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The best AV receiver for gaming powers your surround speakers and passes 4K 120Hz video from your console to the TV.
Modern receivers add HDMI 2.1 inputs, Dolby Atmos decoding and room calibration. We compared channels, HDMI features and calibration tools to pick the best AV receiver for gaming.
Quick Answer: The Best Av Receiver for Gaming
- Best Overall: Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
- Best for Sony TVs: Sony STR-AN1000 7.2ch 8K AV Receiver
- Best Yamaha 7.2: Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast
- Best Premium: Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Best Mid-Range: Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Channel 8K Receiver
- Best Previous-Gen Value: Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
- Best Value 5.2: Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Channel AV Receiver
- Best Budget 5.2: Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-X1800H is the best AV receiver for gaming for most setups. The Sony STR-AN1000 suits Sony TV owners and the Yamaha RX-V4A is the value 5.2 option.
Best Av Receiver for Gaming Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1800H | Best Overall | 7.2 AV receiver | 3 x 8K inputs, Atmos | Check Price |
| Sony STR-AN1000 | Best for Sony TVs | 7.2 AV receiver | HDMI 2.1 6-in, 360 Spatial | Check Price |
| Yamaha RX-V6A | Best Yamaha 7.2 | 7.2 AV receiver | 7 HDMI inputs, 3 x 8K | Check Price |
| Marantz Cinema 60 | Best Premium | Premium 7.2 receiver | 100W/ch, HEOS | Check Price |
| Denon AVR-S770H | Best Mid-Range | 7.2 AV receiver | 8K/4K120, 75W x 7 | Check Price |
| Denon AVR-X1700H | Best Previous-Gen Value | 7.2 AV receiver | 3 x 8K inputs, HEOS | Check Price |
| Yamaha RX-V4A | Best Value 5.2 | 5.2 AV receiver | HDMI 2.1, YPAO | Check Price |
| Denon AVR-S570BT | Best Budget 5.2 | 5.2 AV receiver | 4 x HDMI 2.1, VRR | Check Price |
The 8 Best AV Receivers for Gaming
Each best AV receiver for gaming pick has HDMI 2.1-class inputs.
Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
1The Denon AVR-X1800H is a 7.2 receiver with three 8K/4K120 inputs, ideal for PS5 and Xbox together.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Atmos and DTS:X
- Easy setup guide
Cons
- Pricier
- Only 3 8K inputs
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 80W x 7
- HDMI: 3 x 8K inputs, 4K120 passthrough
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and virtual height.
An on-screen guide simplifies setup.
2The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2 receiver with six HDMI 2.1 inputs and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, great for PS5 rooms.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Six HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Works with Sonos
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2
- HDMI: 6 in / 2 out, HDMI 2.1, 4K120
- Tech: 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX tunes sound to the room.
It also works with Sony SA-RS5 wireless rears.
Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast
3The Yamaha RX-V6A is a 7.2 receiver with seven HDMI inputs, three of them 8K/4K120 capable.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seven HDMI inputs
- Atmos and DTS:X
- MusicCast
Cons
- Some early HDMI 2.1 issues reported
- Mixed reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2
- HDMI: 7 in / 1 out, 3 x 8K, eARC
- Streaming: MusicCast, AirPlay 2
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Dolby Vision.
MusicCast adds multi-room streaming.
4The Marantz Cinema 60 is a premium 7.2 receiver with 100W per channel and Marantz’s warm sound.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Warm Marantz sound
- Premium design
- Powerful
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for small rooms
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 100W/ch
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
- Video: 8K
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X create a 3D sound field.
A luxury pick for dedicated gaming rooms.
5The Denon AVR-S770H brings 7.2 Atmos and 4K120 passthrough at a lower price.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Atmos at a lower price
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Multi-room
Cons
- Fewer features than X series
- 75W per channel
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 75W x 7
- HDMI: 8K/60, 4K/120 passthrough
- Formats: Dolby Atmos, Height Virtualization
Dolby Height Virtualization adds overhead effects without ceiling speakers.
A strong mid-range pick.
Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
6The Denon AVR-X1700H is a proven 7.2 receiver with three 8K/4K120 inputs and HEOS streaming.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Proven model
- 4K120 passthrough
- HEOS streaming
Cons
- Older model
- Limited 8K inputs
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 7.2, 80W/ch
- HDMI: 3 x 8K inputs, 4K120
- Streaming: HEOS
It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for gaming and movies.
A value pick when on sale.
7The Yamaha RX-V4A is an affordable 5.2 receiver with 4K120 HDMI and YPAO calibration.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable 4K120
- Room calibration
- Streaming built in
Cons
- No Atmos decoding
- Only 5.2
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.2
- HDMI: 4 in / 1 out, 4K120, eARC
- Calibration: YPAO
It handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
Note: no Dolby Atmos decoding.
Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
8The Denon AVR-S570BT is an affordable 5.2 receiver with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and VRR.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
- VRR support
- Affordable
Cons
- No Atmos height channels
- 5.2 only
📄 Detailed Review
- Channels: 5.2, 70W x 5
- HDMI: 4 x 8K inputs, eARC
- Gaming: VRR, ALLM
It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and eARC.
A budget gaming receiver.
How We Chose the Best Av Receiver for Gaming
To choose the best av receiver for gaming, we compared receivers on HDMI 2.1 inputs, gaming features, channel count and owner feedback.
To understand how object-based height and surround sound works, see Dolby’s official Dolby Atmos overview.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback, not in-house lab testing. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best AV Receiver for Gaming
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for the best av receiver for gaming.
Why an AV receiver
An AV receiver decodes surround formats, powers passive speakers and switches HDMI sources. For gaming, look for HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM passthrough.
HDMI 2.1 passthrough
To keep 4K 120Hz and VRR, the receiver needs HDMI 2.1 inputs (40Gbps). Check how many HDMI 2.1 inputs it has if you own both a PS5 and an Xbox.
Channels: 5.2 vs. 7.2
A 5.2 receiver runs a 5.1 system with two sub outputs. A 7.2 receiver adds channels for Atmos heights or side surrounds (5.1.2 or 7.1).
Speaker layout basics
A 5.1 layout uses left, center, right, two surrounds and a subwoofer. Place surrounds slightly behind and above ear height for the best effect.
Receiver Setup for Gaming
Get it right:
- Plug consoles into 8K/4K120 inputs.
- Enable enhanced HDMI mode.
- Run room calibration.
- Turn on game/ALLM passthrough.
Here are quick answers about the best av receiver for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AV receiver for gaming?
The Denon AVR-X1800H is the best AV receiver for gaming for most setups, with the Sony STR-AN1000 for Sony TVs.
Do I need HDMI 2.1?
For 4K 120Hz passthrough, yes; otherwise use eARC from the TV.
5.2 or 7.2?
7.2 if you plan Atmos height speakers.
Does a receiver add input lag?
Passthrough adds negligible lag.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best av receiver for gaming is the Denon AVR-X1800H. Choose the Sony STR-AN1000 if you want Sony TV integration, or the Yamaha RX-V6A for Yamaha fans.
Related Guides
More home theater guides:
- Best Soundbar for PS5 with Subwoofer
- Best Desktop Speakers with Subwoofer
- Best Wireless Subwoofer for PC
- Best Surround Sound System for Gaming
- Best 2.1 Speakers for PC Gaming
- Best USB Powered Speakers for PC
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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