Buying the Best Stereo Receiver: What Factors Should You Consider?
If you're a passionate music lover and a budding audiophile, a stereo receiver will prove a terrific upgrade for your home entertainment. However, if you're not aware of the specifications and technologies, choosing between the best stereo receivers will be tricky.
You see, stereo receivers come in a variety of models and designs. While some pack up cool modern upgrades like Spotify and voice control, others will have you tripping over dozens of cables. We advise taking the time to learn about features and designs before you jump headfirst into the buying process.
Here's everything you need to know to bring home the best stereo receiver.
Radio
Do you like tuning into the radio to explore new music or enjoy the news while doing odd jobs around the house? Many people love listening to the radio, and most stereo receivers come with AM/FM tuners that allow you to find the right channel within seconds. These are an excellent choice for city-dwellers and suburban residents.
If you experience signal disturbances in your arena, consider buying a stereo receiver with a sturdy AM/FM antenna.
Device Connectivity
Do you want to experience the nostalgia of playing your dusty old cassettes and mixtapes after years of tossing them in the attic? Or perhaps, you'd like to start listening to music from your grand collection of CDs? Stereo RCA connectors are a great choice if you want to connect turntables, CD players, and even cassette decks.
Many high-end and sophisticated stereo receivers come with an outboard unit, but you can also explore options with a built-in phono preamp. It's also wise to pick a unit that supports XLR cables so you can enjoy the music in the dining room without any noise or loss of signal.
Visual & Digital Inputs
Many of the best stereo receivers come with various digital features and visual inputs. You can use these inputs to enhance the digital audio from your gaming console or the TV. A stereo receiver can work wonders at enhancing the music and sound effects for a visually immersive and interactive experience. The receiver will truly bring out the best in your speakers!
The device should have USB ports that are compatible with the devices you typically use. Keep in mind that receivers come with various USB jacks, so be sure to do your homework thoroughly. For instance, if you want to connect your laptop, you'll need a Type-B USB jack. Likewise, a flash drive requires a Type-A USB input.
Receivers that come with an Ethernet port are terrific for streaming your favorite TV shows. Some other must-have features include HDR computability, HDMI inputs, and 4K video quality.
Speaker Terminals & other Enhancements
Speaker terminals are a must-have output feature that comes with gold-plated binding posts in most receivers and clip connectors in cheaper models. These enhancements serve the purpose of enhancing speaker connections to deliver an outstanding audio experience.
There's a wide variety to explore in output features and upgrades. For instance, line-level RCA outputs will help you set up stereo speakers in the basement to create another zone to enjoy your musical musings in a private setting.
Most people believe that one pair of speaker terminals is enough, but luckily, most designs come with two sets of terminals. Imagine setting up a second zone on the deck, or your bedroom perhaps. However, you won't be able to play different devices/media on both locations.
Do you want to add a powered subwoofer to pump up the bass? Look for an RCA output carrying the SUB label to enjoy those deep notes of bass-powered music that you love. If you usually tune into your headphones while binge-watching Netflix at night, be sure to check your chosen receiver for a headphone jack.
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Modern stereo receivers feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to enable connectivity with all mainstream household devices and gadgets. However, you must find these features in a receiver that aligns with your budget and other preferences. We strongly recommend buying a stereo receiver with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to make the most of this worthwhile upgrade.
Imagine using your receiver to enjoy all the popular streaming sites, such as Netflix, Spotify, TuneIn, and others. You can also connect your smartphone wirelessly with the receiver to stream your favorites. Do you have wireless speakers? The right stereo receiver will allow you to create a spectacular audio system spanning multiple living spaces.
Many popular brands power their Wi-Fi-enabled stereo receivers with built-in technologies and apps to make streaming more straightforward and fun.
Conclusion
There's much to consider and explore before you dive into buying the best stereo receiver that money can buy. If you're working with a small budget, you may have to settle for a receiver that doesn't support modern upgrades. But luckily, you don't have to break the bank to bring home the best stereo receiver that supports wireless devices and streaming. It all boils down to doing your research and, more importantly, understanding your own preferences.
FAQs
1. How much does the best stereo receiver cost?
The cost of a stereo receiver ranges from less than $200 to more than $2000 and above. You can explore budgeted models and high-end receivers, depending on the features you seek. Sony is always a wise choice in budgeted receivers, but if you want to splurge, Yamaha is a very reliable manufacturer.
2. What is the best stereo receiver for wireless streaming in multiple rooms?
It depends entirely on how much you're willing to explore. For instance, you can explore high-end models from Yamaha, Marantz, and Apple or search for a budget device. Manufacturers are churning out great variety, and many new brands have entered the market with excellent features in affordable wireless audio systems.
3. Do stereo receivers support voice control?
They most certainly do, as many manufacturers are powering their stereo receivers with voice control compatibility. You can also invest in an adapter like the Google Home Mini to enjoy this upgrade.