
You get seven HDMI inputs, a selection of legacy analog inputs, a remote with set-and-forget Scene buttons for storing up to eight input/setting combinations, 8K upscaling, and Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) capability. Sitting one model down from Yamaha’s flagship AVR, the A6A costs $800 less yet boasts 11 channels (nine powered) and is packed with every AVR feature you can imagine, all hidden behind a refreshingly simple front panel. The Aventage RX-A6A will enchant you with pristine, all-encompassing sound whether you’re listening to music or watching a first-run movie in the comfort of your home (at least we can thank COVID for something). Yamaha RX-A6A 9.2-Channel Atmos A/V Receiver: $2,200 (October/November 2022, Read Full Review) The Pioneer VSX-LX505 provides a lot of bang for your buck, including nine channels for powering a full Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup, 8K-ready HDMI inputs with variable refresh, and two excellent auto-EQ options - Dirac Live and Pioneer's proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) system. Pioneer VSX-LX505 Elite 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver: $1,499 The NR7100 is a highly capable receiver in terms of both functionality and performance that does much of what your typical flagship AVR can do but at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to those nine active channels, the NR7100 can power a full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup or a theater setup with fewer channels plus one or two remote listening zones. The TX-NR7100 marks the arrival of a midline receiver that promises solid audio performance with its nine amplifier channels, the latest in video connectivity standards, support for all of the major high dynamic range (HDR) formats, and onboard streaming via Chromecast and AirPlay 2 plus direct access to Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, and other popular services. Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel Atmos A/V Receiver: $1,099 Of course, to reach this level of technical prowess in a $600 receiver, there is a tradeoff: Except for its phono inputs, all connections are digital. With 7 x 100 watts of power, you can drive a traditional 7.1 surround system or a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup. Firmware updates will add HDMI 2.1 compatibility, support for HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. Out of the box, it conveys impressive sound quality with movies and music and supports streaming through Yamaha’s MusicCast platform and Apple AirPlay2, 4K at 60 fps, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling at 18Gbps, and Dolby Vision HDR. Yamaha’s RX-V6A delivers cutting-edge features at an unprecedented price. Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel Atmos A/V Receiver: $600
