The Best Stereo Receivers
Setting up a home sound system with multiple speakers and inputs means you'll need a good stereo receiver. This device routes different inputs to a multi-channel speaker system. And these days, they come with all sorts of features like Bluetooth inputs, personalized EQ settings, and media storage slots for USB and SD cards. To help you find the best possible stereo receiver for your sound system, we've compiled this list of the top models on the market. Take a look as we delve into the specifics of each unit and why it made the grade.
What to Look For
Exploring the world of stereo receivers can be intimidating, which is why we’ve done the research to bring you this list of the best. In our search, we asked the important questions: How many watts can it output? How many speakers can it power at once? Does it have HDMI input or only audio input? If all you need is something simple, Sony’s STRDH190 200W receiver will do well without any complex extra features. Vinyl lovers can also hook it up to a record player, making it perfect for enjoying your favorite tunes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a premium home theater receiver that can handle 8K HDR video and 7.2 surround sound, we highly recommend the Denon AVR-S960H for top-tier performance. We’ve covered a wide range of devices, and they’re all on this list for a good reason. Keep reading to find out why.
Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
For the music lovers
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use stereo receiver without any complicated frills, Sony’s STRDH190 is your best bet. It can connect two sets of speakers (four individual speakers in total) and has four input slots. There’s also a phono preamp input if you’re using something like a turntable. Overall we would describe its sound output as warm, and you can fine-tune it to your liking with the adjustable bass and treble controls. And to make it truly 21st-century compatible, it can connect to Bluetooth devices, so you can stream anything you want to this receiver.
Pros:
- This has an impressive Bluetooth range. You can connect a phone around 75 to 100 feet away.
- This receiver can pump out an impressive max volume that will suffice for most home needs. The sound doesn’t distort at higher volumes, either.
- It includes an FM antenna to improve reception. If you’re not close to the radio stations, this makes the audio much clearer.
Cons:
- It can be tricky to use thicker-gauge wire, such as 12-gauge speaker wire.
Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
It's party time
Yamaha is well known for its high-class audio gear and instruments. This stereo receiver is no different. It uses a clever design to diminish the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a super-clean audio output. It’s made for speakers between four and eight ohms, and it can pump out about 200W total. That means for most home speaker systems, this receiver should work optimally. This stereo receiver includes a remote that makes changing volume, EQ settings, and input sources easy. The Bluetooth is also simple to set up and can quickly switch between Bluetooth devices without hassle.
Pros:
- This uses a standard coax cable for the FM antenna, so you can hook up your own AM antenna by stripping the antenna’s wires and inserting them into the AM connectors. It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to have the option.
- You can use the headphone jack while outputting to speakers at the same time. This is useful if one family member needs headphones to hear properly or would prefer a louder volume.
Cons:
- This doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp.
Pyle Wireless Bluetooth 200W Stereo Power Amplifier
The perfect entry point
Setting up a sound system at home doesn’t have to be expensive. This affordable stereo receiver from Pyle comes with many of the same specifications and features as the premium models. Plus, you have extra features like a USB port and SD card slot. It outputs 200W total (100W for each set of speakers). It’s also physically smaller than similar 200W stereo receivers, so if you’re strapped for space this is a great option.
Pros:
- There are microphone inputs that will play while outputting music. That makes this amp great for karaoke.
- It finds and plays music on the SD card easily. You can have it loop a playlist stored on the card for ambient music and seamlessly switch to different inputs with the remote.
Cons:
- The Bluetooth is only 4.2, so it’s not as strong as more modern 5.1 and 5.2 devices.
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver
Bring on the bass
If you’re getting a stereo receiver for a home theater, this is the one for you. The STRDH590 from Sony not only works as a high-class amplifier, but it also accepts 4K HDR inputs. And if you have a 5.2 surround system, this beauty handles it with ease, providing crisp, crystal-clear audio. Each speaker channel supplies 145W of power, so it’s plenty for a big cinema sound. You might think you’re at a movie theater with the volume capabilities of this receiver. Just make sure it’s not too late for the neighbors’ sake.
Pros:
- You can automatically calibrate your sound system with the included app. It balances each speaker based on the acoustics of the room.
- The HDCP 2.2 technology allows you to watch 4K media at its full resolution. HDCP 2.2 is a content protection protocol that some providers use, and you can’t watch their 4K content unless your receiver is equipped with it.
Cons:
- Setup can be a bit tricky for advanced configurations. When using HDR, for example, you have to go into the settings and set it to “enhanced” under the HDMI settings.
Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel Receiver
The premium pick
If you want the best of the best for your home theater, this is the crème de la crème. This Denon receiver has enough power for seven speakers plus two subwoofers. It accepts video input of up to 8K resolution, so this beauty is assuredly future-proof as 8K gains popularity. The sound can best be described as stunning, rich, and when you want it to be, very loud.
Pros:
- The setup is surprisingly simple. There are onscreen instructions to follow, the manual is clear, and it plays test sounds for each speaker so you know they’re connected correctly.
- If you have an 8K TV but are streaming 4K content, you can make use of this option’s upscaling technology. It makes the 4K content sharper and uses more of your display’s pixels.
- Unlike most Bluetooth stereo receivers, this one can output audio as well as input audio over Bluetooth. This means you can connect a pair of wireless headphones or speakers, and they can play simultaneously with your wired speakers.
Cons:
- There is only one 8K input, so if you have multiple 8K devices the rest of them will be downscaled to 4K.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a phono input?
A phono input is used for audio signals that need a significant boost in volume, also known as gain. Turntables, for example, need to have their signal boosted since it is very quiet straight on of the record player. Some stereo receivers have phono preamps built-in which will boost the volume of the phono audio signal.
What is the difference between 5.1, 5.2, and 7.2 surround sound?
The first digit corresponds to the main speakers, while the second digit indicates the number of subwoofers. So 5.2 would be five speakers and two subwoofers. The standard 5.2 configuration is usually one center speaker, with two for the front left and right, and two for the back left and right.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.