An audio component receiver is the heart of any home theater setup and should be the first item on your shopping list when setting up a surround sound system.
We researched dozens of models from the biggest and best brands, evaluating them on ease of use, sound quality, and value. Our top pick is the Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo
Here, are the best audio component receivers available today.
Best Audio Component Receivers: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Audio Component Receivers Reviews
- Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home.Frequency band : 2,400 MHz – 2,483.5 MHz, Maximum output power : ≤ 5.0 dBm..Connector Type: Bluetooth
- 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
- Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
- 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
- 5.1-Channel powerful surround sound.Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms). Extensive Connection - HDMI CEC : Yes.
- Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
- HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4-in/1-out)
- 4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log-gamma and BT.2020
- YPAO auto-calibration technology for ideal sound
- Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home.NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps..Frequency band : 2.4 GHz band
- Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
- 4K Pass Through: 4K HDR Compatible with Hdcp 2.2 Support for Sharper Source to Screen Image Quality
- SMART CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby to turn on the receiver from your phone
- Multi Functional System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, Fm Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- DTS:X PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences.
- 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.
- DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without employing additional surround or height speakers. 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos.
- PERSONAL PRESET. Press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode. Up to three presets can be registered and called up from the front panel button or remote control.
- RANGE CONTROL. With this unique mid-range sound control feature, you can make independent volume adjustments to the range including dialogues in films, with the up/down key on the remote control.
- ENTRY-LEVEL POWER AMPLIFIER: Experience powerful sound with the BT20A Bluetooth amplifier, boasting an impressive 100Wx2 maximum output power. It can power multiple speaker cabinets, which can be used at home or in small venues
- EFFECTIVE, SIMPLE, AND NO FRILLS: The compact design allows it to be used in any space where passive speakers are required. It can be used in an office, a bedroom, a living room, a garage, or even on the patio
- EASY TO SET UP: The 2 Channel amplifier has a straightforward installation and a one-touch power switch for easy operation. The smooth bass and treble controls allow tuning to taste and the connected bookshelf speakers
- BLUETOOTH AND RCA INPUTS: The seamless Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to stream music directly from your phone without any dropouts or delays, delivering crystal-clear sound and impressive volume for your home audio setup
- ALL-BLACK DESIGN: This Class D amplifier features an integrated one-piece design that not only adds to its looks but also makes it more durable. With its stylish look, it fits wonderful on any shelf and complements most home decor
- Advanced circuitry design.Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k ohmsHead phone terminalAuto power standby functionSpeaker selector and speaker terminals for two systems
- Bluetooth to your favorite streaming music services
- 40 station FM/AM preset tuning; Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100kHz (0 plus/ minus 0.5 dB / 0 plus/ minus 3.0 dB)
- Brushed aluminum finish and simplistic design
- Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k ohms
- HDMI with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (4 in / 1 out)
- 4K60, 4K120AB and 8K60B HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (4 in/1 out)
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz, AirPlay 2, MusicPlay (iOS and Android) and Spotify Connect
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant devices or Siri via AirPlay 2
- Pandora, Spotify, Napster, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD
- 400 WATTS MAX POWER: Moukey 2.0 Channel Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier Receiver is compact but powerful, which is perfect for your karaoke, home theater, acoustic sound system, and monitor headphones. Provides with 400 watts max power output, you can enjoy the high-quality home audio experience
- 7 INPUTS: The audio amplifier supports various external signal sources - 2 pairs RCA audio inputs for CD player and DVD player, 2 1/4 inch(6.35mm) microphone inputs, USB（maximum 32G）, SD card（maximum 16G）, 3.5mm AUX IN, FM radio. With RCA Line Out, banana plug for speaker outputs. Supports 1/4 inch(6.35mm) headphone connection, so you can enjoy audio all the time without the worry that bothers others
- EQ CONTROLS: The improved professional compact bookshelf sound amplifier features clear, responsive buttons for mode control. Knobs control for microphone echo / volume, balance, bass, treble, master volume, input source and unique folder / track
- BLUETOOTH 5.0 WIRELESS CONNECTION: The professional indoor stereo receiver is equipped with Bluetooth music streaming with a wireless range of 40 feet / 10 meters or more. Works with today's latest devices (including smartphone, tablet, iPad, iPhone and computer), this bluetooth amplifier is easy to pair with the receiver
- HD LED SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo features an FM radio w/ 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. (Remote control can ONLY remotely control the volume of MP3/BT/FM.)
- DOLBY ATMOS HEIGHT VIRTUALIZER: When playing any Dolby format, engaging Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer enables a more immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers.
- DOLBY ATMOS AND DTS:X FOR STELLAR SOUND: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats allow engineers to map sound anywhere in 3D space, effects moving from speaker to speaker all around the room and wrapping your audience in the latest films and games. You can also enjoy your 3D speaker layout with classic titles.
- HDMI 2.1A WITH 8K: HDMI 2.1a supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, as well as Dynamic HDR formats. Combined with 60Hz refresh rate enables smooth and sharp viewing of content with high-speed action, HDMI 2.1a with 8K ensures your system is ready for the clearest and cleanest picture available both now and down the road.
- ACCUEQ ROOM CALIBRATION: Streamlines the initial setup of your home theater by ensuring your receiver and speakers are properly calibrated to the room they’re in. This technology compensates for differences in speaker size and distance to equalize response so you get exceptional audio playback no matter the space you’re in.
- BLUETOOTH: Whatever audio is playing on your phone, tablet, or PC app can be streamed to the receiver with Bluetooth wireless technology. Once the receiver has paired with and remembered your device, it will start playback automatically whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
Best Audio Component Receivers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best audio component receivers you should consider the following options:
1. Sound Quality: Audio receivers are quite basic in terms of design, but they come with different sound quality features. The best audio receivers are the ones that prioritize sound quality over everything else.
A good sound quality system will have a built-in amplifier that can support different speakers and sound bars. The amplifier will also be able to drive the bass, thereby ensuring that the sound produced is of high fidelity.
You can also look out for audio receivers that come with special features such as Dolby Atmos or DTS: X. These special features allow the receiver to produce surround sound effects that make the listening experience more immersive.
2. Connectivity: You will definitely want a receiver that offers you wide connectivity options. While you should always prioritize a system that offers HDMI inputs and outputs, you can also look out for other features as well.
If you want a sound system that you can use to play music from your mobile devices, then make sure that the receiver comes with Bluetooth connectivity.
If you have a home theater setup, then you will also want to make sure that the receiver offers you an HDMI input for your TV. This way, you will be able to use your receiver as the central hub of your entertainment system.
3. Sound Distribution: A good audio receiver will not only offer you good sound quality but will also make sure that the sound is distributed in an even manner.
If you are planning to use a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound setup, then you will definitely want an audio receiver that offers you good sound distribution.
A good audio receiver should have an equal signal output to all the channels. If the sound output is not equal, then you will not get the surround sound experience that you are looking for.
4. Cost: Last but not the least; you should definitely factor in the overall cost of the audio receiver that you are planning to buy.
Audio receivers are quite affordable, but there are some models that tend to be expensive. In some cases, you might have to pay a little more for an audio receiver that offers you the best sound quality.
What else you should know about the best audio component receivers
1. What are the best audio component receivers?
Some of the best audio component receivers on the market include the Denon AVR-X4100W, Pioneer SC-LX501, and Yamaha RX-A1050.
2. What are the features of a good audio component receiver?
Some features of a good audio component receiver are:
- Digital and analog inputs
- High power output
- EQ controls
- Ability to play multiple formats
- Streaming capability
- Wireless connectivity
3. How do I choose the right audio component receiver for my needs?
The first thing you need to do is decide what features you need. Do you need a receiver that can play CDs? Do you need a receiver that can play DVDs? Do you need a receiver that can play Blu-rays? Once you know what features you need, you can start looking at different models and comparing their features. You should also look at reviews to see what other people think about the receivers you’re considering.
4. What are the different types of audio component receivers?
There are several types of audio component receivers, including:
1. Surround sound receivers: These audio component receivers are designed to provide a surround sound experience, and typically include features like Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.
2. Stereo receivers: Stereo receivers are designed to provide two-channel audio, and may include features like a phono input for turntables.
3. Network receivers: Network receivers are designed to connect to a home network, and may include features like built-in Wi-Fi and support for streaming services.
4. AV receivers: AV receivers are designed to be the central hub for a home theater system, and typically include features like multiple HDMI inputs and outputs.
5. How do I set up an audio component receiver?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process for setting up an audio component receiver will vary depending on the make and model of the receiver. However, in general, the process for setting up an audio component receiver will involve connecting the receiver to the TV, connecting the speakers to the receiver, and then following the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best audio component receivers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best audio component receivers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.