All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
If you love movies, music, or the idea of a truly immersive living-room experience, an audio & video receiver (AVR) is the heart of a great system. Think of it as the conductor in an orchestra — it routes sound, decodes surround formats, and connects all your sources so everything plays nicely together. You don’t need to be an audiophile to notice the difference: better dynamics, clearer dialogue, and a more believable soundstage make films and songs come alive. In short, an AVR brings order to the chaos of cables and devices and gives your speakers a chance to shine.
Shopping for an AVR in the UK means you’ve got options, from big-box stores that offer convenience to specialist shops that provide hands-on advice. Below are some trusted retailers where you can compare models, try demos, and pick up a unit that fits your budget and room.
Currys is a go-to for a wide range of AVRs, from budget-friendly models to mid-range units from mainstream brands. If you like browsing in-store and comparing specs side by side, Currys gives you that convenience. They often run seasonal deals and bundle offers, which can be handy if you’re buying speakers or a TV at the same time.
Richer Sounds is a specialist retailer with a reputation for knowledgeable staff and demo rooms. If you want guided listening and impartial advice, this is a great place to visit. They stock quality brands and are happy to explain subtle differences between amplifier sections, room correction systems, and surround formats — perfect if you want to be confident about the sound before you buy.
John Lewis blends customer service and a solid returns policy with a curated selection of AVRs. Their in-store teams can help pair receivers with TV models and speaker packages, and the shopping experience tends to be relaxed and trustworthy. If you value a reassuring sales process and easy aftercare, John Lewis is worth checking out.
AO.com is convenient for online shoppers who want fast delivery and clear product pages. They carry a sensible range of AVRs and are straightforward with stock and price info. If you know what you want and prefer the speed of online shopping, AO.com is a reliable option.
Hughes specializes in home entertainment systems and often provides installation services. They cater to customers who want everything set up professionally — from receiver programming to speaker placement — which is useful if you’d rather not wrestle with dozens of cables and settings yourself.
Sevenoaks is another specialist with an emphasis on hi-fi and home cinema. They stock premium brands and often have specialist staff who can talk technical but in plain language. If you’re building a higher-end system, this is a shop where you can spend time auditioning components.
For those chasing boutique brands or second-hand gems, Hi-Fi Corner is a UK-based outfit that caters to enthusiasts. They offer specialist advice and sometimes carry older or hard-to-find models for buyers who prefer particular sonic signatures or vintage gear.
Amazon UK offers a massive selection and the advantage of user reviews. You’ll find everything from entry-level AVRs to high-end models, and Prime delivery can be useful if you’re in a hurry. Just remember that when buying from marketplaces, check seller ratings and warranty conditions carefully.
Picking the right AVR can feel overwhelming because there are so many specs and acronyms. But if we break it down, it becomes much easier. Focus on the number of channels, the type of surround formats it supports, the connectivity options, and how it matches your room and speakers. Spend time thinking about how you actually use your system — streaming music, watching sports, gaming, or hosting movie nights — and choose features that align with that.
Channels tell you how many speaker outputs you can run. A 5.1 system is a classic movie setup — left, center, right, two surrounds, and a subwoofer — while 7.1 adds two extra surround channels for more immersion. Dolby Atmos and other object-based formats add height channels or upward-firing speakers for a 3D soundfield. If you’re not sure, a good middle ground is a 5.1.2-capable receiver: it supports two height channels without locking you into a huge speaker count.
Instead of chasing numbers, think about room size in feet. Small rooms up to roughly 12 by 15 ft don’t need huge power reserves; clarity and control at low to moderate volume matter more. Medium living rooms around 15 by 20 ft benefit from a receiver that can handle dynamic peaks without sounding strained. For large open-plan rooms or dedicated home cinemas, look for receivers that deliver stable performance and can cleanly drive your speakers at the volumes you want. If you’re unsure, audition a receiver in a comparable room or ask a specialist retailer to recommend models based on room dimensions in feet.
Modern AVRs should offer multiple HDMI inputs, wireless streaming via Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi, and support for major streaming platforms. Look for built-in AirPlay, Chromecast, or proprietary systems if you stream music from a phone or tablet. Ethernet ports help if your Wi‑Fi is flaky. Also consider legacy inputs if you’re keeping older devices: optical, coaxial, and phono inputs can be handy.
If you’re pairing the AVR with a 4K or 8K TV, check the HDMI version and pass-through capabilities. A good receiver will pass through HDR formats and at least one high-bandwidth connection for your main source. That way your console or streaming box connects through the AVR to the TV and benefits from the fullest picture quality without extra boxes.
Room acoustics make a huge difference. Most receivers include automatic room correction tools that measure speaker placement and apply adjustments. These systems vary in sophistication, but even the basic ones can dramatically improve clarity and bass balance. If you care about sound quality, don’t skip auditioning how the receiver sounds after room correction.
A well-built receiver with a clear front panel and intuitive remote makes life easier. Look for a graphical setup assistant, on-screen menus in inches/feet where distances are shown, and a remote that’s comfortable to use. If you plan to control the system with an app, make sure the manufacturer’s app is well rated and straightforward.
Let’s look at common setups so you can match a receiver to how you live. I’ll keep it practical: think about seating distance in feet and how you’ll use the system.
For a room up to 12 by 15 ft, a compact 5.1 receiver paired with bookshelf speakers works great. You’ll get tight imaging and solid dialogue without overwhelming the space. Place front speakers about 6 to 8 ft apart and the listening seat roughly 8 to 10 ft from the front wall for the best balance.
If your seating is around 10 to 12 ft from the screen and you want height effects without wall-mounted speakers, a 5.1.2 receiver with upward-firing modules gives a convincing Atmos experience. It’s a neat way to get immersive sound without rewiring the room.
In a dedicated room 20 by 15 ft or larger, consider a 7.1 or 7.2 receiver to fill the space and create a realistic surround field. You have room for rear surrounds and side surrounds placed at ear height, with the main seating around 10 to 15 ft from the screen. For serious cinephiles, stepping up to a receiver with advanced room correction and plentiful HDMI inputs future-proofs your setup.
If your priority is music, a two-channel setup can still benefit from an AVR that offers high-quality DACs and stereo amplification. Many modern receivers provide excellent fidelity for records and streaming, with phono inputs for vinyl fans and network streaming for digital collections.
AVRs range from wallet-friendly to jaw-dropping in price. Where you shop and your willingness to buy open-box or refurbished units make a big difference. Specialist stores sometimes have demo stock at reduced prices, and reputable online retailers run seasonal sales. If you're considering used gear, focus on condition, service history, and whether the seller provides any short-term warranty. A receiver that’s been well cared for often gives years of trouble-free service.
Deals often appear around key retail periods — think seasonal sales, Black Friday, or when manufacturers launch new models. If you’re not in a rush, watching prices for a few weeks can save you a tidy sum. Alternatively, look for previous-generation models; they often drop in price when a new series ships but still offer most of the features you need.
Refurbished models from trusted sellers can be an excellent value. They’re typically checked and repaired if needed, and come with a limited warranty. Open-box units from stores like Currys or specialist dealers can be nearly new and significantly cheaper, but always check the warranty and return window.
Setting up speakers and a receiver is more about common sense than wizardry. A few simple moves — speaker toe-in, subwoofer placement, and calibration — yield big improvements. Here are practical tips that save time and improve sound immediately.
Place front left and right speakers so they form an equilateral triangle with your main listening spot. If you’re sitting about 10 ft from the front wall, set the speakers roughly 8 to 10 ft apart and aim them slightly toward the listening position. Keep the center speaker close to the screen and at ear height when seated, or angled toward the listening area if mounted higher.
Subwoofer placement is often trial and error. A simple trick is the “sub crawl”: put the sub in your listening seat and crawl around the room edge to find where the bass sounds fullest, then position the sub there. Small moves of a few feet can change bass balance dramatically.
Technology moves fast, but some smart choices extend how long your AVR remains useful. Prioritize HDMI bandwidth, flexible channel assignments, and network features. A receiver that supports the latest streaming standards and room correction systems will stay relevant longer. Also consider whether you want multi-zone playback if you like music in several rooms — that’s a feature some receivers handle well.
Here are quick, friendly recommendations to help narrow your search. If you’re on a budget, look for a solid 5.1 receiver from established brands that offers modern connectivity. For the best value, mid-range receivers give great sound, flexible HDMI routing, and often Dolby Atmos support. If you want longevity and multi-room features, spend a bit more for better HDMI compatibility and advanced room correction. And if you love demoing gear, book time at a specialist like Richer Sounds or Sevenoaks — hearing a system in person removes a lot of guesswork.
Pick a retailer based on the service you want. Want hands-on advice and demos? Visit Richer Sounds or Sevenoaks. Want convenience and quick delivery? AO.com and Amazon UK are practical. If you value reassurance from a store with a strong returns process, John Lewis is a solid choice. For professional installation or bigger custom jobs, Hughes can handle the heavy lifting. And never underestimate the value of a helpful salesperson — their guidance can steer you away from costly mismatches.
Buying an AVR should be rewarding, not baffling. Start with the room size in feet, decide how immersive you want your sound, and choose a retailer that supports your level of involvement. With the right choices, your next movie night will feel like the first time you heard a soundtrack that really moved you.
Conclusion: An AV receiver is the hub that unlocks a room’s potential. By choosing the right channels, matching the unit to your room in feet, and shopping at retailers that suit your needs — whether that’s a specialist demo room or an online bargain — you’ll get better sound and a simpler setup. Take your time, listen where you can, and remember that a well-chosen receiver delivers years of enjoyment.
| Audio & Video Receivers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Denon Avr-s670h - Av Netværksmodtager | kr. 2.913,- | |
| Denon Avr S670h Av Netværksmodtager Black | kr. 2.914,- | |
| Onkyo Tx-8220 - Receiver | kr. 2.962,- | |
| Pioneer Vsx-535d - Black | kr. 3.279,- | |
| Pioneer Vsx-835d - Black | kr. 3.637,- | |
| Marantz Nr1510 - 85 W | kr. 6.772,- | |
| Onkyo Tx-nr7100 - Av Receiver | kr. 9.748,- |
