Home theatre receivers: The complete beginner's guide

How to find the surround sound receiver that's right for you

othing beats surround sound for movies and TV – and surround sound starts with a home theater receiver. But a receiver can give you a lot more than that. We’ll walk you through the most important and coolest features so you know what to look for.

Covering the basics

A home theater receiver (also known as an AV receiver) brings immersive, theater-like surround sound to your living room. It acts as a connection hub for a variety of audio, video, and internet streaming sources. And it uses video processing and surround sound decoding to make movies and TV look and sound their best.

A receiver is a connection hub for all your A/V gear

A receiver routes incoming video signals from your cable box, Blu-ray player, and other devices to your TV. At the same time, it directs the audio from these devices to your speakers.

How much power do you need?

Home theater receivers have built-in multi-channel amplifiers to power a full complement of surround sound speakers. How much power do you need? The ideal wattage for your receiver depends on the size of your room and the power requirements of your speakers.

You’ll often see a range of acceptable wattages to power a given speaker. To get the clearest sound with minimal distortion, aim for the high end of this range.

What kinds of inputs and outputs do you need?

Look at the back panel of any AV receiver and you’ll find lots of different connections for audio and video components. Most of your gear will connect to your receiver via HDMI cables, which carry both audio and video signals.

HDMI connections with HDCP 2.2 and 4K capability

To allow for system expansion, get a receiver that has more HDMI inputs than you need right now. Want to connect two TVs? Look for a receiver that has more than one HDMI output. Check out our article on multi-zone video for more information.

If you have audio components without HDMI connections, an RCA or optical digital connection is your best bet.

Wood cabinet with turntable and home theater receiver

Got a turntable? For the easiest connection, look for a receiver with a dedicated phono input. For trickier scenarios, see our article on how to connect a turntable to a receiver.

For a comprehensive list of AV receiver ins and outs, including older video connections, check out our Home AV Connections Glossary.

How many channels do you need?

We usually recommend receivers with at least seven channels. Even if you’re just starting with a pair of speakers or a 3.1 system, you can always add more as your budget permits.

With seven or more channels of power, you can play cutting-edge surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. They use in-ceiling speakers or special up-firing speakers to project sound from the ceiling.

Want to listen to music out on the patio? Get a seven-channel receiver and you can use five channels for surround sound and two channels to hook up a pair of stereo speakers outdoors or in another room.

Most A/V receivers can provide power to at least two zones. See our article on how to power a multi-room music system for details.

Get the right fit

You may need to think about how your current living room setup will accommodate an AV receiver. See our receiver placement tips and our small home theater ideas article for some helpful suggestions.

Not sure where your speakers will go? We've got speaker placement tips for all sorts of rooms.

Slimline receiver next to full height receiver

A slimline receiver like the Marantz NR1609 (left) is about half the height of a typical home theater receiver (right). It's perfect when space is at a premium.

Advanced features

AV receivers are great for hooking up all kinds of audio components, but your music choices don't stop there. You'll find plenty of AV receivers with built-in support for popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and TIDAL.

Receivers that have built-in Bluetooth let you play anything you want from a Bluetooth-equipped phone, tablet, or computer.

Home theater receivers can reproduce top-quality audio, so naturally most of them are compatible with popular high-resolution audio formats like FLAC and DSD.

Wireless multi-room music

Many receivers work with multi-room music platforms that let you stream music to compatible wireless speakers you have set up throughout your home. You can create different zones and control what's playing in each room with an app on your phone or by using voice commands.

If you want your receiver to be part of a wireless multi-room music system, you have quite a few options. The current list is as follows:

How about wireless surround sound?

Customers have been asking us about wireless surround sound for years, so we're very excited that technology has finally advanced enough to make it a reality. We expect to see more and more wireless surround sound solutions in the coming years, but there are a couple of compelling options already.

All Yamaha MusicCast receivers from 2018 on support wireless surround sound with the addition of MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers.

Convenient control options

The remote controls included with most home theater receivers have extensive options for switching sources and dialing in settings.

Many remotes have "scene" buttons, which are presets for specific activities like watching TV or listening to the FM radio. Press a scene button to select the source and all the settings you need to enjoy it.

Scene-button shortcuts make life easy for guests, babysitters, or anyone else who doesn't want to learn how to operate your system. Receivers typically come with a few pre-programmed scenes. You can easily edit them and add new ones.

Convenient "Scene" buttons on a receiver's remote let you quickly fire up your favorite sources and settings.

App control

Just about every AV receiver with network capability offers a free app to use your phone or tablet as a remote. They make it easy to switch sources, adjust the volume, tweak settings, and stream music from online sources.

Remote apps are the easiest way to control your receiver’s multi-zone features. You can choose which rooms to play music in, and select the music for each room.

Voice control

Voice control integration adds a new level of convenience to today's home theater receivers. When you don't have your phone or remote handy, you can just speak.

Receivers with voice control capability work together with voice-activated virtual assistants like the Amazon Echo Dot for easy control of your A/V system.

Some receiver models support voice control with Amazon Alexa, and others support Google Home voice control. Whichever your preference, you can use verbal commands to:

power your receiver on or off
control volume on the receiver
play and pause music; skip or go back to the previous track
mute/unmute the receiver
change the receiver's input selection
link or unlink rooms in a multi-room music setup
control music playback in different rooms

Whether you use Alexa or Google Home, voice control functionality is constantly improving. Alexa is always acquiring new skills and the Google Assistant gets smarter all the time.

We're here to help

Have questions about hooking up your new receiver? Check out our setup guide. Need help choosing the right receiver? Get in touch with one of our Advisors.

Our expert Advisors know the gear inside and out. Your Advisor can send specific Crutchfield pages to your screen, saving you a lot of browsing time. You'll get a shopping cart loaded up with everything you need for your home theater.

Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.

David Darnall from Savannah

Posted on 7/19/2021

Hi, Dave Here, I have a Onkyo TX-NR709 7.1 AV Receiver. I am using stage 2 for my patio. I have Klipsch 5-1 speakers with a powered sub woofer. My center chanel speaker is under my TV and my 4 surround speakers are mounted at the four corners of my listening room front and rear. Where would I put, and how would I connect atmos speakers to what I have now?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 7/23/2021

Hi Dave, thanks for reaching out. There are a few ways you can add Atmos to your system: in-ceiling speakers, upward-firing speakers, or wall-mounted speakers that angle sound effects toward you. There are even some specialized sound bars that deliver convincing overhead effects.

This article has a good breakdown of how Atmos works, along with a look of the different gear options. If you go the conventional speaker route, you'll need a new home theater receiver with Atmos processing (your Onkyo predates the technology). We can certainly help with any of the above — feel free to give our Advisors a call any time.
Richard Turner from Washington, DC

Posted on 7/1/2021

I'm going to replace my Panasonic 43" Plasma monitor with an OLED (or maybe a mini-led full backlight) TV. My concern is "do I need an HT receiver to get awesome sound?". I currently have a decade old Denon AVR 1713 receiver, a pair of Ohm front speakers and a pair of wide range Niles in the ceiling. However, the OLED TVs seem to be complete with all the conversion/decoding software, DACs, component switching and other stuff a receiver usually handles, as well as evidently good fancy audio through the screen and ATMOS built in and such. I love my Ohm Walsh driver speakers (6 ohm) and the soundfield they produce, but I can't figure out if the TVs have enough ooomph to drive them, how I would attach them, and if that would kill the efficacy of the fancy audio. I've noticed a lot of comments on issues with the eARC connections. So, do I need a receiver (and my trusty Ohms), can I get by with the built in sound, or is there something I'm missing in all the new technology?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 7/7/2021

Hi Richard, thanks for your questions. The short answer is no, you don't need a new receiver.

In your shoes I would buy an OLED (worth every penny) and keep everything else in your system the same. In terms of audio, you can feed signal from your TV to your AVR-1713 via an optical digital cable. You may already be doing that with your Panasonic plasma. If so, you're all set with the new TV and do not need to make any additional equipment changes.

As for Atmos, eARC, and all the rest — that's worth a discussion by phone at some point, but you're not missing anything critical. My recommendation is to get your new TV in place, and then give us a call to talk about other possible upgrades. Buying an OLED changed my life (not hyperbole), and it's far and away the best improvement you can make to your system right now.
kevin brown from san pedro

Posted on 4/24/2021

Why are the 2021 home theater receivers not in the stores yet? When should we expect to start seeing them?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 4/29/2021

Hi Kevin, thanks for reaching out. The A/V industry continues to be affected by global supply chain issues. Home theater receiver availability has been particularly challenging. We're hopeful that conditions improve soon, but for the time being many models are in short supply.

As for a new crop of 2021 receivers, I expect we'll see a slew of models debuting this summer. Stay tuned!
Matt Mattison from Delavan

Posted on 1/11/2021

Very helpful as I am 88 yrs old and know a fraction of what a modern adult knows. I bought a nice Yamaha home system becuz of your GUIDE suggestions. Thanks.

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 1/12/2021

Thank you for your kind words, Matt. I'm glad we could help!
Richard Alcott from Torrance

Posted on 11/4/2020

Thank you for the informative primer. I continue to work my way through the technology maze and tradeoffs to determine what I need versus the bells and whistles.

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 11/6/2020

Thanks for your kind words, Richard. I'm glad we were able to help.
Michael Salonek from Marana, AZ

Posted on 11/4/2020

I got a Sony STR-DN1080 from you guys and have a question? The amp/ receiver turns it self on by itself and I have no timers or alarms set. It happens at night and around 9am mornings. Got any reason why or an idea to fix this?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 11/6/2020

Hi Michael, thanks for reaching out. I've not encountered that issue before, but I bet our tech department can help you out. I recommend giving them a call (their number is on your invoice).
Bruce vanNorman from Seattle WA

Posted on 11/1/2020

Why do receivers use non-standard vertical spacing for speaker connection? Dual banana plugs have a uniform 3/4" spacing, which cannot be used with these jacks. Thus requiring visibility of both the jacks and plugs to avoid messing up the polarity. I view this as a major defect in design and a major risk in setup. Dual banana plugs have a ground tab that can easily and tactilely identify polarity.

Both my HT receiver (Marantz) and office desktop receiver (Yamaha) share this defect. And yes I am a practicing EE with decades of common practice with industrial engineers - and I bought both of them from Crutchfield.

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 11/2/2020

Hi Bruce, you ask a good question — one for which I do not have the answer. I do occasionally speak with receiver manufacturers about their design philosophy, and am happy to update my answer with any new information I get down the road. Thanks for reaching out!
Jeff Leber from Pittsburgh

Posted on 9/16/2020

Do any of the HT receivers handle the spoken word better than others? With all of the Brit tv shows now available, it's sometimes hard to follow the dialogue. I have a center speaker but that doesn't help that much Currently have an Onkyo TX NR626.

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 9/17/2020

Hi Jeff. The quality and placement of your center channel can have a big impact on the clarity of dialogue, so I wouldn't rule that out as a possible factor, depending on what you have there. (And if you've like some help matching up a new one with the rest of your system, just let us know.)

Your Onkyo receiver, while quite solid in its day, is a little dated in both sound processing and room calibration. A new receiver should offer improvements on both fronts. Something like the Denon AVR-X2700H would be a great option to consider there.
John K Howcroft from Inman

Posted on 8/29/2020

Thanks for this article. My first audio system was a vacuum tube console Curtis Mathis stereo my parents bought in 1961. I have assembled many home and car stereo systems, but the options available today are wonderous as they are CONFUSING. ??. Thanks for helping an old man join the 21st Century. I would expect no less from Crutchfield.

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 9/1/2020

Thanks for your kind words, John. I'm glad we were able to help!
Michael from Monroe

Posted on 7/16/2020

OK, here's a basic question you've probably answered a million times before, but I just can't seem to find any information. Are there A/V receivers out there that can double as old-school "stereo" receivers to play CDs, vinyl, and Spotify, etc.? I'd like to invest in a single system with just one receiver, two tower speakers and two rear speakers. Or I guess I could connect my Yamaha receiver to an A/V receiver if I really had to. What's the simplest approach? Thanks!

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 7/20/2020

Hey Michael, thanks for your question. Nearly every modern home theater receiver has dedicated stereo modes for two-channel listening. I use mine that way frequently, turning off the surround speakers and listening to Spotify and other music sources through my main two speakers. You mentioned Yamaha — I especially like what they do on that front. Check out their Aventage lineup for the models that sound the best with both music and movies.

Jerry Abeille from Modra

Posted on 6/21/2020

Hi, if well understood, with Denon HEOS technology, I can have a 5.1 setup with front and central speakers wired when surround speakers would be running wireless and no lips latency. Right?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 6/23/2020

Hi Jerry, you can achieve what you're describing with the Denon HEOS AVR receiver and a pair of HEOS-compatible wireless speakers. This type of setup allows you to use traditional wired speakers in the front of your room, and enjoy high-quality surround effects from the wireless rear speakers.
Paul from Adelanto,CA. 92301

Posted on 6/15/2020

My Pyle continues to shut down at high volume. Don't have a trustworthy ohm reader so not sure where problem exists. I've tried to be careful in series wiring of 2 4ohm for 8 ohm load but?

Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

on 6/15/2020

Hi Paul, I'm sorry to hear you're having issues with your system. It sounds like this may be a car audio setup. If that's the case, I recommend giving one of our advisors a call to discuss options.
Johnnie Lewis from Richmond

Posted on 4/29/2020

You guys sound Awesome, when it come to knowing electronics. I will be contacting you in the near future, concerning a receiver for my home ,and a replacement system for my 01 Chevy Tahoe . Thanks in advance. Johnnie
Steven from Tampa

Posted on 1/29/2020

How often does Yamaha update their pre-amp models? The current version being the Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5200.
Shaun Kennedy from Hudson

Posted on 1/20/2020

Hi can Crutchfield make a list of what receivers (HT & Stereo) have main zone *not zone2* pre outs to add external amplifiers ? Thankyou , would make life easier shopping
Stephen pospisil from Garber oklahoma

Posted on 12/10/2019

I'm wanting a reciever that can handle 6 sets of speakers and 2 powered subwoofers ,bluetooth and wifi capable. Is there anything like that?
Joaquin Rodríguez ? from Aguirre, Puerto Rico

Posted on 9/7/2019

Que bocinas principales (watts) debo comprar para mi Onkio tx-rz810(130wpch) ya que compre las Polk Audio rtia7(300w) y no las mueve, no puedo usar mi equipo ??
Karyn from Vancouver WA

Posted on 1/29/2019

I have also noticed lack of stereos/receivers lacking "HD Radio." According to some websites the issue is Ibiquity (the company that owns the technology) requiring royalties on the transmitting equipment as well as receiving apparatuses. I have an older Denon receiver that was purchased from Crutchfield a few years back that has the IBOC(In Band On Channel)/HD Radio built in and noticed over time some broadcasters are no longer broadcasing the HD signal.

Deia Z. from Crutchfield

on 1/29/2019

Karyn, that's very interesting information! Thanks for passing it on.
Brent Marin from Hercules

Posted on 12/17/2018

Thanks for providing your customers this forum so that they may buy a product with confidence. My question is: How come none of the Home Theatre receivers have AM/FM HD digital tuners built in? The quality of the Digital Broadcast is so superior to the old analog signal. I will not upgrade my AV receiver until this new digital RF standard is commonplace among manufacturers AVR equipment lines.

Deia Z. from Crutchfield

on 12/18/2018

Hi Brent, A few years back there were quite a few home theater receivers with built-in HD tuners. Unfortunately, manufacturers seem to be trending away from them these days, so we aren't sure when or if they will become commonplace again. I wish I had better news. Feel free to get back in touch if we can be of further assistance.
easton

Posted on 11/20/2018

I like that you mentioned that the placement of the speakers of your home theater are very important. My wife and I are looking to get a theater system, and it is important for us to be able to be confident in our placement. I will be sure to place the speakers in the correct places, so we can have the best experience possible.
Elliot from West Hartford

Posted on 11/18/2018

I will take issue with the comment on speakers and amplifier power. An OVERDRIVEN amplifier, which is too little power, is distorting (clipping) and can blow a speaker. I agree with the article on this, although I don't think it was presented well in the article. This is also why I have a distrust of the newer CL-D amps since they are manipulating square waves to get a sine wave. One the other hand, in 50yrs of playing around with audio I have never had a receiver with too much power blow a speaker. I have had improperly set up amps cause issues. I have a pair of M-L Edge inwalls where the installers didn't set the receiver crossovers properly and I was getting woofer cone crash. A simple resetting of the bass x-over point solved the problem. The amp is a Yamaha RX-A860 -100W. I had a Klipsch SW blow its' surround, it turned out the internal 100W amp had gone bad. But NEVER, have I had a high power amp blow a speaker when used properly. I have always bought the highest power amp I could afford and it has worked well.
Natalie from Arlington

Posted on 8/10/2018

Are there any home tuners (or receivers) capable of receiving digital FM, which has multiple channels per station?
Donnie Stuart from Dandridge , Tennesse

Posted on 11/23/2017

Does onkyo have there hdmi issues fixed yet, sound n video lost. They have repaired my unit twice but it keeps going out, now they refuse to fix again, each time the the unit goes bad within 15 to 23 months, afraid to buy anything from them again
Deia Z. from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/11/2017

Hi Roger. Just because a receiver has outputs for two subwoofers doesn't mean you have to connect two of them. It will work just fine with one subwoofer connected, but you have the option to upgrade in the future if you crave more bass.
Deia Z. from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/11/2017

Hi John. Most home theater receivers come with one or two subwoofer connections. When referring to a "5.2-channel" receiver, for example, the "5" indicates the number of surround sound speaker connections the receiver has, while the ".2" indicates how many subwoofer connections it has.
Roger from Prairieton

Posted on 9/12/2017

I would like to include 5.2 and 7.2 channel receivers in my consideration, but do not want to use 2 subwoofers. Does a receiver with "N.2" channels require 2 subwoofers, or can it be setup to work with just 1?
John from Elk Grove

Posted on 8/28/2017

When you say a 5 channel receiver: left front, right front, left rear, right rear and center does that include the subwoofer? Would I need a 6 channel? Or do all receivers automatically come with the subwoofer connection?
Frank from Belleville

Posted on 7/24/2017

Great set of articles. It's the first time I've found information on all the components used in a home theater setup in one location.
Evan from Denver

Posted on 2/13/2017

Comcast will be wiring my neighborhood to replace DirecTV. It will be high-speed fiber. I will be replacing my equipment at that time. I want to be able to separately control my front and rear speakers. What do you recommend that's a great receiver with that feature?
Don T.

Posted on 5/21/2016

Very informative. Thanks to Crutchfield for putting all of this information in one place and making it easy to understand.
Dave Bar from Crutchfield

Posted on 12/3/2015

Hi Jason, I sent your questions to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Jason Wentsel from Livermore

Posted on 12/2/2015

G'day! Very informative article, thank you! I was hoping you could helpcme out. I recently received aa Denon S710WW A/V Receiver for my bday. I was excited till I found out I need to buy speakers, lol! Thanks step-mum. I'm having a hard time understanding how to pair the appropriate 5.1 speakers to this receiver. Could you give me a few ideas and why they would work? Jason W
Dave Bar from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/24/2015

That's a tough call, Nick. My advice, check out the Yamaha RX-A550. Yamaha has long been a customer favorite, and I've always been impressed with their build quality. Then, get in touch with our advisors to see if they have a better recommendation for your system. Mine is just one guy's opinion.
Nick from Chicago

Posted on 8/24/2015

Thanks for the great article. I still have this one question; in your experience and with the products currently available, what receiver/brand would you recommend that does the best at 5.1 channel surround theater as well as pure, clean 2-channel stereo for music lovers? I'll looking for a one piece solution but don't want to skimp on the sound quality too much in either arena, without going to a separates solution.. I dont need anything more than 5.1 but I'm seeing less and less options for it out there. Am I better off with the newer 7.1 components?.. I still want great, clean 2 channel Stereo. Thanks for your help!
Crutchfield Writing Team from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/3/2015

Rick, Setting up Atmos with the '737 is pretty simple. All you'll need other than a basic 5.1 surround speaker system is a pair of height speakers and a relatively new Blu-ray player. Until Atmos content is available via streaming, Internet speed shouldn't be an issue as all of the current Atmos content is on Blu-ray disc.

Tom, Thanks for the compliment. We have lots of great receivers. We sent your and Rick's question to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Tom from Brentwood

Posted on 8/2/2015

What a great article. Thanks for taking the time on writing this. As you know, the technology is changing so fast, our AV guy just can't keep up with it. I have an Onkyo NR808. and it's just not performing. I purchased it for the pwr, and the 7.1 Onkyo replaced the pwr amp under extended warranty. I had to purchase a new BluRay, as the new movies no longer played. Thanks Samsung. (No SW upgrades.) For a high power Receiver with 7.1, what would you recommend? I am using all Definitive speakers. We have a 65 Samsung non 3D. Most likely we move to a 4K.
Rick Johnson from La Veta

Posted on 8/2/2015

I was thinking on getting a onkyo receiver and wanted to know if i got the 737 model how hard it would to be to st up dolby atmos our internet is not the best here. I would like to get the new surround option but if not i don't mind using the regular dolby true hd and dts hd options.
Dave Bar from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/24/2015

Alan, That's a lot of stuff to string together. My best recommendation would be to give our advisors a call at the number on top of this page for some expert advice.
Alan Meier from Stockton, Ca.

Posted on 6/21/2015

Help. How many channel receiver do I need? This is what we have. Family room with four ceiling speakers, sub woofer, a center channel. We have a pair of in wall speakers in formal living room and a pair on out door speaker on patio. Both patio and living room speakers have separate controls to turn volume off and on. In family room we plan on buying a Samsung SUHD 65" 4k JS9000 or JS8500 TV and a pair of front and rear speakers. I like the Atmos system. What speakers and receiver would you recommend? Budget of 3k for speakers an receiver.
Dave Bar from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/4/2015

Great question, Don. We may have a solution that could work, such as our highly rated Channel Master CM6104 Ethernet-over-powerline kit.

If that won't do the trick, you should give our advisors a call. I'm certain they could recommend something that will.
Don from Medford OR

Posted on 6/3/2015

Router. My computer and router are located in another part of the house and to far for a LAN connection on a receiver. Are there any other ways to make this connection. Thanks. Don