Shopping for an AV receiver with preouts under $2500 is easier than it sounds, because at this price ceiling you are really deciding between entry-level networked models and mid-tier Atmos machines — not between compromised options. My top pick is the Denon AVR-X1700H, which pairs true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding with a phono input, dual subwoofer pre-outs, and full HEOS multi-room streaming for a price far below the ceiling. If you want to spend less, the Sony STR-DH590 covers the basics with 4K HDR passthrough and strong raw power, while the Pioneer VSX-935 wins on connectivity with eight HDMI 2.1 ports.
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The main tradeoff in this bracket is simple: channel count and streaming depth versus price. The 5.2-channel models (Denon S570BT, Yamaha RX300A, Sony DH590) keep costs down but cap you at traditional surround or virtualized height effects, while the 7.2-channel Denon and Pioneer unlock real overhead Atmos channels and more amplifier headroom. Wi-Fi and AirPlay are another dividing line — the X1700H and VSX-935 have them, the other three lean on Bluetooth alone.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Denon AVR-X1700H is the only pick with true Atmos decoding, dual subwoofer pre-outs, and full Wi-Fi/HEOS streaming, making it the strongest all-arounder under $2500.
- The Sony STR-DH590 delivers the highest raw power-per-dollar (145W per channel) but skips Wi-Fi, Atmos, and 8K entirely — it is the budget workhorse of the group.
- If HDMI device count is your bottleneck, the Pioneer VSX-935’s eight HDMI 2.1 ports double the Sony’s four and beat every other pick here.
- Buyers wanting Atmos on a tight budget should choose the Yamaha RX300A over the Denon S570BT, since the RX300A decodes Atmos and includes automatic room correction while the S570BT does neither.
- None of these receivers hit anywhere near $2500 — the real decision is whether to spend around $300 or around $600 based on streaming needs and channel count.
| av receivers with preouts under 2500 | Channels | Video Support | Audio Formats | Power Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel A | 7.2 | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | — |
| Pioneer VSX-935 7.2-Channel Ne | 7.2 | — | Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization | — |
| Yamaha RX300A 5.2-Channel Home | 5.2 | 4K/120, 8K/60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | 70W |
| Sony STR-DH590 5.2 Channel Sur | 5.2 | 4K HDR, HDCP 2.2, H.264, H.265/HEVC | — | 145W per channel (725W total) |
| Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel A | 5.2 | 8K, HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR | DTS-HD Master, Dolby TrueHD | 70W x 5 (310W total) |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with 80W/Channel and Built-in HEOS
The Denon AVR-X1700H earns the top slot because it is the most complete package here, with no single weakness that disqualifies it for a typical home theater. Its 7.2-channel layout with true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding means you can build a genuine 5.1.2 system with overhead or up-firing speakers — something none of the 5.2 models can do without virtualizing. Compared with the Pioneer VSX-935, its closest 7.2 rival, the X1700H trades two HDMI inputs for a broader ecosystem: HEOS multi-room streaming, AirPlay 2, and voice control across Alexa, Google, Siri, and Josh.ai.
The dual subwoofer pre-outs are the feature that anchors this pick to the roundup’s premise. Two subs smooth out bass response across a room far better than one, and the X1700H handles that without a Y-cable or external splitter. Add a phono input for turntables, three dedicated 8K inputs, and 8K upscaling on all six, and this model covers source types the Sony and Yamaha simply ignore.
The honest limitation is power: 80W per channel drives bookshelf and moderately efficient tower speakers happily, but owners of power-hungry floor-standers in large, open rooms may eventually want to use those preouts with an external amp. There is also only one HDMI output, which rules out TV-plus-projector setups without a switcher.
Pros:- True Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding for a real 5.1.2 or 7.1 layout
- Dual subwoofer pre-outs plus a phono input for vinyl
- Full 8K support with three dedicated HDMI 2.1 inputs and upscaling on all six
- HEOS multi-room streaming with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and four voice assistants
Cons:- 80W per channel may need external amplification for large rooms
- Single HDMI output limits multi-display configurations
Best for: Home theater builders who want true Atmos, dual sub pre-outs, and full network streaming in one box.
Not ideal for: Owners of inefficient speakers in very large rooms, or anyone needing dual HDMI outputs for a projector and TV.
- Channels:7.2
- Power per Channel:80W
- HDMI Inputs/Outputs:6 in / 1 out (3 dedicated 8K)
- Video Support:8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Audio Formats:Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X
- Streaming:HEOS, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
- Voice Control:Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.ai
- Preouts:2 subwoofer pre-outs
Our verdict“The most balanced receiver in this lineup — real Atmos, real preout flexibility, and real streaming depth at a price far below the ceiling.”
Pioneer VSX-935 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver with Dolby Atmos (2021)
If your entertainment center looks like a server rack, the Pioneer VSX-935 is the obvious choice: eight HDMI 2.1 ports is double what the Sony offers and two more than the Denon X1700H, which means consoles, streamers, Blu-ray players, and a cable box all connect directly with no switch juggling. Every one of those ports carries 8K passthrough and enhanced gaming features, so the connectivity advantage does not come at the cost of bandwidth.
Like the Denon, the VSX-935 decodes genuine Dolby Atmos across a 7.2 layout, and it adds Atmos Height Virtualization so listeners can preview height effects before buying ceiling or up-firing speakers. Compared with the Yamaha RX300A — which also virtualizes height — the Pioneer gives you a path to real overhead channels later, while the Yamaha’s 5.2 frame permanently caps you at virtualized Atmos.
Where it trails the Denon is streaming polish. The VSX-935 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but its music service ecosystem is thinner than HEOS, and there is no phono input for vinyl collectors. At 20.7 pounds and 14.56 inches deep, it is also the most physically demanding unit here, so measure a tight cabinet before committing.
Pros:- Eight HDMI 2.1 ports with 8K passthrough — the most in this lineup
- True Dolby Atmos plus Height Virtualization for speaker-less height effects
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming from TV apps and mobile devices
- 7.2-channel layout allows future expansion to overhead speakers
Cons:- Bulky at 20.7 pounds and nearly 15 inches deep
- 80W per channel is modest for large rooms
- Thinner streaming service selection than Denon’s HEOS ecosystem
Best for: Buyers with many HDMI sources who want 8K on every port and room to grow into true Atmos.
Not ideal for: Vinyl collectors who need a phono input, or anyone with a shallow AV cabinet.
- Channels:7.2
- Output Power:80W per channel
- HDMI Ports:8 (HDMI 2.1 with 8K)
- Audio Formats:Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR
- Streaming:TuneIn and compatible services
- Dimensions:17.13″W x 14.56″D x 6.81″H
- Weight:20.7 lbs
Our verdict“The connectivity champion — eight 8K-capable HDMI ports and genuine Atmos make it the Denon’s strongest rival if inputs matter more than streaming.”
Yamaha RX300A 5.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Atmos
The Yamaha RX300A solves a specific problem none of the other affordable picks address: getting real Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X decoding into a 5.2-channel receiver. The Denon S570BT costs similarly but tops out at Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master — impressive lossless formats, yes, but nothing object-based. If you want Atmos soundtracks rendered with actual height dimensionality on a budget, the Yamaha is the only path here besides stepping up to the 7.2 models.
Yamaha also includes an automatic room correction microphone, a feature even the pricier Sony lacks. Room correction measures your space and tailors the receiver’s output to it, which matters more than most buyers realize in asymmetric living rooms. The flexible speaker layouts — including a 3.1.2 configuration with up-firing or in-ceiling heights — let you spend your speaker budget on height channels instead of rears.
The tradeoff is connectivity: Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi or streaming services. The Denon X1700H is the pick if network streaming is non-negotiable. On the plus side, Bluetooth Multipoint lets two phones stay paired simultaneously, a small quality-of-life touch for households that argue over the aux. At 70W per channel, this is a small-to-medium-room receiver, full stop.
Pros:- Real Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X decoding at a budget price
- Automatic room correction with included setup microphone
- 4K/120 and 8K/60 passthrough with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, VRR, and ALLM
- Bluetooth Multipoint keeps two devices paired for quick switching
Cons:- No Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or built-in streaming services
- 5.2 channels and 70W limit it to small and medium rooms
Best for: Budget-conscious movie fans who want genuine Atmos decoding and room correction without 7.2 pricing.
Not ideal for: Streamers who expect built-in Spotify, AirPlay, or Wi-Fi, or anyone with a large listening room.
- Channels:5.2
- Power Output:70W
- Audio Formats:Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
- Video Support:4K/120, 8K/60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- HDMI Features:eARC/ARC, ALLM, VRR
- Bluetooth:Multipoint (two devices)
- Room Correction:Included setup microphone
- Speaker Layouts:Flexible, including 3.1.2 with height channels
Our verdict“The cheapest way into real Atmos in this lineup — a smarter buy than the Denon S570BT for movie lovers, provided Bluetooth-only streaming is acceptable.”
Sony STR-DH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver with Bluetooth
The Sony STR-DH590 is the value play of this group, and its argument is raw muscle: 145W per channel and 725W total comfortably out-specs every other receiver here on paper, driving demanding speakers at a price that embarrasses the rest. For a straightforward 5.2 movie-and-music setup in a dedicated room, this model does the core job — amplification and surround switching — without charging for features you may never touch.
Be clear about what you are and are not getting. The DH590 handles 4K HDR passthrough with HDCP 2.2, which covers most TV viewing, but there is no 8K, no 4K/120 for gaming consoles, and no Atmos decoding. Compared with the Yamaha RX300A at a similar price point, the Sony gives you more wattage and analog inputs; the Yamaha gives you Atmos, 8K-class HDMI, and room correction. That comparison is the sharpest decision point in this entire roundup for budget buyers.
The 0.9 percent THD rating is worth flagging — it is higher than the others, and critical listeners may notice it at elevated volumes. Bluetooth with standby mode (the receiver powers on when your phone connects) and S-Force PRO virtual surround for two-speaker setups round out a feature set aimed squarely at simplicity over future-proofing.
Pros:- 145W per channel delivers the most raw power in this lineup
- 4K HDR passthrough with HDCP 2.2 for modern TVs
- Bluetooth with standby powers the unit on from your phone
- S-Force PRO creates virtual surround from just two speakers
Cons:- No Wi-Fi or network streaming beyond Bluetooth
- 0.9 percent THD is higher than competing models
- No 8K, 4K/120, VRR, or Atmos support
Best for: Value-focused buyers building a traditional 5.2 system who prioritize amplifier power over streaming and next-gen video.
Not ideal for: Gamers needing 4K/120 or VRR, Atmos enthusiasts, or anyone wanting built-in streaming services.
- Channels:5.2
- Power Output:145W per channel (725W total)
- THD:0.9 percent at 1 kHz
- HDMI:4 in / 1 out with ARC
- Video Support:4K HDR, HDCP 2.2, H.264, H.265/HEVC
- Bluetooth:Yes (2.4 GHz)
- Audio Inputs:4 stereo RCA, 1 optical, 1 coaxial
- Extras:FM tuner, headphone jack, S-Force PRO
Our verdict“Maximum wattage per dollar for a classic 5.2 setup — but the Yamaha RX300A beats it on features if your budget stretches slightly.”
Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver with 8K Ultra HD Audio & Video
The Denon AVR-S570BT is the easiest entry point into home theater in this lineup, thanks to an HD on-screen setup assistant and a remote app that walk newcomers through configuration that might otherwise require a manual and patience. Denon’s setup experience is genuinely friendlier than Sony’s, and that matters for a first receiver more than any spec sheet line.
Its headline feature is four HDMI 2.1 inputs with full 8K passthrough — Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, plus VRR, QFT, and ALLM for gaming. That gives it the most future-proof video chain of the 5.2 models, ahead of the Sony DH590’s 4K-only inputs. A console owner who cares about 8K upscaling and lag-free play gets everything they need here at an entry price.
Where it loses ground to the Yamaha RX300A is audio: the S570BT stops at Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master — excellent lossless formats, but no object-based Atmos or DTS:X decoding, and no room correction microphone. It also shares the Bluetooth-only limitation, with no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or voice assistant integration. This is a receiver for someone upgrading a soundbar to a proper 5.2 speaker system, not for someone chasing immersive audio formats.
Pros:- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR
- VRR, QFT, and ALLM deliver lag-free console gaming
- Guided HD setup assistant and remote app ideal for beginners
- Bluetooth streaming with support for Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, and more
Cons:- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X decoding
- No Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or voice assistant support
- 5.2 channels cap any future expansion beyond surround sound
Best for: First-time receiver buyers and gamers who want 8K HDMI features and a genuinely easy setup process.
Not ideal for: Atmos seekers and streamers — the Yamaha RX300A or Denon X1700H cover those needs better.
- Channels:5.2
- Power Output:70W x 5 (310W total)
- HDMI Inputs:4 (HDMI 2.1, 8K)
- eARC:Yes, up to 40 Gbps
- Video Support:8K, HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR
- Audio Formats:DTS-HD Master, Dolby TrueHD
- Gaming Features:VRR, QFT, ALLM
- Bluetooth:Yes
Our verdict“The friendliest first receiver here, with the best 8K video support among the 5.2 models — just know the Yamaha RX300A decodes Atmos for similar money.”
How We Picked
My ranking logic starts with the promise of this roundup: preout connectivity and expansion potential under $2500. Subwoofer pre-outs and preout access matter most to readers planning to add external amplification or dual subs later, so I weighted models with flexible preout configurations and room correction above basic pass-through units.
From there I compared four factors across the lineup. Channel count and object-based audio — a 7.2 receiver with genuine Atmos decoding earns a higher slot than a 5.2 model with virtualized height only. HDMI bandwidth and gaming features, since 8K/60 and 4K/120 passthrough with VRR and ALLM determine whether a receiver stays relevant through a console generation. Streaming and networking depth, where Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and multi-room platforms distinguish the networked picks from Bluetooth-only models. Finally, value framing — because every option here sits well under the $2500 ceiling, my job was to match spending levels to buyer types rather than chase the most expensive box.
I also held each model against realistic drawbacks. Underpowered amplification, missing Wi-Fi, and limited channel counts are real tradeoffs in this bracket, and each review names them directly so nobody overpays for features they will not use.
| av receivers with preouts under 2500 | Audio Formats | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel A | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | — |
| Pioneer VSX-935 7.2-Channel Ne | Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization | — |
| Yamaha RX300A 5.2-Channel Home | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Multipoint (two devices) |
| Sony STR-DH590 5.2 Channel Sur | — | Yes (2.4 GHz) |
| Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel A | DTS-HD Master, Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Av Receivers With Preouts Under 2500
Before spending anything in this bracket, I recommend weighing four questions that separate these five receivers more cleanly than any spec table.Channel Count and Preout Expansion
A 5.2 receiver covers traditional surround sound and virtualized height effects; a 7.2 receiver unlocks genuine overhead Atmos channels. If your long-term plan includes in-ceiling or up-firing speakers, the Denon X1700H or Pioneer VSX-935 are the only picks here that get you there. On the preout side, the Denon’s dual subwoofer pre-outs are the standout — dual subs measurably smooth bass across seating positions, and having two dedicated outputs avoids splitter cables entirely.
HDMI Bandwidth for Gaming and 8K
Modern consoles output 4K/120, which requires full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1. The Denon S570BT, Pioneer VSX-935, Yamaha RX300A, and Denon X1700H all handle this; the Sony STR-DH590 does not, capping at 4K/60. Gamers should also demand VRR and ALLM, which reduce screen tearing and input lag. Count your sources, too — the Pioneer’s eight inputs dwarf the Sony and entry Denon’s four.
Streaming and Networking
Only the Denon X1700H and Pioneer VSX-935 include Wi-Fi, with the Denon’s HEOS platform offering the deepest multi-room and music-service integration plus AirPlay 2. The other three rely on Bluetooth, which is fine for casual playback but ties streaming quality to your phone’s connection and offers no whole-home audio. If you already use voice assistants, the X1700H is the lone pick with full Alexa, Google, Siri, and Josh.ai support.
Power, Room Size, and Calibration
Wattage claims are not directly comparable — Sony’s 145W figure and Denon’s 80W rating come from different measurement standards — but the practical rule holds: large rooms and inefficient speakers want more power. The Yamaha’s included room correction microphone is an underrated advantage, automatically compensating for reflective walls and odd layouts. None of these receivers will struggle in a typical living room; all of them benefit from sensible speaker matching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all five of these receivers have subwoofer preouts?
Yes — every model here is a .2-capable receiver with subwoofer preout connectivity, which is the baseline requirement for this roundup. The distinction is quantity: the Denon AVR-X1700H offers two dedicated subwoofer pre-outs, letting you run dual subs with independent cabling, while the other four provide a single subwoofer output. If you plan a two-subwoofer setup for smoother bass across multiple seating positions, the X1700H avoids the need for a Y-splitter and gives each sub its own connection, which also enables better level matching during calibration.
Which receiver should a gamer choose?
For console gaming, the Pioneer VSX-935 and Denon AVR-X1700H lead the pack, both combining HDMI 2.1 bandwidth with VRR and ALLM support across multiple inputs. The budget-friendly answer is the Denon S570BT, whose four HDMI 2.1 inputs, 8K passthrough, VRR, QFT, and ALLM cover everything a PS5 or Xbox Series X outputs — a meaningful step up from the Yamaha RX300A only if you also weigh its lack of Atmos decoding. The Sony STR-DH590 is the one to avoid for gaming, since its HDMI chain tops out at 4K/60 without any gaming-specific features.
Is a 5.2 receiver enough, or do I need 7.2 channels?
It depends entirely on whether you want real overhead sound. A 5.2 system with five ear-level speakers plus a sub delivers excellent traditional surround and suits most living rooms, and models like the Yamaha RX300A can even virtualize height effects from a 5.1 or 3.1.2 layout. But genuine Dolby Atmos with physical height channels requires spare amplifier channels, which only the Denon X1700H and Pioneer VSX-935 provide here. My guidance: if your room supports in-ceiling or up-firing speakers and you watch Atmos-heavy content, spend the extra on 7.2; otherwise 5.2 leaves nothing on the table for movies and music.
Why is the Sony’s 145W rating higher than the Denon’s 80W — is it really more powerful?
On paper the Sony looks nearly twice as powerful, and it is a strong performer, but manufacturers measure differently, often at different frequencies, distortion levels, and channel counts. Sony’s 145W figure comes with a 0.9 percent THD disclosure, while Denon’s 80W rating reflects a more conservative measurement standard. In practice, the Sony does deliver robust output for demanding speakers at high volume, but the gap is smaller than the numbers suggest. If clean sound at reference levels in a big room is the goal, either receiver works — the X1700H’s preouts also give you the option of adding an external amplifier later, which no amount of rated wattage can replace.
Can I stream Spotify and other services without Wi-Fi?
Partially. The Bluetooth-only models — the Sony DH590, Denon S570BT, and Yamaha RX300A — play Spotify and TIDAL by streaming from your phone over Bluetooth, which works fine but routes audio through your device and limits you to one active source at a time. The Denon X1700H and Pioneer VSX-935 connect to your network directly, letting you use their apps, multi-room features, and voice control without your phone in the chain. If whole-home audio or AirPlay 2 matters to you, network connectivity is worth the price difference; if you just want background music, Bluetooth covers it.
Conclusion
With all five options sitting comfortably under the $2500 ceiling, the real question is which buyer you are. Home theater builders planning a genuine Atmos setup should buy the Denon AVR-X1700H — its dual sub pre-outs, true object-based audio decoding, and HEOS streaming make it the most future-proof pick. Gamers and source-heavy households get more value from the Pioneer VSX-935 and its eight HDMI 2.1 ports.
Budget buyers face the sharpest choice: the Yamaha RX300A for real Atmos decoding and room correction, the Sony STR-DH590 for maximum amplifier power in a traditional 5.2 room, or the Denon S570BT if 8K gaming features and beginner-friendly setup matter more than immersive audio formats. My honest summary: most readers will be happiest with the X1700H, and most budget readers should choose between the Yamaha and Sony based on whether they prioritize modern audio formats or raw wattage.
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