Top Picks

A/V Receivers

Sony STR-ZA3000ES
(September) When released in late 2014, this Sony was among very few AVRs to combine HDMI 2.0 connectivity with the HDCP 2.2 copyright protection required to qualify it as 4K future-proofed; and the lack of Atmos and DTS:X capabilities is easy to overlook in a seven-channel receiver that delivers truly excellent sound quality and terrific value. $1,700, sony.com

Marantz SR7010
(February/March 2016) This advanced 9.1-channel receiver comes with (or can be upgraded for) Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D object-based audio compliance, and delivers the superb sound and elegant design for which the Marantz brand is renowned. $2,199, us.marantz.com

Denon AVR-X1200W
(December) We tested four high-value 7.1-channel AVRs last year at the $600 price point, all with quite recommendable feature packages and excellent sonics, but this Denon unit got the subtle nod from audio editor Mark Fleischmann. $599, usa.denon.com