best dynamic range control / automatic volume

[budgie smuggler]

I have a Pioneer AV receiver, and the midnight, DRC, etc modes do the square root of f all. For a lot of films you have to manually ride the volume, or the quiet passages are inaudible, but the explosions rattle your moobs off.

Can somebody recommend a brand, model or buzz word to look out for for a system which works?

I was recommended 'audessy dynamic volume' but I can't find any amps in my price range which have it.