The devoted stereo receiver has turn into more and more uncommon. This has to do with the unbelievable recognition of wi-fi audio system — which mainly minimize out the necessity for a receiver — in addition to many producers opting to make multi-channel AV receivers as an alternative. It is true that these AV receivers can work as stereo receivers, too, however they’re dearer as a result of they’re actually meant for hooking up your TV with a strong encompass sound system.
After all, there are nonetheless stereo receivers on the market — you even purchase a classic stereo receiver — they usually’re the perfect resolution for individuals who wish to create a traditional stereo hi-fi system. You get a stereo receiver, hook it up with a set of passive bookshelf audio systemand from there you may both stream audio to the receiver or hook up an analog supply, like a turntable or CD participant.
So far as which stereo receiver to purchase, it ought to, in fact, depend upon how you intend on listening to music. However it also needs to come secondary to your audio system. rule of thumb, so far as the entry-level value bracket is anxious, is that the receiver shouldn’t price greater than your bookshelf audio system. That’s why we set a value cap at $500. Under, we’ve listed our favourite entry-level stereo receivers — all below $500 — to pair together with your bookshelf audio system.
What to Search for in Inexpensive Stereo Receivers
Energy
The principle job of a stereo receiver to correctly drive your passive loudspeakers. So earlier than shopping for a stereo receiver, it is best to first know what the ability and impedance (the quantity of resistance within the receiver’s digital circuits) wants to your audio system. The entire beneath stereo receivers ought to be capable to drive most bookshelf-sized loudspeakers, however it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to double test earlier than shopping for.
Streaming
Most stereo receivers which were launched up to now few years have built-in streaming capabilities — however they’re something however equal. The older (or cheaper) fashions usually simply help Bluetooth, however they possible do not help higher-resolution possibility like Bluetooth aptX HD. After which the newer (and dearer) fashions add streaming over Wi-Fi (similar to AirPlay or Chromecast built-in), which lets you stream lossless-quality audio in addition to combine your stereo setup into a bigger multi-room system together with your different wi-fi audio system or soundbars.
Phono enter
With the elevated recognition of vinyl, increasingly more persons are in search of a stereo receiver that they’ll immediately hook up with a turntable. The excellent news is that a whole lot of stereo receivers have a built-in phono stage — which is labeled because the “phono enter” — so you may join your turntable on to the receiver through an RCA cable. In case your turntable already has a built-in phono-stage or you wish to use an exterior phono preamp, you may join it to your receiver through the AUX or CD enter and by utilizing a one other RCA cable
Dimension
The ultimate factor is simply the dimensions and normal look of the stereo receiver — it is usually going to be an enormous field that you simply’re possible going to have a tough time hiding. Most stereo receivers on this value vary are across the similar measurement and weight, and truthfully most are simply going to be black containers. The flashier fashions (with brushed aluminum panels) are usually slightly pricier.
Why You Ought to Belief Us
We have been writing about and reviewing audio merchandise — together with audio system, headphones, earbuds and different audio parts that run the gamut from shopper to hi-fi — for near-on a decade. We additionally work with main manufacturers and discuss to specialists throughout the audio business. The beneath choices of stereo receivers are a mix of merchandise that we have had hands-on expertise with in addition to merchandise which are made by manufacturers which are trusted throughout the audio area.
The Finest Stereo Receivers Beneath $500
Sony STR-DH190
Amazon
- Energy: 100 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth solely)
- Phono enter: Sure
- Dimension: 14.8 kilos
The Sony STR-DH190 is a real bang-for-your-buck stereo receiver — it is glorious but easy. It has a FM radio, helps Bluetooth streaming and has a telephone enter for connecting a turntable. It additionally has A/B speaker connections, permitting you to attach up a second pair of bookshelf audio system after which swap between them.
Yamaha R-S202BL
Amazon
- Energy: 100 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth)
- Phono enter: No
- Dimension: 14.8 kilos
This Yamaha R-S202BL is considered one of our favourite entry-level receivers. Its mixture of value, seems, ease of use and stellar efficiency make it a no brainer for anyone with bookshelf audio system trying to take heed to nice stereo audio. It streams Bluetooth and has a built-in FM/AM tuner, too.
Onkyo TX-8220
Amazon
- Energy: 45 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms); 100 watts per channel (at 6 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth solely)
- Phono enter: Sure
- Dimension: 15 kilos
You possibly can’t beat the Onkyo TX-8220’s mixture of nice sound and affordability. It has an RCA output so you may add a powered subwoofer. And, because of its A/B speaker connections, you may join a second pair of bookshelf audio system, say if you wish to have them play in a separate room in your home.
Yamaha R-N303BL
Amazon
- Energy: 100 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
- Phono enter: Sure
- Dimension: 15.9 kilos
The Yamaha R-N303 is a wonderful stereo receiver that is extra versatile and feature-packed than most different choices on this value vary. Particularly, it helps each Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so you may simply stream music out of your smartphone or laptop computer; you may even incorporate it right into a multi-room sound system through AirPlay or MusicCast. It additionally has phono enter for connecting a turntable.
Onkyo TX-8260
Amazon
- Energy: 80 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
- Phono enter: Sure
- Dimension: 18.3 kilos
The Onkyo TX-8260 is actually a beefed up model of the corporate’s TX-8220. It has extra energy, an improved DAC and is able to enjoying higher-resolution audio. Possibly most importantly is that it provides help for Wi-Fi (through AirPlay, Chromecast built-in and DTS Play-Fi), supplying you with extra methods to stream music and even permitting you to combine the Onkyo TX-8260 in a bigger multi-room system.
Cambridge Audio AXR85
Amazon
- Energy: 85 watts per channel (at 8 Ohms)
- Streaming: Sure (Bluetooth solely)
- Phono enter: Sure (built-in phono stage)
- Dimension: 17.8 kilos
The British hi-fi maker Cambridge Audio makes a few of our favourite audio merchandise and it’s truly uncommon for them to do one thing at such an entry-level value level. The AXR85 is a wonderful stereo receiver that’s fairly highly effective and has a wonderful brushed aluminum entrance pane. It has a mono RCA output in case you wish to add a powered subwoofer, and its front-panel A/B switching permits you to join two pairs of bookshelf audio system and swap between them. With built-in Bluetooth, it’s additionally simple to stream audio straight out of your smartphone.
