Best Dolby Atmos receivers

Dolby Atmos is a new generation of technology developed by Dolby Laboratories, designed to produce surround sound. It was first used in some cinemas in 2012 when the Brave movie was screened and is currently in use in several hundred cinemas.

This technology represents a qualitatively new stage in the development of ambient sound, both in terms of recording and listening. Dolby Atmos does not provide for channel-by-channel recording of the soundtrack, but the placement of sound images in space in accordance with the intention of the sound engineer. When playing such a track, the Dolby Atmos processor in real-time, given how many speakers are used in the system, recreate the recorded surround sound picture. Thus, the sound quality will be the best regardless of whether there are 64 speakers in the cinema or fewer; that is, the specific composition of each system will not affect the final result.

The best Dolby Atmos receiver is the heart of a home theater system. New AV receivers from Denon, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz support Dolby Atmos processing, older models require software updates.

The location or movement of the sound is precisely positioned with the help of additional overhead speakers, which allows you to experience an incredibly natural and realistic surround sound field.

Dolby Atmos-enabled AV receivers typically have high speaker outputs, which can also be used for classic 7.1 or 9.1 home theater systems. By installing ceiling speakers or using specially designed speakers for Dolby Atmos systems, you must configure the amplifier settings for Dolby Atmos playback using the AVR menu. When connecting more channels than AVR can amplify, it is necessary to additionally use the preamp outputs by connecting them to an external power amplifier.

Budget

Yamaha RX-V683 - best budget Dolby Atmos receiver

Yamaha RX-V683 is equipped with many ports for connection, including slightly outdated analog RCA audio inputs, as well as composite and component video input. The equipment has five HDMI inputs, three of which are located on the rear panel and support HDCP 2.2 protection technology for 4K and HDR components. The other two, as well as the ARC port, are located on the front, for easy connection to a TV.

With channel 7.2, you can use several speaker configurations, including 7.1, 5.1.2, with an additional zone or a single 5.1 for the front speakers, which can be easily coordinated using the settings. Power is rated at 90 watts per 8-ohm channel, which is slightly lower than some competitors.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support collaboration with Cinema DSP 3D, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio. There is support for high resolution with a frequency of 24 bit / 192 kHz for WAV, FLAC and ALAC files. The RX-V683 also supports 4K HDR video playback at 60 frames per second, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma for HDR broadcasting.

Yamaha has adapted two fairly convenient applications for its Dolby Atmos av receivers, including the AV Controller application for deeper tuning - from volume control to selecting a DSP source, and its own MusicCast application.

Under 500

Onkyo TX-RZ820 - best Dolby Atmos receiver under 500

The Onkyo TX-RZ820 7.2-channel AV receiver has THX Select certification. This guarantees reference sound quality comparable to a sound in a commercial movie theater. Output power: 180 watts per channel (6 ohms). The design has discrete amplifiers with dynamic amplification technology that produce a large instantaneous current and can easily swing large full-range speakers. As a result, a powerful dynamic sound supply in a wide range of frequencies from 5 Hz to 100 kHz, as well as excellent transient characteristics, are provided. It also uses technology that prevents phase displacement.

A 32-bit signal processor helps Onkyo TX-RZ820 to decode DTS: X and Dolby Atmos formats in a 5.2.2-channel configuration. Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X codecs are supported for converting the sound of conventional multi-channel formats to object-oriented three-dimensional sound. The model uses VLSC technology that eliminates impulse noise and modern AK4458 DACs. Speakers can be calibrated by AccuEQ, while AccuReflex technology ensures the phase compatibility of speakers for Dolby Atmos with other speakers.

The rear of the unit has six HDMI inputs that support 4K / 60 Hz signal passing, as well as Dolby Vision (dynamic metadata, 12-bit color depth), HDR10, BT .2020, HLG for broadcasts and HDCP 2.2.

The HDMI input on the front panel doesn't support 4K / 60 Hz,Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020. For the second zone, there is a separate HDMI output. You can select the 7.2-channeled Pre Out, connectors MM-phono stage, LAN port, optical and coaxial inputs. Eleven pairs of screw terminals are delivered for connecting speakers.

Under 1000

Yamaha RX-V685 - best Dolby Atmos receiver under 1000

The Yamaha RX-V685 AV receiver is arguably the hottest item in the range of the venerable cinema and audio equipment manufacturer. The most sophisticated component in the budget line RX-V is closely matched by the capabilities of the elite AVENTAGE series, while remaining, nevertheless, more affordable.

Also, pay attention to the differences between the Yamaha RX-V685 and the younger models of the current generation RX-V series. But first, we’ll note a general innovation that touched all the new Yamaha components. This, of course, is compatible with the new proprietary technology for building Wireless MusicCast multi-room systems and compliance with the requirements of the HDCP version 2.2 digital video content protection system. Without the latter, you will not be able to watch movies on discs of the new Ultra HD Blu-ray format that supports 4K resolution.

This receiver with Dolby Atmos is equipped with seven amplification channels made on discrete elements, which allows you to implement either a full-fledged 7.2 surround sound system circuit, or choose a standard 5.1 configuration, and use two freed amplifiers to sound the second zone or to organize front-end bi-amping. An interesting feature of the receiver is the emulation of the rear speakers with additional front speakers working on reflection, which eliminates the need for laying speaker cables throughout the room.

Yamaha RX-V685 - the only model in the budget line RX-V, equipped with two HDMI outputs, and they can work in parallel. The RX-V685 can deliver 90 watts per channel (8 Ohms).

Premium

Marantz SR7012 - best Hi-End Dolby Atmos receiver

For many years, Marantz has set the standard for AV receivers combining home theater movie-playing skills with superb musical ability, and the SR7012 - pretender to be the best Atmos receiver, takes it to a new unprecedented level, combining the latest full immersive movie technologies, including 4K compatibility and 3D decoding sound with precision audio technology and tuning. This is a 9.2-channel AV receiver with 200 watts per channel - enough power for large rooms to fill them with the renowned Marantz sound. Decoding Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (up to 7.1.4 channels with an external 2-channel power amplifier) ​​and Auro-3D - full immersion in three-dimensional (3D) surround sound with sound effects from above.

Marantz sound tuning with new components, including a preamplifier on HDAM modules with current feedback - for clear sound, both movies, and music - for universal entertainment. High-quality 192kHz / 32bit DACs in all channels is the highest resolution for music and movies.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32, LFC, Sub EQ HT, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ - ideal speaker auto-calibration for the acoustic conditions of a particular room.

Built-in Wi-Fi with dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz support, Bluetooth - improved communication stability, especially in congested Wi-Fi networks. Built-in HEOS wireless multiroom technology with the HEOS app - simple multi-room audio with other HEOS products, convenient operation.

Improved channel return audio signal eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) after a software update in the future - allows you to transfer 3D audio from the application for TV. Color-coded speaker terminals, Setup Assistant, advanced GUI, Marantz AVR Remote application - easy installation, configuration, and management.