The Best Two-Channel Stereo Receivers of 2024

Up your home audio game while staying stylish

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The best two-channel stereo receivers deliver excellent sound across the audio spectrum (thumping lows, crystal clear mids and highs) and a bevy of inputs and outputs to let you get music in and out with minimal fuss.

Modern receivers feature Bluetooth connectivity, so pairing your phone or tablet requires pressing a few buttons.

in this article

Best Overall

Cambridge Audio AXR85

Cambridge Audio AXR85 85 Watt Stereo Receiver

Amazon

Pros
  • Supports Bluetooth and other inputs

  • Looks great

  • Built-in radio receiver

Cons
  • On the pricey side

  • Mixed reviews regarding Bluetooth reliability

A superb, attractive receiver that delivers a clear, incredibly accurate sound and features many inputs, the AXR85 claims our top spot for its ability to appeal to everyone from dedicated audiophiles to audio neophytes.

This sleek, brushed aluminum unit boasts 85 watts of power, a built-in phono stage for connecting record players, and a 3.5mm input for iPod/MP3/external music players.

It also has built-in FM/AM radio reception with RDS and up to 30 preset channels. There are four analog inputs and a built-in Bluetooth receiver for streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Cambridge Audio is renowned for building thoughtfully designed products that deliver best-in-class sound, and the AXR85 is another winner from the British manufacturer.

Most Flexible With Subwoofers

Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver

Amazon

Pros
  • Well-priced

  • Superb performance

  • Phono input

Cons
  • Poorly designed speaker connections

  • Heavy reliance on the remote vs the unit

  • Relatively fewer connection options

The Sony STRDH190 is a complete two-channel stereo receiver package with a potent mix of features and sound quality. The NAD-integrated amp sounds fantastic for audio listeners who want today's sound; pumping out 112 watts per channel, the Sony has enough power to push any subwoofer to its loudest volume.

Digital connections on the receiver's rear will help it connect quickly to an external subwoofer. Four analog inputs and one output are connected to a CD player or other recording device. All told, the Sony can power up to two pairs of speakers.

The input can also connect to a turntable. Once you set up your records, the sound is as clear as ever. Fortunately, Phono input isn't the only option, as Bluetooth connectivity adds many options. Connect to a smartphone and play directly from the device or utilize Bluetooth standby.

With the latter option, the receiver turns on from the paired device and starts playing.

Sony STR-DH190

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Budget Buy

Amazon Echo Link Amp

Echo Link Amp - Stream and amplify hi-fi music to your speakers

Amazon

Pros
  • Compact size

  • Group with other devices for whole-house playback

  • Various connection types

  • Ideal for Alexa users

Cons
  • Digital volume control only for Alexa streaming

The Amazon Echo Link Amp is a compromise between price, quality, and power: it is small enough to fit on a bookshelf and negates the need for a bulkier receiver.

As a budget-friendly option, its sound might not reach the standards offered by more expensive models — and it lacks certain conveniences, like TV and video connections — but it's a solid introduction to amplifiers for those not wanting to spend a large amount of money. 

The built-in 60W x 2-channel amp boosts your existing speakers, whether tower or in-wall, and lets you create voice-controlled music groups to stream music throughout your home.

Its various digital and analog inputs and outputs promise compatibility with most equipment. On the go? The Echo Link Amp boosts the music played through headphones.

The device is compatible with Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Tidal services.

Sony STR-DH190

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

What to Look For in a Two-Channel Stereo Receiver

Wattage

When purchasing your new receiver, check the supported wattage per channel on the device. This number will let you know what speakers are supported. When selecting your speakers, ensure their wattage is compatible with your receiver’s.

Bluetooth

If you plan on playing your music through your new receiver, consider how you will get your tunes from your smartphone or tablet to your speakers. Purchasing a receiver with built-in Bluetooth or other streaming technologies makes it a more straightforward endeavor.

HDMI

Will you use your receiver just for music or your television setup? If you plan on watching movies with your speakers, ensuring that your receiver features HDMI pass-through ports will simplify the experience and allow you to switch between different TV devices.

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