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10 Best Stereo Receivers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth Black

The Sony STRDH190 is a stereo receiver that offers a solid audio experience with a power output of 100 watts per channel, making it suitable for medium to large rooms. With two channels, it supports basic stereo sound, ideal for music enthusiasts who don't require surround sound. The receiver is designed to connect easily with various devices, featuring Bluetooth for wireless streaming from smartphones or tablets, and multiple analog audio inputs, including a dedicated phono input for turntables—great for vinyl lovers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,174
Power Output (Wattage)
Connectivity Options
Audio Formats and Decoding

Most important from
9533 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Fabulous sound and power, perfectly powering vintage components like turntables and cassette decks.
Connectivity Options
The Bluetooth connectivity is awesome with powerful range, great for playing music from mobile devices.
Audio Formats and Decoding
The 'Pure Direct' feature provides only the audio that the source provides, making movie soundtracks sound great.
User Interface and Controls
Great remote control, easy to use, and lives up to Sony quality.
Additional Features
A wonderful sounding amplifier at a great price, especially when used with a subwoofer.
#2
10.0 score

Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a powerful 9.4-channel home theater receiver designed for those seeking an immersive audio-visual experience. With a solid power output of 105 watts per channel, it easily drives larger speakers, making it a great fit for home theater enthusiasts. It supports 8K video resolutions, including advanced formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring superb picture quality for your viewing experience.

Rating
10.0
Connectivity Options
Audio Formats and Decoding
User Interface and Controls

Most important from
891 reviews

Connectivity Options
Fantastic quality in both the hardware and output, making it easy to set up and connect to Bluetooth devices.
Audio Formats and Decoding
Includes all the variations for Dolby (Vision, Atmos) and DTS (X), making it versatile for any setup.
User Interface and Controls
Setup is a breeze with TV/onscreen prompts for general setup and room/speaker tuning.
Additional Features
The Audyssey Room Correction Suite makes the calibration process straightforward and effective.
#3
9.7 score

Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a feature-rich 7.2 channel stereo receiver designed for home theater enthusiasts. It delivers a robust power output of 165 watts per channel at 6 ohms, providing ample power for most home audio setups. The receiver supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which ensures immersive and high-quality surround sound. Additionally, it offers versatile connectivity with six HDMI 2.1 inputs and two HDMI outputs, making it compatible with both 8K and 4K/120Hz video resolutions. This means it is future-proof and can handle the latest video standards and gaming consoles.

Rating
9.7
Connectivity Options
Audio Formats and Decoding
User Interface and Controls

Most important from
436 reviews

Connectivity Options
Seamless connectivity with multiple HDMI inputs allows easy switching between various devices like Firestick, Roku, and cable TV boxes.
Audio Formats and Decoding
The Sony STR-AN1000 delivers awesome surround sound with Dolby Speaker Virtualization, making for an immersive home theater experience.
User Interface and Controls
The Sony Music Center App offers convenient control of the receiver from your smartphone.
Additional Features
The receiver's 4K and 8K upscaling capabilities ensure stunning picture quality from all playback devices.

Top 10 Best Stereo Receivers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth Black

Power Output (Wattage): 100 watts per channel
Number of Channels: 2
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Phono Input, Analog Audio
User Interface and Controls: Push Button
Additional Features: FM radio, A/B speaker, headphone jack

Chosen by 1174 this week

Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D

Power Output (Wattage): 105 watts per channel
Number of Channels: 9.4
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, 9 HDMI ports
Audio Formats and Decoding: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro
User Interface and Controls: On-screen setup assistant
Additional Features: 3D Audio, 8K video, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1

Power Output (Wattage): 165 watts per channel at 6 ohms
Number of Channels: 7.2
Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Impedance Compatibility: 6 ohms
Audio Formats and Decoding: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
User Interface and Controls: Graphical interface, Google Assistant
Additional Features: Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX

YAMAHA RX-V6A 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast

Number of Channels: 7.2
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HDMI
Audio Formats and Decoding: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
User Interface and Controls: Voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant
Additional Features: YPAO - R.S.C., AM Tuner

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth,Black

Power Output (Wattage): 725W
Number of Channels: 5.2
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, Coaxial
Impedance Compatibility: 6 ohms
Audio Formats and Decoding: Stereo
User Interface and Controls: Complex, needs manual
Additional Features: 4K HDR, S Force PRO, Bluetooth

Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More

Power Output (Wattage): 100 watts per channel
Number of Channels: 9.2
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Bluetooth
Audio Formats and Decoding: Stereo
User Interface and Controls: Remote
Additional Features: Dirac Live, 4K/120Hz, low-latency, Sonos

YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver

Power Output: modest
Number of Channels: 2
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI
Audio Formats: Stereo
User Interface and Controls: Android controller, simple interface
Size and Design: simple, elegant, brushed aluminum
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Buying Guide for the Best Stereo Receivers

Choosing the right stereo receiver can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. A stereo receiver acts as the central hub for your audio system, connecting various components and amplifying sound to your speakers. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to your speakers. This spec is crucial because it affects the volume and clarity of the sound. Generally, receivers with higher wattage can drive larger speakers and produce louder sound. If you have a small room or sensitive speakers, a lower wattage (20-50 watts per channel) might be sufficient. For larger rooms or less sensitive speakers, you might need a receiver with higher wattage (100 watts per channel or more). Consider your room size and speaker specifications to determine the right power output for you.
Number of ChannelsThe number of channels refers to how many speakers the receiver can support. Common configurations include 2-channel (stereo), 5.1-channel (surround sound), and 7.1-channel (advanced surround sound). If you primarily listen to music, a 2-channel receiver might be adequate. For home theater setups, a 5.1 or 7.1-channel receiver can provide a more immersive experience. Think about your current and future speaker setup to choose the appropriate number of channels.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect various devices to your receiver. Important connections include HDMI, optical, coaxial, and analog inputs. HDMI is essential for modern TVs and gaming consoles, while optical and coaxial are useful for high-quality audio sources. Analog inputs are great for older equipment. Additionally, wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can offer convenience for streaming music. Assess the devices you plan to connect and ensure the receiver has the necessary inputs and outputs.
Audio FormatsAudio formats supported by the receiver can affect the quality and compatibility of the sound. Look for receivers that support popular formats like Dolby Digital, DTS, and high-resolution audio. These formats can enhance your listening experience by providing clearer and more dynamic sound. If you're an audiophile or plan to use the receiver for home theater, ensure it supports advanced audio formats. For casual listening, basic format support might be sufficient.
User Interface and ControlsThe user interface and controls of a receiver can impact ease of use. Look for receivers with intuitive menus, clear displays, and convenient remote controls. Some receivers also offer app control for smartphones, which can be very handy. If you're not tech-savvy, a simpler interface might be preferable. Consider how comfortable you are with technology and choose a receiver that matches your preference for ease of use.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the receiver can affect where you place it and how it fits with your decor. Receivers come in various sizes, so measure the space where you plan to put it to ensure a good fit. Design elements like color and finish might also be important if you want the receiver to blend with your other equipment. Think about your available space and aesthetic preferences when selecting a receiver.

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