 220 watts of output power.

Its HDMI section is extensive: seven inputs, including one on the front panel, and two outputs with support for 8K video, HDCP 2.3, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and eARC. Surround support includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for systems up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4, with Dirac Live provided for setup optimization. The receiver also includes two subwoofer outputs, analog and digital inputs, an MM phono input, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.

The Onkyo A-9150 is a stereo integrated amplifier, so it does not provide surround processing, HDMI switching, or AV receiver functions.

Its relevance is for listeners considering a separate two-channel music system, especially one centered on vinyl.

The source emphasizes its classic aluminum front panel, physical volume, tone, and balance controls, and a full phono stage for both MM and MC cartridges. That phono stage is described as being built from discrete elements on a separate board, rather than reduced to a simple add-on circuit. For buyers whose priority is analog stereo rather than cinema decoding, it represents a different path from an AV receiver.

This is an awards overview rather than a single product review, but it is relevant because the supplied excerpt highlights the Marantz CINEMA 30 in the AV receiver category.

The summary describes the CINEMA 30 as equipped with a 13.4-channel processor and an 11-channel power amplifier, positioning it for high-end home theater.

It also credits the receiver with high power reserves and a wide dynamic range. Used carefully, this article is best treated as supporting context for the Marantz model rather than a separate hardware recommendation.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is the most ambitious AV receiver described in the supplied material.

It has 11 class AB amplification channels and can process up to 13.4 channels with an external amplifier.

HDMI provision includes seven inputs, six of which support 8K resolution, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Format support is extensive, covering Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced mode. The source also specifies 140 watts into two channels at 8 ohms, a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC, Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 room calibration, HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, dual Analog Devices Sharc chipsets, a Marantz HDAM SA-2 preamp stage, MM turntable input, four independent subwoofer outputs, front USB-A, app and remote control, and voice-control compatibility.

This article is a readership roundup, not an AV receiver recommendation.

Its value in this guide is limited to editorial context: it shows which hi-fi topics drew attention across the site and includes coverage of products such as the Devialet Astra amplifier.

The excerpt describes the Astra as an integrated amplifier with analog and digital inputs, 2 x 150 watts into eight ohms according to the manufacturer, and a special Astra Opéra de Paris version with 23-carat gold plating. None of that makes it a surround receiver, so this entry should be treated as discovery material rather than a buying-guide candidate for home theater electronics.

The Arcam AVR30 is a serious AV receiver with a strong emphasis on calibration and amplification design.

The source describes it as a 7.1-channel model supporting Dolby Atmos in a 5.1.2 configuration, with the ability to operate in 7.1.4 when partnered with additional amplification.

DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced support are also specified. Full 16-channel Dirac calibration is onboard, while streaming is available through a standard app, Apple AirPlay 2, or Google Chromecast. The receiver uses a large toroidal transformer and G-class amplification, stated at 7 x 100 watts into 8 ohms. Front-panel features include a volume control, VF display, menu and source buttons, Direct mode, a headphone output, and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input.