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CNET Reviews - Top Rated Audio System Components

Rank Most Popular Titles
1 Denon AVR-4306 (black)
The Denon AVR-4306 offers the best combination of cutting-edge features and superb sound quality of any receiver that we've ever tested.
2 Denon AVR-4306 (silver)
The Denon AVR-4306 offers the best combination of cutting-edge features and superb sound quality of any receiver that we've ever tested.
3 Pioneer VSX-72TXV
The Pioneer VSX-72TXV's winning combination of cutting-edge features and audiophile sound quality are hard to beat, but its HDMI features fall just a hair short.
4 Denon AVR-2807
The Denon AVR-2807's keen balance of superb sound, gotta-have HDMI features, and an affordable price put it in the sweet spot in the company's line.
5 Sonos Digital Music System (Bundle 130)
Recent firmware and feature upgrades cement the Sonos Digital Music System's position as the best multiroom streaming audio solution available.
6 Sony STR DA5300ES
With six HDMI inputs, an intuitive graphical user interface, and excellent audio and video quality, the Sony STR-DA5300ES raises the bar on what to expect from a high-end AV receiver.
7 Onkyo TX-SR800
This midpriced Onkyo has the sound quality, the flexible features, and the design excellence reminiscent of a megabuck receiver.
8 Harman/Kardon AVR 325
A truly exceptional features lineup pushes the AVR 325 to the top of its class.
9 Denon AVR-3805 (black)
Audiophiles craving the very best sound and cutting-edge features will find everything they need in Denon's AVR-3805.
10 Onkyo TX-SR674 (black)
The Onkyo TX-SR674's stellar feature set and first-rate sound quality put it the top tier of midprice HDMI A/V receivers.
11 Sony STR-DA5200ES
With its groundbreaking graphical user interface, three HDMI inputs, and excellent sound, the Sony STR-DA5200ES is outstanding and innovative A/V receiver, with only a handful of frustrations--including some video upconversion issues--spoiling the party.
12 Escient FireBall E-40 Digital Music Manager
The FireBall E-40 is one of the better DARs we've tested, but its $2,000 list price leaves us cold.
13 Sonos Digital Music System (ZP100 bundle)
This, the original Sonos Digital Music System, is still a very slick solution for affordably distributing your music throughout your house. But if you already count an amplifier or an A/V receiver as part of your existing music system, the ampless Sonos ZP80 bundle is a better bet.
14 Denon AVR-3806 (black)
The successor to Denon's best-selling receiver gets even better for 2006, but the AVR-3806's HDMI implementation falls a bit short.
15 Yamaha RX-V2600
The Yamaha RX-V2600's seductive sound is matched by its up-to-the-minute features and stellar build quality, but its video options fall just short of the best we've seen.
16 Escient FireBall E2-200 (200GB)
The Escient FireBall E2 offers sophisticated home-integration capabilities for your digital audio--but its assortment of high-end features come with a price tag to match.
17 Escient FireBall E2-400 (400GB)
The Escient FireBall E2 offers sophisticated home-integration capabilities for your digital audio--but its assortment of high-end features come with a price tag to match.
18 Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS
With an extensive feature package, rock-solid build quality, and awesome sound, the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS is a worthy combination of everything we expect in a high-end A/V receiver.
19 Logitech Slim Devices Squeezebox
The Logitech Squeezebox is an excellent choice for anyone who's serious about streaming digital audio, although buyers should also consider the newer Squeezebox Duet.
20 Sonos BU150 Digital Music System
With the Bundle 150, Sonos continues to refine its excellent multiroom digital audio system--but the price remains high compared to alternative streaming audio products from Logitech and Apple.
21 Denon AVR-3808CI
The Denon AVR-3808CI AV receiver is absolutely packed with functionality and sounds great, but you'll need to be an AV geek to unlock all its potential.
22 Sharp MD-MT877
Although it's expensive, this MD player offers some decent recording options.
23 Marantz SR4200
Sweet sound for the money.
24 Denon AVR-3802
This receiver's stellar sound will appeal to demanding listeners.
25 Pioneer VSX-D811S
Pioneer's midpriced receiver performs like an upmarket model.