The holiday season is about to begin. You would be visiting your loved ones with gift items but might be worried about what to take. Let us help you. Nothing can be as good as the advanced audio-video (AV) receivers available in the market today. These receivers form an important part of a home theater system. They amplify sounds from various sources like online radios, Apple’s iPods and iPhones. They can also take inputs from DVD players and channel the video signals to your TV. And, don’t worry about the prices. Some of the best AV receivers are available at affordable costs. Here is a list:
1. Yamaha RX-V671
Manufacturer: Yamaha Corporation of America
Yamaha RX-V671. It is one of the best AV receiver for a true theater experience at home. It has an excellent sound quality and the six High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs are sufficient for any home theater. The RX-V671 also has many built-in streaming music applications like Pandora, Rhapsody and Sirius XM.
Price: $350
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2. Sony STR-DN1020
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics
With a built-in networking that allows for streaming Slacker and Internet radio along with digital music on the home network, the Sony STR-DN1020 forms a formidable AV receiver for homes. The mid-range model from Sony for 2011 is also the only AV receiver with an external iPod dock in its price range. However, as compared to other AV receivers in the market, the STR-DN1020 offers less HDMI inputs and lacks built-in AirPlay.
Price: $400
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3. Onkyo TX-NR509
Manufacturer: Onkyo USA Corporation
The Onkyo TX-NR509 is a full-featured AV receiver and one of the best buy in its price range. The system has four 3D-ready HDMI inputs and its high-resolution surround sound format makes Blu-ray movies and concerts appear more real. Also, it has five channels of low distortion and advanced digital processing that provides an engulfing atmospheric sound.
Price: $400
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4. Denon AVR-1912
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics
The Denon AVR-1912 has an outstanding sound quality, as compared to other models in its price range. It comes with six HDMI inputs and also features a built-in AirPlay for Apple’s iOS products. This allows the AV system to use Apple’s devices like iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch as a wireless music source. The Devon AVR-1912 is also compatible with DLNA and streaming media services like Rhapsody and Pandora.
Price: $549
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5. Pioneer VSX-1021-K
Manufacturer: Pioneer Electronics
With features like excellent sound quality, built-in AirPlay, DLNA compatibility and five HDMI inputs, Pioneer VSX-1021-K easily forms one of the best midrange AV system you can use as a gift item this year. The system can be be networked via Ethernet port or an optional Wi-Fi dongle. It can also be controlled by Pioneer’s iControlAV2 application made for Apple’s devices.
Price: $550
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6. Onkyo TX-NR609
Manufacturer: Onkyo USA Corporation
Priced higher than the Onkyo TX 509 system, the Onkyo TX- NR 609 comes with many other goodies. It has six HDMI inputs and a lot of built-in streaming music services. Onkyo is also giving a Wi-Fi dongle for just $40 with this model. It lacks an AirPlay system for using Apple’s gadgets. Though not as versatile as TX 509, it is still value for money if compared to the former.
Price: $600
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7. Yamaha RX-V667
Manufacturer: Yamaha Corporation of America
One of the best mid-range AV receiver of last year, Yamaha RX-V667 continues to be favorite this year as well. It has got excellent sound quality, six HDMI inputs like the RX-671 model, one of the best graphical user interface (GUI), analog video upconversion system and 7.1 multichannel analog inputs. The AV receiver is also 3D compatible. However, it requires an additional $100 for a dock for connecting Apple’s devices like iPhones and iPads.
Price: $600
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8. Harman/Kardon AVR 2600
Manufacturer: Harmon Kardon
Unlike other manufacturers who launch an AV receiver almost every year, Harmon/Kardon is more selective and produces lasting models. Launched in 2009, the Harman/Kardon AVR 2600 is still a handsome receiver and competitive with others. It features four HDMI inputs, solid GUI, 7.1 analog inputs. The system is also 3D-compatible, though it offers no external connectivity for Apple’s devices.
Price: $600
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9. Marantz SR5006
Manufacturer: Marantz America
A bit high in terms of price, Marantz SR5006 7.1 Home Theater Receiver forms an ideal media center for a home theater system. It features Marantz’s classic ‘star and circle’ front display and offers six HDMI inputs, an Ethernet port and playback of the latest HD audio formats. The SR5006 also supports Bluetooth devices and has a built-in AirPlay system for using Apple’s devices.
Price: $799
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10. Marantz SR6006
Manufacturer: Marantz America
If you are looking for a high-end home AV receiver as a gift item, Marantz SR6006 is your answer. The costliest receiver on our list, however, comes with all the best features. It offers style and a comprehensive list of built-in applications like Ethernet port for streaming audio from online music services, AirPlay for playing Apple’s devices, M-Xport for Bluetooth connectivity and has seven HDMI inputs.
Price: $1200
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