You have to get a stereo receiver for your turntable if it lacks the built-in one to obtain the best audio performance. A turntable receiver is a piece of equipment responsible for processing electromagnetic waves and enhancing your turntable’s sound quality.
Currently, there’s a wide range of turntable receivers with various features and prices, which makes it a little challenging to opt for the one that perfectly caters to your needs. With that in mind, we’re here to provide you with the best receiver for turntable review to help you make a wise purchase. So let’s start without further ado!
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Top 5 Best Receiver For Turntables In 2022
Below is our detailed review of the top five best receivers for your turntables available on the current market.
Sony STR-DH190 Receiver - Best Investment & Highly Durable
The most appreciated feature of the Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver is the low profile design, as stated by the manufacturer, can easily fit into the traditional AV cabinet in your house. Additionally, the model’s unique and stable frame chassis not only ensures the receiver’s extraordinary longevity but also helps to reduce the vibrations to produce the best quality and most natural sound.
What’s more, this stereo receiver possesses high-grade components such as audio processing units that guarantee accurate and distortion-free audio playback. The discreet transistor amplifier can also work smoothly with the oversized power transformer to maximize the audio performance.
In terms of connectivity, this model allows you to connect up to two pairs of speakers thanks to its A/B switching function. It also has one phono input, four analog audio inputs, and a Bluetooth module compatible with any sorts of the turntables, so you can wirelessly stream your favorite music and media.
However, the main drawback of the Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver is that it comes with no AM tuner, so you can hardly listen to AM stations. Also, the lack of subwoofer outputs results in the difficulty in improving the low frequency.
Pros
- Low profile and unique frame chassis
- Precise and distortion-free audio playback
- Great compatibility and connectivity
Cons
- No AM tuner and subwoofer outputs
In general, the lack of some minor components in the Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver doesn’t give it a lower position in our recommendation list of the best receivers for turntables given its features and reasonable price.
Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver - Best For Wireless Connectivity
The Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver features a sleek design with a black finish that can match the cabinet in almost every house. This item boasts an exceptional resolution with 4KUHD video and HDR support that can transform your TV experience with the fascinating brightness, clarity, and color.
Most noticeably, the built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to connect the receiver with a diversity of smart devices to indulge in your favorite streaming services. You can also experience a fantastic multi-room experience and playback music from Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and other digital streaming services by integrating the audio system with the Denon HEOS Link.
Besides, in terms of audio performance, this receiver is indeed outstanding. The Dolby TrueHD powerful audio offers you an impressive cinematic experience with music, movies, and TV programs right at your home. You would also be engrossed in the lossless multi-channel audio thanks to this models’ DTS HD master audio.
Despite these upsides, the downside of the Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver arises from the lack of a built-in preamp. It means that the user has to purchase a separate preamp.
Pros
- Sleek design for a suitable fit in the house
- Excellent connectivity with the Bluetooth
- Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio for quality sound
Cons
- The absence of the built-in preamp
In short, the Denon AVR-S540BT offers the user a very affordable theater-like experience at the comfort of their home. That’s why those with a limited budget could consider purchasing this receiver.
Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Receiver - Best For The Sound Experience
I have to admit that the most notable feature of this Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 receiver is the exclusive low-range enhancement technology, which allows you to experience the richer bass. Aside from this, the unique Cinema DSP technology can provide you with the most natural and expansive sound by supporting the playback of HD Audio.
What’s more, due to its built-in Bluetooth feature, you can experience the incredible wireless music playback from various smart devices. Noticeably, the Bluetooth audio transmissions are greatly improved with the compressed music enhancer, ensuring the optimal sound quality during wireless playback.
The primary thing that makes it less attractive to a few customers is this receiver model’s price. It’s a bit more expensive than the same-class receiver models, so you might think hard before buying it.
Pros
- Attractive design with a glossy finish
- Cinema DSP and low-range enhancement technology
- The stable Bluetooth audio transmissions
Cons
- Rather higher price
In conclusion, even though the Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Receiver is somewhat unaffordable to those on a tight budget, it’s still a good receiver for your turntable given all of its functionalities.
Onkyo TX-8020 Receiver - Best For Limited Space Use
The Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver possesses an eye-catching chassis with a black finish, making it suitable for almost every home interior. Most importantly, it doesn’t occupy too much space in your house due to its compact design. For example, you can place it on the cabinet or a shelf under the television, which is very incredibly advantageous for anyone residing in minimalistic apartments.
Despite its modest size, it still grants you a chance to immerse yourself in the uninterrupted bass and fantastic treble even when you play heavy metal music. Even better, this receiver is equipped with the WRAT technology, which accounts for the optimal audio quality in the wide frequency range.
Another noticeable feature of the Onkyo TX-8020 receiver model is that it’s equipped with a mono preamp output to connect to a powered subwoofer, and connectors that support FM and AM antennas.
Additionally, the massive EI Transformer helps the item compatible with the AirPlay RI Dock for your iPhone and iPad.
However, the only shortcoming of the Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver is the lack of the “modern” digital connectivity, specifically the Bluetooth. Thus, you may need to use the DS-A5 RI dock for your device connection.
Pros
- Compact and reliable design for small areas
- WRAT technology for good sound quality
- Compatibility with the AirPlay RI Dock
Cons
- The lack of the Bluetooth function
In short, despite the lack of modern connectivity, this receiver is still worth the money regarding the features it offers, especially its compact design that saves a lot of room in the houses with limited areas.
Yamaha R-S202BL Receiver - Best for easy setup
Compared to its predecessor, the R-S201 model, the Yamaha R-S202BL has a solid build with a black brushed finish that’s more eye-catching and durable. This receiver still features the inputs, EQ and mode controls, volume buttons, etc. on the front panel and an LCD to tell the user about the source/mode.
I dare say the most excellent characteristics of the Yamaha R-S202BL is the set-up. Actually, it’s neither difficult nor time-consuming at all for you to wire up the speakers. In fact, with the Bluetooth feature, the pairing process is just a piece of cake, and you can enjoy an ample Hi-Fi audio experience and stream wirelessly your preferred music or podcasts from your devices.
Another feature of this receiver is that it boasts a high power output. Its power transformer placed next to the amp circuit to minimize the power loss and, at the same time, promote the peak power supply capability, contributing to the high volume and clear sound output.
However, the brand should pay attention to this receiver model’s remote control. Because of its too small working angles, it’s hard to control the receiver from the far distances or without the remote being shown directly to the receiver.
Pros
- Sleek design with a durable finish
- High volume and clear sound output
- Effortless Bluetooth connecting process
Cons
- The ineffective remote control
In a nutshell, regardless of the minor issues with its remote control, the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver is still a sound choice since it can cover all of your basic needs and make you satisfied with the generally good sound quality.
Tips For Selecting The Best Receiver For Turntable
If you’re still wondering which receiver to choose for your turntable, you should depend on these following features to make up your mind.
RCA Inputs
Because nowadays, there are still so many analog turntables that make use of RCA connectors. These analog turntables often have weak audio signal outputs, so you should ensure that the receiver is perfectly compatible with your turntable to create the best sound quality.
Besides, if your turntables don’t have a built-in preamp, you need to purchase a standalone one to guarantee the connectivity. Meanwhile, you can hook your turntable directly into the high-end receiver if both of them possess a built-in preamp.
Speaker Outputs
The speaker terminals are the most popular output connectors, so you should pay attention to this feature in the receiver. Commonly, expensive receivers support banana plugs instead of spring clip connectors to ensure a more secure connection.
Besides, you can focus on the receivers with line-level RCA outputs, which help to create an authentic surround sound experience right in your house. Also, a subwoofer is every necessary feature since it facilitates the deep thumping bass for your music listening experience.
Other Features
Apart from the two main factors you should focus on, there are some additional features, namely WiFi connectivity, USB or LAN connections, or Bluetooth technology. These features are often available in the high-end receivers, which allow you to stream music wirelessly and have an overall better music experience.
The Final Thought
It’s sometimes difficult for you to choose the best receiver for turntables, but you can do research on the Internet or refer to materials like our above review to make a smarter choice. After this article, we hope that you could select the receiver for a turntable that best suits your needs.
*Table's last update on 2023-03-26. Information is from the Amazon Product Advertising API. They're accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.
