Best 8K Receivers 2023

8K resolution represents the next evolution in ultra high-definition home entertainment. As 8K TVs become more prevalent, there is growing demand for 8K-compatible AV receivers to power these cutting-edge systems.

This detailed buyer’s guide explains what to look for when shopping for an 8K receiver in 2023. We’ll cover key features, top brand recommendations, connectivity considerations and FAQs to help you choose the perfect 8K AVR.
What is 8K Resolution?

8K resolution has 4 times the pixel count of 4K, resulting in extraordinarily detailed visuals. The specs are:

7680 x 4320 resolution – 33.2 million total pixels
Rec. 2020 color space – Wide gamut HDR color
60 fps – High frame rate for smooth motion
10-bit color – Over 1 billion colors for gradient smoothness

This produces lifelike depth and texture, with images indistinguishable from reality. 8K content is still limited, but 8K TVs utilize advanced upscaling for stunning image clarity.

An 8K home theater system combines an 8K TV display, 8K input sources like Blu-ray players, and an 8K AV receiver to transmit the full quality.
Benefits of an 8K AVR

An 8K AV receiver provides key benefits when setting up an 8K home theater:
Full 8K HDMI connectivity

Latest HDMI 2.1 ports enable 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through from source to display. This maintains complete 8K resolution and frame rate.
8K upscaling

Where source material is lower than 8K, the AVR can upscale content to match the TV’s native resolution. This achieves optimal clarity.
Future-proofing

An 8K receiver will remain compatible as more 8K content becomes available. This protects your investment as the industry transitions.
Enhanced audio

Leading AVRs include Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D for immersive object-based sound with 8K video.

An advanced 8K receiver ensures your system can fully realize the intentions of 8K entertainment for years to come.
Key Features to Look For

Here are the must-have features to consider when choosing an 8K compatible receiver:
8K HDMI 2.1 ports

At least one 8K/60Hz HDMI input is essential. Multiple 8K/60Hz inputs provide flexibility as more devices add 8K support.
8K video upscaling

Quality video processing ensures lower resolution content is upscaled optimally to match an 8K display. AI upscaling is ideal.
8K passthrough

The ability to pass an untouched 8K signal from source to display preserves full image clarity and compression quality.
HDMI 2.1 bandwidth

Higher 48Gbps bandwidth enables 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz and uncompressed audio like Dolby Atmos to pass through simultaneously.
Latest audio formats

Look for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced decoding to complement 8K’s enhanced immersion.
HDCP 2.3

HDCP copy protection on all ports allows playback of copy-protected 8K Blu-ray discs and streaming.
Calibration tools

AccuEQ room correction, speaker setup wizards and MCACC auto calibration ensure optimal performance.

Denon AVR-X6700H 8K Ultra HD 11.2 Channel AV Receiver

The AVR-X6700H has 13 speaker outputs and can power up to 11 speakers at once. This home theater experience allows you to select from a variety of home theater and wired multi-room music options. In a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:XTM system, use all 11 channels, or go for a more modest surround sound setup and use the extra channels for music in another zone. This 11-channel monster will play practically any source you throw at it, with to “old school” capabilities like composite and component video switching.

If you’re looking for the best av receivers, you’ll use your new receiver to listen to music as well as watch movies. This surround sound speakers uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even Apple AirPlay 2 to stream music from your phone or tablet. Do you enjoy vinyl? For your turntable, this receiver offers a built-in phono input. You can also play high-resolution tunes from a USB drive or a networked PC if you’ve painstakingly curated a great music library.

The AVR-X6700H uses HEOS Built-in technology to provide you access to all of your music, including your personal library, internet radio, and popular streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and TIDAL. This receiver can also be easily integrated into a multi-room wireless audio system. Stream music to HEOS wireless speakers and components in multiple rooms, and use the free HEOS app to manage the sound in each room separately. You may use the app to control playing, browse music sources, and choose which rooms to use. Play the same music across your house or switch it up in each room. This is the best 8K Receiver in 2023.

Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD

Consider the Denon AVR-X4700H if you’re building a new home theater. This nine-channel, 8K-capable receiver is ready to serve as your system’s basis. It’s also an excellent match for most bookshelf, floor-standing, and custom-integrated speakers, at 125 watts per channel. Add 8K video upscaling, Bluetooth transmission to headphones (for late-night movies or gaming), and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which allows you to send full-resolution surround sound signals from your TV to your receiver to the table.

This is a upgrade over the preceding AVR-X3700NH in that it has higher power (125 watts per channel vs. 105 watts) than its predecessor. In terms of video, it supports 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ (Dynamic HDR, HLG). This includes the 8K upscaling that you may do with your existing 4K Blu-rays and Netflix UHD subscriptions. You won’t need to buy a selection for extra devices because there are 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs. Denon also offered an homage to the gaming sector by including technologies like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode in current and next-gen game consoles (ALLM).

The best av receiver features 11 speaker outputs and can power up to nine speakers at once. This allows you to select from a variety of home theater and wired multi-room music options. In a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:XTM system, use all nine channels, or go for a more modest surround sound setup and use the extra channels for music in another zone. It uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even Apple AirPlay 2 to stream music from your phone or tablet. Do you enjoy vinyl? For your turntable, this receiver offers a built-in phono input. You can also play high-resolution tunes from a USB drive or a networked PC if you’ve painstakingly curated a great music library.

Through it, you can access all of your music, including music from your personal library, internet radio, and popular streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and TIDAL. This receiver can also be easily integrated into a multi-room wireless audio system. Stream music to HEOS wireless speakers and components in multiple rooms, and use the free HEOS app to manage the sound in each room separately. You may use the app to control playing, browse music sources, and choose which rooms to use. Play the same music across your house or switch it up in each room.

You can utilize your Echo devices to give voice commands using the HEOS Home Entertainment skill for Amazon Alexa. On the receiver and other HEOS-enabled devices, you may effortlessly switch inputs, regulate volume, and playback. In a multi-room HEOS system, Alexa can also help you search for music and stream different content to different rooms. Google Assistant-enabled devices are also compatible with the AVR-X4700H. Open the HEOS app and ask your Google Home or Google Pixel phone to control the volume, play, pause, skip tunes, and more. This is the best 8K Receivers in 2023.

Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network AV Receiver

A cheap 8K receiver is the Onkyo TX-NR6100. In fact, each channel generates 100 watts of electricity. It comes with a 7.2 channel receiver for complete surround sound. A 5.2.2 channel system for Dolby Atmos surround sound can also be installed.

There are six HDMI 2.1 inputs on the receiver. HDMI inputs 1 to 3 support 8K resolution, whereas HDMI inputs 4 to 6 support 4K. As a result, you may enjoy viewing movies and games in the greatest possible resolution. The receiver has been developed to provide the greatest 4K gaming experience possible. You’ll get ultra-fast video motion for lag-free gaming if you connect your gaming console to the receiver via HDMI 2.1. It also supports ALLM technology, which reduces video lag by reducing latency from a gaming console to the screen.

The TX-NR6100 is equipped with the latest video technology from Onkyo. Three of its six HDMI ports offer crisp 4K/120 video material, making it ideal for high-resolution sources such as a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Apple TV, or your next-generation gaming system.

Using Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, or the built-in Chromecast, you can stream music from your phone or tablet to the TX-NR6100. You may also utilize the built-in phono connection for your turntable to play your digital music library over your Wi-Fi network. You can even use a USB drive to play high-resolution music. Bluetooth wireless headphones allow you to watch TV or listen to music without disturbing anyone else in the house with the best 8k home theater receiver in 2023.

DENON AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel AV Receiver

When you listen to industry-leading products as frequently as we do, you can tell when a new standard has been established. However, it is not always clear how high the bar has been raised until you have a direct comparison with another excellent product.

That is the situation with the new Denon AVC-X3700H home cinema amplifier, which is capable of 8K resolution. While there’s a part of us that wishes the Japanese firm would screw up one of these amps just so we’d have something unusual to write about, the sonic improvement over its predecessor is fairly noticeable, which is why it won the What Hi-Fi? Award in 2021.

The performance’s enthusiasm is immediately noticeable. There is more muscle now than before, but it is also leaner and more defined. It’s a mix of solid dynamic expression, which enthuses each vocal line as much as distinguishing one gunshot from another, a harder punch, and better clarity, which helps you to go deeper into the music and get more engrossed.

The AVC-X3700H is another Denon effort that will happily last you many years if you have the system to complement it with.

Marantz NR1711 8K Slim 7.2 Channel Ultra HD AV Receiver

Marantz hasn’t changed the design of its half-height lifestyle NR AVR line in over a decade, but we’re fine with that because there’s been steady growth inside the hood. The auditory profile has remained substantially unchanged, with a pleasant rather than surgically exact tone. It’s not as melodious as some of its siblings higher up the ladder, but it’s undoubtedly entertaining to listen to.

With a uniform 50W distributed over all 7 channels, you can run a 5.1.2 Atmos system. Six HDMI inputs are available, one of which is labeled 8K and supports 4K/120fps and 8K 60Hz. HEOS multiroom and AirPlay 2 are among the features, although there’s only one HDMI output. You can utilize Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS:X Virtual to approximate a 3D listening experience if you don’t have a full multiroom speaker setup.

Yamaha RX-A2A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

The RX-A2A, which is part of Yamaha’s premium Aventage line, has received a glossy cosmetic makeover as well as an injection of next-generation connectivity, making it future-proof.

With seven full-range channels of power, each rated at 100W into eight ohms in stereo, plus two subwoofer outputs, the RX-A2A can accommodate up to 7.1 speaker configurations or a 5.1.2 setup when employing the compatible Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. It sounds great and responds quickly, with snappy transients, expansive surround sound, and plenty of musical thrust.

For streaming, there’s Yamaha’s MusicCast app, which allows for high-res and lossless music formats including Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96kHz, WAV, FLAC or AIFF up to 192kHz as well as playback from services such Spotify and Tidal. There’s also AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth (SBC / AAC) support, as well as Google Assistant/Alexa voice control and a DAB+ and FM/AM tuner.

Yamaha has a number of improvements planned for the RX-A2A, but it will eventually support up to 4K at 120Hz (both with and without display screen compression) and 8K at 60Hz (with display screen compression) over three of its seven HDMI connections. These features, as well as additional next-gen HDMI improvements including HDR10+, will be available only through a series of firmware updates that will begin this Autumn. It will also be available with a free hardware upgrade that will make it completely compatible with 4K at 120Hz signals from an Xbox Series X or Nvidia RTX30-series graphics card.

However, if you’re a committed player, the lack of these functions out of the box will probably be irrelevant. The RX-A2A supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision video codecs and can handle 4K data at up to 60 frames per second, which no other source can currently match.

Choosing the Best 8K Receiver: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

In the world of home entertainment, 8K receivers are the cutting-edge technology that promises to revolutionize your audio-visual experience. But with a variety of options available, how do you choose the right one? Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate the world of 8K receivers.

Understanding 8K Resolution

Before we delve into the buying guide, it’s crucial to understand what 8K resolution is. The term ‘8K’ refers to the horizontal resolution of around 8,000 pixels. This equates to a resolution four times higher than 4K and sixteen times higher than Full HD. The result? Incredibly sharp and detailed images that offer an immersive viewing experience.

Video and Audio Performance

When investing in an 8K receiver, the quality of video and audio performance is paramount. Ensure the receiver supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through. This will allow for the smooth transmission of high-resolution content from your source devices to your 8K TV.

For sound, look for receivers that support high-definition audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. These technologies will provide a multi-dimensional sound experience, enhancing your overall entertainment.

Number of Channels

The number of channels a receiver supports is crucial in determining how immersive your home theater experience will be. A 5.1 channel receiver will support five speakers and one subwoofer, while a 7.2 channel receiver will support seven speakers and two subwoofers. Depending on your room size and desired sound experience, choose a receiver that suits your needs.

Connectivity Options

An 8K receiver should have a variety of connectivity options. Look for multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, as these will be needed to connect your source devices like game consoles, Blu-Ray players, and streaming devices.

Also, check for other connectivity options like USB ports, Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi for network connectivity. Some receivers also come with Bluetooth for wireless streaming and AirPlay for Apple devices.

Upgrading and Upscaling Abilities

An 8K receiver with good upgrading and upscaling abilities will ensure your non-8K content looks as good as possible on your 8K TV. The receiver should be able to upscale lower-resolution content, such as Full HD or 4K, to 8K resolution.

Smart Features and Voice Control

In today’s smart home era, having a receiver that supports smart features can be a significant plus. Look for receivers that offer integration with home automation systems and support for voice control through devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an 8K receiver?
A: An 8K receiver is a home theater receiver capable of handling 8K video signals and content. 8K refers to a display resolution of 7680×4320 pixels, which is 4 times the resolution of 4K and 16 times the resolution of 1080p Full HD.

Q: What are the benefits of an 8K receiver?
A: The main benefits of an 8K receiver include:

– Future-proofing for 8K TVs and content. As more 8K TVs and media become available, an 8K receiver will be able to fully take advantage.

– Higher bandwidth to handle the massive data requirements of 8K video and lossless audio codecs. 8K video requires hdmi 2.1 and HDCP 2.2 compliance.

– More HDMI inputs and outputs to connect multiple 8K sources. At least 4-5 inputs are recommended.

– Upscaling of lower resolution content to near 8K for the best clarity on an 8K display.

– Support for next-gen gaming features like 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM when used with 8K gaming consoles.

Q: What features should I look for in an 8K receiver?
A: Key features to look for include:

– HDMI 2.1 ports with bandwidth of at least 48Gbps
– HDCP 2.2 copy protection on all ports
– HDR support including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and hybrid log-gamma (HLG)
– Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding for immersive audio
– Amplifier power of 100+ watts per channel for 8K video requirements
– Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
– Smart platform for streaming apps and voice services
– Multiple zone functionality to power 8K video in main room and 4K in others

Q: How much do 8K receivers cost?
A: 8K receivers currently range from $1000 to $3000+ in price. High-end models with the latest specs and most features will be at the top of this range. The price will come down as 8K technology becomes more mainstream in the coming years.

Q: Should I buy an 8K receiver now or wait?
A: If you already own an 8K TV, buying an 8K receiver now is recommended to fully realize its capabilities. If you don’t own 8K yet but plan to in the next 2-3 years, buying one now for future-proofing can be worthwhile for enthusiasts. Otherwise waiting for more affordable options as adoption increases may be the best approach.

Q: Do I need new HDMI cables for an 8K receiver?
A: Yes, the 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Make sure any cable is certified to handle the demands of 8K. Low quality cables may result in signal issues.

Q: What content is available in 8K today?
A: 8K content is still limited but growing. Sources include demo material on YouTube, some films and documentaries on streaming services, Blu-ray discs mastered in 8K, and 8K broadcasts of major events in Japan. This will expand rapidly as 8K cameras and distribution become more mainstream.

Q: Can an 8K receiver improve lower resolution content?
A: Yes, high-end 8K receivers utilize video processing chips to upscale lower resolution sources like HD and 4K to near-8K quality on an 8K display. This helps improve clarity and reduces artifacts. Upscaling ability varies across receivers so check reviews.

Q: How many 8K HDMI inputs do I need?
A: A minimum of 4 is recommended, but 5 or more allows connecting multiple 8K sources like Blu-ray player, game console, streaming device, as well as an AV receiver for audio. More HDMI inputs provides flexibility as your 8K ecosystem expands.

Q: Should I buy an 8K receiver with pre-outs?
A: Pre-outs, or preamp outputs, allow connecting an external amplifier for even more power. This isn’t essential for many homes, but can be useful if you need to drive multiple channels or large speakers that require amplifier power beyond what the receiver can provide.