UltimateAVmag.com: Buyer's Guide: AV Receivers

Combines the functions of a pre/pro and amplifier, with extras like a radio tuner thrown in. Usually, but not always, smaller and less expensive than those separate pieces.

For a complete list of every AV receiver reviewed by UAV, click here.

UAV's Current Top Picks. These components offer the Ultimate in pure performance in each product category.

	Denon AVR-5805 $6,000
	Lexicon RV8 $7,000
	Marantz SR9600 $4,199

UAV Recommends. These components offer outstanding performance that is just short of the Ultimate, but still worthy of consideration for your system.

	Arcam DiVA AVR250 $1,599
	Denon AVR-4806CI $4,000
	NAD T 773 $1,799
	Pioneer Elite VSX-59TXi $4,000
	Sherwood Newcastle R-965 $1,999
	Sony STR-DA5200ES $1,299
	Sunfire Ultimate II $4,995
	Yamaha RX-Z1 $2,799
	Yamaha RX-Z9 $4,500

Ultimate Bang for the Buck. These components establish the Ultimate in price/performance ratio, challenging the performance of the Ultimate and Premier Choice components at a fraction of the price.

	JVC RX-D702B $880
	Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi $1,500
	Sharp SD-HX500 $1,199

New Products. Announcements and quick hits on hot gear that you can find at a retailer near you. These products have not yet been reviewed in UAV.

	Adcom GFR-700HD $2,899
	Denon AVR-4306 $1,999
	Denon AVR-2807 $1,099
	Harman Kardon AVR-745 $3,499
	Integra DTR-7.6 $1,400
	Onkyo TX-SR803 $1,000
	Outlaw Model 1070 $899
	Yamaha RX-V4600 $1,899

Capsule reviews, sneak peeks at components that are on UAV's test bench for full review, or that we've been inspired to comment on from face time at trade shows, in owner's systems, or at retail.

	Marantz SR 9600 $4,199

Discontinued But Not Forgotten. These components earned our recommendation, but have since been discontinued by the manufacturer.

	Harman Kardon AVR 7300 $2,399
	Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi $1,500
	Sony STR-DA9000ES $4,500