AV receivers can cost from $150 to well above $2000. It depends on what features your ideal receiver encompasses. In fact, most folks pay between $200 and $600 for a decent AV receiver.
Entry level receivers generally cost between $150 to $300 and usually spot these characteristics :
- Basic 5.1-channel surround decoding (Dolby Digital and DTS)
- Power ratings : 50 – 100 watts with single frequency, limited bandwidth or full bandwidth power ratings
- Connectivity features such as several component video, S-video, and digital audio inputs
Mid-range receivers cost between $300-$600 and would boast more features than their entry level counterparts and spot these characteristics :
- Additional surround modes with 6.1 or 7.1-channel modes
- Onscreen setup throughout your TV for easy control
- More simulated sound fields (also known as DSP modes)
- More connectivity inputs, including front-panel digital inputs
High-end receivers, on the other hand, cost $600 and upwards and offer the most features along with a cleaner, more powerful and sophisticated sound. They usually also offer multi-room functionality, allowing users to power their living room, bedroom, and patio speakers all at once, and sometimes even listen to different audio sources simultaneously. Some of their characteristics include :
- A/B speaker switching or multi-room amplification
- Highly accurate power ratings and pure sound quality
- Superior bass management options
- Automatic room tuning and setup
Onkyo recently announced a pair of brand new features that its av receivers will boast this year – InstaPrevue and MHL connectivity. 