Your receiver needs to be able to connect all the HDMI source devices you have, which could include, for instance, a media streaming device, a cable or satellite box, a disc player, and a gaming console. Considering the AVR-X1700Hs price, its surprising how few concerns we have regarding this receiver. Plus, in my experience, they are reliable. You can also enable the unique Yamaha Surround: AI technology which adjusts the sound in real-time depending on what is happening on the screen. Which is about as many as you get on any receiver these days. So, unless you hear the amplifier in your room with your speakers, you will never get a perfect idea of how they sound. As you would expect from a high-end Marantz product, this receiver is built using their famous HDAM technology. The better room-correction systems are those that prompt you to place the calibration microphone at numerous locations at and around the main listening area. Yes, this 7.1-channel receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (in a 5.1.2-channel configuration--which, if you'll remember, means 5.1 plus two overhead speakers), but . It offers four HDMI inputs that all have HDMI 2.1 compatibility, so it works well for gamers. In our voice-intelligibility stress testthe Mines of Moria sequences from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on UHD Blu-raythe AVR-X3800H provided a big leap in clarity over the AVR-X1700H. I have been reviewing AV equipment for two decades, for publications from Robb Report Home Entertainment to Home Theater magazine to HomeTheaterReview.com to SoundStage. It has 5.2 multi-channel surround sound with a booming 145W per channel output, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio that's better than the price tag suggests. You cant get much more of a recommendation than that. Soundbar vs. Surround-Sound System | Wirecutter - New York Times The general consensus is that ARC is on par with the highly respected Dirac Live system that Arcam uses (amongst others). Are you a hardcore gamer who wants support for the newest gaming features? Sony STR-DH590. However, it is also a very efficient way of driving your speakers and provides very low levels of distortion, which is perfect for delivering high-end audiophile sound.