Rankings
The Marantz Cinema 40 is a premium 9.4-channel AV receiver offering strong power, extensive HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Atmos support. Its main trade-off is measured distortion that falls short of top-tier competitors. Best suited for audiophiles and home-theater enthusiasts who value build quality and feature depth over absolute measured performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar delivers Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue Mode in a slim form factor, with built-in Alexa and extensive wireless connectivity. It lacks ADAPTiQ calibration and may be under-powered for larger rooms, and the wall-mount bracket is sold separately. Perfect for small-to-medium living rooms seeking an all-in-one smart sound solution.
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a high-end 9.4-channel receiver delivering strong 105 W per-channel power and comprehensive 8K/HDMI 2.1 features. Its main trade-offs are high power draw, considerable weight, and DAC-related noise issues. Ideal for enthusiasts building immersive Atmos setups who value extensive connectivity and HEOS streaming.
The Denon AVR-X1700H is a 7.2-channel AV receiver delivering 80W per channel, 8K video, Dolby Atmos and HEOS streaming, making it a feature-rich hub for modern home theaters. Its limitations include modest power for larger spaces and occasional HDMI handshake glitches. Best suited for medium-sized rooms and gamers who value advanced video features and integrated streaming.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers 620 W of power, Dolby Atmos and wireless detachable surrounds for an immersive 5.1 experience. Its detachable speakers need frequent charging and the system's width can be a fit issue for smaller setups. Ideal for medium-to-large rooms where power and feature set outweigh size constraints.
Marantz's STEREO70S is a compact 2-channel AV receiver offering 75 W per channel, Class A/B amplification, HEOS streaming and extensive HDMI 8K support. While it excels in audio fidelity and feature set, it does not provide surround-sound channels or Dolby Atmos, limiting home-theater use. Ideal for audiophiles and streaming enthusiasts needing high-quality stereo performance in a small footprint.
The Denon Home 550 is a compact 4-channel soundbar offering virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X and full HEOS multi-room support. Its main compromises are the absence of a dedicated subwoofer and limited HDMI inputs. Best suited for small-to-medium rooms where space is at a premium and users value streaming versatility.
| Attribute | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7.2 | 5.1 | 9.4best | 5 | 2 | 9.4best | 4 | |
80 W | 620 Wbest | 125 W | — | 75 W | — | — | |
— | — | — | — | 4 Ωbest | — | — | |
— | 10 inbest | — | — | — | — | 2.188 in | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 710 W | — | 210 Wbest | 660 W | — |
— | 0.75 inbest | — | — | — | — | 0.75 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 19 lb | 31.84 lb | 40.565 lb | 6.909 lbbest | 24 lb | 27.6 lb | 7.3 lb |
3 years | 1 years | 5 yearsbest | 1 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(2) | |||||||
Total Power Output (W) | 80 W | 620 W | 125 W | — | 75 W | — | — |
Power Consumption (Operating) (W) | — | — | 710 W | — | 210 W | 660 W | — |
Audio(3) | |||||||
Audio Channels | 7.2 | 5.1 | 9.4 | 5 | 2 | 9.4 | 4 |
Frequency Response (Hz) | 1-60000 Hz | — | — | — | 20-20000 Hz | — | — |
Woofer Size (in) | — | 10 in | — | — | — | — | 2.1875 in |
Connectivity(1) | |||||||
Bluetooth Version | Supported | — | Built-in | 5.0 | Bluetooth | 4.0 | Supported |
General(1) | |||||||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 1 years | 5 years | 1 years | 5 years | 3 years | 1 years |
Build & Design(2) | |||||||
System Weight (lb) | 19.0 lb | 31.84 lb | 40.565 lb | 6.909 lb | 24.0 lb | 27.6 lb | 7.3 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | W 43.4×H 15.2×D 33.8 cm cm | 117.35×5.59×11.94 cm cm | H×W×D: 18.5×43.9×40.1 cm cm | 5.6×69.4×10.4 cm cm | 44.2×10.9×38.6 cm cm | 45.72×25.4×40.64 cm cm | 65.97×7.49×11.99 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the AVR-X1700H as an entry-level powerhouse that delivers room-filling 80 W/8 Ω sound and robust 8K video support. They commend its comprehensive HDMI 2.1 gaming features (VRR, ALLM, QFT) and the effective Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration that creates immersive Atmos without height speakers, while noting the power is best suited for modest-sized rooms and the USB functionality is limited.
Everyday users praise the receiver's easy setup, clear 8K video pass-through, and immersive Atmos/DTS:X virtualization, especially appreciating HEOS multi-room streaming and the built-in phono input. Recurring complaints focus on insufficient power for larger spaces, occasional HDMI handshake glitches with 8K sources, and the limited USB port functionality.
“the bar is a great size and weight”
Professional reviewers praise the JBL Bar 700 for its powerful 620 W output, immersive Dolby Atmos, and PureVoice dialogue enhancement, while also noting the convenience of a wireless subwoofer and precise dimensions that aid installation.
Everyday users appreciate the bar's manageable size and weight, as well as the wireless surround setup, but they express concerns about the need to charge the detachable speakers and the space required for the full system.
Professional reviewers consider the Cinema 40 a reference-class AV receiver, lauding its luxurious build, immersive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X/Auro-3D sound, extensive HDMI 2.1 gaming features, and sophisticated Audyssey tuning, while noting that measured distortion metrics fall short of the high-end benchmark set by competitors.
Professional reviewers commend the Smart Soundbar for delivering a remarkable sound-to-size ratio, with its five-speaker array and TrueSpace upmixing providing immersive audio despite the compact chassis. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Alexa adds convenience, but critics note the lack of ADAPTiQ calibration and a lower speaker count than Bose's higher-end Ultra model, making it a solid mid-range choice rather than a flagship.
Everyday users praise the compact design, Dolby Atmos effect, and voice-control convenience, while noting the limited speaker count and desire for a wall-mount bracket. Overall sentiment is positive for the feature set relative to size and price.
The Absolute Sound commends the STEREO 70s for its solid stereo power, compact footprint, and a connectivity package that rivals larger AV receivers. Reviewers appreciate the discrete Class A/B amplification, HEOS integration, and the ability to handle high-resolution audio, positioning it as a high-quality music-first component that still accommodates modern video sources.
Professional reviewers commend the AVR-X3800H for its robust analog amplification, flexible channel configuration, and strong 8K video handling, while consistently pointing out the DAC's elevated noise and jitter as the primary drawback.
Everyday users generally praise the ease of HEOS multi-room streaming, the inclusion of a phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, and the quick Audyssey room-calibration. Recurring complaints focus on DAC-related noise in digital playback and the unit's substantial weight making installation harder.
Professional reviewers commend the Denon Home SB550 for its virtual 4‑channel Atmos/DTS:X implementation, wide soundstage, and the convenience of a single HDMI eARC cable that also carries 4K HDR video. They also highlight the HEOS multi‑room ecosystem and the bass boost from three passive radiators, while noting the absence of a dedicated subwoofer and calibration tools as potential drawbacks for audiophiles.
Consumers generally view the SB550 as an easy-to-set-up, space-saving soundbar that offers solid streaming options and immersive virtual surround. Praise centers on the straightforward HDMI eARC hookup and the ability to stream high-resolution music, while the lack of deep bass and unspecified power output are occasional concerns.
