Finding the best receivers for Klipsch speakers is crucial for getting the most out of them. Since Klipsch speakers come with high sensitivity, you don’t need one of those expensive beasts with super-high power output to give your speakers a good kick. In this article, I’ll review the best AV receivers for Klipsch speakers in 2024 across various price ranges and mention some useful tips for optimizing your home theater setup.
Why Klipsch Speakers Are Special?
It’s their high sensitivity and low power requirements that make them special. As I already mentioned, Klipsch speakers are designed with high sensitivity. A speaker’s sensitivity refers to how efficient it is in converting power into sound. Most Klipsch models have a sensitivity of 98dB or higher, while the industry standard is around 88dB. In other words, for every watt of power, Klipsch speakers produce more sound.
So, what does this mean for the listener? It means these speakers can produce powerful sound with relatively low wattage, making it possible to drive them effectively without having to invest in a massive AV receiver. A mid-powered receiver is enough to get clear and crisp sound from Klipsch speakers.
Do All Klipsch Speakers Need a Receiver?
No, not all of them need a receiver. This depends on whether you have passive or powered Klipsch speakers.
Some powered models, like the Klipsch The Fives or Klipsch R-51PM, have built-in amplification, so they don’t need an external receiver. These models can directly connect to your audio source without requiring external amplification.
On the other hand, if you have passive Klipsch speakers, like the Reference and Reference Premiere series, you do need a receiver because these models lack built-in amplification.
Best Receiver for Klipsch Speakers: In-Depth Reviews
Denon AVR-S760H: Best Budget Receiver for Klipsch Speakers ($400 – $800)
The Denon AVR-S760H is one of the best AV receivers you can buy for such an affordable price. This receiver supports 7.2 channels and offers 75 watts per channel of power output—not overwhelming, but ideal for Klipsch speakers.
If you’re also looking for a receiver with recognizable video features like 8K pass-through at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, you’d be surprised that a budget device like the S760H offers them. Additionally, the S760H supports surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS.
Another interesting thing about this receiver is its support for the multi-room feature through HEOS, meaning you can play different audio sources in different rooms at the same time. For sound calibration, this device benefits from Audyssey MultEQ room calibration technology, which provides solid performance in adjusting audio to your room’s acoustics.
Why It’s Great for Klipsch Speakers
- 7.2 Channel Support: At an affordable price, having a 7.2 channel receiver is a smarter choice than one that supports 5.2 channels, allowing you to expand your setup for future surround sound setups.
- 8K Support: With its 8K resolution support, this receiver will future-proof your setup.
- Supports 3D Audio Formats: The device supports DTS and Dolby Atmos to provide a more immersive sound.
- HEOS Built-In: You can stream music wirelessly to multiple rooms and integrate easily with your smart home setup—a big benefit.
- Audyssey MultEQ Calibration: No need for manual fine-tuning; it can automatically adjust sound settings according to your room’s acoustics.
What are the Downsides of the Denon AVR-S760H?
- Limited Power: The power output is 75 watts per channel, which is enough for most Klipsch setups but might not be ideal for larger rooms or if you upgrade speakers.
- No Pre-Outs: This model lacks pre-outs, limiting the option to add external amplifiers in the future.
Powered Klipsch speakers, such as The Fives, forgo the need for a receiver, whereas passive models like the Reference series necessitate one for external amplification
