Our top pick exemplifies some of these qualities—the excellent AXR85 from Cambridge Audio delivers killer sound, and has a ton of different ways to pipe music through it from other devices (as well as all the requisite ways to output said music on the other end). It’s a genuinely attractive, sleek-looking example of modern design, as well, all brushed grey aluminum and minimalism. It’s one of the very best two-channel stereo receivers available right now, and pairs well with the best speakers from our roundup. It also comes with built-in FM/AM radio reception with RDS, with up to 30 presets 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. Bluetooth isn’t the only feature on this receiver as four analog RCA inputs are also available. With labels for CD players, there’s also support for turntables with built-in phono. Once music is playing, you’ll find 100W per channel and added support for two sets of speakers (A, B or A+B) — anything above that is limited by the two-channel build. The front of the receiver is decorated with an unusual 6.35mm stereo headphone output. Conforming to older standards, sound output is fantastic with the right headphones. For more modern playback, there are 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapters available everywhere. To round things off, the system adds 40 presets with its AM/FM tuner along with manual tuning. Connectivity includes three sets of a analog stereo inputs and two sets of line outputs (which can be used for audio recording), a dedicated phono input, two digital optical and two digital coaxial audio inputs (note: the digital optical/coaxial inputs only accept two-channel PCM - they are not Dolby Digital or DTS Digital Surround enabled). Added features include a front-mounted USB port for direct connection of compatible USB devices (such as flash drives), as well as an Ethernet and Wi-Fi for access to internet radio (Pandora, Rhapsody, Sirius/XM Spotify) as well as audio content from DLNA compatible devices. The R-N602 even includes built-in Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, and compatibility with the Yamaha MusicCast multi-room audio system platform. However, where it breaks from tradition is that, in addition to two-channel analog and digital audio inputs, it also includes 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output. The HDMI connections provide pass-through for video resolutions up to 4K as well as Audio Return Channel and 2-Channel PCM audio support. Since the SX-S30 only has a two-channel amplifier and there are no provisions to connect more than two speakers, although a subwoofer preamp output is provided. This means that any detected Dolby/DTS and 5.1/7.1 PCM surround audio format signals are downmixed to two channels and processed in a “virtual surround” mode that produces a wider front sound field using the two available speakers. The SX-S30 also incorporates network connectivity via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, providing access to several streaming music services, as well as access to hi-res audio files via local network and USB. The SX-S30 also includes Airplay and Bluetooth support. As an added convenience, the SX-30 can also be controlled via Pioneer’s downloadable remote app. If you looking for a two-channel stereo receiver for a small room has some home theater receiver like features without all the bulk or need for lots of speakers, the Pioneer Elite SX-S30 might be a good choice. For audio listeners who want to throw it back as well, this receiver can also accommodate such tastes. Phono input connects right to a turntable for breaking out vinyl hits from decades gone by. Once connected to a record player, the sound is as clear as ever. Fortunately, Phono input isn’t the only option as Bluetooth connectivity adds a bevy of additional 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.
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 an easier endeavor.
HDMI
Will you be using your receiver just for music or also for your television setup? If you plan on watching movies with your speakers, ensuring that your receiver features HDMI pass-through ports will make for a more simplified watching experience and allow you to quickly switch between different TV devices.
