What is the best receiver for Bose Acoustimass 5? We know the right answer and collected all the essential information to help you make an informed buying decision.
The Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III comprising a small subwoofer and two single-cube satellite speakers, is a premium compact speaker module. Featuring a low-profile minimalist design, Acoustimass 5 pairs perfectly with a home theater – or stereo receiver.
While looking for a quality AVR to sync with ‘Bose Acoustimass 5, always ensure that RMS and impedance of both matchups.
The 4 Best Receivers for Bose Acoustimass 5
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sony STR-DH590 (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Denon AVR-S960H (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Marantz SR7013 | Check Price |
 | Peachtree Audio Nova150 | Check Price |
Sony STR-DH590 (Editor’s Choice)
If you want to take your home theater or stereo system to the next level, look no further. The Sony STR-DH590 comes equipped with an array of state-of-the-art features for enjoying superb cinematic sound with high-level sonic fidelity. In addition, this 5.2 channel top-quality AV receiver comes in perfectly handy for upgrading your home cinema system, letting you enjoy 4K HDR-quality movies.
The STR-DH590 reinforced with HDCP 2.2 signal handling, 4HDMI inputs, intuitive surround sound, Dolby Vision™, and 4K HDR pass-through make for a realistic movie-viewing experience.
On the other hand, a host of high-performance inputs together with Bluetooth allows you to organize your entire entertainment system. HDR signal pass-through compatibility or support implies an immersive cinematic experience typified by an exceptional level of improvement in image brightness and contrast.
At the same time, you’ll perceive a noticeable enhancement in silhouettes as well as a conspicuous upgrading in picture quality. The STR-DH590 home theater AV receiver also supports the most up-to-date HDR formats, including but not limited to HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Also, companionability with HDCP 2.2 (a copy protection technology) and 4K HDR pass-through help uphold image quality of audio/video source.
The Sony STR-DH1590 pairs seamlessly with any standard 5.1ch surround speaker system, enabling you almost to transform your T Vroom into a multiplex. The minimalist yet sleek front panel features a Pure Direct knob for directly channeling sound to the AVR’s integrated amp for maintaining signal quality and sonic purity.
Bluetooth support means you can take pleasure in listening to your choice tracks, while Bluetooth® Standby lets you pair your tab or smartphone to drive the STR-DH1590.
Pros
- 5.2 channel AVR with built-in 5-channel amp (with outputs for center-, L/R front-, and Surround L/F speakers; 2 powered subwoofer preamp outputs)
- DTS® Surround Sound (decoding) and Dolby® for fulfilling stereophonic
- 90W x 2-channel at 6ῼ (20Hz-20kHz at 0.02% THD
- DCAC (Digital Theater Auto Calibration makes setting up a speaker system a breeze
- FM tuner with 30 digital presets
- BRAVIA™ Synced: Across-the-board compatibility with Sony devices
- Includes a full-function remote
- USB port (at the rear panel for powering A/V receiver)
- Four inputs for analog stereo audio
- Digital coaxial and optical audio inputs
Cons
- You’ll have to install a phono preamp separately for playing a vintage turntable (this receiver doesn’t have a phono input)
- It doesn’t have AUX-IN ( so forget about enjoying music on your headphones, MP3 player, smartphone, or a PC)
Denon AVR-S960H (Close Runner-Up)
You can bank on the AVR-S960H- a 7.2-channel performance-driven receiver by Denon-when it comes to upgrading your home cinema. This Denon 7.2-ch 8K AV receiver puts out 90W of dynamic power per channel and complies with full-scale 3D audio standards, including DTS Virtual: X, DTS: X, and Dolby Atmos.
The Denon AVR-S906H boasts cutting-edge HDMI specs, including eARC and multiple HDR standards such as HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and ALLM, VRR, Dynamic HDR, 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz pass-through, and upscaling, etc.
Take advantage of Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and integrated HEOS for streaming music wirelessly via TIDAL, Pandora, Spotify, and Amazon Music HD. You can also make the most of graceful voice control as this Denon SVR is thoroughly compatible with Josh.ai, Apple Siri, Google Assitant, and Alexa. At the same time, the prized Denon Setup Assistant helps in effortless and quick setup; the Audyssey MultEQ room calibration guides you on optimized setup.
The AVR-S960H draws on Denon’s more than a century of acoustic superiority for delivering high-quality home theater and stereophonic capabilities. This performance-driven discrete 7-channel amp drives 90W x 2-channel at 8ῼ (20Hz-20 kHz with 0.08% THD. Thanks to its low impedance rating, the S960H mates effortlessly with a wide range of speakers for well-balanced immersive sound.
Additionally’ Auto Eco functionality automatically fine-tunes power output to speaker depending on onscreen eco meter and volume level, thereby ensuring energy savings. And in case you’re an avid gamer, then you’ll find the AVR-S960H immensely indispensable. Supporting ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QFT (Quick Frame Transport), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and 4K/120Hz pass-through minimize frame splitting and lagging, thus guaranteeing lag-free gaming.
S960H also provides full 3D audio support companionable with many famous 3D audio formats. For instance, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology (DAHVT) lets you install a 5.1.2 surround sound speaker system for an unparalleled home cinema experience. DTS Virtual: X, in conjunction with DAHVT, guarantees a riveting sonic experience generating virtual height effects in 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 speaker rig.
Pros
- 7. 2-channel 8K Ultra HD AVR designed especially for Alexa + HEOS, 3D audio/video, music streaming, and lag-free gaming
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Tunein to your favorite music from radio stations, free internet radio, and network PC
- Patented Compressed Audio Restorer for boosting sonic fidelity and quality of MP3s
- 6 HDMI 2.1 audio/video switching inputs and two outputs
- Phono input for connecting a moving magnet (MM) vinyl player
- Four analog stereo RCA audio inputs
Cons
- It’s bizarre that despite supporting Dolby Height Virtualization Technology, the amp lacks bi-amp capabilities
- 3D audio/video support is just a speck quite contrary to what the manufacturer claims
Marantz SR7013 AV Receiver
Marantz’s SR7013 9.2 channel 4K Ultra HD A/V Receiver is chock-a-block with plenty of handy features. A good number of audiophiles consider the SR7013 AVR as one of the most resourceful AV receivers companionable with various speakers. The experience of tuning in to your choice tracks or enjoying your favorite Hollywood thrillers is simply incomparable with this Marantz receiver driving your stereo/home theater system.
This Marantz A/V receiver boasts proprietary Dolby Atmos DTS: X, DTS: Virtual X decoding (for immersive home theater experience), and HDAM circuitry. No wonder you’ll have an unparalleled sonic experience thanks to the SR 7013 being replete with so many digital audio technologies.
On the other hand, you’ll have the pleasure of immersing yourself in a multiplex-style movie watching thanks to multiple HDMI inputs, including 4K Ultra HD video, 60Hz video, and Dolby Vision compatible with the latest connectivity standards.
The Marantz SR7013 AV Receiver is entirely companionable with an array of speakers because of its low-impedance capacity rating. Pair this AVR with a 5.1.4 – or 8.1.2 speaker ensemble or upgrade to a 7.1.4 configuration for an enthralling surround sound experience.
Pros
- A single HDMI connectivity port (with eARC support) for streaming audio from your smart TV apps
- 9.2-ch AVR: 125W x 2-channel with 8-Ohm impedance (at 20Hz-20kHz and 0.08% THD)
- Support for Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, Internet Radio, SiriusXM, and more through built-in HEOS app, Bluetooth, or Airplay 2
- Analog to HDMI, SD to HD/4K upscaling State-of-the-art video processing for converting analog to HDMI, SD to HD/4K upscaling
Cons
- If you’re a movie buff, then you’ll be disheartened as the unit doesn’t deliver hard-hitting bass
- Abysmal customer service and support (Marantz doesn’t have any service centers of its own for a start leaving you at the mercy of independent service providers)
Peachtree Audio Nova150
The Audio Nova150 integrates most practical features and functionalities from the original Peachtree Decco 65 amp, including the USB input and the en-suite DAC. Audio Nova 150- the latest in the line of Peachtree Audio’s integrated amps-has set new benchmarks for a modern-day amp.
Peachtree Audio wanted to develop an integrated amp that was synonymous with versatility and sounded better than its forerunners yet was eminently affordable.
And Peachtree Audio engineers’ efforts paid off quite magnificently, substantiated by sweeping applications of Audio Nova150 amp. You can pair this with nearly any speaker and Hi-Fi music source, and rest assured that the Nova 150 will perform unprecedentedly without breaking a sweat.
Designed meticulously keeping the interests of fastidious audiophiles in mind, the Nova150 guarantees an unprecedented listening experience irrespective of the listening mechanism or input source.
Pros
- 150W x 2 channel at 8ῼ/250W x 2-channel at 4ῼ (20Hz-20kHz at < 1% THD)
- Across-the-board compatibility with an assortment of speakers owing to low nominal impedance of 2.5ῼ
- Proprietary HCOM feedback and powerful advanced ICEpower amplification for low noise and distortion, excellent steadiness, broader bandwidth, and high-output power
- Seamlessly compatible with an AVR/multi-channel preamp processor in your home cinema rig
- Has a preamp output for adding a powered sub or an ext amp or use Nova 150 as a discrete DAC/preamp
- LOOP functionality aids in effortlessly introducing an equalizer or any other signal processor in your setup
Cons
- No controls for modulating tone
- The vents or pores tend to be abnormally large
Bose Acoustimass 5: Impedance and Power Handling
The Bose Acoustimass 5 speaker system introduced in 1987 is presently available as a ‘Series V’ variant consisting of two ‘single cube satellite speakers and one small bass unit. The two compact single-cube speakers, also known as ‘Jewel Cubes,’ were remodeled late, making them slimmer and not adjustable. Right from the beginning, the Acoustimass 5 module was designed to work as desktop speakers or as rear speakers in a small TV room.
Audiophiles recommend pairing with a quality 2.1-channel AVR or integrated amp to get the most out of your Acoustimass single-cube speakers. The prescribed amplifier ratings (10W-200W and 4/8ῼ nominal impedance) ideal for matching the Acoustimass 5 denotes a broad range. Therefore the Bose Acoustimass 5 is compliant with a wide variety of stereo amps and receivers.
You can safely pair the speakers with high-powered amps/receivers as the built-in automatic protection circuitry keeps Acoustimass from being overdriven. There are two distinct reasons for using powerful receivers along with your Acoustimass five speakers and bass module system. Firstly, compact satellite speakers such as Bose Acoustimass 5 require more power to deliver high-quality sound at similar volume levels than standard bookshelf speakers.
Secondly (and this holds for all speaker types and sizes), greater power is needed to reproduce low-frequency (bass) sounds at higher volume levels. Following are the specifications of Bose Acoustimass 5 single-cube satellite speakers with a bass module:-
- Output (power): 10W-200W
- Frequency response range (±2.5dB): 280Hz-20,000Hz)
- Nominal impedance: 4/8ῼ
Talking about the quality of audio reproduced by Acoustimass 5 speakers, don’t expect any sweet spot as these have a very slim profile housing 2.5” drivers. These are speakers that are meant to stay in the background behind your HDTV or desktop to offer the impression that they’re delivering the sound despite being invisible. Though these small satellite speakers reproduce the highs and midrange frequencies with clarity, they come short when reflecting the deep basses.
To be strictly candid, the Acoustimass 5 is ideal for small indoor events or parties where vocal-heavy music is played. But if you’re a movie buff very fastidious about listening to every single soundtrack note, then look elsewhere. Nevertheless, adding a sub will enable you to enjoy better bass output to some extent.
Is There a Real Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Receiver?
Technically speaking, amps and AVRs with four ῼ /8ῼ nominal impedance and power-handling capabilities ranging from 10W-200W per channel will safely drive the Bose Acoustimass 5. Hence you can use even an entry-level amp or receiver with the Acoustimass 5, at least hypothetically. So you’d naturally (or any hardcore audiophile for that matter) ask, “Will I benefit from pairing a premium AVR with the Acoustimass 5, and if yes, then how?”
There are no straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to that question for a start. High-end audio/video receivers, unlike their low-priced cousins, come with more bells and whistles, including more features, performance DAC, and more power. However, given the Acoustimass 5’s small footprint and ultra-compact form factor, the speaker will not be able to do full justice to a 10W-200W amp.
So even if you hook up the Acoustimass to a topnotch AVR, the speaker will not be able to take advantage of the amp’s features in the same way as a classic 2-way bookshelf speaker. Of course, you won’t have to worry about burning up your home theater or stereophonic audio setup, but that’s hardly a consolation. These single-cube satellite speakers come embedded with 2.5” tweeter drivers, which inhibit operating bandwidth leading to poor-quality sound reproduction.
On the other hand, when you try to dial in the higher frequencies, there’s a high likelihood of a cone breakup, causing steep spikes in resonant ringing and response. To put it in short, pairing an upscale, high-quality receiver or integrated amp with the Acoustimass 5 would be like trying to drive your Mini Cooper like a Ferrari. So, you’d be better off mating your Bose Acoustimass 5 with a standard budget-friendly AVR.
So, the Best Receiver for Acoustimass 5 Is…
The amps featured and reviewed here should comfortably work with the Bose Acoustimass 5. However, if you wish to enjoy bass-heavy music from the Acoustimass 5, consider integrating an external sub into your stereo or home theater setup.
In our opinion, the Sony STR-DH590 is the best receiver for Acoustimass 5 available on the market at the moment.