How many fit
Only 5 of the 34 models checked meet every need here: “Use four height speakers” and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”.
5 models fit, out of 34 checkedPicked for one job
What receiver drives four height speakers with no extra amp?
Top pick
Onkyo TX-NR7100
A finished 5.1.4 room is best started with Onkyo TX-NR7100: nine amplifiers drive the layout, and full-bandwidth Dirac Live is part of the package. Denon X3900H is the choice if you may expand to 7.1.4 later, and RZ30 is the one when external power-amp connections matter inside a nine-channel layout.
Why it suits this job
- Internal amplification for nine main channels
- A 5.1.4 layout stated in the manual
- The catch
- Nine channels of processing cannot reach 7.1.4.
- Go with Denon AVR-X3900H if
- You might add surround-back speakers later and turn 5.1.4 into 7.1.4, or you care about independently controlled subs.
More reasons we picked it
- Correction licenses that are included or optional
- Whether eleven-channel processing is needed later
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A receiver has to power five ear-level speakers and four heights. Here it is compared on room correction, source inputs and how far it can expand.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Use four height speakers” and “Begin with Dirac room correction already included”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onkyo TX-NR7100 |
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| Denon AVR-X3900H |
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| Onkyo TX-RZ30 |
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Decision guide
How to choose for this job
Nine amplifiers are needed for a finished 5.1.4 room. If the room may become 7.1.4 later, you also need eleven-channel processing and a documented way to expand.
This layout needs nine channels
Nine full-range channels are what five ear-level speakers and four heights add up to. X3900H, X4800H, CINEMA 50, RZ30, RZ50 and NR7100 each have documented ways to run it on internal amplification. Adding a subwoofer or choosing a virtual-height effect will not get a seven-channel receiver there.
Decide now where the expansion ends
Both NR7100 and RZ30 top out at nine main processing channels. RZ30 brings those channels out through pre-outs, but adding an external amplifier does not give you eleven-channel processing. CINEMA 50, RZ50, X3900H and X4800H process eleven channels and document 7.1.4 using an external amplifier pair. If surround-back speakers are already in the eventual room plan, that difference counts.
Treat the license and the microphone work separately
Full-bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction is included with NR7100. X3900H ships with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, and any Dirac upgrade is sold separately. Either way, you still need careful measurements and suitable speaker placement. The license being included makes a clear difference for budget and workflow, but the acoustic result you end up with depends on the room and the setup.
What this page can’t tell you
- Not every optional Dirac bass-management product is covered by the included Dirac license.
3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Onkyo, TX-NR7100
TX-NR7100
Full-bandwidth Dirac Live Room Correction is included, and the nine amplifiers can power 5.1.4 or 7.1.2. A seventh HDMI input on the front is handy for temporary devices.
Top pick if5.1.4 where Dirac comes included
Key facts
- 9 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 7 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
The catch
Nine channels of processing cannot reach 7.1.4.
Denon, AVR-X3900H
AVR-X3900H
You can run 5.1.4 today on the nine built-in amplifiers and eleven-channel processing, then reach 7.1.4 by adding an external stereo amp. Four independent sub outputs make a more involved bass setup possible.
Pick this instead ifYou might add surround-back speakers later and turn 5.1.4 into 7.1.4, or you care about independently controlled subs.
Key facts
- 11 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
The catch
Getting to 7.1.4 takes two channels of external amplification, plus the matching amp assignment.
Onkyo, TX-RZ30
TX-RZ30
Full-range pre-outs and a full-bandwidth Dirac Live license come with this nine-channel receiver. It fits a 5.1.4 system that might use external amplifiers, though that adds no processing channels.
Pick this instead ifYou need full-range pre-outs for separate amplification, and nine processing channels are enough.
Key facts
- 9 main processing channels and 9 built-in amplifier channels
- Of 6 HDMI inputs, 6 support 4K120 video
The catch
Adding external amplification does not raise the nine-channel processing ceiling.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Onkyo TX-NR7100
Internal amplification for nine main channels
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Denon AVR-X3900H
You might add surround-back speakers later and turn 5.1.4 into 7.1.4, or you care about independently controlled subs.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money