Virtual Surround Mode AV receivers

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH AV receiver delivers excellent audio quality and a host of cutting-edge features, but competing models offer even better values at this price point.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, THX Select 2, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Digital - 9 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Black, 16.5 in x 18.3 in x 6.8 in, 33.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 910, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, THX Select 2, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 9 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), 16.5 in x 18.3 in x 7.4 in, 35.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: Denon's AVR-2307CI delivers a strong combination of advanced audio/video features and high-end sound quality at a great price, but its HDMI shortfalls keep it from being a slam-dunk.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), 17.1 in x 16.4 in x 6.7 in, 28.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: Though its sound is average and it lacks onscreen menus, the stylish RX-D412B is packed with features for a reasonable price.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), 17.1 in x 14.6 in x 3.6 in, 15.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer VSX-516 is the company's entry-level A/V receiver for 2006, but the step-up VSX-816 model offers a much better deal.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 700 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Black, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 19.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer VSX-516 is the company's entry-level A/V receiver for 2006, but the step-up VSX-816 model offers a much better deal.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 700 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Silver, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 19.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: Boasting a host of impressive features and stellar sound quality, the affordable Pioneer VSX-816 delivers amazing value for an A/V receiver.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Black, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 20.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: Boasting a host of impressive features and stellar sound quality, the affordable Pioneer VSX-816 delivers amazing value for an A/V receiver.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Silver, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 20.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control, Black, 17.1 in x 16.9 in x 6.7 in, 29.8 lbs

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS Express, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, THX Select 2, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD High Resolution, 9 bands, MP3, WAV, WMA, Universal remote control, 16.5 in x 17 in x 6.8 in, 29.3 lbs