Beyond the Usual Shortlist: Home Cinema Finds Worth Discovering

The MRX SLM addresses installations in which a conventional AV receiver is simply too large.

Its enclosure measures 4.3 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm and weighs three kilograms, making it suitable for discreet placement in a custom-installed system.

The receiver provides five amplified channels, with approximately 50 watts per channel stated when two channels are driven, and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI 2.0b eARC and HDCP 2.3. Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth add convenient music playback, while Anthem's ARC Genesis platform handles system adjustment.

The AVM 70 is a processor rather than an all-in-one receiver, so it is intended to feed separate power amplifiers through its balanced XLR outputs.

It supports object-based audio layouts of up to 15.2 channels and includes Anthem's ARC Genesis room correction with an upgraded calibration microphone.

The stated video hardware provides seven HDMI inputs, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, Ultra HD handling at up to 18.2 Gbps, Dolby Vision, HDR, Hybrid Log Gamma and eARC; HDMI 2.1 was presented as an upgrade rather than an existing capability. Bluetooth, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 are included, while Spotify Connect and Roon were described as forthcoming updates in the source material.

The UHD8000 is a specialist media player for viewers and listeners maintaining substantial local libraries.

Two hard-drive bays allow storage to be expanded to 32 TB, while DLNA and services including Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer broaden its source options.

Its HDMI 2.1 video output supports signals up to 8K/60p, and separate video and HDMI Audio Only outputs allow picture and sound to be routed independently. RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, a USB DAC input, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 also give it a wider audio role than a basic video streamer.

The HT-S9800THX is the complete-system option in this selection, combining seven speakers, a subwoofer and a multifunction AV receiver for a 7.1-channel setup.

The THX-certified package supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while its receiver provides seven HDMI inputs and two outputs with 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and Hybrid Log-Gamma support.

Onkyo's AccuEQ system assists with room and speaker adjustment, and network, multimedia and wireless playback functions reduce the need for an additional streaming component. Buyers should still distinguish the receiver's immersive-format support from the included 7.1 speaker arrangement.

The MX200 is an 11.2-channel cinema processor designed for systems ranging from 5.1 to 7.2.4 channels and therefore requires separate power amplification.

Eleven balanced XLR outputs are provided, alongside two independent subwoofer outputs, an XLR input, an RCA input and a dedicated moving-magnet phono input.

Four HDMI 2.1 inputs and one HDMI output support 4K/120Hz, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while Dirac Live provides room correction. Compatibility with Control4 and Crestron Home makes the processor particularly relevant to integrated custom installations.

The SR7015 combines nine amplified channels with broad immersive-audio and video support.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configurations can extend to 7.1.4 with additional stereo amplification, while Auro-3D and DTS Virtual:X provide further setup options.

Its video platform supports 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz and multiple HDR formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR, HLG and HDR10. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 handles speaker calibration, and network and USB playback support high-resolution audio, including DSD files.

Despite being described as a receiver in the source title, the PR-RZ5100 is an 11.2-channel preamplifier and processor that must be paired with external power amplifiers.

It supports a 7.2.4 speaker configuration with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and carries THX Ultra2 Plus certification.

Its video section handles 4K signals at up to 60Hz, while two 32-bit Analog Devices SHARC processors and separate digital and analog circuitry form the core of its audio architecture. This makes it more relevant to established separates-based systems than to buyers seeking a single-box receiver.

The TX-NR6100 is positioned as the value-conscious conventional receiver in this group.

Its seven discrete amplification channels can run a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system, while Dolby Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X offer alternatives where height speakers are impractical.

Seven HDMI inputs and two outputs are provided, with HDMI inputs one to three and the main and sub outputs supporting 8K/60p under the stated conditions. The amplifier design is also specified for use with speakers rated at four ohms.

The AVR5 uses seven channels of Class A/B amplification and a substantial power supply intended to maintain confident operation with demanding speaker loads.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding are included, and processor outputs allow a system based on the receiver to expand as far as 7.1.4 channels with external amplification.

Seven HDMI inputs and two outputs handle 4K Ultra HD signals, while an ESS9026PRO DAC supports its dual role as a cinema and music component. The supplied configuration does not include an auto-calibration microphone for Dirac Live, making setup less turnkey than receivers supplied with complete calibration hardware.

The HT-S20R offers a simpler and more competitively positioned alternative to an AV receiver and separate speaker package.

It is a 5.1-channel soundbar system with a subwoofer and a stated total output of 400 watts, while the bar itself houses the three front channels.

A metal grille protects the front drivers, rubber feet provide stability on furniture, and wall mounting is available when required. Its emphasis is straightforward TV and movie sound rather than the broader format, networking and expansion options of a full receiver.