Your outdoor stereo receivers are movable, so a smaller, more portable, and lighter receiver might be useful in situations where you might need to move them about. Due to how much heat these components can produce, you must measure your space and allow enough room for further ventilation modifications. Also, you want to pick a simple size to set up on cupboards and shelves and have space for any wires or cables to be added.

Outdoor stereo receivers are a long-term investment, and you should try to save some additional cash above your budget as they are available at multiple price ranges. I have mentioned some of the high-end and low-cost receivers, among which you can quickly narrow down your options and select the one that will suit your purpose.

For instance, the Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver has a stylish design and a 9-channel amplifier that falls under a price range of $1499. It offers an 11. 2-channel configuration that provides an immersive sound experience with its eARC (enhanced audio return channel) and elevated sound effect features. You can also listen to high-quality audio, with the added advantage of its multiple compatibilities with different audio formats like Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and DTS:X, for an unmatched 3D audio quality experience like never before. What I liked about this stereo receiver is its built-in HEOS technology, which can let you share your favorite music from Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and other music services. This outdoor stereo receiver gives you enhanced versatility, an easy-to-navigate interface, multi-room connectivity with wireless outdoor speakers, and an on-screen setup assistant, which are exciting features to look for when you are down for an exceptional audio listening experience.

Operational stability is another essential feature in outdoor stereo receivers, making you listen to a more precise and detailed sound from all the connected speakers. A good option for you can be the Marantz 8K UHD AVR SR5015 Stereo Receiver, which has a price range of $1599. It features high-current, 9-channel power amplifiers with around 110 watts of power per channel that can give you balanced audio from each speaker. This power is effortlessly adjusted through its auto-echo mode by establishing a stable connection between all the speakers. Moreover, overconsumption of power is also dealt with, thanks to its on-screen eco meter, which reduces excessive power consumption in real-time without degrading your exquisite music quality. It also includes object-based audio formats like Atmos height virtualization technology, which can create the feeling of listening to overhead sound even from your listener-level speakers. In addition, this beautifully designed stereo receiver also supports other surround formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual: X. Thus, uncover the most musical sound through its distinct sonic signature from any audio source and enter the world of outstanding audio listening experiences.

However, suppose the compact design is your thing, but you do not wish to compromise on power. In that case, a good option for you can be the Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth Amplifier Receiver, which can give you Hi-Fi sound quality under the price range of $80. Its Bluetooth 5.0 chip offers a stable connection even at a 50-foot range, so you can listen to clear audio without any pops or signal delays. Interestingly, its advanced audio architecture includes a high-performance Texas Instrument TPA3116D2 chip that enhances lows and highs, a feature to look for in this price range. Moreover, you hear exceptional audio clarity with less than 0.04% THD. This outdoor stereo receiver can offer a simple setup with a simple and compact size. However, you can experience spotty Bluetooth connections in some situations and dynamic environments.

Conclusion

To sum up, I hope you would have got a basic idea about all factors to consider depending on what you need and specific features to look for in these outdoor stereo receivers. Choosing the best outdoor stereo receiver should not be a hasty decision as it is a substantial investment for your outdoor speakers. If you’ve got an ear for music, then there are high chances that you would go to any length to enjoy your music. In that case, these components can easily upgrade your audio listening setup for a pool party, barbecue, or covered patio and transform your outdoor gathering or an outdoor party into a remarkable one.

Frequently Asked Questions/FAQs

How To Power Outdoor Speaker?

You can power your outdoor speakers by connecting them to these outdoor stereo receivers, as they can enhance the power required for producing high-quality audio in an open environment.

Can I Control Outdoor Stereo Receiver With My Smartphone?

Yes, outdoor stereo receivers with wireless Bluetooth connectivity can enable you to connect your smartphones and control them through their apps designed for this specific purpose.

Do You Need An Amplifier For An Outdoor Speaker?

Yes, you require an audio amplifier for powering outdoor speakers, given that they are passive speakers with no built-in amplifiers. Thus, connect an amplifier power source to improve your outdoor music listening experience.

Can I Use An Indoor Stereo Receiver Outdoors?

No, indoor stereo receivers aren’t designed to be used outside as they cannot withstand harsh weather conditions, dust, and water. Thus, specifically designed stereos with waterproof (IP) ratings are used for outdoor settings to withstand exposure to external weather conditions.

Home Theater Receiver Setup and Connection Guide

Have you purchased a new AV receiver and home theater speaker set? Want to save money by doing all the connections yourself? Here are some tips to help you with this.

Preparation

You don’t need many tools for basic installation.

Wire cutter or cable stripper is essential. A flashlight might come in handy. You may also need a laptop or tablet to read the instructions or watch the instruction videos below.

Don’t be surprised that almost all new AV receivers don’t come with a printed user manual. Most AV receivers come with a quick start guide that only covers the basic steps to get you started quickly.

Before you roll up your sleeves, start reading the quick guide and tips below. Then make a plan and a shopping list. Installing and configuring the equipment is easy and simple if you have all the necessary tools before you start.

Diagram for connecting the AV receiver to speakers. 5.1 configuration (7.1 optional)

5.1 speaker layout (7.1 optional)

Label cables and speaker wires

Some receivers come with a set of labels that make it easy to keep track of what goes where. One day you may want to move or replace the AV receiver. On this day, you will thank yourself for labeling cables.

Take the time to label your cables. Ultimately, you will save time and nerves.

Where to install the AV receiver?

Choose a location that is well ventilated. Make sure you have easy access to the connectors on the back of the receiver.

Make sure you leave some free space above the receiver.

Do you want your AV receiver to be heard but not seen? Read our article on home theater AV receiver placement. You’ll learn about easy-to-install entertainment furniture that hides your equipment behind closed doors. You’ll also find some ideas on how to hide equipment in a rack or utility room.

Where to install speakers?

Do you know how to properly place the speakers in your home theater system? If not, see our article on speaker placement for home theater.

Plan your speakers. Then measure to determine how long speaker cable you need.

How much speaker cable do you need?

Once you know where your speakers and receiver will be installed, you can determine how much speaker cable you will need. Use a tape measure to get a rough idea of ​​this. Or use a long piece of string to simulate each run of the cable and then measure the total length. See some tips in the video below.

Want to hide the rear speaker wires?

What is the best way to wire the rear speakers? You have three main options, two of which are not a problem for the non-professional installer.

• Buy under carpet flat speaker cable.
• Use cable ducts to hide wires without chasing walls.
• Hide wires in walls or behind baseboards. To understand how to do this, read our guide to installing cables in the wall.

Use a flat speaker cable if you want to hide it behind a baseboard or carpet.

Connecting the speakers

Preparing speaker wires can be a tedious job, but take your time and do it right. You want secure connections that will stay in place for years.

Why you need speaker cable connectors

Connecting bare speaker wires to a receiver is a real pain. You will be making at least 10 connections in a very dense array of input jacks. A loose strand of wire can cause a short circuit that will turn off your receiver.

Do yourself a favor and buy a set of banana plugs (four for each speaker wire). 20 of these connectors must be installed at both ends of each speaker wire in a 5.1 system.

Installing banana plugs on each wire is worth the effort.

How to install banana plugs on speaker cable

• Split the wire in two
• Strip wire ends
• Connect the connectors as shown in the video below.

Make sure the colors on the connectors (usually black and red) on the speakers match the colors or markings on each speaker cable. It is important to be consistent in order to keep the correct polarity. See the video below for more tips.

How to connect the speaker wires to the receiver

Connect the speakers before connecting the receiver’s power cord. If you need to re-make any of the connections, first turn off and unplug the receiver from the mains.

Trust me, connecting bare wire ends to closely spaced receiver terminals is a pain in the ass. Banana jacks make your life so much easier

When connecting speakers, match the colors on the jacks with the colors on the speaker input terminals.

Power connections

Protect your investment. Do not plug your equipment directly into AC outlets or cheap extension cords. A high quality power protection device will protect your equipment from power surges.

A good power supply unit is a must when connecting expensive equipment. Make sure you have enough outlets to accommodate all of your components.

A good power supply will provide you with all the outlets you need and will filter out AC noise. You will get surge protection and better performance from your equipment.

Connecting TV and other sources

Do you have all the audio and video cables you need? Are you sure they are the correct length?

Don’t have easy access to the back of your cabinet or counter? Remember that you will need to connect the cables before installing the components in the cabinet or rack. This means that you will need longer cables to connect all the wires without installing the receiver in a cabinet. Usually 1.5-2 meters of free cable is sufficient.

Cables you most likely need

• HDMI cables, for your cable or satellite box and for AV components such as Blu-ray players and game consoles To make sure you have the right HDMI cable for your 4K components , read our article on HDCP 2.2 copy protection.
• RCA or XLR for analog audio connections
• Optical or coaxial cables for digital audio connections

Find out all about other connections you may encounter by reading our glossary of all existing AV connections. If you are not sure what you need, ask your Globalaudio consultant.

Connect your TV first

Many of today’s AV receivers have on-screen manuals that guide you through the setup process. That’s why Step 1 is to connect your TV. Use the HDMI 1 or “Main” output on the receiver and the HDMI (ARC) input on the TV.

Do you use the built-in video streaming applications of your smart TV or do you watch live channels? In this case, be sure to use HDMI connections marked ARC (Audio Return Channel) on the receiver and your TV.

If you have an older TV or receiver without ARC, connect an optical digital audio cable to your TV and receiver. Of course, you still need an HDMI connection for the video signal.

The Yamaha AV Setup Guide helps you plan and make component connections.

Follow the instructions on the screen to connect the components

Don’t want to read the manual? The good news is you may not have to. Many of the latest AV receivers offer a helpful on-screen setup guide or app. You simply connect the receiver to your TV and follow the instructions that appear on the TV screen or on your mobile device. Check out our AV Receiver to TV Connecting Guide to learn more about connecting various devices and components to your receiver.

How to connect an active subwoofer

It’s quite simple. Route the subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output on the receiver to the subwoofer LFE input. If you prefer a wireless connection, you can purchase a subwoofer wireless connection kit.

Check out our subwoofer tuning guide to learn how to find the right bass for your taste.

Setup and finishing touches

Once everything is connected, it’s time to set up your system and set it up the way you want. That’s when it’s useful to read the user manual.

A complete manual may be over 100 pages long, but it’s worth reading at some point. Scroll through it at least once. You may be surprised to find some features and settings that you like or give you ideas for future system expansion.

Speaker Calibration

Most AV receivers come with automatic calibration to fine-tune the sound. Here’s how it works:

The AV receiver sends test signals to the microphone, which is placed at the intended listening position. The receiver then automatically adjusts the volume and delay of each speaker. You get perfectly balanced and time-synchronized surround sound based on the characteristics of your room. See how it works in the video below.

Wi-Fi network setup

Follow the network setup instructions specific to your AV receiver model. In most cases, this is no more difficult than connecting a phone or laptop. If your Wi-Fi receiver and router support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), all you have to do is press a couple of buttons.

Remote control and ease of use

Now that your system is connected, it’s time to think about how you want to control it. A remote control with dozens of buttons can seem overwhelming. But now there are ways to make things a lot more user friendly.

If your AV receiver supports a mobile remote control app, be sure to try it out. Most people find it easier to use an app than a push button remote, especially in a dark room.

The application is mandatory if you use your receiver for multi-room audio and video. This allows you to switch sources and control your streaming services from any room in the house.

Many AV receivers come with soundstage preset buttons for a specific scenario, such as watching TV, playing a console, or listening to the radio. With the touch of a button, you select the source and all the settings you need for each scenario. The plot buttons make things super easy for the babysitter or those who aren’t familiar with your equipment.

A new frontier in remote control is voice command technology from Amazon and Google. Who needs a portable remote (or even a remote control app) when you can just tell Alexa what you want your AV receiver to do?

The universal remote control takes the concept of scripting to a new level. You can arrange commands for multiple components, including the TV, with a single button press or voice command.

The universal remote control can also link your smart lights, security cameras and other home automation devices to your home AV system.

Can you listen to the TV speakers when the receiver is off?

Sometimes you or your guests may just want to watch TV and not worry about surround sound. You can do this if your receiver has a feature called HDMI standby pass-through. The signal from the satellite receiver (or other source) is sent to the TV when the receiver is turned off.

If your receiver does not have HDMI passthrough, you can use an HDMI splitter and connect a second cable to another HDMI input on your TV. The downside is that you have to switch the input selection on your TV every time you want to go from surround sound to TV speakers or vice versa.

What is the purpose of an amplifier?

AV receivers with seven or more channels can be used in a variety of ways. Most users only connect five channels for a basic surround sound system. How and why to use additional channels?

• To drive more surround speakers, including Dolby Atmos height speakers.
• For powering stereo speakers in other audio zones
• To send four channels of bi-amp capable speakers (Bi-Amp)

You will need to select amplifier channel assignments that suit your needs. The guide will show you all your options. For more information, read our articles on surround sound formats, multi-room audio settings, and bi-amping.

Try DSP settings

Many AV receivers have DSP effects. The idea is to model the acoustic properties of various cinematic environments and live music venues. Some of them are funny and attractive. Others may sound strange to your ears.

For listening to music, audiophiles prefer the pure 2-channel Pure Direct mode, which bypasses all unnecessary signal processing. Other people like to be bathed in sound from all angles, even when listening to a normal stereo recording.

Since these options are at your fingertips, you can try them out. If you find a setting you like, it’s easy to build it into one of the script’s button settings.

Enhancing the sound of compressed music

Low quality digital music sources such as internet radio and streaming services can sound dull and lifeless. Many AV receivers have special settings that make these files sound better. Again, this is a setting that can go into the script button.

Dialogue improvements

Can’t hear what the actors are saying when watching a movie or series? See if your receiver has a special setting that allows you to raise or “boost” the sound level in the human vocal range.

How to organize cables behind the receiver

Use cable ties or cable ties to keep cables and wires from getting tangled behind the AV receiver. Read our article on cable management to find out how to solve this problem.

We are here for you

Have questions? Every purchase from Globalaudio includes free technical support. One of our experts will be happy to help you overcome any obstacles you may encounter during installation.

What is an AV receiver and why is it needed

AV receiver is the centerpiece of a home theater system

AV receiver is a multi-channel power amplifier equipped with digital audio decoders, a radio receiver and a switch audio and video signal generator. All home theater speakers, including the subwoofer, are connected to the AV receiver. The modern AV receiver has both wireless and wired Ethernet connectivity for direct connection to a smartphone, streaming services, home network storage, and is equipped with a Bluetooth receiver for digital audio playback from a smartphone and other compatible Bluetooth devices. You can connect all your multimedia devices to the receiver at the same time, such as a game console, media player, CD or Blu-ray player, etc.

First of all, you need an AV receiver so that you can listen to the movie’s multi-channel soundtrack as the director intended. The AV receiver is a key element of today’s home entertainment multimedia system, it is the AV receiver that turns individual devices into a complete home theater system.

Choosing the Right AV Receiver

There are several factors to consider when choosing an AV receiver for your home theater. After all, this device will serve as the controller and centerpiece of your stereo or home theater system. While modern receivers come with many options, it’s important that your new AV receiver fits your needs and is compatible with your original components, whether they’re smartphones, streaming devices, Blu-ray players or gaming systems. With that in mind, wireless and wired options are an important consideration, as are multi-room capabilities, auto speaker setup, video processing, and more.

Do not forget about the size of the receiver. Consider the dimensions of the receiver before purchasing and remember that the receiver requires cooling through natural air circulation. We strongly do not recommend installing the receiver in a closed cabinet or cabinet or in a niche where there is not at least 10 centimeters of free space above the top panel of the receiver. Read more about the placement of the receiver in the pedestal below.

The AV receiver is an iron box size

approx. 440 x 200 mm x 400 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• The AV receiver allows you to listen to music and watch movies with good sound.
• AV receiver is an iron box with dimensions approximately 440 x 200mm x 400mm.
• A minimum of five speakers and a subwoofer must be connected to the receiver for its home cinema potential.
• All your video sources such as game console, set-top box, disc player, computer, etc. will be connected first to the AV receiver, and the receiver in turn will be connected to the TV.
• Any AV receiver is sufficient for a room up to 30 m².
• Speakers connected to a modern AV receiver will work instead of your TV speakers.
• Any modern AV receiver can transfer music from a smartphone wirelessly.
• Almost every modern AV receiver can be controlled using a smartphone.
• Each AV receiver has a remote control.
• AV receiver cannot be set to Closed cupboard or cabinet that requires cooling by natural air circulation.
• An AV receiver should never cost more than the speakers that connect to it.
• AV receiver without screw terminals is most likely a bad receiver, you should not buy such an AV receiver.
• The Receiver’s Automatic Room Correction really improves the sound of your home theater.
• Audyssey automatic sound correction system is better than the rest in terms of combination of qualities.
• AV receivers from Japanese manufacturers are always one step ahead of American and British competitors in terms of equipping with modern technologies.
• All receivers of Japanese manufacturers have similar models from competitors of compatriots and are almost identical in function.
• Based on some AV receivers, you can later create a multi-room system by adding active speakers or receivers from the same ecosystem. (For example HEOS by Denon/Marantz, MusicCast by Yamaha or BluOS by NAD)
• The more speakers you can connect to an AV receiver, the more expensive it is.
• The more powerful the AV receiver, the more expensive it is.
• AV receivers of the highest class (the highest group of complexity), in addition to greater power and the number of channels, have some insignificant, and often unnecessary features for the average user.
• High end AV receivers have more aluminum, copper and gold plating.
• High-end AV receivers use high quality radio components, ICs and chips.
• The price of any AV receiver includes royalties to digital multichannel audio companies such as Dolby Laboratories and DTS.
• AV receivers do not have a clock or an on timer.
• AV receiver and stereo receiver are two different but similar devices in appearance.
• The AV receiver is likely to be the most sophisticated electronic device in your home.

Connecting speakers to the receiver

The most important connection you will make to your receiver is the speaker connection. Even though speaker wiring seems simple and obvious, there are a few important things to do before you wire your speakers. Chief among these factors is the number of speakers you will need and the matching of those speakers to the output power of the AV receiver. The number of speakers in your system is a personal choice; you must consider the size of your listening room and decide whether you prefer stereo or multi-channel surround sound. Many audio formats and technologies such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos are designed for multi-channel systems, so if you’re planning on using the full potential of these technologies, then go ahead. If your space is limited, or if you simply prefer having fewer speakers, you can still enjoy superior sound quality (compared to your TV’s built-in speakers) with just two small speakers connected to your receiver.

In order to unleash the potential of the receiver in home cinema, you need to connect at least five speakers and a subwoofer to it.

Wired & Wireless

Just a few years ago, it seemed like manufacturers were trying to cram as many audio and video inputs into their AV receivers as possible. As the HDMI interface has taken off, connectivity has become a little easier, and nowadays even mid-range AV receivers have five or more HDMI inputs. While equipment is good, there’s no need to overestimate the number of inputs your new AV receiver has, it’s more important to evaluate the needs of your system. For example, if an AV receiver has four HDMI inputs but you only have two HDMI sources, this AV receiver will suit your needs for that type of connection while giving you a reasonable number of digital inputs to grow. However, if you’re like me and have more ingredients than time to enjoy them, you need as many inputs as you can get.

Now even mid-range AV receivers have five or more HDMI inputs and wirelessly connect to your home network via Wi-Fi or directly to your mobile device via Bluetooth.

If you have content stored on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, the Bluetooth AirPlay-enabled AV receiver will allow you to wirelessly stream music from your similarly equipped devices. Some AV receivers also offer integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, as well as the ability to access paid multimedia streaming services with millions of music tracks. Thanks to DLNA technology, you can access local content on your computer and network servers. DLNA is a great way to unify your audio and video content and play it from a central location (like a living room receiver). One of the main advantages of wireless and networked music sources is that they can provide listeners with many listening options while reducing the number of physical devices connected to an AV receiver.

Automatic speaker setup and calibration

Another important feature of home theater AV receivers is the built-in speaker setup and calibration system. There are a number of variations of this technology used by receiver manufacturers, the Audyssey lab being the most successful, but in the end, all of these systems aim to achieve the same thing: setting the speakers for optimal performance depending on the characteristics of the room where they are located. minimal effort on the part of the end user. Receivers equipped with this function are usually equipped with a calibration microphone. Once a microphone is connected, the AV receiver will guide you through the process of placing that microphone in one or more locations in your listening room and making the necessary adjustments to optimize the sound of your speakers. The level of auto adjustment depends on how complex your AV receiver’s calibration methods are. Such technologies should be smart and convenient, so you do not interfere with the AV receiver calibration process – it is completely automated. “Warm tube audiophiles” with keen ears can bypass this process and make all adjustments manually if necessary.

The AV receiver guides you through the process of placing a calibration microphone in one or more places in your room and makes the necessary adjustments to optimize the sound of your speakers.

How to Connect Your Receiver to Your TV

As high definition technology continues to pack as many pixels into TVs as possible, your receiver needs to be able to keep up with your video processing needs. If you plan to connect all video sources to your receiver, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the devices and the desired resolution before buying. If you have 4K video sources, your AV receiver must be capable of supporting 4K in order to accurately transmit these video signals. This also applies to other video resolutions and signal types such as 1080p and 3D. Fortunately, many modern HDMI-enabled AV receivers are up to the task. Taking it one step further, some AV receivers use video processing capabilities that can upscale low-resolution video sources for better playback on an HDTV. While this technology won’t turn your old 480i VHS tapes into 4K resolution, it will still improve the picture as much as possible for optimal viewing on the big screen. Beyond resolution, there are other video processing considerations such as HDMI-CEC, which allows you to automate device sharing and switching of input signals, and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), which allows you to mirror your smartphone’s screen on a TV and charge compatible portable devices.

All your video sources such as game console, set-top box, disc player, computer, etc. will be connected first to the AV receiver, and the receiver in turn will be connected to the TV.

Transmit sound from TV

Smart TVs are everywhere these days, and the convenience of using apps like YouTube, Netflix and many others built into the TV has raised a new question: how to transmit audio from the TV to the AV receiver? Use HDMI eARC or HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input. This HDMI connection feature provides two-way data streaming, so you can stream video through the receiver from your source device to your TV, or stream audio from your TV to the AV receiver via the same HDMI cable that already connects the receiver and TV. In the past, the sound from the TV was transmitted to the AV receiver using an optical cable or RCA cables. Our detailed guide on how to connect your TV to an AV receiver.

HDMI input with ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows you to send audio from the TV back to the AV receiver if the receiver is ARC-compatible. This way you don’t need to make a separate audio connection between the TV and the receiver.

Receiver as multi-room controller

It seems that these days, staying still and listening to music in one place is a luxury that few of us can afford. If you are the person who is walking around your home right now reading this article on your smartphone or tablet, you will be happy to hear that many AV receivers can fit your active lifestyle. On AV receivers, the additional rooms to which they can transmit sound are called “Zones”, and they allow you to connect additional speakers to your system to play the same source or different sources in multiple rooms. In some cases, you may need to connect an external amplifier to drive the second zone, but many AV receivers, usually mid-range and high-end, offer two channels of the built-in amplifier output to the second and even third zone. This feature allows the AV receiver to distribute sound to other parts of your home rather than being limited to one room.

The AV receiver’s speaker outputs that are not used in a home theater can be used to sound an adjacent room or bathroom.

Wireless multi-room music

Many modern receivers work with multi-room music platforms that allow you to stream music to compatible wireless speakers that you place throughout your home. You can create different zones and control what plays in each room with an app on your phone or with voice commands.

To create a wireless multi-room system, choose a receiver that supports the following platforms:

• Sonos – (ONKYO, Integra, Pioneer)
• Yamaha MusicCast – (Yamaha)
• Denon HEOS – (Denon, Marantz)
• DTS Play-Fi – (ONKYO, Integra, Pioneer)
• Apple AirPlay 2 – (All Manufacturers)
• Chromecast – (ONKYO, Integra, Pioneer)
• BluOS – (NAD)

AirPlay2 lets you stream music from Apple Music and other music streaming services.

Voice control

“Alexa, play”

Integrating voice control into a home theater receiver takes comfort to a new level. When you don’t have your phone or remote control handy, you can just talk.

Some AV receivers support Amazon Alexa voice control, others support Google Home voice control.

Regardless of your preference, you can use verbal commands to:

• Turn the

AV receiver on or off

• Adjust the volume on the AV receiver
• Play and pause music; skip or return to the previous track
• Mute / unmute receiver
• Change the selected input on the AV receiver
• Link or unlink rooms in a multi-room system setup
• Control music playback in different rooms

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

Some AV receivers support Amazon Alexa voice control, others support Google Home voice control.

High-Resolution Music

AV receivers are great for connecting all sorts of audio components, but the music selection doesn’t end there. You will find many AV receivers with built-in support for popular streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora and TIDAL.

Built-in Bluetooth receivers allow you to play anything you want from your Bluetooth enabled phone, tablet or computer.

Home theater AV receivers can play high quality sound, so naturally most are compatible with popular high-resolution audio formats such as FLAC and DSD.

Home theater AV receivers can play high quality sound

Choose the right size

You may need to consider how your current living room will have an AV receiver installed. Keep in mind that there are receivers with a reduced cabinet height. Check out our receiver placement tips for some great ideas.

Not sure how to place the speakers in the room? We have speaker placement tips for all kinds of rooms.

A thin receiver such as the Marantz NR1510 (left) is about half the height of a typical home theater receiver (right). It’s great when space is at a premium.

Placing the AV Receiver in a Cabinet or Rack

Modern AV receivers and power amplifiers require a lot of free space for safe and proper operation. The following illustration shows the minimum free air space for proper ventilation and heat transfer of the device. Anything less than this will shorten the life of the equipment and may cause the amplifier to shut down. Place the AV receiver on all feet on a hard, level surface in a well-ventilated area. Do not place the device on carpet or fabric. At the bottom there are ventilation holes that, when the receiver heats up, create a natural cooling airflow. Rack or cabinet installation may require an additional cooling fan for furniture or an active cooling system for the receiver to provide cooling airflow.