A/V Receiver Power Ratings | What to Look For and Look Out For!

[@David25522]

This is exactly why I love this guy! I learn something from all his videos from him. Thanks Techno Dad!!!

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks Dave!!

[@vaishal27]

This really helps a beginner understand what to look for while buying a new AV receiver without falling for traps that these companies lay out. It would have been nice to see you show a quality amplifier, regardless of price, with good output numbers with low THD so that the people can really see why those amplifiers alone are so expensive. Sort of like, you get what you pay for. But a solid video nonetheless! Keep up the good work and love these videos!

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, you do get what you pay for. I wish I had the equipment to actually test the power output, but that stuff is super expensive!

[@Audioholics]

The Onkyo rating you quoted is dynamic power, not continuous. It's not an apples to apples comparison for FTC rated power. The sticker rating on Denon and Marantz usually is for 1CH driven, 6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% distortion. Truth in Power is needed!

[@TechnoDad]

“Just the TiP” Lol! I was wondering when you were going to chime in. I can’t believe this is still an issue. I wish I had the equipment you use to actually test these things. I know it’s pricey though...

[@Audioholics]

@@TechnoDad yea Onkyo told me they stopped that nonsense and Sound United claims they list 2Ch first but list other specs to compete with Sony and HTIB. Marantz at least gives 70% rule and Denon adheres to it too.

[@lexiewilkinson9703]

rigth on my man, you need to redo this video every years some people are still get fool with those crazy rating!!!

[@gnd144]

Nothing but truth with a TD review. Respect brother. GregD.

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you Greg!!

[@MrBleujob]

So how many watts per channels if I used 7.2 setup for Denon x3600h do you think ?

[@inuyasha561]

this was really helpful. i am in the market for a old buy replacement amplifier. I currently own the Onkyo HT-R380 and that thing was really nice, but it recently started going into standby mode as soon as it's powered on. I'm currently looking at the TX-NR525 the power output: Power Output: 130 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC); 160 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven, JEITA). I'm guessing this is bad?

[@nelson5254]

I was asking this question all my life. Thanks to making this video. Thanks David!!

[@TechnoDad]

You bet!

[@fungaming4k]

the rating on the front of the receiver - is the 4 ohm Dynamic power: outpart

[@TechnoDad]

wow! That's nuts! Thanks for the tip.

[@maxs.8146]

5:07 it‘s the Onkyo TX RZ 840

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Hey Chana, thanks for all of the great videos this year! Merry Christmas man!

[@nattejmk]

Great video. Think you help many guys out their. Merry christmas man

[@MixedArarash]

i have my old sony str-k990 av receiver, 90 watts per channel, 140 watts for each speaker, 1% distortion. Is it still considered to be good based on what you explained?

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Great tutorial man! Great information, especially those new to the home theater hobby.

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks! I gotta try and steer people in the right direction.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

@@TechnoDad Man, you are an asset to the home theater hobby, and to KZbin.

[@hometheaterman1424]

i do have a question about my Onkyo TX-RZ1100 RECIEVER.. I counted the number of channels on the back of my receiver I counted 11.2CH on the back of my onkyo and the number matches up with the Denon AVR-6500H 11.2CH. my Onkyo is supposed to be a 9.2 Channel. but the number of channels on the back of my Onkyo TX-RZ1100 receiver maches up the same number of channels that the denon AVR6500H 11.2 channels has.. why do the call my onkyo only a 9.2 channel than? can you please look into this for me Channa?

[@MichaelAnthonyLee]

Kudos to Yamaha for very clearly stating their power ratings for the RX-A3080 AVR without any doubt of what it means: "Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 150 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD)". Yes, their site also includes some other ratings at different resistance/channel outputs that are pointless for the most part, but at least the important one is there clearly in black and white. I'm converting from Marantz to Yamaha in my main room.

[@thedesperado9720]

I am wondering what let’s you think the information on the Website is correct ? My bet would be that all sources provide a higher number to improve sales. Nothing new, manufacturers have been doing this for years. There are a few exceptions like Rotel though.

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, good point Frank! Without standardization we really don’t know. I love Parasound as they under report their numbers. Great amps!

[@spock7of961]

Does any A/V Receiver pass HDR 10+ through the HDMI port?

[@arnelcomia2060]

no yamaha aventage??

[@RabidFace]

This was very enlightening! I recently purchased the Yamaha TSR-7850 from Costco. Didn't do the math until I switched to different speakers that are 100RMS, 200 Peak 8ohm. Back of receiver near power cord says 400W. So after doing the math if the 7.1 was in party mode with 2 other speakers that is 44 watts per channel. I have to turn the volume 75% when watching movies to bring it to about 85 decibels which coensides with a 40 watt power rating per channel. A little disappointed but feature wise, you couldn't ask for anything more in an AVR. I also came from an old Yamaha receiver optical to it, but it seemed like that thing had double the power. P.S. It's 2 channel 95 W 8 ohms, 0.06% THD and I can't find the sensitivity rating of my Panasonic satellites which could be my volume issue as well. P.S.S. I just did some quick more digging and they are 81 db/W which is why I have to crank it. I am happy again it's not the AVR 😊

[@ThriftyAV]

It's interesting how the manufacturers give a bunch of useless stats for power ratings. It seems that they count on buyers not knowing what to look for. And why do SURROUND receivers never talk about 5, 7, or 9 channels driven? That's what someone watching Dolby ATMOS or DTX:X encoded content wants to know.

[@TechnoDad]

Yup! That’s the problem! I always try to recommend a power amp but there are a lot of people that can’t spend that kind of money on an AVR with pre outs. I think I saw a Cambridge Audio spec with 5 channels driven. That was cool, but I wish they would all do that, or someone could force all AVR manufacturers to fit to a standard of measurement.

[@mahdooh1909]

What do you think about Onkyo 696? Or Denon 2600h

[@dodjo18]

How can i chanche the denon onscreen menu and info. ?its dont see the menus.s en its not over screen

[@tsgt2007]

What do you think about the power specs for that Anthem MRX 520 receiver ?

[@richieavee8289]

Can you let me know if the Yamaha tsr 7850 a good buy just bought it wish I would've seen your video before I bought it

[@-Tholos-]

Are these numbers peak power or RMS?

[@sri20482]

What do you think about Onkyo tx-rz840

[@timkite7330]

Hey mate I have 5.1.4 setup of kef q350 for the fronts and rear plus q650c and svs sb 1000 I'm deciding between marantz 6014 Denon 3600h and Yamaha 2080 which one would you recommend thanks I have a small room

[@shaileshnandikol4709]

Hey Techno Dad .....what would be this on AVR Yamaha Aventage 3070 - Dynamic Power / Ch (Front L/R, 8/6/4/2 ohms) -175 / 220 / 295 / 410 W

[@thiagodelgado3128]

I bought a denon x6500h to use in 5.1.2 klipsch, was a good choice? Wanna get referencie levels. Like cinema

[@23SSG]

Thiago Delgado I was just looking at the AVR-X6500H. I’m running all Klipsch except my sub which is the Monolith 12" THX Ultra. Are you running Klipsch subs?

[@thiagodelgado3128]

@@23SSG PB2000 from svs, I don't see any localization of bass, I even notice them, only feel when bass gets to low. Or my pb2000 are with problem or they don't sound punch.

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! I have that one in for review and since it's an 11 channel amp and you are only running 7 channels, you are probably getting a good experience out of it.

[@dollarattri]

Why there are different ratings at different wattage¿ I am liltke confused why there are multiple wattage rating deom single amp

[@ianpierce7366]

i really thank you for many things i learned for watching your videos, just a question about power rating, i've been looking at the Emotiva BasX Amp one thing i notice is about power it says: A-3: 140 watts RMS / channel; 20 Hz - 20 kHz; THD < 0.1%; into 8 Ohms but when you go thoroughly to the manual it say like this THD+N < 0.02% (A-weighted); at rated power; 1 kHz; 8 Ohms. what's the difference between THD vs THD+N?

[@hyamkumar6638]

Superb !!! Very nice explanation...

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you!!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

You got it down to the point. Thanks 🤝

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks for watching!!

[@avtechman77]

Techno Dad.. I assume you'll be at CES so you should check with these AV manufacturers there why do they put that number on the Box?

[@lowstryder1022]

daddio77 I second that! Bring Gene from Audioholics with you. He’s been saying this kind of thing for years

[@TechnoDad]

Yeah, I'm definitely going and I will ask!

[@Kero_81]

Thank you for this Video! Im about to buy a new AVR, still rockin my old Denen AVR1404... But how can i find out how many Watts an AVR has in like 5.1 or 7.1 Configuration with 8Ohm Speakers. For example im interested in the x3700h but i cant find that information in any tests. =(

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! No way to tell how many watts with 5 channels driven. The good part about the X3700H (amzn.to/36iBjJ9) is that you can add a power amp and guarantee a specific power output to all 5 speakers.

[@jason83ok]

Thank you for this awesome tips!

[@TechnoDad]

You're welcome Jason!

[@kurthanke1230]

What your thoughts about Marantz SR7013. How does it stack up to the SR6014 or other av receivers? I can pick one up for $1800

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Kurt. That's a beast of an AVR! It has most of the same options as the newer ones. There are a few new features it's lacking but not sure if they matter to you.

[@daynor_5374]

What do you think about 50w/ch receiver?? In my country I just have 2 options Marantz nr1609 or Denon x1500h 70% for music and the rest for movies, games,etc Which do you suggest?? I would really appreciate your help

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! That's tough, but if you're all about that music, maybe Marantz is the way to go. In particular, the NR1609 has pre-outs for the front speakers, so you could add a power amp down the line.

[@kurthanke1230]

Should I buy now or wait for 2.1? Will 2.1 be happening soon? Thank for all you do.

[@TechnoDad]

Not 100% sure you will need HDMI 2.1 as of yet.

[@godfather1116]

One of the biggest reasons I run separates :)

[@TechnoDad]

Yup yup!

[@broLuther]

@@TechnoDad what are separates?

[@michaelwillacy3846]

If I have an 8ohms speaker 150watts and my amp is 200watts will it damage my speakers?.

[@onemeterpeter7137]

I don't think so

[@DuaineM]

Techno Dad: I’m wondering if you might tell me if the information I see in the Denon specs might help in figuring out the watts per channel dilemma? As I was learning about the Denon AVRs and seeing this video from you I was trying to figure the wattage I might get out of the Denon X3600H. I looked at the technical specs for the X3600H. Way down on the bottom of the 3600 product description page. In the “Specification” section and in the “General” drop down box, there is a line that says, “Power Consumption in W.” The number provided is 600 watts. One might assume that 600 watts is the maximum wattage the power supply can handle. I that is true, and all 9 powered channels of the X3600H in use the theoretical watts per channel would be 66.667 watts. What do you think? Am I on the right track?

[@KCC46]

Yes, you're on the right track. As more channels are engaged, the maximum wattage per channel drops of/when all channels are engaged. However, it would be a rare situation to have all channels firing like that at the same time so not really a concern.

[@kylefischer7881]

You say in the video the Onkyo is an NR840, but I think you meant RZ840 since that’s what you showed later. Just don’t want confusion.

[@TechnoDad]

Oh, right, my bad! Thanks!

[@nickdinatae3431]

Great video thats why i pre amp out to a all channels driven outlaw amp

[@TechnoDad]

Yup! That Model 5000 is a great choice that won’t break the bank.

[@Vroder1250]

Hey Techno Dad, which AV receiver is compatible with 5.2.2 setup klipsch R820F front Klipsch R52C center Klipsch R51M rear and klipsch RP500SA Atmos Klipsch R120SW Subs I currently have Yamaha TSR 7850 The output on current receiver is 95 Watts/ Chanel and the R820F is 150W/600W. Is it ok to use that receiver or get another one?

[@jimdowell1729]

as long as your avr will actually power 7 channels then you'll be fine. it'll fun your speakers. and with klipsch, you'll better off since they are very sensitive speakers. but you'll always benefit from an external amp

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! What budget are you planning to spend? Klipsch are pretty easy to drive, so that's a good thing.

[@Vroder1250]

Techno Dad $800 to $1000

[@LinasR]

Sometimes it is easier to check from what is the power consumption from an outlet than look for sound power. That Sony DN1080 consumes less than 300W Denon like 600W. So you now know which is more powerful (or maybe inefficient). But at the end do you really need more than 50 W of sound at home? Woofer takes all the kicking not the AVR

[@mwizachavura8399]

You can know the output power if u know the amplifier class, then look at the output voltage of its power supply,

[@IcemanX504X]

When will you do some reviews on Sony's ES receivers i have the 3100es which is a great receiver. There's lots of people that would probably be interested in knowing about these units.

[@OxCart78]

Great tips!

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@xxxL0cutus]

The par of the Spec. that I don't get is why they are able to list it as 105Wx8 - this leads me to believe that it is actually a total of 840 watts MAX. IE - 105 x 8 = 840. Obviously this is not the case at all.....

[@jimdowell1729]

my X4400H (on amazon) says 9.2 channel AV Receiver with 125W per channel (8ohm, 20Hz 20kHz with 0.05 percentageTHD), and of course the sticker on the damn thing says 9.2 235w. yay? ... i've never looked at or paid attention to what avr's say on their power rating. it'll never be too low or poor to drive the channels it can, but i also know it'll never be what is going to be great amplification. thats why i got my outlaw 5000 :D

[@yazidrashid7457]

tnx a lot bruh..

[@TechnoDad]

You're welcome!

[@Kammaflaje]

My tip for you all buy a cheap receiver with preouts and then power your speakers with a power amp. Dont buy preamp because it's not worth the money. But a cheap receiver and a power amp and your set to go. I have a emotiva xpa 7 gen 3 200 x 7 true watts per channel and are driven by a onkyo TX-rz830 receiver. As speakers I use klipsch series

[@TechnoDad]

Woot woot! That’s what I recommend. Sadly, the newer AVRs with pre outs usually cost over $600 or $700, and that’s tough for a lot of people.

[@Kammaflaje]

@@TechnoDad then our receivers are cheaper because here (sweden) you can get one for about 4000 swedish kr it's about 370 dollar. My system cost me about 110000+ swedish kr it's about 10000 dollars. So I'm in the high end tho of home theater system. But still true watts is what to aim for. For example a cheap power amp from emotiva basx series you still get a better system then running just a receiver. Because the built in power amp in receivers really is that bad. Sure it cost you abit more to buy a power amp aswell but from my point of view its worth it. To have true watts per channel. Even if it's only like 50- 75 watts per channel in 8 ohm.

[@nattejmk]

@@Kammaflaje Tjena. Vad kör du för system. Driver allt med min onkyo rz3100. Funderat länge på vilket slutsteg jag ska skaffa. Tittat på emotivia xpa. Kör 7.2.4. Väl så häftigt driva med en enhet

[@Kammaflaje]

@@nattejmk rekommenderar dej att se till att ha tillräcklig kraft för högtalnana främst front kanalerna. Men jag ville ha så mycket kraft till alla högtalare som jag kan. Därför föll valet på emotiva xpa 7 och skall köps ett till sen.

[@nattejmk]

@@KammaflajeSant. Kör klipsch rf-7 lll front,center klipsch rc-64,surround klipsch 4st rp-502s,4 st onkyo monterat så nära tak som möjligt. Känns som surrondet räcker drivas med hemmabiorecivern. Och köra ett tre kanals på frontarna och centern. Såg emotiva xpa dr-2 verkar kraftfullt dock bara två-kanals. Är du nöjd med Emotiva. Vad kör du för frontar?

[@ManosPairis]

It is very simple. Only rotel, arcam, nad and maybe anthem for "receivers", all the others lie for the power ratings. You guys want 11 channels good power ratings low distortion all streaming and radio in one device?! No way you are getting it... Only if you drive it with Klipsch speakers (easyer spekers to drive on market), and then maybe... If you go seperates, same brands plus the big ones (macintosh, bryston, theta digital)

[@TechnoDad]

I like Parasound amps. I feel like they bring solid, clean power to the table without paying prices for Macs.

[@stevorcompton5289]

Techno Dad, any amps manufactured by ATI (a variety of actual nameplates) are worthy of consideration as outboard amps for receivers which is what I’ve done first with an Onkyo Rx 810 and now with a Denon X3600H I use mainly as a pre/pro.

[@nonametofame]

@@TechnoDad I recently got some Parasound amps, and really enjoying them. But I haven't been able to find any reviews with solid, detailed measurements. I did read somewhere that John Curl feels that clean measurements don't necessarily equate to great sound. What's your take on measurements vs. "trusting your ears?"

[@mikeb359]

Maybe they claim "165 watts per channel" and state "2 channels driven" because a single channel does output "165 watts". Its stated within the description,therefore releasing manufacturers from false claims. Similar to cable company's that state in their internet packages....."Up to 300mbps download speed" key words releasing them from fraudulent claims......"Up to"

[@hometheaterman1424]

Hi Chana D how are u doing tonight? I was wondering if you can do a video like this but for the ONKYO TX-RZ1100 Reciver? I own that Model that is why I would re like you to do a video on it. and also the denon AVR6500H along with the Marantz 8012.

[@cb7pwn]

Nothing like spending THOUSANDS only to find out later that you really had no idea what you bought 🤣 it's a weird feeling. Like buying a car that will later be problem prone

[@TechnoDad]

You know…

[@Test-Pilot1194]

Cut out the middle man. Install an external power amplifier👍🏻👍🏻

[@Test-Pilot1194]

Actually. This video still holds great relevance, there are still avrs out there that don’t have pre outs, my bad for forgetting that bit, however, given the opportunity, you would spend the extra couple hundred quid, on an AVR with pre outs. Pre outs are always worth the investment.👍🏻👍🏻

[@TechnoDad]

That’s what I always recommend

[@randyhunt1581]

Tim the Tool man Taylor would put a Binford 440 supercharger on any amp and get 40,000 watts rms at 0.08% THD. Can't touch Tim.

[@TechnoDad]

Lol!

[@yournightmare9999]

All companies lie about watts only few of them telling real power but normal people can't afford them. 👊😉

[@deankim6687]

I would imagine that one of the only industries more full of snake oil, than audio, is the supplements industry.

[@TechnoDad]

Lol! So true!

[@eddietours3728]

front numbers are like sony and MS new console demo what you see is not what will actually run lol

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!!!

[@russellleahy]

All the amps you talked about except maybe the marantz are cheap quality there numbers are not good need higher quality amps there specs are better and more accurate.not all watts are created equal

[@b.a.2335]

What's to say the 2 channel is accurate? That take us as complete idiots!

[@TechnoDad]

Lol!! Great point!! They can just anything since there is no standardization.

[@geraldperry7779]

Why are they not charged for false advertising? Sony has gone down hill since early 2000,there ES line in 1980-90 was high end equipment. Today absolutely junk except there low budget Hi-Resolutiion speakers.

[@TechnoDad]

I think it's because there are no standards for power ratings.

[@Procharged32]

Sounds like all false advertising all the new avrs are crap.