Receivers have come a long way from their humble two-channel stereo receiver roots. A modern audio/video receiver serves as the central hub of a technologically advanced home theater system, and it does a lot more than power a set of speakers. In addition to amplification, an A/V receiver performs video switching, digital processing and a host of other essential functions, and some even serve as a powerful control center for satellite radio and digital audio playback. A/V receivers are available in a wide range of capabilities and prices to meet just about anyone's needs and budget.


Pioneer VSX-816-K

Surround sound home theater receivers originally provided five channels of amplification plus a passive subwoofer output, but today's receivers now have as many as seven powered channels. One affordable seven-channel receiver is the Pioneer VSX-816-K, with an MSRP of about $300, which produces a generous 110 watts of power per channel and throws in a few surprises. This black unit is also available in silver as model VSX-816-S.

Satellite radio has exploded in popularity in recent years, and the VSX-816-K capitalizes on this by offering XM Satellite Radio compatibility. With the addition of an XM tuner, antenna and paid subscription (all available separately), the VSX-816-K lets you listen to XM's 170-plus channels, including 69 commercial-free music channels. This receiver even supports XM HD Surround, giving you a five-channel radio listening experience that must be heard to be believed.

Pioneer VSX-816-K seven-channel A/V receiver

The VSX-816-K includes Pioneer's MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit) system, which automatically configures speaker levels for your particular listening environment. For a powerful and easy-to-use A/V receiver that is easy on the wallet, take a look at the Pioneer VSX-816-K.


Panasonic SA-XR57S

The Panasonic SA-XR57S (with an MSRP of about $400) offers a host of advanced features for a very appealing price. This seven-channel home theater receiver uses precise digital amplification for a clean sound, and at 100 watts per channel, it is no slouch in the power department.

Panasonic includes its HDAVI Control system to make operating the SA-XR57S and associated components an effortless task. For example, if you want to watch a DVD in surround sound, simply hit the play button on the HDAVI remote control. With the help of user-configured macros, the SA-XR57S will then switch to the proper source input. Your TV will turn on and go to the correct input, and your DVD player will power up and begin playing the disc. It doesn't get any easier than that.

The SA-XR57S also features HDMI switching, giving you direct digital-to-digital connections with your compatible home theater components. The Panasonic SA-XR57S delivers high-end A/V receiver features without the high-end price.


Yamaha RX-V559

While the RX-V559 is the only six-channel A/V receiver in this roundup, that is no reason for this versatile Yamaha unit to hang its head. In addition to a very respectable 95 watts of power per channel, the RX-V559 (with an MSRP of about $450) proves to be an ideal control center for iPod audio.

With the addition of Yamaha's iPod dock (model YDS-10), you can control your iPod via the RX-V559's remote control. Even better, when connected to a TV, the RX-V559 lets you navigate your iPod content through an on-screen display. This home theater receiver also has an advanced processing mode that restores audio details lost during the digital audio compression/decompression process. Your digital music library has never sounded so good, and the dock will even charge your iPod for you.

The RX-V559 is XM ready, so with an optional tuner, antenna and subscription, you can listen to XM Satellite Radio in your family room. This unit is even compatible with XM HD Surround, so you can hear certain XM stations in full multichannel glory. For all this and more, check out the Yamaha RX-V559.


Onkyo TX-SR603X

Onkyo's TX-SR603X is another A/V receiver to offer XM compatibility, but this unit does a lot more than just play satellite radio. The TX-SR603X (with an MSRP of about $500) provides 90 watts into its seven channels of amplification, and with 32 digital processing modes and adjustable crossovers, it gives you exacting control of your home theater experience.

As we mentioned, the TX-SR603X is XM compatible. Unlike many similar receivers, however, this unit has an integrated XM tuner, so all you need is an antenna and a subscription to get you going. With an optional adapter, you can also interface your iPod with the TX-SR603X for a sound that blows away any compact iPod speaker system.

With Onkyo's Auto Speaker Set-Up and the included microphone, the TX-SR603X will automatically calibrate speaker levels and delays for optimal sound at your preferred listening position. You can even use this A/V receiver to power two rooms at once, so the kids can watch a DVD in surround sound in the family room while you listen to XM Radio in the den. With all these listening options, it's no wonder we like the Onkyo TX-SR603X.