Top Picks

A/V Receivers

Denon AVR-X7200W A/V Receiver
(June print) Denon’s flagship AVR for 2016 had gobs of power, 11.2-channel surround processing with nine amp channels on board, up-to-date video processing, and stupendous sound quality that was good enough for audio editor Mark Fleischmann to make it his reference receiver. $2,999, usa.denon.com

Onkyo TX-RZ1100 A/V Receiver
(February/March 2017 print, watch for the full review) Onkyo’s next-to-top AVR is a nine-channel model with 11.2-channel processing for expandability and all the other trimmings, but its distinguishing trait is its impressive Class D power reserves. $2,199, onkyousa.com

Denon AVR-X4200W A/V Receiver
(November print) Along with its exemplary performance, this 7.2-channel receiver offers up 9.2-channel processing with the addition of an outboard stereo amp, making it suitable for a 5.1.4 immersive audio upgrade...whenever you’re ready. $1,499, usa.denon.com

Pioneer Elite SC-95 A/V Receiver
(July/August print) Pioneer’s nine-channel AVR scored high marks for sound quality and its cool-running Class D amps, and for the company’s class-leading control app. $1,600, pioneerusa.com

Onkyo TX-RZ-610 A/V Receiver
(November print) Simply put, this is just a good, solid, up-to-date seven-channel receiver at a fair price. $800, onkyousa.com