Power is one of the main features to consider when shopping for a stereo receiver. In addition, it is important to check that if you have speakers, they are compatible with the receiver, or if you are going to buy both devices, you need to check that both can be used together.
It is also very important that you realize that the receiver has all the features you are looking for, and what playback devices you will connect and how you will use them. Also, if you want the receiver to have wireless connectivity you should check these components as well, for example, Bluetooth, if you want to connect your phone or other electronic device, or there are even receivers that have Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Now let’s see some of the best stereo receivers of this new year 2023:
Sony STR-DH190
This receiver has four inputs, and one line output, which you can use for a subwoofer with a suitable crossover. It also has great connectivity options and flexibility, with support for all types of playback and 100 watts of solid, powerful sound.
In terms of wireless connectivity it has Bluetooth, and even supports Bluetooth Standby, which automatically turns the receiver on when you start streaming music from your device. It is five inches tall and 17 inches wide, and its weight is around 15 pounds.
Pros
- Phono input for connecting a turntable
- Bluetooth support
- Output for subwoofer or attaching a recorder
- Sound-matched to Sony’s PS-HX500 and PS-LX310BT turntables
- A/B speakers for wired multi room connections
Cons
- No wired digital inputs
- No dedicated subwoofer output
Pyle Pro PT270AIU
This receiver has a single RCA connection to connect CD players or similar devices, also, on its front panel it has a USB port and an SD card slot, so you can connect MP3 files and play them. It also features a subwoofer output and speakers A and B to switch or play simultaneously.
Pros
- Brilliant display shows more than many receivers
- Microphone inputs make karaoke nights possible
- Dedicated subwoofer out
- SD and USB ports for playing files from removable media
Cons
- Only one stereo RCA input
- Built-in iPod dock won’t be useful for many people
Yamaha R-S202BL
This is a slightly more modern receiver, with a simple and elegant design. It has Bluetooth 4.1, the usual SBC and AAC codecs, it also has four stereo RCA inputs, but none are phono inputs, and a stereo output, which you can use to connect a recording device or even connect a powered subwoofer.
Pros
- Bluetooth 4.1 delivers SBC and AAC audio
- A/B wired multi room outputs
- Line out for subwoofer or other connectivity
- Classy, minimalist look
Cons
- No advanced codecs like LDAC or aptX HD
- No wired digital inputs
Dayton Audio HTA100BT
It has an old look to it, plus this receiver even has vacuum tubes, just like old stereo receivers. But despite this, it does have a pair of stereo RCA inputs on the back, one of which is a phono input, and it also gets digital audio via both optical and coaxial connections, which doesn’t make it that old.
It also has Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, and has a USB port, plus it is not only compatible with MP3 files but also WMA, WAV and APE files.
Pros
- Multiple analog and digital wired audio connections
- Tubes and VU meters make for a great look
- Bluetooth and USB support
- Dedicated subwoofer output
Cons
- Only uses a tube preamp section
- No built-in radio
Onkyo TX-8220
This receiver has a total of five stereo RCA inputs, and one of those inputs is a moving magnet phono stage, the others are digital inputs, one optical and one coaxial. In a matter of wireless connection, it has Bluetooth and remembers up to eight devices that have been paired with the receiver.
Pros
- Moving magnet phono stage for your turntable
- Bluetooth connectivity remembers up to eight devices
- Includes both a line out and a dedicated subwoofer out
- Both optical and coaxial digital inputs
Cons
- Bluetooth volume can be low compared to wired connections
- On the bigger side
Cambridge Audio AXA35
This receiver is great for a tight space, and is actually technically an integrated amplifier, since it doesn’t have a built-in radio. It has four analog stereo RCA inputs, one of which is a moving magnet phono stage, it also features a 1/4-inch headphone jack and a 3.5mm aux input on the front, which is useful for a mp3 player.
It doesn’t have Bluetooth, however it does have a USB port on the back, however a better option is to plug in a USB Bluetooth receiver as you can’t plug in a USB drive loaded with MP3s.
Pros
- Great looking low-profile design
- Moving magnet phono stage
- Front panel auxiliary jack is great for portable players
- USB port lets you connect a Bluetooth receiver
Cons
- No digital audio inputs
- USB port doesn’t allow flash drives