Best 9 Channel AV Receiver Reviews

Denon AVR-X4800H – best overall

The AVR-X4800H belongs to the Denon AVR-X Series of AV receivers, famous for user-friendliness, a rich set of features, and quality audio. This 9.2 channel receiver model was released in 2020. The reason why I wanted to test this unit so much is that, in certain features and aspects, it is equal to the older X8500H and, therefore, may have very serious potential.

Traditional Denon design is no surprise to anyone. Nevertheless, I pay greater attention to the design quality when it comes to more expensive models, such as the X4800H. For example, the control panel is completely hidden under a hinged metal cover. I find this aesthetically pleasing and convenient, but it also protects the buttons from dust. A large, informative screen that shows all your manipulations. The controls are smooth and precise. However, the RCA connectors here are ordinary, although Denon produces newer models of this rank already with gold-plated ones. In addition, the remote control looks outdated and has no backlight.

Let me start by saying that the unit has a stunning 11.4 channel multiplex pre-out and digital/analog multiroom support. A little spoiler from me – during my tests, the X4800H offered immersive and dynamic sound, creating a real home theater experience, which is not so surprising as it can pump up to 125W per channel.

On the HDMI side, the unit features 7 inputs and 3 outputs both support HDCP 2.3. The receiver can play native video at 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through. The former serves better for movies, and the latter is ideal for gaming. It also offers the HDR10+ family of technologies, Dolby Vision and HLG.

I couldn’t wait to test its surround sound capabilities. After all, it supports a rich set of the latest immersive sound technologies, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. So, I decided to put it to the test and gathered a whole collection of different content of different genres and release years. So, my movie and TV series list included The Last of Us, The Dark Knight, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and other blockbusters. During the whole test, the AVR-X4800H offered an immersive and dynamic sound stage putting me right inside the movie’s atmosphere. Every detail during action moments was distinctive and readable. At the same time, the unit provided a powerful sound with no distortions and maintained readable heights and lows.

Before the test, I expected that the AVR-X4800H would share the same destiny as many of its AV receiver brothers – it would deliver a juicy and rich sound in music. However, the unit managed to impress me pleasantly with its mid-range frequencies and detailed sound. I also enjoyed how it handled every music genre I gave it: heavy metal songs, rock ballads, modern pop songs—all sound distinctive, rich, and pleasant.

Marantz Cinema 50 – also great

The Marantz Cinema 50 represents the second model offering in the recently launched Cinema AVR lineup. Marantz’s Cinema 40 is a more advanced unit with additional power and input options, including support for legacy video. In turn, Cinema 60 and 70 are Marantz’s budget-friendly alternatives in the same line. So, Cinema 50 offers a stunning balance between price and quality with only a few concessions compared to the older model. Yet, is it enough to call the Cinema 50 the best 9.2 receiver instead of the AVR-X4800H?

In terms of design, this model boasts an elegant and modern look that exudes style and sophistication. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic rounded control surfaces make it look awesome and refreshing. The front panel features a rounded display. While it’s still pretty easy to read, I would still enjoy it more if it was bigger. The main merits of the design are inside, and that’s why Marantz models are often more expensive than competitors, offering identical or even lesser features. But these machines are timeless. Over the years, the sound has not lost its power and richness. And that’s what you pay more for.

The Marantz Cinema 50 AVR has a power output of 110W at 8 ohms, 20 Hz—20 kHz, and a 0.08% 2ch Drive. The system can also handle 11 channels with an external amplifier. And you can also connect 4 independent subs. So basically, there is a parallel with the Denon AVR-X4800H, apart from the lower power.

The unit has 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 3 outputs, and a single front USB-A, which, from my experience, adds a lot to convenience. All HDMI ports support 8K and HDCP 2.3. One HDMI output is for the primary monitor, while the other is for Zone 2. The Cinema 50 AVR can upscale 1080P/4K to 8K 60hz but does not offer analog to HDMI video conversion.

Although the device’s musical performance falls short of the supposed audiophile level, it provides some excellent lower frequencies while keeping clear heights. I frequently listen to music in MP3 format with traditional compressed audio. In turn, Cinema 50 pleasantly impressed me by enhancing the sound quality of songs recorded in compressed audio codecs. It’s about Marantz MDAX2 technology, designed precisely for this purpose, and is a brand trademark.

I used the same list of movies to test the Marantz Cinema 50 receiver, and I have to say that it has exceeded my expectations in terms of sound quality while watching movies. The dynamic sound stage and precise imaging truly took me into the world of movies. Compared to AVR-X4800H, which surpasses it a bit in music playback, the Marantz Cinema 50’s specialized focus on movie soundtracks really shines through, allowing me to hear every detail and nuance in the audio.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 – best budget

In the field of home theater receivers, Onkyo is a well-known company. One of their recent products, the Onkyo TX-RZ50, is proof of their dedication to providing high-quality audio and video performance. This receiver, introduced in 2021, is positioned as the top-of-the-line offering from Onkyo. The receiver provides a power output of 120 watts per channel for 8-ohm speakers, with a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a total harmonic distortion of 0.08% while driving two channels. Like its predecessors, the Marantz Cinema 50 and Denon AVR-X4800H, the TX-RZ50 has 11 processing channels, but you can only connect 2 subwoofers.

The AV receivers market is not known for its stunning diversity, but Onkyo tries hard to refresh it. So, the TX-RZ50 has somewhat unusual looks. Yeah, it still features a large display in the middle and control buttons and surfaces on the sides, but it is all about button placement. You probably won’t find any other receiver with so many buttons on the front, and I can’t say this is a bad thing. But still this will be convenient for experienced users, but beginners may have problems adapting to this layout. The receiver is large and heavy, in the tradition of older models, giving a complete sense of reliability.

The rear panel of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is well-organized and features a comprehensive array of connectivity options. The receiver has 6 HDMI inputs, 3 supporting 8K video, and 2 outputs. All are version 2.1 and work with 4K/120Hz, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and HDCP 2.3. With this set of features, you can enjoy all the content existing today. Considering its design, connectivity, and video features, for me, Onkyo TX-RZ50 has all the chances to be the best budget 9.2 receiver.

I must admit that the Onkyo TX-RZ50 sounds good in music but not amazing. Admittedly, the brand has taken a step forward compared to other Onkyo receivers (like its predecessor, the TX-RZ840), which can sound muddy or lack clarity. It has a clear, detailed sound without flashy accents like Denon or Marantz. It has the usual strong, clean sound. The unit provides decent balance, and if you’re not a sophisticated tracker, you’ll be completely satisfied with its sound.

Regarding movie playback, the TX-RZ50 performed well during my tests, delivering fully immersive and dynamic surround sound. With support for 3D audio codecs such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it created a stunning atmosphere through clear and powerful surround sound. Dialogue snippets were clear and intelligible. It also reproduced sound effects accurately and spectacularly. But if you compare it to Denon or Marantz, again, Onkyo’s overall soundstage is still inferior in brightness and variety.

Yamaha RX-A6A

Yamaha has been a leading manufacturer of home theater receivers for decades, and RX-A6A continues its legacy of producing high-quality audio and video equipment. Released in 2021, it is positioned as one of Yamaha’s flagship models, offering cutting-edge features and technology.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the receiver is surprisingly compact, measuring 17-1/8 x 7-1/2 x 18-5/8 inches (W x H x D) and weighing 41.2 lbs. On the other hand, it is the heaviest receiver in the review. Despite this, Yamaha’s RX-A6A looks subtle and sophisticated, emphasizing utility over showy aesthetics. The receiver comes in a black finish. This unit is still a well-made, professional-looking item that will fit in with the majority of home entertainment systems.

The Yamaha RX-A6A boasts a powerful amplifier capable of delivering 150 watts with a low distortion of 0.06% at 8 ohms. Altogether, it is more than enough for medium or even large rooms to get immersive and quality sound. In terms of digital connectivity, the receiver offers rich amounts of coaxial and analog inputs, 7 HDMI inputs with support for HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3. The Yamaha RX-A6A also features a front USB port.

After testing the unit, I can confidently say it delivers a truly immersive movie-watching experience. Compared to the Onkyo TX-RZ50, this unit outshines it in terms of surround sound and audio clarity. Also, Yamaha RX-A6A supports MusicCast Surround technology allowing me to use wireless rear speakers, which helped me a lot as it became far more convenient to make changes to my studio to test different layouts.

When it comes to music, the Yamaha RX-A6A delivered a clear and balanced sound with excellent separation and imaging. Surprisingly, it didn’t lack the power, even when I maxed out the volume during hard-rock tracks. But, at the same time, it didn’t manage to deliver juicy lows and clear highs as the Cinema 50 did.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505

The Elite VSX-LX505 is a high-end AV receiver released in 2018 by the well-known electronics manufacturer Pioneer. The model is positioned as a flagship receiver. The VSX-LX505 measures 17-1/8 x 7-5/16 x 15-3/16 inches and weighs 28.7 lbs, making it a compact and lightweight option compared to other models in its class.

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 is a stylish, contemporary-looking surround sound receiver. It comes with the support of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual, and Neural:X. The unit delivers a power output of 120 watts at 8 ohms, covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a total harmonic distortion of 0.08% when two channels are driven.

The back panel of the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 includes 6 2.0b version HDMI inputs, 4 of which are assignable, and 2 HDMI outputs. All of them come with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. These connectors allowed me to use multiple sources with the receiver, including a gaming console, a Blu-ray player, and a cable box, and switch between them with ease. The back panel of the VSX-LX505 also has Ethernet and USB ports. I liked that the front panel of the VSX-LX505 includes a single HDMI input and a USB port for connecting a USB drive.

When I tested the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 in my favorite movies, including those from the list, but also Marvel Avengers and Back to the Future. It provided an exciting experience. It’s also worth noting that the Dirac Live Room Correction system worked very well and adjusted the sound in my room in no time. Among the most prominent aspects I definitely can notice are powerful bass, distinctive dialogues, and explicit sound effects.

Talking about music, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 delivers a smooth and detailed sound regardless of the genre. I also noticed a very pleasant instrument separation. Those are not as distinctive as in the case of stereo receivers. However, you won’t be disappointed with how the VSX-LX505 handles sound in music.