A classic piece of home entertainment that has properly shifted with the times, a stereo receiver serves to capture and amplify the signals of different audio sources. With this home audio accessory, you’re heightening the overall performance of your sound system, so you won’t have to hear scratchy radio tunes or pops emitting from your thrifted vinyl record player. However, modern receivers also do a great job of integrating today’s latest technology into its circuitry, like wireless connectivity for today’s smart devices. Of course, golden oldie features like AM/FM radio remain, and that’s what keeps this decade-jumping audio component so in demand. If you’re in the market to raise the volume, here are some stereo receivers that we recommend.
Choosing the Right Receiver for your Home
Before you buy, consider these factors:
- Performance: If you’re looking for the best, then you should make sure to look out for how much wattage and how many receiver channels your device can consistently deliver on. Wattage is easy to spot and determine success from: the higher it is, the more stable your performance will be. Receiver channels, however, can be easy to overlook. You should be on the lookout for a number associated with the device. If you purchased the “Super Sound 5.1,” you should know that the first number is related to how many speakers the receiver can support. The second number is related to how many subwoofers you can accommodate. Suffice to say, if that number is high, then you’re dealing with some pretty great hardware.
- Analog Panel: It could be a matter of aesthetic, but moreover, this factor is a matter of convenience. A crowded Analog panel means you’ve likely picked up a device with extensive features. There are always great perks to be had in that, but if you’re unfamiliar with receivers and seek to improve your sound system with as little hassle as possible, then it’s important that you avoid a device that could get you in over your head.
- Weight: Believe it or not, another great indication of solid receiver performance is its weight. Receivers with a bit more heft to their circuitry just tend to amplify sounds better than their lightweight counterparts, so always check the weight specifications before you head to checkout.
Easiest to Install: Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo
While compact in size, Fosi Audio’s Bluetooth Stereo Receiver packs a wallop of powerful amplifying power. This is a Hi-Fi wireless amplifier specifically designed for users who expect the best out of their sound systems with little fuss. It features a CSR Bluetooth 5.0 core with the ability to transmit quality sound by up to 50 feet. Another notable feature in pursuit of superior sound quality is its Texas Instruments TPA3116D2 Chip, which reduces harmonic distortion to staggering lows. It also helps that this receiver just looks good. It isn’t too large, and its face isn’t overcrowded with buttons, which makes navigating it all the more simple.
Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio 2 Channel Amplifier Receiver Mini Hi-Fi Class D Integrated Amp 2.0 CH for Home Speakers 100W x 2 with Bass and Treble Control TPA3116 (with Power Supply)
This stereo receiver makes the most out of its compact design.
Best Features: Pyle Wireless Bluetooth Audio Amplifier
From its AM/FM Radio and easy-to-read LCD display to its Bluetooth connection and USB Flash and SD Memory Card Readers, the Pyle Wireless Audio Amplifier offers some of the most extensive features you could want out of a receiver while still being far from overwhelming. Among those features are a pair of microphone inputs, 50 memory presets for the radio, and a series of volume adjustments for the echo, bass, treble, sub, and mic volume. With this receiver, you can also expect a maximum power output of 300 watts to go along with its wireless music streaming across iPhones, Androids, tablets, and other smart devices.
Pyle PT272AUBT - Wireless Bluetooth Audio Power Amplifier - 300W 4 Channel Home Theater Stereo Receiver with USB, AM FM, 2 Mic IN with Echo, RCA, LED, Speaker Selector - For Studio, Home Use, black
This stereo receiver brings a lot to the table without bombarding the user.
Best Wireless Connection: KEiiD Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier
Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find a stereo receiver that doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity; however, if you’re in the market for one that does it the best, the KEiiD Digital Amplifier has to be your go-to. This receiver features the latest and greatest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which means you’re getting a more stable connection and seamless transmission of sound; whether you’re relaying sound from a smartphone, laptop, or vinyl record player, this receiver is optimized to deliver clear sound quality through any home audio device by up to 65 feet. Users can take comfort in knowing that this receiver also features a five-level protection system (overload protection, over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short protection, self-protection) to bring you great sound as safely as possible.
KEiiD Bluetooth (V5.0) Stereo Digital Amplifier Receiver RMS 2X 40W for Home Audio Passive Speakers System, Compact with USB/Optical/SPDIF/AUX/MP3/Mic, Remote Control Sleep Timer
This stereo receiver combines great Bluetooth connectivity with an extensive protection system.
Strongest Output: Pyle Multi-Channel Bluetooth Preamplifier
Of course, the best stereo receivers should be able to provide ample power to deliver great sound quality; Pyle’s Multi-Channel Bluetooth Receiver, however, goes above and beyond the minimum power you need. Reaching as high as a 2,000-watt output, this stereo receiver is a truly high-powered product. With that amount of peak power, you can expect near-flawless performance out of your home audio system. That power is also regulated and protected by an internal cooling fan, which expels warm air from the inside of the receiver. Like other models, it’s integrated with Bluetooth technology, so you can quickly pair and wirelessly stream music from any of today’s latest devices.
PYLE Multi Channel Bluetooth Preamplifier Receiver - 2000 Watt Audio Home Speaker Sound Stereo Receiver W/ Radio, USB, Headphone, Aux, RCA, Dual Microphone W/ Echo, Led, Wireless Streaming - P2001BT
The usual features here are backed by a seriously high-powered performance.
Best Surround Sound: Sony STRDH590 Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver
One of the most enjoyable, immersive parts of seeing a movie in theaters is the sound coming in from every angle, not just directly from the screen. If you want to bring this sensation into your home theater for a true movie theater-like experience, a surround sound stereo receiver like this model from Sony can help bring this effective into your living or TV room. Unlike some other surround sound speakers, this one isn’t big and bulky. You get movie theater-like sound in your home, thanks to the S Force Pro, with only a two speaker setup, so it won’t take up extra room in your living space. Not only is this stereo receiver nice and compact but it’s multifunctional as well. It can connect to your phone via Bluetooth in order to stream music, as well as offering a multichannel stereo setup and FM radio tuner. There’s also a jack to plug in your headphones if desired. Besides the speaker itself, you’ll receive a carrying case, charging cable, audio cable, and foldable headphones.
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth,Black
A compact stereo receiver that provides surround sound without taking up extra space.
Also Great: Moukey Bluetooth Power Home Audio Stereo Receiver
There’s plenty to love about this Moukey Bluetooth stereo receiver. It can be used not just for your home theater but for karaoke, an acoustic sound system, or even a personal music playing device when headphones are plugged in. The digital amplifier box allows it to support multiple external signal sources, and it can connect to Bluetooth 5.0 from at least 40 feet away. The Bluetooth connection is compatible with smartphones, computers, iPads, and the like. So no matter which device you prefer to use to stream your music, you should have no issues synching it up with this speaker. The LED front display is incredibly easy to read for your convenience, and the knobs and buttons that control the volume, bass, and other functions are designed to be responsible to your touch. This stereo receiver also comes with remote control if you prefer that instead, as well as an FM antenna for distant audio adjustments.
Moukey Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receivers with Bluetooth 5.0, 220W 2 Channel Power Amplifier Stereo System, w/USB, SD, AUX, MIC in w/Echo, LED for Home Theater Speakers via RCA, Studio Use - MAMP1
An easy to control stereo receiver that will sync with any of your modern devices.