Adding the best AV receiver for your needs can expand any home theater experience. Choosing the best AV receiver will depend on individual preferences, system needs and, of course, budget.

Some of the best AV receivers include components from quality manufacturers such as Onkyo and Denon. Pioneer’s Elite series of AV receivers and an AVENTAGE model from the top line of Yamaha AV receivers are on the short list of best AV receivers available.

Among entry-lever offerings, consider some of the best AV receivers coming from the likes on Onkyo and Yamaha. The Yamaha RX-V474 offers advanced multi-language on-screen displays, connectivity for iPods or iPhones, Yamaha’s proprietary YPAO calibration, 4K video pass-through, 3D support and more.

The Onkyo TX-SR508 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver is an amazing entry-level home theater receiver offering up processing and connectivity technology not usually found in moderately priced receivers. It is powerful enough to power quality mid- to large-sized speakers and provides ample HDMI options to accommodate all the gaming, video, broadcast and Blu-Ray needs in any normal household.

When it comes to mid-range receivers, both Yamaha and Onkyo again deliver some of the best AV receiver options available in the middle range.

The Onkyo TX-NR717 Network Home Theater Receiver is one of the most highly respected mid-range receivers. This THX-certified receiver offers unrivaled video performance combined with topflight audio performance. The TX-NR717 also offers multi-zone capability and easy-to-manage, intuitive operation.

Yamaha’s AVENTAGE series also offers up one of the best AV receivers in the mid-range – the AVENTAGE RX-A1020. This receiver is powerful, offers connectivity and multi-zone function and provides exceptional audio and video. It is ranked as best mid-range receiver by About.com.

Onkyo and Yamaha deliver yet again when it comes to the best AV receivers among the high-end selections. Other high-end components that rank among the best AV receivers come from Denon and from among Pioneer’s Elite series. Ranked among the very best, though, is the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A3020, which includes all the features imaginable for any home-theater system, ready to meet the needs for years to come. Among high-end receivers, TestFreaks.com rates Yamaha’s RX-A3020 tops and includes the Yamaha RX-A1020 and the Onkyo TX-NR3009 among their highest-rated picks as well.

Without considering AV receivers by their range classification, CNET recently ranked the Onkyo TX-NR616 as its top AV receiver pick. This AV receiver offers value and flexibility without a high-end price.

To get the most out of any home theater experience, an AV receiver is a must. Users should carefully review the options and select the best AV receiver for their needs.