Sherwood R-807Price: $450

Website: www.sherwoodamerica.com

Sathyan said: In this market segment, choosing an AVR often comes down to features more than to sound quality, and the Sherwood would be a considerable upgrade from a sound bar, let alone the built-in speakers of a flat-panel TV. If that description fits you, the R-807 might be the right fit.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Not bad, but not great either.