Audio Video News

Best AV Gear to Buy Right Now in 2020 Page 2

Receivers

Marantz SR6014 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver Review: $1,499


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
At about half the price of many flagship AVRs, the SR6014 proves that it’s possible to deliver topnotch music performance at an affordable price without sacrificing key home theater and streaming features — which is precisely why it was named Sound & Vision’s 2019 Top Pick of the Year in the AV receiver category. You get eight HDMI inputs and a phono input, instant access to popular music streaming services, wireless multiroom capability via the Heos platform plus the wherewithal to drive a 7.2 surround configuration or a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setup with height speakers (7.2.4 with an external two-channel amp). It even provides Imax Enhanced processing. Whether you’re listening to music or watching a blockbuster movie, the SR6014 honors the Marantz legacy.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Punchy, music-friendly sonics
Flexible speaker configuration options
HEOS wireless streaming
Minus
Limited custom installation features
Non-backlit remote

Full Review Here


Pioneer VSX-LX504 AV Receiver: $999


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
With nine channels of onboard power, the VSX-LX504 accommodates 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 speaker layouts and supports a roster of must-have features and immersive-surround technologies, including IMAX Enhanced certification for unlocking cinematic mixes created by IMAX. As reviewer Michael Trei put it, the LX504 “delivers many of the features you'd expect from a top-of-the-line model, but at a mid-level price. Add in powerful and detailed sound, and the result is a well-sorted receiver that I can recommend as the hub of a forward-thinking home theater.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
IMAX Enhanced certified
Nine-channel amp for flexibility
Extensive wireless options
Minus
Limited crossover control
Non-illuminated remote

Full Review Here

Denon DRA-800H Stereo Network Receiver: $499


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
If you have yet to bring a beloved two-channel setup into the modern age or are looking to assemble a second hi-fi system with a spare set of speakers, Denon’s DRA-800H combines the best of the old and the new in an excellent sounding stereo receiver that puts out 100 watts/channel. Besides an AM/FM tuner and a host of familiar analog and digital audio inputs, it supports HDMI video switching, hi-res audio playback up to 32 bits/192 kHz, wireless connectivity (including AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth), and provides direct access to Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music, and several other music services through the app-based HEOS multiroom streaming platform. Reviewer Rob Sabin called the DRA-800H “highly capable with music” and a “kick-ass AV platform for music and movies.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Audiophile-quality sonics
Easy access to networked and internet-streamed music
Extensive HDMI switching
Minus
Non-backlit remote

Full Review Here

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COMMENTS
utopianemo's picture
Submitted by utopianemo on February 7, 2020 - 1:34pm

So I notice that the Panasonic UHD Blu-Ray player retails for $1,000. It gets 5 stars for performance and features, but 3.5 for value. The Pioneer UHD Blu-Ray player retails for $99 more, but is not rated as highly in terms of performance or features. Why then is it rated as a better value?

funambulistic's picture
Submitted by funambulistic on February 8, 2020 - 9:44am

From everything I have read, the Panasonic ekes out the Pioneer in picture quality, which is very important on an AV site such as this. In contrast, the Pioneer plays all legacy disks and is a better sounding unit, which is not quite as important when plugging in via HDMI to an AV receiver.

Now that I wrote this out, I really have no idea regarding the ratings... I do have the Pioneer in my possession, though, and can attest to the sound quality!

hk2000's picture
Submitted by hk2000 on February 12, 2020 - 1:41am

Makes no sense, but I see it everywhere on tech sites where the reviewers cannot overcome their deep rooted biases.

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