Best Small 5.1 Receivers

Although 5.1 receivers are compact, yet you can fill your house with a pleasant sound with an excellent small receiver. They come with the standard right, left, and center channels. In addition to that, they also have two other channels meant for left and right surround sound. The best small 5.1 receivers can route all the signals they receive, thus ensuring that the sound you get is of the highest quality.

What started as a simple 5.1 receiver has now advanced into an all-inclusive setup that can do much more than just allowing you to enjoy your movie with awesome audio quality. Small 5.1 receivers are all about versatility.

There are numerous varieties of small receivers in the market, so you must be very careful to choose the best. Sifting through hundreds of products can be an uphill task. That’s where we come in, we have done the hard part for you, and now we present to you the best small 5.1 receivers in the market today.

We now bring some of the best small receivers. We have chosen these receivers based on various factors. Some of the factors that we have considered include price, salient features such as performance, quality, among others. Read on to find out the best small receivers to buy in 2022.

How Do I Choose the Best Small 5.1 Receiver?

When going to buy a receiver, there are some things that you should consider before purchasing a receiver. And these are:

1. Price

The prices of receivers vary widely from one model to another. If you want to narrow your choices, it is paramount to have a working budget. When you know how much you are willing to pay for a receiver, you can easily choose.

2. Features

It is essential to know which features you need in a receiver. For instance, do you need 4k or 8k support? Do you need the zone playback in various rooms? Do you need HDR support? Dolby Atmos?

Knowing the features that a receiver should have will make it easy for you to choose from the many options. When you are clear on the things you are looking for in a receiver, then you can find one that ticks on all the boxes.

Most importantly, do not pay extra for features that you do not need.

3. Channels

Another paramount thing to consider is the number of channels that the receiver has. For instance, how many surround speakers do you want in a receiver? The receiver with the least channels is the 5.1 receiver, which has up to 13.2 speaker layout.

On the other hand, if you do not need the surround sound, then you should get a receiver with either 2.1 or 3.1 channels.

4. Speakers

The critical question to ask yourself before buying any 5.1 receivers is, will it be able to drive your speakers well? Receivers have the ability to support a wide range of speakers. This might not be a major issue.

But still, you need to consider the impendence and maximum power of the speakers that you have.

5. Network Connections

Another essential factor to consider is the kind of network connections that the receiver has. For instance, do you want a receiver with an Ethernet connection that can allow you to stream live broadcasts from your local net provider or internet radio?

Alternatively, you need to know whether you need a receiver with either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

6. Connections

Here, you need to ask yourself the kind of external devices you will be connecting to the receiver. Ensure that the receiver you purchase has all the right connections which you will need for your devices.

7. Power

The most critical question to ask yourself here is, how loud do you want your room to sound? The power output of a receiver makes a big difference when it comes to how loud the receiver will be.

If you like playing your music loud and you want a receiver that will drive your speakers harder, then you should go for a receiver with more power.

8. Sound Quality

When it comes to audio quality, then you have to consider what you are going to play via the receiver. For instance, if you are a movie lover, then you should consider a receiver with more bass.

However, ensure that you balance well the sound so that you will not drown the other sounds. It is advisable that you buy a self-adjusting receiver, which will be able to configure the sound to suit your room requirements automatically.

9. Video-Pass Through

Most of the 5.1 receivers available in the market come with the video pass-through because most people use them for home theatre systems. To know whether a receiver has a pass-through video ability or not, look for Ultra HD connectivity. Also, if you love rich colors, then you should consider HDR.

Equally important, consider the number of HD ports the receiver comes with. The fewer the number of HD ports that a receiver has, the harder the connection will be. Go for a receiver with a minimum of 4 HD ports.

1. Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver

One thing that you will notice at once about this receiver is the ability to connect 2 sets of speakers. This gives you the freedom to choose between the 2 sets which you want to use. Also, it gives you control over the sound level.

Another salient feature of the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver is Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth allows you to connect either your music app or smartphone.

What’s more, it comes with 40 pre-programmed radio stations to choose from. This gives you a wide variety of music options to select the one you want to listen to.

In terms of design, the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver comes coated with an aluminum brush, which makes it look good and sturdy. That’s not all; the receiver comes with a remote controller, which allows you to control it remotely.

Additionally, the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver comes with a headphone jack. With the headphone jack, you can connect your MP3 or phone and play some music. However, the receiver is not very portable, but you can still use the headphone jack.

If you have a turntable, it is unfortunate that Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver does not support turntables. Therefore, you will have to use a different receiver for the turntable.

Pros

Comes with a headphone jack
Can connect with two separate speakers
Has a remote controller
Bluetooth connection ability
Comes with 40 pre-programmed radio stations
Sturdy

Cons

The Bluetooth connection is not stable when far from the device
Does not support turntables

2. Pioneer VSX-532-K

Pioneer is a renowned brand in the audio industry, and it has carved a name for itself for its high-quality products. Besides that, they have many salient features that make them stand out. The Pioneer VSX-532-K 5.1 mini receiver is very flexible. Some of the salient features include:

It comes with a 4K Ultra HD video pass-through HDCP2.2, which allows you to connect your video. Also, it has 140 watts of power per channel, which is good enough to give you a pleasant sound. There is also the 1 kHz and 1.0% THD at 6 OMS.

The Pioneer VSX-532-K comes with phase control. This is a pioneering technology that helps to improve the calibration of the speaker for maximum performance.

That’s not all; there is an inbuilt Bluetooth connection that supports the Dolby Atmos, True HD, and DTS-HD master audio. Therefore, in terms of audio quality, the Pioneer VSX-532-K stands out.

When you buy the Pioneer VSX-532-K, you can be sure of reliable and consistent performance. Also, it comes with a remote controller, which allows you to control the receiver remotely.

In terms of design, it is compact, so it will not take much space. There is also a headphone jack where you can connect an eternal music source such as your phone or MP3 player.

Pros

Bluetooth connectivity
Has a headphone jack
Comes with a video pass-through ability
Has a remote control
Exceptional audio quality
Uses 140 watts of power
Supports the Dolby atmos, as well as DTS-HD master audio

Cons

None to note

3. Onkyo HT-S3800

The Onkyo HT-S3800 comes with a home theatre package that ensures that all your audio needs are well taken care of. It supports the Dolby Atmos True HD and DTS-HD master audio decoding.

There are 5 channel analog amplifiers that have an impressive stage output circuitry. The 5 channels that are supported include the HDMI 4 in 1, audio return chancel, lip-sync, Xavi color, and deep color.

It comes with 6 pieces of surround sound speakers which you can connect. However, the Onkyo HT-S3800 is a bit expensive, so if you are working on a budget, you might want to reconsider this brand.

However, the speakers that come with Onkyo HT-S3800 do not give the best sound output. Also, the 4K HD is wanting, and it does not support HDR.

What’s more, the Onkyo HT-S3800 comes with an inbuilt Bluetooth connection. This allows you to connect a wide variety of devices.

All the connection systems are well labeled, which makes connection easy. The channels are also adjustable, which makes adjusting easier and faster.

If you are looking for a receiver for a small room, then the Onkyo HT-S3800 is what you need.

Pros

Has a Bluetooth connection
Comes with 6 surround speakers
The channels are adjustable
Supports the Dolby True HD and DTS-HD master audio
User-friendly

Cons

The Bluetooth connection is wanting
The 4K HD is fuzzy

Also read:

4. Marantz NR1506 Slim Line

When it comes to compact receivers, the Marantz NR1506 Slim Line is the ultimate winner. But besides that, it also excels as the most user-friendly receiver thanks to its simplicity.

The Marantz NR1506 Slim Line comes equipped with standard HDMI ports. Also, it has a full 4K HD support. That’s not all; there more salient features, which makes it the best small 5.1 receivers.

There is a 3D video pass-through that allows you to connect to various sources. The power output is 60 watts per channel, which makes it a stealthy receiver.

The Marantz NR1506 Slim Line is ideal for a home theatre setup, and it has a fantastic performance.

Furthermore, the Marantz NR1506 Slim Line comes with remote control. With the remote, you can remotely control the functions of the Marantz NR1506 Slim Line with the push of a button.

There is a headphone jack that allows you to connect either your phone or MP3 player to listen to your favorite music.

You can connect various devices either via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi is wanting.

If you are looking for a receiver for various connection options, then the Marantz NR1506 Slim Line is the best option to consider.

Pros

Comes with a remote controller
Slim design
Supports 3D pass-through
Easy to use
Supports 4K Ultra HD
Ideal for home theatre connection
Value for money

Cons

None to note

5. Sony STR-DH590 Receiver

The Sony STR-DH590 Receiver is designed to support the 4K video quality. The video signal is transmitted via the receiver without any distortions. Besides that, this receiver has a DCAC – digital camera auto-calibration system.

Once the DCAC is switched on, it can automatically scan your surroundings to customize the settings to suit your home environment. This feature helps to optimize the audio quality to suit your room. This saves you the hassle of manually adjusting the settings.

The Sony STR-DH590 Receiver is designed to create a virtual surround sound with connected speakers. Therefore, the audio output is very impressive, and it fills the whole room.

What’s more, the Sony STR-DH590 Receiver has a Bluetooth connection. With Bluetooth, you can connect various music devices, including your phone. Also, once you connect your phone, the phone can act as the remote controller for adjusting the volume, turning the receiver either on or off.

It has a user-friendly interface, so it will be very easy to manage it. There are various languages to choose from, which include Italian, German, English, and French.

Besides the inbuilt Bluetooth, the Sony STR-DH590 Receiver also has Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi functionality is wanting.

Pros

Has a Bluetooth connection
Easy to use
A connected smartphone can act as a remote controller
Automated sound optimization thanks to the CAC system
Supports 4K video quality
Excellent audio quality

Cons

The Wi-Fi is wanting

6. Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver

We started off our list for today with Yamaha, and we finish off with Yamaha. The Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver is another receiver that supports the 4K video pass-through and the Ultra HD video channel.

One outstanding feature of the Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver is its sustainability. It comes with an ECO mode, which allows you to adjust the power consumption by the receiver. You can reduce the power consumption by up to 20%, which in turn saves you on the electricity bill.

It comes with an on-screen display which comes with 4 different languages to choose from. The languages available include Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and English.

In terms of sound quality, the Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver has exceptional audio quality. Also, it has a massive bass output, which makes it ideal for bass lovers.

However, the Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver lacks a Bluetooth connection. In its place, there is a USB port on the front side which you can use to connect various devices. But if you wish, you can buy an adaptor separately.

What’s more, the Yamaha RX-V377 5.1-Channel Receiver comes with remote control, which allows you to control the functions remotely. The adjusting knobs are tiny, which can be challenging to adjust. Thanks to the remote making it easy to control.

Pros

Comes with four various languages to choose from
Supports 4K video pass-through and ultra HD
Comes with an ECO mode, which helps to save power consumption
Has a YPAO which allows adjusting the volume to suit the room automatically

Cons

Lacks a Bluetooth connection
Control buttons are too tiny

How Do I Choose the Best Small 5.1 Receiver?

1. Price

2. Features

3. Channels

4. Speakers

5. Network Connections

6. Connections

7. Power

8. Sound Quality

9. Video-Pass Through