If you have been setting up your home theater, then you have probably been looking for a HEOS receiver to complete it.
But looking for the best one can be a bit overwhelming with all the different brands, models, and features that claim to be the best option.
So, we took a look at a number of different options and narrowed them down to the top three.
This will help you to find the best HEOS receiver option that works for you, without the hassle of doing your own research before making a purchase so you can buy one without further delay.
With all the great options on this list, there is one that seems to stand out above the others. That is why our top pick of the three is the Marantz NR1510 UHD AV Receiver. This great option has many features that make it the best of the best for any home theater.
- Full compatibility with 4K Ultra HD TVs
- Pure Color sub-sampling
- 5 channel discrete power amplifier
- Hands free operations
- Can stream movies, TV shows, and music
With all these great features, it is easy to see why this choice is our top pick. With all the different capabilities allowing this to be the best, the only thing that this HEOS receiver can’t do is purchase itself for you.
HEOS Receivers Comparison Chart
— | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Photo |
|
|
|
Maximum Dimensions | 440 x 378 x 105 mm | 17.1 x 15.1 x 6.6 inches | 440 x 378 x 105 mm |
Weight | 8.2 kg | 31.1 lbs | 8.4 kg |
FL Display | 1 line | 2 lines | 1 line |
Number of Power Amps | 5 | 11 | 7 |
Power Consumption | 210 W | 750 W | 250 W |
Formats | MP3 / WMA / AAC FLAC / ALAC / WAV | MP3 / WMA / AAC | MP3 / WMA / AAC |
System Remote Control | RC040SR | RC-1219 | RC035SR |
Network | Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth | Ethernet | Ethernet |
Compatible with Remote APP for Smart Phones | Android / iOS | Denon 2016 AVR Remote | Android / iOS |
Compatible with Remote APP for Tablets | Android / iOS/Amazon Kindle | Android / iOS/Amazon Kindle | Android / iOS/Amazon Kindle |
Composite In / Out | 3 / 1 | 4+1 / 2 | 3 / 1 |
Component In / Out | No | 2 / 1 | 2 / 1 |
HDCP2.2 Support | Yes (2.3) | Yes (2.2) | Yes (2.3) |
HDMI In / Out | 5+1 / 1 | 7+1 / 3 | 7+1 / 1 |
HDMI inputs back / front | 5 / 1 | 7 / 1 | 7 / 1 |
HDMI outputs main / zone | 1 / no | 2 / 1 | 1 / no |
HDMI to HDMI scaling | No | up to 4K 60/50 | up to 4K 30/25/24 |
Analogue In / Out | 3 / no | 6+1 / no | 3 / no |
Digital Inputs: Coaxial / Optical | 1 / 1 | 2 / 2 | 1 / 1 |
Multichannel Surround | DTS HD Master Dolby TrueHD Dolby ProLogic Il Multichannel Stereo | DTS HD Master DTS:X DTS Neural:X Dolby TrueHD Dolby Atmos Auro 3D Multichannel Stereo | DTS HD Master |
Subwoofer Out | 2 | 2 (independent) | 2 |
Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, Apple Siri, JOSH.AI | Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, Apple Siri |
3 Best HEOS Receivers (as of May, 2023):
1. Marantz NR1510 HEOS Receiver – Best Overall Choice Review
This top pick is one of the best for a reason.
With its compact and sleek design and its wide variety of features and capabilities, this great option is a no brainer when it comes to getting a HEOS receiver for your home theater.
Compact and Sleek Design
Marantz NR1510 HEOS receiver comes in a small package that shows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. This option is only 4 inches tall, which is half the size of typical receivers, so it fits anywhere you like.
The sleek all-black look gives the unit a nice stylish look at that you don’t feel like you have an appliance sitting on your TV stand.
Full Capability
This great option is compatible with 4K ultra HD TVs that feature 60 Hertz full rate content, PurColor sub-sampling, BT.2020, HDR, HLG, eARC & Dolby Vision so that you can enjoy an immersive home theater experience.
5 Channel Discrete Power Amp
Hands Free Command Capability
With this great receiver option, you can use hands free operation systems to command your favorite voice control agent like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri to be able to stream unlimited music using popular services like Spotify, Pandora, Netflix and more using the built-in HEOS, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or WiFi.
Smart Home Technology
This HEOS receiver comes with seamlessly integrated smart home automation systems like Josh.ai and Control 4, and allows you to be able to use remote monitoring for connected devices so that you can monitor it while you are on a trip, or you are out running errands.
Via: @safeandsoundhq
Multi Room Audio Technology
With the HEOS Home Entertainment App, you can choose to play the same song in every room, or a different one in each room. You can connect all your HEOS speakers to the app and get full control everywhere in your home while streaming your favorite music.
Main Features
- 5-channel discrete power amplifier, 85W per channel
- 6 HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.3 support
- Supports Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), eARC and ALLM for enhanced picture and audio
- 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR10 and BT.2020
- Surround format support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless file decoding up to 24-bit/192-kHz for high-resolution listening
- HEOS Built-in for multi-room streaming, music streaming and voice control
- Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support (dual antenna)
- Supports all major voice control agents and streaming services
- Integrated phono input to directly connect your turntable
- Compact and sleek design for space saving
- Comes with full compatibility
- 5 channel discrete power amplifiers for the best sound
- Hand free command capabilities like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa
- Smart home technology for distance monitoring
- Multi room audio technology
- Tends to have mode switching issues
- Long-term durability is in question due to low customer reviews
NR1510 – Ultra-Slim 5.2ch AV Receiver with Online Music Streaming:
2. Denon AVRX6400H HEOS Receiver – Best Wireless Capable Review
This Denon AVRX6400H ultra HD receiver is one that has the best wireless capabilities of them all.
With its 8 HDMI inputs and its HEOS wireless music streaming technology, this great option will work for any customer’s home theater needs.
Works With Alexa
This HEOS receiver has many capabilities and being able to connect with Amazon’s Alexa is one that is high on the list. With Alexa, you can choose to use voice commands instead of a wireless remote for control even when you are farther away, or your hands are full.
Via: @gadgeteasecolumbus
HEOS Music Streaming Technology
This innovative technology allows you to play the music you want with comfortable control options and almost unlimited music sources.
Powerful Amps
This great option comes with 11 powerful amplifiers for an ultimate 3D audio performance with the signature quality of Denon sound. This allows you to play movies with a full room sound that will immerse you in the adventure.
8 HDMI Inputs
This HEOS receiver comes with 8 different HDMI inputs with full HDCP 22 support. This allows you to connect multiple devices to this receiver for multiple uses. There are plenty of inputs for your digital devices and you can use them in different rooms.
Main Features
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- HEOS wireless music streaming technology with HEOS app andgt
- Comfortable control options and almost unlimited music sources
- 11 Channel AV receiver with 140W per Channel
- 112Ch processing andgt
- 11 powerful amplifiers for an ultimate 3D Audio performance with Denon sound
- 8 HDMI inputs (incl 1 front) with full HDCP 22 support; 3 HDMI outputs andgt
- Plenty of inputs for your digital devices; different video in different rooms
- Works with Amazon’s Alexa for hands free voice control
- HEOS music streaming technology for easy listening
- Powerful amplifiers for the most immersive sound experience
- 8 HDMI inputs for multiple uses
- Premium price point is high, 0ver $1,000
- The unit tends to run hot
3. Marantz NR1710 HEOS Receiver – Best Smart Home Review
This great Marantz NR1710 option is one of the best smart options on the market.
With its ability to connect with HEOS music streaming and Amazon’s Alexa for voice control, it is easy to see why this model made it onto the top list.
Compact and Sleek Design
This HEOS receiver comes in a small package that shows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. This option is only 4 inches tall, which is half the size of typical receivers, so it fits anywhere you like.
The sleek all-black look gives the unit a nice stylish look at that you don’t feel like you have an appliance sitting on your TV stand.
8 HDMI Inputs
This HEOS receiver comes with 8 different HDMI inputs with full HDCP 22 support. This allows you to connect multiple devices to this receiver for multiple uses. There are plenty of inputs for your digital devices and you can use them in different rooms.
Wide Connectivity Options
This HEOS has a wide variety of connectivity options due to its high number of capabilities. This receiver can be connected to smartphones, hands-free voice control systems like Google Assistant and Alexa, turntables, and comes with wireless streaming.
Elevated Surround Sound
Hands Free Command Capability
With this great receiver option, you can use hands free operation systems to command your favorite voice control agent like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri to be able to stream unlimited music using popular services like Spotify, Pandora, Netflix and more using the built-in HEOS, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or WiFi.
Multi Room Audio Technology
With the HEOS Home Entertainment App, you can choose to play the same song in every room, or a different one in each room. You can connect all your HEOS speakers to the app and get full control everywhere in your home while streaming your favorite music.
Via: @poulissenaudiovideocenter
Main Features
- 7-channel discrete power amplifier, 90W per channel
- 8-HDMI inputs — including one on the front panel — with full HDCP 2.3 support
- Supports Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), eARC and ALLM for enhanced picture and audio
- 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR10 and BT.2020
- Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless file decoding up to 24-bit/192-kHz for high-resolution listening
- HEOS Built-in for multi-room streaming
- Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support (dual antenna)
- Supports all major voice control agents and streaming services for seamless control
- Integrated phono input to directly connect your turntable
- Compact and sleek design for space saving
- 8 HDMI inputs for multiple device connectivity at once
- Wide connectivity options like Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa
- Elevated surround sound for immersion
- Hand frees command capabilities with multiple connections available
- Multi room audio technology for individual or multi room use
- Higher price than others, over $700
- Customer service known to be unresponsive in case of problems
NR1710 – Ultra-Slim 7.2ch AV Receiver with 3D Audio and Online Music Streaming:
Buyer’s Guide
With all this new information about HEOS receivers, you have a lot to take in. So, it is likely that you have some questions about these receivers that you would like answered before you spend your money and make a purchase.
We have taken a few of the most frequently asked questions about HEOS receivers and answered them below so that you can get all the information you need to make your final purchase.
Is having a smartphone required in order to stream music on an HEOS receiver?
So, if you are going to use any other service than TuneIn then yes, an Android or iOS-based device is needed for the HEOS App in order to stream applications such as Pandora, SXM, Spotify, Connect, and Tidal.
What can you use Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa for with a HEOS receiver? Does it just change the volume?
No, although you can use these systems to change the volume, that is not the only thing that you can use it for. With most HEOS receiver models, you can switch input modes, change settings, and allows you to power on or off the entire system.
This allows you to have more control with hands-free commands so that you don’t need to use a remote, or change the settings manually on the device.
Do HEOS receivers come with bass and treble controls for adjustments when listening to music?
What the specifications the receiver has, all depends on the exact make and model of the HEOS receiver. However, it is not seen on many receivers as it does not have a knob for it on the device itself.
Because this is meant for multiple purposes, not solely for streaming music, there may not be any way to adjust those settings because it would not be needed for any other function, like watching TV shows or movies.
Conclusion
If you are setting up your own home theater, then you know how much goes into finding the perfect technology to make it the best it can be.
You don’t want to skimp out on the HEOS receiver, which can make your viewing experience that much more immersive.
So, picking one of the options on this list can be a great way to know that you are getting a quality product that will not let you down.
However, even if you decide not to get one of these options off our list, you now have the information that you need to make an informed decision about which HEOS receiver will be the best fit for your home theater.
No matter what you get, you can know that you will be getting the perfect HEOS receiver to complete your home theater.
