The 10 Best Am Fm Receiver Of 2025, Tested By Our Experts

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best am fm receiver
Best am fm receiver

A stereo receiver is a solid component of an audio system that has two channels (left and right) and two amplifiers per channel. Many audiophiles search for the best stereo receiver because this channel allows for the most powerful sound and the slightest sound fluctuations.

AM/FM radio is a must-have feature for any stereo receiver. But demand has changed slightly, and manufacturers have shifted focus to other features. Today, not all devices have an AM/FM tuner, which implies that radio stations cannot be accessed. More and more people are interested in Internet-based platforms, and the popularity of podcasts is growing rapidly.

This is a well-understood fact, but if you are one of those users who love to listen to the radio, you need a stereo receiver with an AM/FM antenna. Besides, you can use unique presets to get instant access to specific radio stations. Below is the top 10 Best Am FM receiver for you to consider.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
YAMAHA

Yamaha has included two sets of speaker terminals, allowing the R-S202D to be used to power two separate systems. Those speaker terminals are located directly to the right of the four stereo RCA inputs and one line out on the back of the unit.

Meanwhile, the front panel is dedicated to the volume dial and buttons to switch between speakers and inputs and adjust bass response and bass response.

TOP Choice #2 Sony STRDH130 2 Channel Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.6
Sony

The STR-DH190 has four analog audio inputs and one output, so you can easily connect your traditional audio components like CD players or turntables and recording devices.

It is also equipped with a white line on one side of the wire, making it quick and easy to distinguish the polarity to get your audio system set up correctly.

TOP Choice #3 YAMAHA RX-V385 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.4
YAMAHA

Yamaha's well-received home entertainment systems continue to include it. While it may not have the most up-to-date features, it's an excellent system for an upgrade option.

The RX-V385 was designed with a strong focus on achieving exceptionally high-definition sound. It uses a discrete amp configuration and low-flicker PLL circuitry, contributing to its superb sonic performance.

4 Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.3
Onkyo

It has seven channels of high-current power, giving you the freedom to choose a speaker layout that suits you. This receiver is also equipped with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer* or DTS Virtual:X place that sounds overhead or behind if you don’t want height or surround speakers.

You can escape from everyday life with spatial surround sound. From effortless Bluetooth wireless streaming to heart-pounding thrills with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tracks, the TX-SR494 makes everyday life more immersive with great sound and powerful features.

5 Yamaha RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
Our Score:
9.2
Yamaha Audio

This Yamaha receiver is an attractive choice for both movies and music, with a wide range of capabilities and high performance at a decent cost. It doesn't have any trouble filling a large area with comprehensive, detailed, and powerful sound.

The receiver is compatible with both new and old service packs, allowing you to enjoy a multi-channel sound system from legacy and stereo recordings.

6 Onkyo TX-NR696 Home Audio Smart Audio
Our Score:
9.0
Onkyo

The Onkyo TX-NR696  is equipped with an intelligent AVR, which is the heart of your entertainment system. You can stream from Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and TuneIn to share sound as part of a multi-room system. It also works with Sonos, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect.

 

7 Onkyo TX-8140 Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
8.8
Onkyo

The Onkyo TX-8140 has hi-res audio engineered for universal hi-res compatibility and ease of use. You can enjoy albums on your phone or laptop that has been mastered in high resolution.

This receiver also handles 11.2 MHz DSD, 192/24 PCM, and Dolby TrueHD formats for ultimate depth and clarity.

More To Consider

This Onkyo receiver can pair with your existing Sonos Home Audio System or start a new one paired with Sonos Connect. The AVR ties into the Sonos ecosystem, wakes, changes inputs, and plays at the desired volume from the Sonos app.

You can also access streaming content from Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and TuneIn to share sound as part of a multi-room system.

9 Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 7.2
Our Score:
8.5
Yamaha Audio
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Which Criteria Do Our Experts Advice To Consider When Purchasing Of best am fm receiver?

According to our experts, you should understand some sides of the product to get the finest one. Like others, best am fm receiver of 2025 might include many factors for you to take into account. For that, each among best am fm receiver will have unique features and challenges as well to consist of.

The focus on the following features of best am fm receiver is highly recommended, given they have come together with tech-evaluated certification:

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.