Despite the popularity of home theater, stereo receivers are still in demand. A budget 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. If you're looking for a bargain, here are six great stereo receivers that cost less than $300.
Teac AG-790A Budget Stereo Receiver
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Teac, the company long known for its high-quality tape decks, computer drives and other electronics, offers the AG-790 stereo receiver rated at 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It features Speaker A/B switching for two pairs of speakers and has binding post speaker terminals. Its tuner has 30 AM and 30 FM station presets to store favorite radio stations and Manual/Auto tuning control. The AG-790A has four audio inputs, including phono, CD, Tape, a Video/Aux input and one audio output and two AC outlets on the rear panel (switched and unswitched). An infrared remote control is included.
Sherwood RX-4503 Budget Stereo Receiver
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Sherwood RX-4503 2.1-channel Stereo Receiver. It has 100 watts x 2 channels with a connection for a powered subwoofer and features Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone for creating a surround sound experience from two speakers or a pair of headphones. It also features a 6-channel analog input for connection to a Blu-ray player for high-definition 2.1 channel home theater sound. The RX-4503 includes Speaker A/B switching, AM and FM tuners, a front panel input for a portable music player and a plug-in for an optional Bluetooth receiver. The RX-4503 has a suggested retail price of $149.95.
Denon DRA-297 Budget Stereo Receiver
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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.
Harman Kardon 3390 Budget Stereo Receiver
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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 HK3390 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 three audio-video inputs and a phono input. It also features two subwoofer outputs with triggers that can activate the sub when the receiver is powered on. A remote control is included.
Onkyo TX-8255 Budget Stereo Receiver
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Onkyo is known for its Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), which has extended frequency response from 10Hz to 100kHz. The TX-8255 has power output of 50 watts per channel with Speaker A-B connections. The TX-8255 is an audio only receiver with six audio inputs and two outputs including a moving magnet phono input for a turntable. The TX-8522 has an AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets and is compatible with an iPod when used with the optional Onkyo IR Dock. A remote control is included.
Sony STR-DE197 Budget Stereo Receiver
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. Its AM-FM tuner has 30 preset stations and includes a remote control. No photo available.Yamaha RX-397 Budget Stereo Receiver
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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.
