Hubs that anchor your entertainment setup

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After examining dozens of mid-range models, here are the best options for most home theaters.

A home stereo receiver and amplifier next to a single bookshelf speaker

If your home stereo system sounds great for music and movies, it will do well for karaoke.Photo: IvanWuPI / Getty Images

Note: Prices are subject to change.

It supports 4K/120Hz pass-through, variable refresh rates, and an auto-low latency mode for the best gaming experience.

The AVR-S960H allows for up to 7.2-channel surround sound.

Denon AVR-S960H stereo receiver with Lifewire Editor’s Choice badge

PHOTO: Amazon

If you connect a good projector and surround sound system, youll have a movie theater-like experience at home.

The S960H supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and other audio and video technologies.

The Yamaha RX-V385BL is a good choice for a receiver that will do the job at a reasonable price.

Yamaha-rx-v385-51-channel-av-receiver

PHOTO: Amazon

The package includes a YPAO microphone to auto-calibrate the sound to your specific space.

It has four HDMI inputs and only one output, but thats usually sufficient for most people.

Sports fans and gamers may prefer a different option.

Sony-str-dh790-72-channel-receiver

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon buyers give this product an average 4.5-star rating, and 77 percent give it a perfect 5-star score.

The STRDH790 offers a lot of value with a long feature list and solid performance.

It provides four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, which should be sufficient for most home theaters.

Onkyo Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver

PHOTO: Amazon

you’re free to even use your smartphone to power the receiver.

Audio is where this model shines, though.

The build quality is impressive, too, and this receiver should last quite a while.

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver

PHOTO: Amazon

Over 2,000 Amazon buyers have reviewed this receiver and give it average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

This innovative Onkyo model is another good pick for features and flexibility.

Whats not to love?

Amazon buyers give this product an average 4.2 star rating.

However, this model might be worthwhile if youre a music buff who wants pure sound.

Amazon buyers give this product a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Even the most basic home theater receivers offer several options, including standardDolby DigitalandDTS Digital Surrounddecoding.

However, DTS:X and Auro3D Audio often require a firmware update.

HDMI can pass both audio and video signals through a single cable.

Plug it into your receiver, and you’ll instantly be able to stream audio from any Bluetooth-enabled rig.

Connect the subwoofer to the output of the receiver.

Harsh chemicals could damage your receiver, so give a shot to avoid using them.