The 10 Best High End Stereo Receiver, Tested And Researched

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver

Yamaha's 125-year music heritage is packaged in the R-S202 to reproduce music as it would be experienced live. This receiver's every detail has been optimized for maximum power and minimal interference. Read Review

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

The STRDH190 has been designed to deliver excellent sound quality and easy operation. The STRDH190 is a low-profile 2-channel stereo receiver with built-in Bluetooth, enabling you to listen to your music wirelessly from smartphones, tablets and more. Read Review

3. Best Compatible: Onkyo TX-8220 2 Home Audio Channel

This receiver is ideal for music and film enthusiasts who want great sound from any source. It includes a MM phono stage for your turntable, four analog line inputs, and digital inputs to route audio from television. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Denon DRA-800H 2-Channel Stereo Network Receiver

This incredibly stylish and potent receiver (100W per channel at 8 ohms) lets you feel the force and hear every audio detail while providing greater stability with a variety of speakers and consistently delivering balanced sound. Read Review

5. Best Realiable: Moukey Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receivers

Moukey Home Audio Amplifier Stereo Receivers with Bluetooth 5.0, 220W 2 Channel, such as Moukey A5-220BT 2.1 Channel 120 Watt Wireless Speaker System, are the perfect addition to your karaoke system or acoustic sound system. They provide you with enough powerful power amplification that can accommodate 2 sets of speakers so that you can enjoy the home audio impact of high-quality audio amplification. Read Review

If there’s one type of audio equipment that will make you fall in love with music all over again, it’s a high end stereo receiver. These types of receivers are the pinnacle of audio performance for home listening, offering crisp and clear sound that rivals any live performance.

If the standard home stereo just isn’t cutting it anymore and you need something that can handle your high-end speakers and amps, then a high end receiver is what you need. A high-end receiver combines all the functions of a standard receiver with additional features designed to improve sound quality in your listening experience.

It may cost more than a standard home stereo, but this kind of receiver is worth every penny as it can last you for many years to come – especially if you pair it with a high-end speaker system as well.

We think the product that comes highly recommended for best high end stereo receiver is YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver. In case you need more alternatives and more in-depth guidance, you may explore the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.8
YAMAHA
  • 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
  • Bluetooth to your favorite streaming music services
TOP Choice #2 Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
Sony
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
  • Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
  • Full size (1/4 inch) headphone jack
  • FM Radio with 30 station presets;
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AA400U), batteries, FM antenna
TOP Choice #3 Onkyo TX-8220 2 Home Audio Channel
Our Score:
9.6
Onkyo
  • MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS. For music and film lovers that want to add great sound to any source, this receiver comes extensively equipped with a quality MM phono stage for your turntable, digital inputs to route audio from TV and four analog line inputs.
  • BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This smart receiver remembers your device and starts playback whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
  • HI-CURRENT AMP SYSTEM. Onkyo’s high-current low-impedance Wide Range Amplification Technology (WRAT) design uses a massive EI transformer to drive your speakers accurately, even under heavy loads, so sound quality doesn't suffer.
  • FEATURES. 45 W/Ch stereo power (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels Driven, FTC); 100 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 2 channels Driven) , AM - 530 kHz–1,710 kilo Hertz
  • MULTI-ROOM AUDIO. The TX-8220 features two sets of speaker posts. The receiver drives either a single pair of speakers (4–16 Ohms) or two pairs of speakers (8–16 Ohms) to enjoy the same audio source in two rooms, or switch between two sets of speakers.
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE DISCRETE 2-CHANNEL AMP – Feel the power & hear every audio detail with this ultra-stylish & powerful receiver (100W per channel at 8 ohms) that offers greater stability with a wide range of speakers & delivers balanced sound each time.
  • ENJOY MULTI-ROOM STREAMING – Built-in HEOS technology allows you to playback music through any popular streaming service such as Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music and others via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or AirPlay 2 in one room and more simultaneously
  • ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION FOR A STUNNING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – Features full 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020 pass-through. Watch your favorite movies & shows with exceptional color, clarity and contrast.
  • VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL MAJOR VOICE AGENTS – Change audio tracks, control volume, switch inputs, and play & pause music with your voice. Just command Alexa, Siri, and other leading voice agents or any smart home automation systems
  • With its 100-year legacy & Japanese precision technology, Denon BRINGS PURITY OF SOUND AND JOY TO YOUR LIVES. Immerse yourself in multi-dimensional audio & sensational surround sound with this amplifier for an unmatched home theater & entertainment system
  • EXPERT SOUND ENGINEERING – Denon’s experience in designing award-winning amplifiers and their use of Hi-Fi parts, custom resistors, audio grade capacitors, a double differential DAC circuit and analog preamp circuits deliver a superior sound experience
  • HI-RES AUDIO PLAYBACK – Listen to your favorite tracks stored on a memory device via the USB port on the front panel, or through network sources. Also, connect your turntable to the speakers or amp via the integrated phono input and MM equalizer
  • ☑️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.
  • ☑️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.
  • ☑️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.
  • Usb input for music files from USB thumb drive. Rear speaker terminals: banana Plug/ binding post outputs for 2 speakers. Frequency response (3dB): 22hz-20khz. Input impedance: 47Ko. Input sensitivity: 300mV. Output Impendence: 4-8ohm.
  • Rockville BluTube LED 70W Bluetooth tube amplifier/home stereo receiver with blue Illumination, optical input, Sub output
  • Coaxial input. Sub output. Tube Amps do not hard-clip even at high volumes and are extremely efficient. Due to this the amp sounds more like double the rated power! . Built in Bluetooth with 33 foot range. Built-in preamplifier. Headphone output. Vu meter. Adjustable bass and treble (2 band equalizer).
  • Total Harmonic distortion): ≤0. 02%. Signal-to-Noise ratio(s/n): ≥86dB. Bluetooth: 2. 1+Edr. Usb: Supports WAV/MP3/WMA/APE/FLAC. 110V. Unit weight: 6. 6 lbs. Unit dimension: 10. 6"X10. 2"X5. 1"
  • Rockville blutubeled audiophile grade tube amplifier with Bluetooth. Black Color with blue illuminated tubes and blue illuminated knobs. 25 watts x 2 RMS @ 8 ohm. 35 Watts x 2 RMS @ 4 ohm. (1) set of RCA inputs to connect to any audio device like a TV, laptop, or MP3 player, etc. Optical input.
  • Multiple input modes: In addition to the Bluetooth function, the amplifer can also be connected to SD card, USB disk, RCA input and ECHO microphone input.And supports treble and bass adjustment and microphone volume control
  • Bluetooth 5.0: The integrated hybrid amplifier is equipped with the new updated 5.0 bluetooth.It will increase the stability, sound quality and use distance.It Works with latest devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, etc.
  • FM function:With automatic search function, you can save up to 50 radio stations. Detailed operating instructions can be found in the manual or contact our customer staff.
  • High-power independent control: Its peak power can set of to 440W(110W x 4),and has four channels which is independently controlled.440W is enough to support 4 groups of 8 speakers with 4-8 ohms and peak power within 50W.
  • HD SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo has a built in LED display. FM antenna and remote control are included in the stereo amplifier package for distant audio adjustments. [Notice] The product needs to be connected to passive speakers to play audio. When there is no speaker connected, there will be a certain amount of wind noise, which is normal
  • BLUETOOTH-COMPATIBLE: The professional integrated indoor house stereo receiver is equipped w/ bluetooth wireless music streaming. Works w/ today’s latest devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers with hassle-free receiver pairing
  • 4 VACUUM TUBES: The Pyle Vacuum Tube Hi-Fi Amplifier is perfect for your home entertainment system. Gives you 1000W peak power w/ 4 vacuum tubes. Proven to sound better than regular amplifiers because of the euphonic distortions they add to the music
  • 5 INPUTS: The digital amp box supports MP3 audio playback & other external devices. Equipped w/ built-in USB, 2 CD/DVD inputs, optical & coaxial inputs. It is also equipped w/ 1 subwoofer output & 2 speaker outputs which can support 4-8 ohm speakers
  • BUILT-IN COOLING FAN: The high powered home theater pro audio receiver features a built-in cooling fan to prevent overheating. Additional feature includes a double-sided fiber circuit board. Includes remote control and power cable
  • FRONT PANEL CONTROL: The sound speaker amplifying device features front panel controls w/ digital LED display, input select, play/pause, previous/next song, master volume knob & USB reader. The 4 vacuum tubes are located on the top panel of the unit
  • Home integrated digital amplifier, 18-month warranty, you can return the item if you have any problems;
  • Bluetooth 5.0 core, up to 50ft connection range guarantees low signal delay. No pop, no audible noise when Bluetooth connection is established;
  • Advanced circuitry design, built-in speakers protection circuit, best for bookshelf/computer/desktop/speakers in your home;
  • Small simple compact design but practical and powerful, little Hi-Fi Bluetooth wireless amplifier exclusively designed for the customers who pursue HiFi sound;
  • 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.)
  • 4 STEREO RCA INPUTS: 3 Stereo RCA inputs along with 1 RCA stereo input for play media. SD memory & USB ports will also let you play your favorite media. It also has 2 1/4 inch mic inputs & mic volume, tone & echo controls for voice effects
  • MP3 PLAYER PLUG-IN: With this amplifier, you can enjoy listening to your favorite music. It has an iPod docking station, suitable for all iPod & iPhone models. With this docking station, you can connect your iPod while listening to different music
  • A/B SPEAKER OUT SWITCH: This amplifier includes banana-plug speaker terminals, plus two mono RCA outputs which made for the subwoofer output, with its own separate gain control. It controls multiple sets of speakers with the A/B speaker out switch
  • 300W POWER OUTPUT: With a maximum output of 300 watts, the PT270AIU has the power to fill your room with sound. This amplifier also has the brilliant digital fluorescent display comes in clear and shows vivid information
  • AM/FM MODE: This amplifier has AM & FM antenna for the signal. It also has auto station seek helps you to enjoy listening to your favorite stations with capable of storing up to 50 radio station presets & quartz tuner to enjoy listening
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best high end stereo receiver?

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.