Five Stereo Receivers Under $300Despite the popularity of home theater, stereo receivers are still in demand. A stereo receiver is ideal for a modest music system, a bedroom system, a music system for a second home or for enthusiasts who prefer two-channel music without the bells and whistles of a full-blown multichannel home theater system. Here are five stereo receivers under $300 worthy of consideration. Denon is recognized as a high-end brand and DRA-297 is the first receiver in their product line. It has amplifiers with 50 watts x 2 that are rated for extended frequency response from 10Hz to 100kHz. Its Speaker A-B feature allows two pairs of stereo speakers to be connected. Its AM/FM tuner features 56 station presets and is XM-Ready for addition of an satellite tuner and includes a port for an optional iPod docking station. The receiver has inputs for five audio and three video sources and a Pure Direct mode bypasses unnecessary circuits for sound purity. The Harman Kardon name has been on the scene for over 50 years and remains a respected brand. They are known for their rugged amplifiers and the HK3385 outputs 80 watts per channel, with both channels operating simultaneously, a rigorous method of rating an amplifier. The receiver also has a wide frequency range from 10Hz to 110kHz. It has four audio-video inputs, including phono and an input for an iPod or MP3 player and is the only receiver in this series with a subwoofer output, a useful feature if you have smaller speakers that may need additional bass. Onkyo is known for its Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), which has extended frequency response from 10Hz to 100kHz. The TX-8522 has power output of 100 watts per channel with Speaker A-B connections. Two video sources and six audio sources can be connected to the receiver including a phono input for a turntable. The TX-8522 has an AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets and is XM-Ready for connection of an outboard satellite radio tuner. A remote control is included. Sony is a brand name that needs no introduction. The Sony STR-DE197 is the least expensive of the five stereo receivers in this list, probably because if has only two audio and two video inputs. But if you're going to connect fewer sources, it might be a good choice. It has 100 watts per channel and Speaker A-B connections. It's AM-FM tuner has 30 preset stations and includes a remote control. With its heritage as a musical instrument manufacturer, Yamaha receivers are known for Natural Sound quality. The RX-397 outputs 50 watts per channel and offers extended frequency response from 10Hz to 50kHz for SACD and DVD-Audio sources. A Pure Direct switch bypasses the tone and balance controls for the best sound quality. The receiver includes an AM-FM tuner with 40 preset stations. Two sets of stereo speakers can be connected with the Speaker A-B switch. The RX-397 has five audio inputs with a phono input for connecting a turntable. The receiver comes with a remote control. | 
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