Top Picks

A/V Receivers

Rotel RAP-1580 Amplified Surround Processor
(November) Technically not an A/V receiver (no radio tuner), the seven-channel RAP-1580 (with 7.1.4 Atmos and DTS:X processing) is expensive, retro-chic beautiful, and heavenly sounding. $3,800, rotel.com

Marantz SR7011 A/V Receiver
(May) Marantz continues it long line of recommendable premium AVRs in last year’s flagship SR7011, with nine powerful amp channels (enough on board for full 5.1.4 immersive sound), HEOS wireless multiroom, excellent Audyssey room correction, and what audio editor Mark Fleischmann described as a “sweet and musical” top end. $2,199, us.marantz.com

Yamaha RX-A2070 A/V Receiver
(February/March 2018) A fully equipped nine-channel AVR that delivers all the 5.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X goodness you crave, along with Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom capabilities and, believe it or not, a few proprietary DSP-driven listening modes that even an audiophile can love (“Chamber,” anyone?). $1,600, usa.yamaha.com

Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Receiver
(November) This incredibly solid, powerfully robust, and retro-looking two-channel receiver, a long-awaited update to Outlaw’s RR2150, is a great-sounding audiophile wonder that hearkens back to the 1970s/1980s dorm room classic while adding modern twists like a fine-quality DAC and PC-friendly USB input. $799, outlawaudio.com

Pioneer VSX-832 A/V Receiver (See "Value")