10 Best

4k Receivers

of June 2023

Many times, sound and video output are what determines how much people enjoy using their home entertainment systems. Although a lot of people loved the 1080p full HD resolutions, the newer ultra-high 4K resolutions are a much better technology. With the 4K signal displays, video quality has reached a much higher plateau of excitement for users.

4K AV receivers are now one of the most relevant 4K devices in demand. Built with the right sophistication, these devices can significantly transform your home theater experience in ways you never imagined. However, this would also depend on the quality and features of the 4K receiver product that you’re using.

In the coming months, there would likely be a continuous increase in market supply for 4K receivers, screens, and devices of all sorts. Hence, we have prepared this buyer’s guide to help you decide on the best 4K receiver for your use.

The types of 4K receivers are differentiated based on how they process 4K image signals to a 4K-compatible device- such as a 4K television or projector.

• Pass-Through 4K AV Receiver: The pass-through 4K receivers are also commonly referred to as “native” 4K receivers. Essentially, these 4K receivers transmit 4K signals from a 4K source, directly to a compatible device. By this, they retain the quality of the image signals that pass through them, so that users have access to a complete 4K resolution. However, when using pass-through 4K receivers, the transmitted signals must be in the right 3840 × 2160 pixel resolution. This is important since the receivers would only transmit what they receive--without any modifications. Additionally, note that a pass-through module is basic for all 4K receivers. Hence, all 4K receivers should fundamentally perform this function.

• Upscaling 4K AV Receivers: This type of 4K receiver comes with an additional ability to influence video signal quality. If you are going to buy an upscaling 4K AV receiver, then the receiver will be able to upgrade low-resolution data. Hence, they are useful when a signal source is transmitting video signal quality that is not exactly up to the 4K resolution standard. The upscaling 4K receiver simply beats up the original signals to the 4K resolution that you desire. However, for this feature to work, then the original display resolution should not be less than a full HD resolution (1920 ×1080p).

• Voice control/virtual assistant modules: This is a desirable feature for people who would love to control the devices right from across the room. Some of the more recent 4K receiver units now come with voice control virtual assistants- such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Airplay, and a few others.

• High-speed HDMI cables: If you would be connecting the image source to the receiver via a wired connection, then the need for high-speed HDMI cables cannot be overemphasized. Note that although HDMI 1.4 cables would transmit 4K resolution signals, they may not provide optimum output. Hence, the HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 cables are more suitable for this purpose.

• Enhanced Audio Return Chanel (eARC): The enhanced Audio Return Channel (= eARC) is an interesting feature on many 4K receivers. Primarily, this feature allows you to send audio signals right from your television or 4K enabled device, to your 4K receiver. This feature increases bandwidth capacity, which consequently allows high-res audio signals to be sent uncompressed. The result of this would be high theater-quality sound outputs.

• High Dynamic Range: When buying your new 4K AV receiver, ensure that your product of choice supports various high dynamic range video formats. This ensures that you get exceptional picture quality with great natural and realistic simulations. Some of the most important high dynamic ranges supported by top-notch 4K receivers include Dolby® Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), and a few others.

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Although a lot of AV receivers come with less important features, you’ll find the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components to be useful. These wireless connectivity frameworks allow you to connect the receiver to several devices or applications in only a few seconds. Essentially, these features are additional options for users to connect the 4K receiver to a 4K signal source. Hence, with these, you may connect the receiver directly to applications like Spotify or Pandora from your smartphone. The ease and convenience they bring is something you’ll love.

• HDMI Input: Before paying for a new AV receiver, one of the things you should consider is whether the product has the required number of HDMI ports on the device. Although a minimum of four ports is advised, you may also make a decision based on the number of gadgets you want to connect to the receiver.

• Yamaha: Over the years, Yamaha has produced several impressive 4K receivers, some of which are now top sellers. For instance, the company's Yamaha RX-V6 AV receiver is likely one of the best 7-channel AV receivers out there at this time. It comes with a lot of useful features that you’ll enjoy using, and can even perform some 8K resolution functions. There are also other great pass-through 4K receivers and upscaling 4K receivers made by this brand.

• Sony: It is not surprising that Sony ranks amongst the top brands in the manufacture of 4K receivers. Although some of its products are relatively more expensive, users are sure to get real value for every money spent. The company's 4K receivers are durable and stylish, and you’ll love the trademark dynamic performance that comes with them. One notable model is the Sony STR-DN1080.

• Denon: Over time, the quality of Denon-made receivers has become widely known on the market. Due to the rise in demand, the company's products are sometimes not available. However, if you want a 4K receiver with multiple HDMI inputs, a virtual assistant, and multiple HDR supports all in one box, then any of the top Denon receivers may be the one for you.