Market guide
Channels, HDMI and room correction
Read the conditions attached to every capabilityPower ratings, HDMI features and room-correction names are not single transferable scores. Keep speaker load, channel count, frequency range, distortion condition, port, firmware and license attached to the claim.
Power
Compare amplifiers under useful conditions
A two-channel test does not establish simultaneous output across every internal amplifier. Speaker impedance curves, distance, crossover and listening level change demand.
- Condition
- Retain channels driven, load, frequency range and distortion beside every watt figure.
- External
- Use pre-outs and an appropriate amplifier when the real system exceeds the receiver's comfortable role.
HDMI
Verify features by port and path
Bandwidth, VRR, ALLM, HDR formats, eARC and multi-display behavior can differ across inputs and outputs. Firmware and the connected devices remain part of the chain.
- Matrix
- Build a source-by-input-by-output table from the current manual.
- Test
- Exercise each required resolution, refresh, audio format and control path during the return period.
Correction
Price the exact calibration tier
Audyssey, Dirac Live, Bass Control and ART are different tools and may require separate licenses or hardware support. They cannot repair every placement or room problem.
- License
- Record what is included, optional and supported on the exact model and firmware.
- Measure
- Keep microphone placement and before-and-after settings with the saved calibration.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01Current AV receiver rangeDenon · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 02Current CINEMA SeriesMarantz · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 03Dirac Live supported hardware and licensesDirac · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 04AV receiver measurements and discussionAudio Science Review · checked August 16, 2026Open source