Best A/V Receiver to Use with Apple TV 4K 2021

Denon Avr S650h Audio Video Receiver on an entertainment center
Denon Avr S650h Audio Video Receiver on an entertainment center (Image credit: Sound United, LLC)

The Apple TV 4K is a fantastic way to enjoy the latest content on the big screen, but you are missing out if you don't have one of the best receivers for Apple TV. If you have the best speakers for Apple TV 4K already, the best receivers for Apple TV deliver genuinely immersive experiences with booming surround sound that make your movies and Apple TV+ shows come alive. Featuring support for 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, the Yamaha RX-V685 is ready for a truly next-level movie night with the best possible audio format that you can get with the Apple TV. If you are ready for an upgrade, these are the best receivers for Apple TV that you can buy today.

Best Overall: Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

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Yamaha Rx V685 Av Receiver amongst other Yamaha receivers

Yamaha Rx V685 Av Receiver amongst other Yamaha receivers (Image credit: Yamaha Corporation)

The Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver supports everything that makes the Apple TV 4K great — 4K video, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and multi-room audio through AirPlay 2. Yamaha's offering supports up to 7.2 channels of surround sound and sports a plethora of ports — enough for anyone to build a decent system at a price that won't break the bank.

With support for Dolby Atmos, it's ready to deliver immersive sound on the library of a wide variety of iTunes titles and Apple TV+ shows. Combined with Yamaha's YPAO Reflected Sound Control technology — which optimizes sound by measuring the acoustics in your space with an included module, this receiver truly elevates your movie night experiences.

Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

The best audio receiver for most people.

Reasons to buy

+
Dolby Atmos support
+
Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision
+
Multi-room audio with AirPlay 2
+
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet capabilities

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't support 8K
-
Surround optimization requires module

The RX-V685 delivers powerful sound and excellent video with Dolby Atmos, 4K, and HDR for an immersive movie and TV experience.

Best Value: Denon AVR-S650H Audio Video Receiver

Denon Avr S650h Audio Video Receiver on an entertainment center

Denon Avr S650h Audio Video Receiver on an entertainment center (Image credit: Sound United, LLC)

If you want a great receiver at a great price, consider Denon's AVR-S650H. Its sound quality might not be on par with our other picks as it lacks Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but it has a ton of extras like AirPlay 2 for multi-room audio. The AVR-S650H supports the Apple TV's 4K ultra-high-definition video and HDR10 capabilities and delivers 150 watts of power over 5.2 channels.

Denon's receiver also features plenty of ports, including five HDMI inputs, three digital inputs (two optical, one coaxial), and three pairs of classic audio inputs. Smart capabilities are available via an onboard Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth so you can beam your tunes directly from your phone with ease.

Denon AVR-S650H Audio Video Receiver

AirPlay 2 and more in an affordable package.

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Supports AirPlay 2
+
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 5.2 channels
-
Doesn't support Dolby Atmos
-
Lacks DTS:X

The 5.2 channel AVR-S650H supports 4K and HDR10, making it an excellent pick if you're just getting started on your home theater.

Best Image: Yamaha - AVENTAGE RX-A2A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver

Yamaha Aventage Rx A2a Av Receiver in a living room setting

Yamaha Aventage Rx A2a Av Receiver in a living room setting (Image credit: Yamaha Corporation)

If you are in the market for an upgrade and have the means, you may want to splurge a little by picking up Yamaha's AVENTAGE RX-A2A. While it is pricey and the latest Apple TV tops out at 4K, the RX-A2A supports the ability to pass through 8K video, making it about as future-proof as you can get.

Of course, the RX-A2A also supports today's video standards, including 4K at 120Hz, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. For audio, Yamaha's receiver provides immersive audio with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and YPAO sound optimization, all at a room-shaking 100 watts of power per channel.

Yamaha - AVENTAGE RX-A2A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver

Ready for the future.

Reasons to buy

+
Future-proof with 8K
+
7.2 channels with Dolby Atmos
+
Supports AirPlay 2

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Apple TV doesn't support 8K

While the Apple TV maxes out at 4K, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A2A receiver is ready for the future with support for 8K video.

Best Sound: Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver

Denon Avr X8500h Flagship Receiver on a flat surface

Denon Avr X8500h Flagship Receiver on a flat surface (Image credit: Sound United, LLC)

The Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver takes surround sound to the extreme with a mind-blowing 13.2 channels and Dolby Atmos. With 13.2 channels, you will experience subtle audio shifts based on the direction of the action with the proper speaker setup, and at 150 watts per channel, your seats will rumble.

It isn't all about the audio with the AVR-X8500H, though, as it supports other Apple TV 4K capabilities like 4K ultra-high-definition resolution, Dolby Vision, and HDR 10. This receiver also works with AirPlay 2, so you can stream your music on every speaker in the home and not miss a beat as you travel from room to room.

Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver

The ultimate in surround sound.

Reasons to buy

+
13.2 channels with Dolby Atmos
+
4K and HDR 10 support
+
AirPlay 2 multi-room audio

Reasons to avoid

-
Extremely expensive
-
Doesn't support 8K

Denon's AVR-X8500H is the ultimate surround sound experience for the Apple TV 4K with 13.2 channels of power and Dolby Atmos.

Bottom line

The best receivers for Apple TV elevate your movie nights and binge sessions by delivering room-filling surround sound and high definition video with the latest formats like Dolby Atmos. The best receivers also ensure that you are getting the best possible picture passing 4K and HDR through to your Apple TV — and in some cases, they go above and beyond with 8K.

To get the most out of your Apple TV 4K, you'll want a receiver like the Yamaha RX-V685 in your setup, so you get total audio immersion with Dolby Atmos. Yamaha's receiver offers excellent sound quality and convenience for music as well with AirPlay 2 multi-room playback, which takes the entire Apple TV 4K experience to the next level.

Christopher Close

Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit and the Home app. Whether it is installing smart light switches, testing the latest door locks, or automating his households daily routines, Christopher has done it all.