The Best Rated Audio Receivers For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Cambridge Audio AXR100 100-Watt Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Cambridge Audio AXR100 100-Watt Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth

The Cambridge Audio AXR100 100-Watt Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth is the ultimate combination of style and innovation. It has four analogue inputs for connecting all your music, AV and audio sources. Additionally, the built-in phono stage connects directly to your turntable for amazing vinyl sound quality. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver

Sony has developed the STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver, designed to fit under any furniture. The unit contains a built-in AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and is also equipped with an auxiliary input for connecting your MP3 player or other audio source. Read Review

3. Best Performance: YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver

The Yamaha R-S202BL is a powerful stereo receiver that offers the quality and performance you expect from one of the world's top audio brands. Featuring powerful digital amplifiers, it is capable of producing high-quality sound in any environment. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy access to streaming music. Read Review

4. Budget Pick: Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio

The Fosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Receiver is a high-performance, low-cost piece of kit that's perfect for the home stereo or even the car. Its compact size means it's easy to place anywhere in your home and features a profile so discreet you might not even notice it until you activate its powerful 100W RMS X 2 output - enough power to drive 280W. Read Review

A good audio system is essential for any home with a modern interior. If you have a good setup, your home will sound better than ever before. The right kind of audio will make your favorite tunes come to life and set the mood for the perfect evening.

In order to get the best out of your stereo or home cinema system, you need an easy-to-use and high-performing receiver. Luckily, we’ve read through everything there is on the subject and compiled a list of some of the best rated audio receivers available today.

After spending hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Cambridge Audio AXR100 100-Watt Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives like Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Cambridge Audio AXR100 100-Watt Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth
Our Score:
9.9
Cambridge Audio
  • ✓ TECH SPECS - POWER OUTPUT 100 watts (into 8ohms), FREQUENCY RESPONSE (-1DB) 5Hz - 50kHz, S/N RATIO (REF 1W) >82dB (unweighted), INPUT IMPEDANCES 47k ohms, MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 550W, SUBWOOFER OUTPUT 200Hz 2nd order L+R Level follows volume setting
  • ✓ EASILY CONNECT ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT - The AXR100 has four analogue inputs for connecting all your music, AV and audio sources. Additionally, the built-in phono stage connects directly to your turntable for amazing vinyl sound quality.
  • ✓ MOST POWERFUL AMP IN THE AX SERIES - 100 Watts per channel, FM/AM tuner with 30 presets, headphone out to listen in privacy, and remote control so you can sit back and enjoy your music.
  • ✓ EXPERIENCE HI-FI LIKE NEVER BEFORE - Connect your stereo system to upgrade everyday entertainment such as movies, tv, vinyl, and sports events to an incredible sound experience.
  • ✓ BUILT IN BLUETOOTH - With the built-in Bluetooth receiver on the AXR100, you can wirelessly stream your favorite music from smartphone, tablet or PC with ease.
TOP Choice #2 Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.8
Sony
  • Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AA400U), batteries, FM antenna
  • FM Radio with 30 station presets;
  • Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home
  • Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
  • 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
  • Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
  • Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
  • Full size (1/4 inch) headphone jack
TOP Choice #3 YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.6
YAMAHA
  • Bluetooth to your favorite streaming music services
  • Advanced circuitry design
  • Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k ohms
  • Brushed aluminum finish and simplistic design
  • 40 station FM/AM preset tuning; Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100kHz (0 plus/ minus 0.5 dB / 0 plus/ minus 3.0 dB)
  • Advanced circuitry design, built-in speakers protection circuit, best for bookshelf/computer/desktop/speakers in your home;
  • 100W RMS X 2(4 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.04% THD), comes with 24V power supply, can drive 280watts(8 ohm), 320watts(4 ohm) speakers, (For passive speakers only, not the powered speakers.)
  • Small simple compact design but practical and powerful, little Hi-Fi Bluetooth wireless amplifier exclusively designed for the customers who pursue HiFi sound;
  • Bluetooth 5.0 core, up to 50ft connection range guarantees low signal delay. No pop, no audible noise when Bluetooth connection is established;
  • Home integrated digital amplifier, 18-month warranty, you can return the item if you have any problems;
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • Dolby Atmos height virtualizer* and DTS virtual: x
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS: x playback
  • 155 watts per Channel
  • Accueq with subwoofer EQ and accureflex
  • Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
7 Moukey MAMP1 Stereo Receivers
Our Score:
9.0
Moukey
  • ☑️HD SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo has a built in LED display w/ front panel audio control center. FM antenna and remote control are included in the stereo amplifier package for distant audio adjustments.
  • ☑️MULTIPLE INPUT AND OUTPUT MODES: The digital amplifier box supports various external signal sources. 2 RCA audio inputs for tuner, CD player, tape drive, two 2.5-inch / 6.35 cm microphone inputs, headphone output port, USB, SD card, 3.5mm AUX IN and FM radio antenna. With RCA audio output, 2 pairs of banana plug speaker output. With the special monitor headphone output design, so you can enjoy audio all the time without the worry that bother others.
  • ☑️BLUETOOTH 5.0 WIRELESS CONNECTION: The sound amplification mixer device is equipped with Bluetooth music streaming with a wireless range of 40 feet / 12 meters or more. Compatible with today's latest devices (including smartphones, iPads, iPhones and computers), this stereo amplifer is easy to pair with the receiver.
  • ☑️EASY BALANCE CONTROL: The improved professional compact bookshelf sound amplifier with clear, responsive buttons for mode control. Knobs control microphone echo / volume, balance, bass, treble, master volume, input source and unique folder / track.
  • ☑️220 WATTS PEAK POWER: The dual-pass Moukey Bluetooth stereo amplifier receiver is perfect for your karaoke, home theater, acoustic sound system, and monitor headphones. Provide you with enough powerful power amplification, which can accommodate 2 sets of speakers, so that you can enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification.
  • INTEGRATED EQUALIZER: The compact amplifier has crisp buttons for the audio sources and selectors, rotary knob for equalization, mic and master volume adjustments. A remote control is also included in the package for distant audio adjustments
  • BLUETOOTH CAPABLE: The personal portable digital amp box works with today’s latest devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers as it is equipped with Bluetooth wireless music streaming with hassle-free receiver pairing
  • POWERFUL 750 WATT: The Pyle 6-Channel Bluetooth Home Audio Amplifier gives you 750W peak power which can be used for multi speakers w/ 4-8 ohms impedance allowing you to enjoy high quality audio. Perfect for your PA and home theater entertainment
  • MULTIPLE INPUTS: The integrated indoor stereo receiver supports iPod or MP3, USB, micro SD, AUX playback, built-in FM radio w/ digital LCD display, audio input and REC + subwoofer output RCA (L/R) connectors. Also features 2 ¼” microphone inputs
  • MIC TALK-OVER FUNCTION: The professional sound amplifying device features a MIC talk-over function which when activated the current music or audio being played will be temporarily halted. This function is used in paging, voice-over, and announcements
  • EQ CONTROLS: The sound amplifying device has crisp buttons for the audio sources and selectors, rotary knob for equalization and master volume adjustments. Includes remote control for distant audio adjustments and a power cable. Note :Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Manual
  • 300-WATT POWER: The Pyle 4 Channel Pre-Amplifier is perfect for your home theater entertainment system. It gives you 300 watts peak power to be used for multi speakers witth 4-8 ohms impedance allowing you to enjoy high quality amplified audio
  • 6 INPUTS: The personal digital amp box supports SD / MMC card, USB, MP3, AM FM tuner, AUX, CD player, 2 microphone input with echo for karaoke or event hosting, RCA, AUX, and Bluetooth inputs
  • BLUETOOTH ENABLED: The integrated hybrid amplifier is equipped with Bluetooth for wireless music streaming. Works with today’s latest devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, etc.
  • A/B SPEAKER SELECTOR: The professional integrated stereo receiver has A/B speaker selector enabling you to choose b/w speaker set. Use either A or B speakers or both. Note that when it is turned on initially it uses both speakers as default
  • 200 WATT POWER: The stereo receiver amplifier for home theater system gives you 25 watt at 4 ohm max power / 20 watt x 2 at 8 ohm RMS for a high quality amplified audio. Perfect for karaoke & home theater acoustic surround sound system
  • FRONT CONTROL PANEL: This home speaker amplifier home audio bluetooth receiver features a front panel button & rotary control center w/ digital LED display for hassle free operation. Also comes w/ antenna & remote control for distant audio adjustment
  • 9 INPUTS: This home audio amplifier is equipped w/ optical/phono/coaxial input, two 1/4" microphone IN for karaoke, AUX jack, USB/SD IN, and 2 pairs RCA (L/R) for CD/DVD player. It also has a headphone jack and FM radio w/ station auto-search scan
  • BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Pyle bluetooth stereo amplifier receiver is compatible with bluetooth w/ 40+ ft wireless range and works w/ today’s latest devices including smart phone, iPad, tablet, iPhone and laptop w/ hassle free receiver pairing
  • MIC PRIORITY ‘TALK-OVER’: The wireless speaker receiver home stereo amp has a microphone priority ‘talk-over’ function which is great for karaoke, stage performances, & crowd control. You can also adjust the treble, bass, master & mic volume
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best rated audio receivers?

Looking for the best rated audio receivers requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

Total Harmonic Distortion

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of how much distortion the sound produces. THD can be measured as a percentage. It is the amount of deviation from the original signal. THD is a measure of distortion. The higher the THD the more beneficial. THD is a norm in most receiver amplifiers, and it should be below 0.1%.

Network Connectivity

Some receivers come with both wired or wireless network support. You can either connect them to your router using an Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi. You can stream media from any device connected to the same network, such as laptops and smartphones. AirPlay will only work with Apple devices. It is not compatible with other AV receivers. If you live in a house where everyone uses Apple devices, make sure that the model supports AirPlay.

Multi-zone Audio Feature

Some models of amplifier-receivers support the ability to use one or more speakers in a different room. Some receivers can support multiple zones while others allow you to play different sources simultaneously in two rooms. One person may enjoy surround sound in their living room while another can listen to music through the speakers connected to the receiver. If you want to enjoy a great audio experience in your bedroom and living room, but don't have the budget to purchase two speakers systems or amplifiers to achieve it, this feature will be a huge help.

Interface

If you don't know how to use your high-tech receiver, it is useless. A well-designed receiver panel that is easy to navigate can make the difference between having high quality sound and picture quality or having your costly system go stale because it's difficult to get on. It's important that you use the receiver display panel to navigate and learn all functions. A graphical interface is the screen that allows users to set up the receiver and operate it. The viewer must display song information and album art when AirPlay is used.

Calibration

Audio-video beginners will find it difficult to set up an entertainment system in their home.
Automatic speaker calibration is an option on many receivers that makes it easier to calibrate the speakers. The receiver sends test sounds to each speaker and subwoofer, and monitors the sound with a microphone. This allows it to determine the size of the speaker, to measure distance between the speaker and the listener, and to check that the connections are correct. This technology is compatible with surround sound as well as traditional 2-channel home entertainment systems.

Inputs And Outputs

This is because the device has more outputs and inputs than it can handle. A receiver might accept audio signals from a television via the input, and then send them via an out to speakers. There should be enough outputs and inputs for all your equipment. You can also have a few more in case of expansion.

Power

Power is not simply another term for volume, it's also measured in Watts. This also affects the receiver's ability deliver dynamic and detailed sound. A high-wattage receiver produces better sound quality, regardless of the volume.

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between An AV Receiver And An Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier that includes a preamplifier as well as a power amp in one box is called an AV receiver. It is also known as a receiver. It could be called an amplifier.
A receiver can be described as an integrated amplifier and a tuner that receives AM/FM radio signal. Technically speaking, an AV amplifier should not be used if it doesn't include a tuner. An AV receiver can be used, but it is still a common term.

Which A/V Receivers Are Better For Music Or Movies?

No. Music can reveal more about sound quality and character than movies soundtracks. Those who listen to music may prefer one brand over another.

What Is The Difference Between A Stereo Receiver And A Surround Sound Receiver?

Stereo receivers have two channels, and can be used to play stereo audio. Surround sound receivers have five channels or more and can connect to surround sound speakers.
To get surround sound, most people desire surround sound speakers. Stereo amplifiers can be used to enhance the sound quality in your home.

What Is The Difference Between 5.2 And 7.2 Receivers?

Five surround sound speakers can be connected to a 5.2 receiver, as well as two subwoofers. For the surround sound speakers, there are five options: front left, front right and center.
Seven channels are available for surround sound speakers, and two subwoofer channels. A 7.2 receiver can handle both. The 7.2 speaker arrangement is identical to a standard 5.1 setup, with two additional surround sound speakers at the back and one more in the back.

Does An AV Receiver Improve Video Quality?

Advanced video processing abilities can be found in some AV receivers that improve image quality. The best performance is only possible with high-end, expensive models.
Even if your receiver is not high-end, modern televisions are equipped with excellent video processing algorithms, which will produce a stunning picture, regardless of source.

Is An A/V Receiver Good For Gaming?

You might find it possible, particularly if surround sound is important for immersive gaming. Before you purchase, make sure it supports the most recent standards, such as Dolby Atmos (one of the newer HDMI standards), and HDR compatibility. You can also find features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh rate support on the Denon AVRX4700H. While an A/V receiver doesn't need to be used for gaming, it is a great addition if surround sound is important.

What Is Upconverting In An AV Receiver?

You connect the player to the receiver with one type of connection and expect that the receiver will output the video using another type.
You might, for example, connect an analog DVD player to the receiver and ask it to transmit this via HDMI.
Only the most expensive receivers are capable of upconverting different video inputs to HDMI output. You will need to transmit the component video signal through a component attached to the receiver if the receiver is unable to upconvert.

2 ratings

About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.