Stereo receivers buying guide
I remember the circa 1970 receiver my dad installed in our living room when I was a kid. It tuned in local radio stations and let my dad hook up his turntable and spin Chuck Mangione records, and that’s all it did. At the time, it was state-of-the-art.
When I started building my own living room setup, I wanted the same basic features my dad's system had. My entry-level Sony STR-DH190 lets me listen to local radio and has inputs for my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable. It cranks out 90 watts per channel, which works nicely with my Klipsch bookshelf speakers. It’s the central piece my system is built around.
These days, a stereo receiver still, by definition, has an AM/FM tuner. But they’ve also evolved since the 1970s: mine has multiple analog and digital inputs, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and even built-in music streaming apps.
Let’s look at what a modern stereo receiver can do, so you can decide which features you need before you go shopping.

The Cambridge Audio SR20 receiver is powered by a high-current toroidal transformer (lower left) that makes music with dynamic peaks sound lifelike and natural.
Essential stereo receiver features
To illustrate some of the basic features you can expect from an entry-level receiver, let’s take a look at the popular Yamaha R-N303 receiver. Our customers love this receiver for its versatility and reasonable price.

The Yamaha R-N303 offers plenty of analog, digital, and wireless functionality at an entry-level price point.
AM/FM tuner with presets
The radio is still one of the best places to hear new artists, along with deep cuts from old favorites, and keep up with the latest news. The Yamaha R-N303 has 40 AM/FM presets, so a listener in an urban area can find favorite channels with the press of a button.
If you live in a rural area, want to pull in stations from the next town over, or simply want the strongest signal you can get, replace the thin wire antenna that comes with your receiver with a more robust AM/FM antenna.
Analog inputs
Those good old red-and-white stereo RCA connectors have been with us a long time, for good reason. They’re so handy for connecting CD players, cassette decks and turntables.
If you plan to connect a turntable to a receiver, find out if your receiver has a built-in phono preamp. If not, you’ll need to run the output from the turntable to a separate phono preamp. Audiophiles often prefer an outboard unit, which can provide more sophisticated options than a built-in phono stage.
You’ll find balanced inputs on high-end receivers like the McIntosh MAC7200. These are compatible with XLR cables that can transfer sound signals over much longer distances without signal loss or added noise.
Digital inputs
Most stereo receivers feature a couple of standard digital inputs — optical and coaxial. I like to use these to bring in digital audio from my TV or gaming system. Sound effects, dialogue, and music really come to life when played through a receiver and a good set of speakers.

Make sure the USB port on your receiver matches the device you want to use.
There are a couple of types of USB jack that receivers use, and you’ll want to make sure you get the one you need. A Type-B USB input is good for connecting a computer, if you want to stream tunes from files stored on your hard drive. Many receivers have a Type-A USB for connecting a flash drive full of favorites.
Since we’re streaming content more and more often, many receivers will feature an Ethernet port for connecting directly to your router.

The Integra DTM-7 is one of the rare stereo receivers that includes HDMI inputs.
Some receivers feature HDMI inputs. Look out for features like 4K and HDR compatibility to make sure your picture looks the best it can when passed through the receiver.
Receiver outputs
The most important outputs on a stereo receiver are the speaker terminals. They may be simple spring clip connectors on an entry-level receiver, but most have binding posts. The posts may even be gold-plated to improve conductivity. Banana plugs offer a convenient means for making solid speaker connections.
Some receivers like the aforementioned DTM-7, have line-level RCA outputs that let you set up a second zone with a separate stereo amplifier or a pair of powered stereo speakers in another room.

This receiver has just about any connection you could ask for, including a "line out" for setting up a second zone.
You may just need one pair of speaker terminals, but many receivers have two sets, labeled A/B. This allows you to set up a second pair of speakers — perhaps on the patio or in another room — that can play music in one, either, or sometimes both rooms. The only catch? You can’t play different sources in the A and B locations.
It’s always nice to see a single RCA output labeled “SUB,” because that means you can add bass — via a powered subwoofer - to your system. Traditional systems - like the one my dad had in the living room — rarely had the option to add a sub, but these days, more listeners crave that deep, musical bass. Subwoofer cables are heavily shielded and grounded so they don’t introduce hum or noise.
And let’s not ignore the humble headphone jack!

For late-night TV binges, or rocking out when others need quiet, nothing beats a great pair of headphones.
Streaming music with a stereo receiver
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are now commonly found in many stereo receivers. You can use a mobile device to wirelessly stream music to the receiver, and take advantage of built-in support for popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, TuneIn, and more.
You can also stream music from the receiver to wireless speakers and create a multi-room audio system.
Yamaha equips their Wi-Fi enabled receivers with a proprietary technology called MusicCast. You can download the MusicCast app to your phone to build playlists and stream music to the receiver, which beams it out to other MusicCast-capable devices.
Then it can stream out any source, wired or wireless, to just about any bluetooth speaker or a pair of headphones, making it great for private, late-night listening.
Apple AirPlay 2 supports wireless multi-room streaming from Apple phones and tablets. DTS Play-Fi is a wireless multi-room audio system that doesn’t care what brand you like, as long as it’s Play-Fi enabled. Chromecast built-in lets you stream audio and video from a mobile device to your receiver and TV.
If one of those systems appeals to you, you can find a receiver that has it built in.
Stereo receivers and voice control
Ever get a sudden whim to hear a specific song? Stereo receiver manufacturers are starting to add voice control compatibility into their products. If you want to control your system with Alexa or Google Home, you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
What if I need more channels?
You certainly can use your stereo receiver to enhance dialogue and sound effects from TV and movies. If you want a more immersive experience, check out our buying guide for home theater receivers, which offer up to 13 channels for adding surround sound speakers.
Have questions?
Need help choosing home stereo gear? Contact us today. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisors can help you zero in on the perfect stereo receiver, compatible speakers, and other components. For some tips on how to put together an affordable hi-fi system, read our budget audiophile playbook.
Reader comments (23 responses)
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Jay Bowyer from Soquel, Ca
Posted on 12/7/2019
I live in a "hollow" with no or little (one station) reception even tho I am only 2miles out of town. So I am on cable which used to work but now has gone all digital. consequently my old 70's Marantz receiver does not pick up anything and even the Sansui "Digital Synthesized" tuner does not work. I am looking for a Digital Tuner or maybe receiver that has a truly Digital tuner and an input that will take the cable. I love my Marantz set up but the wife wants a tuner for radio. What do you recommend?
on 12/9/2019
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Joe Armato from Loranger
Posted on 9/22/2019
I sold mr R-N303 last week. Took a sizable loss. I found the unit to be anemic. Left a lot to be desired performance wise. It's rated at 100 WPC. I don't know how that measurement was made. Not recommended.
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Alan Fritch from Salisbury, MD
Posted on 8/15/2019
Very happy with my Sherwood 200 watt receiver hooked up to my RekOKut K34 turntable with Stanton 600 cartridge and Klipsch corner horns. Yep, old school but fantastic sound!
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Reynolds
Posted on 7/14/2019
We have 6 zones with 2 BOSE ceiling speakers in each room. Is a stereo receiver all that we would need? What do you recommend? We want to stream music from our iPhones via Bluetooth. Very confused from all the options! Amplifer vs receiver? Thanks for your help.
on 7/15/2019
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Randy R Hedrick from Raleigh
Posted on 6/11/2019
Thanks for your guide. Have an older Yamaha R S201 from you guys a few years ago at a beach place. Driving Pandora tunes thru it to a built in set of built in 30 yr. old speakers inside plus a set of outdoor speakers... Line 1 &2 have stopped on me with only FM output. Should a mis-match of speakers be a problem and will the R S202 model be more reliable or other recommendations?
on 6/11/2019
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John from Kalamazoo
Posted on 5/7/2019
Anyway my wife allowed me to buy pieces here and there from second hand stores; Salvation Army, Goodwill, Estate sales so you get my drift and basically after the kids grew up. It took a long time and I was very picky, and I'm glad. I only choose pristine equipment, I'm Dutch. I had lots "multiple systems" of really nice high end stuff in the early 70's while station in Germany, I loved the PX. So then with less then $700 dollars "not considering family home theater, but considering my personal home theater & stereo system " I have a 70's pioneer blue line amp, 870 Denon home theater, D8 CV "nicely re-foamed", MTX & JBL speakers, Polk Audio speakers & Sub.
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Don Hall from Dixon
Posted on 2/17/2019
I listen to FM radio a lot, and I'd like to see more information about the tuner sections of your receivers. "Local" FM can mean a weak college station on the other side of town, and a good tuner can make all the difference between an annoying, scratchy sound and something more listenable. More FM specs, please!
on 2/18/2019
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Frank Dicesare from Fostoria Ohio
Posted on 11/3/2018
What is your opinion about denon in general thanks
on 11/5/2018
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Frank Dicesare from Fostoria Ohio
Posted on 11/3/2018
What is your opinion about denon in general thanks
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Dan from New York
Posted on 10/24/2018
How can I enhance the sound of the Iphone music and Pandora. SiriusXM plays awesomely and lovely. The IPhone and other apps sound terrible through the Yamaha RN 602. Is the a Bluetooth amplifier I can commect to the reciever? Pardon my lack of sterophile knowledge but I'm new to the process. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
on 10/25/2018
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Gary from Fulton, Il
Posted on 10/21/2018
Do any of the stereo recievers that have a preout sub connection offer bass management like the home theater receivers have? I do not care for the sound when I have to connect the speaker wire directly to the sub and the run wires from the sub to the speakers and have to rely on the crossover in the sub.
on 10/22/2018
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Bob from Austin
Posted on 9/27/2018
But these new receivers don't have the looks of the old Marantz, Onkyo and Pioneers.
on 9/28/2018
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Jimmy Woods from Huntington Beach
Posted on 9/27/2018
Thanks so much for reviewing affordable SR's as most reviews focus on the high end which many of us cannot afford. Long time customer....JBW
on 9/28/2018
Jeff from Wash DC
Posted on 4/4/2021
Hi Eric -- My 1973 HK 730 stereo receiver needs to be serviced every two or three years. A $100 proposition.. The left channel just went out -- meaning it needs a cleaning. Bought it at age 14 with the proceeds of my paper route in Dayton OH It's driving pair of two-way big bookcase ADS speakers. The stereo has class AB power estimated at around 100 WPS (per bench tests posted on the web). I'm pretty happy with the setup. But I like the idea of powering my old passive speakers and a pair of powered speakers. Thoughts? - Jeff
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 4/5/2021
Michael White from NYC
Posted on 3/11/2021
The best system I've ever known is the RCA Lyra. It broadcast (not using the internet) from my computer to stereo receivers multiroom around the house. Now you need a machine still running window xp to use the equipment that's otherwise been orphaned (drivers aren't available in later Windows OSs). Lyra is what I'd like to duplicate. Very important: There was no sound lag as you wanted from room to room (unlike Bluetooth). Also, unlike Bluetooth there was no limit to the number of receivers.
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 3/12/2021
Kenneth Birdcreek from Henryetta
Posted on 1/1/2021
Looking for a Samsung giga stereo receiver that has a CD player..Bluetooth..built-in karaoke that will make the speaker lights flash when the music plays and play off the TV
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 1/4/2021
Rob Gongora from San Francisco
Posted on 12/6/2020
Hello. Great article by the way. I do have a question. Do that make receivers that you can use your bluetooth earphones/soundbar? Thanks.
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 12/7/2020
Mike from Downingtown
Posted on 10/7/2020
I have 2 & 4 channel tapes. Previous set up was a pioneer 949. I connected a record player, 4 Bose speakers, pioneer cassette player and an AKAI 2/4 channel reel to reel. Suggestions for new amplifier? Thanks
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 10/8/2020
Erik from Green Bay
Posted on 8/18/2020
Hi Eric - I'm looking for a receiver to provide music to an existing home wired speaker setup. I haven't moved in yet, so unfortunately I don't know the speaker specs. I do know there are 8 zones running through a SpeakerCraft 8 zone speaker selector capable of 125watts per channel. I may replace this outdated wired setup at some point, but for now I'm looking for advice on a receiver to connect to the speaker selector. Ideally something to increase the usability (wifi & bluetooth). Thanks!
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 8/19/2020
Ron
Posted on 8/1/2020
There is a lot of "talk" these days about the benefits and even superiority of class D integrated especially using the new Purifi units. They seem to have evolved from ICE power to Hypex Ncore and now Purifi. What is your impression of these new Class D integrateds (NAD M33 seems to be touted in this light) compared to the traditional class AB integrateds , especially sonically? Thank you.
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 8/3/2020
Barter from Manchester
Posted on 7/22/2020
Eric nice article. I need a receiver to connect to a tv, dvd, and I want to be able to connect to my iPhone or tablet. I don't need a major home theater system. I have a couple pairs of bookshelf speakers (ADS and Cambridge SW), and also a sub. What would you suggest on a low cost receiver that will not get a ton of use?
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 7/23/2020
William Hamilton from Kingwood, TX
Posted on 6/23/2020
Eric - I need a new stereo receiver and a new CD player. I have Sonus Faber Toy Towers for speakers and currently a Pioneer VSX-60 and Oppo BDP-103. The Oppo needs to be dedicated to the TV so I need a new CD player or changer. The Pioneer does get HD FM which is how my favorite classical station now transmits so I want a receiver that will get the HD signals. Do you have some recommendations? I would like to keep it below $1000 but could push it a little if there was a big increase in sound quality. Thank you!
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 6/24/2020
William - Thanks for the question. To be 100% honest, the global pandemic has a few of our receivers on backorder, so I'm not finding one that's perfect for your situation. So if the Pioneer is still working for you, I'd recommend sticking with it for now, but keep us in mind for an upgrade down the road.
As far as a CD player, I really like the Cambridge Audio AXC35. It's a best-seller for a reason. I've always been impressed with the pristine digital sound Cambridge products deliver, and this player is a good example of that. It has an excellent DAC inside, and just generally gives you what you need at a really reasonable price.
I hope this helps!
Komasquin Lopez from Bountiful
Posted on 4/27/2020
I actually have a question I own a pair of BP 2000 speakers what would be the best receiver to use if I wanted lots of bass. Thank u for ur time
Eric Angevine from Crutchfield
on 4/27/2020