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
- WATCH YOUR MOVIES IN 8K - At 70W x 5, Denon AVR-S570BT home theater receiver features (4) HDMI 2.1 8K inputs, (1) HDMI output, eARC up to 40 Gbps, successor to AVR-S540BT, ensuring HD audio playback, enhanced gaming, Power 310 W, Standby 0.1 W
- TRUE-TO-LIFE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE - The AVR-S570BT supports HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR for realistic display, VRR and QFT for lag-free exceptional gaming, DTS HD Master, Dolby TrueHD immersive audio, and 5.1 surround sound receiver
- YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth stereo receiver, play tracks from various audio sources and create an integrated multi-room audio system. Allows wireless streaming from Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, and more
- OUR EASY ON-SCREEN HD SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear, intuitive instructions to connect your TV and stereo receiver with bluetooth, while specific EQ settings help optimize surround sound so you make the most of movies, music, TV, or gaming
- CONVENIENT CONTROL - Connect Denon receiver to your Smart TV remote and access speaker sources & surround selections using just one handset, or download Denon Remote App for iOS and Android to control receiver through the phone
- 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
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE 7-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER WITH NEXT-GEN MOVIE IMMERSION - Enjoy Denon sound in movies, games, and music with full 3D audio support, Dynamic HDR, QMS, HDCP 2.3 & advanced video processing for the best 4K home theater (8K ready when you are)
- ADVANCED 8K HDMI VIDEO SECTION - 3 dedicated 8K inputs and 1 output (8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through; 8K upscaling on all 6 inputs). Supports 4:4:4 Pure Color Sub Sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision & HLG for exceptional color, contrast, and clarity
- MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO - In addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X, the AVR-X1700H also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology that creates virtual height effects even without the height channels for a truly immersive experience
- AWARD-WINING ON-SCREEN QUICK SETUP GUIDE walks you through simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, specify EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. The back-panel is laid out with color-coded connections that makes organizing simple
- MULTI-ROOM, MULTI-SOURCE STREAMING, watch a movie in one room while another family member streams music from popular services like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, and more via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, or Bluetooth in a different zone, without interruption
- 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
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE AV RECEIVER - Enjoy 8K video & 3D audio with Denon AVR-X1800H AV Receiver for home theater audio. Fills small-medium rooms with sound using Dolby Atmos/DTS:X 7.2/5.2.2 setup & delivers streaming to HEOS speakers via 8K/HDCP 2.3
- ADVANCED 8K HDMI VIDEO SECTION - With 3 dedicated 8K inputs & 1 output (8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz pass-through), this AVR home theater receiver supports Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, & Dynamic HDR pass-through up to 40Gbps bandwidth for lag-free gaming
- MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO - In addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, & DTS Virtual:X, this Denon surround sound receiver also supports Height Virtualization Technology, creating virtual height effects without the height channels for an immersive experience
- AWARD-WINNING GUIDE - An on-screen quick setup guide for this home theater amplifier walks you through connecting your TV & optimizing the surround sound. The back panel is laid out with color-coded connections that make organizing simple
- UNLIMITED WIRELESS STREAMING - This stereo receiver with Bluetooth allows for a different song in each room with built-in HEOS multi-room streaming. Stream music with Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and more via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, or Bluetooth
- 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
- 1000 Watt PEAK POWER: Donner stereo receiver provides a 1000W peak power (25W × 4 RMS power) and simplified appearance to level up your audio experience. 4 channels can be independently controlled and support up to 4 groups of 8 speakers with 4-to 8 ohms
- MULTIFUNCTION REMOTE: Without the limitation of a single function, our amplifier home audio comes with an upgraded remote control that can use the setting functions of treble/ midrange/ bass/ echo/Talkover in any input mode ( Note: Turning off the amplifier via the remote does not cut off the power supply. Please disconnect the power supply via the on/off button on the machine after using to avoid humming noise )
- MULTI-INPUT MODES: The audio receiver supports various sound source inputs including Bluetooth 5.0, USB (up to 64G), 2 pairs of RCA, 2 mic inputs, AUX IN, and FM radio. In addition, digital Optical fiber and coaxial interfaces have been added to fit most smart TVs
- CUSTOMIZED EQ CONTROL: Both the bluetooth amplifier and the remote can independently control the treble, midrange, and bass adjustment, you can set the sound as you like
- DUAL MIC INTERFACES: Equipped with dual 1/4'' microphone jacks for your karaoke party. Plus the Talk Over function can lower the background music for clearer sound output in events/ hosting/ speech occasions
- 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
- 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
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.