The 10 Best Small Audio Receiver, Tested And Researched

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Best Small Audio Receiver
Best Small Audio Receiver

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sony STRDH190 Receiver

With the latest in wireless connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and a low profile design that's easy to fit into a typical home entertainment cabinet. With its sleek look and slim profile, this receiver will fit right into your AV system without taking up too much space. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Pyle PTA66BT Receiver

Pyle's Bluetooth receiver, with 600 Watts of power, 6 input capabilities, and a sleek design. This receiver offers EQ Control to dial in your music, regardless of how it is played through the receiver. It is also compatible with any external device with a 3.5 mm stereo plug for an effortless connection to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: YAMAHA R-S202BL Receiver

With a sleek, brushed aluminum finish and wide range of features, the Yamaha R-S202BL is a classic receiver. The advanced circuit design provides high sensitivity and excellent sound quality. It’s also perfect for tuning in 40 FM/AM stations with preset tuning, as well as 10Hz to 100kHz frequency response. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Donner Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver

Enjoy your favorite music wirelessly with the Donner Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver. This receiver features a high power independent control, multiple input modes, built-in LED display and FM Function that can save up to 50 radio stations. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection delivers quick response speeds while minimizing latency and interference. Read Review

5. Best Reliable: Denon AVR-S960H Receiver

Denon AVR-S960H Receiver is an easy-to-use, plug and play receiver that provides the best sound quality for your movies, TV shows and music. The receiver is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa Voice Service so you can control your entertainment system using voice commands. Read Review

Small audio receivers are great for small- to medium-sized rooms, as well as apartments, dorms, and other places where space is at a premium. They have a few obvious advantages compared to their larger counterparts: they’re much smaller, so they take up less space in your home; and because they’re so compact, you can hide them anywhere that has an outlet—like stacked on top of a TV or underneath a cabinet. They also tend to beer than their larger counterparts.

Besides all this, not many small audio receivers offer the same amount of performance as their larger counterparts—so it’s important to find one that has all the features you need without giving up too much in terms of quality or price. Here we’ll discuss several of the smallest receivers on the market so you can see which one would be best for your specific needs and budget.

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the best small audio receiver is Sony STRDH190 Receiver. With a total power output of 150 watts, you can enjoy multi-channel surround sound with the amplification of up to four speakers. If you're looking for another one, consider Pyle PTA66BT Receiver.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony STRDH190 Receiver
Our Score:
9.9
Sony
  • Low profile design (5 ¼ Inch tall) fits easily into conventional AV cabinet
  • Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home
  • Full size (1/4 inch) headphone jack
  • Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AA400U), batteries, FM antenna
  • 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
  • FM Radio with 30 station presets;
  • Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
  • Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
TOP Choice #2 Pyle PTA66BT Receiver
Our Score:
9.8
Pyle

TALK OVER BUTTON: The compact PA amplifier features a MIC talk over function which, when activated, the current music or audio being played will be temporarily halted. This function is used in paging, PA, voice over, and announcements

600 WATT POWER: The Pyle 6 Channel home audio amplifier is perfect for your PA and home theater entertainment. It gives you 600 Watts peak power which can be used for multi speakers with 4-8 ohms impedance allowing you to enjoy high quality audio

BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE: The professional integrated indoor stereo receiver is compatible with wireless bluetooth and works with latest devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. It also has a headphone jack for audio monitoring

6 INPUTS: The personal portable digital amp box has a USB flash drive / SD card reader for MP3 / WMA playback, AUX input, dual 1/4 inches microphone in, and RCA connector. It also has FM radio with digital LCD channel display, push type speaker connector. Bluetooth Connectivity - Wireless Range Up to 40 plus feet

EQ CONTROLS: The sound amplifying device has rotary knob and crisp buttons for treble, bass, master volume, echo, mic volume, mic tone configuration and source input mode selector. A remote control is also included in the package for distant control. Convenient Audio Source Control for Home or Office Use.

TOP Choice #3 YAMAHA R-S202BL  Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
YAMAHA
  • Brushed aluminum finish and simplistic design
  • Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k ohms
  • 40 station FM/AM preset tuning; Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100kHz (0 plus/ minus 0.5 dB / 0 plus/ minus 3.0 dB)
  • Bluetooth to your favorite streaming music services
  • Advanced circuitry design
4 Donner Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver
Our Score:
9.6
Donner

Bluetooth 5.0: The integrated hybrid amplifier is equipped with the new updated 5.0 bluetooth.It will increase the stability, sound quality and use distance.It Works with latest devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, etc.

Multiple input modes: In addition to the Bluetooth function, the amplifer can also be connected to SD card, USB disk, RCA input and ECHO microphone input.And supports treble and bass adjustment and microphone volume control

FM function:With automatic search function, you can save up to 50 radio stations. Detailed operating instructions can be found in the manual or contact our customer staff.

HD SCREEN: The integrated receiver for home stereo has a built in LED display. FM antenna and remote control are included in the stereo amplifier package for distant audio adjustments. [Notice] The product needs to be connected to passive speakers to play audio. When there is no speaker connected, there will be a certain amount of wind noise, which is normal

High-power independent control: Its peak power can set of to 440W(110W x 4),and has four channels which is independently controlled.440W is enough to support 4 groups of 8 speakers with 4-8 ohms.

5 Denon AVR-S960H Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
Denon
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2 or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS like the Denon Home series, without any extra hardware. Get Hi-Fi audio around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn & more
  • ENJOY THE MOST ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE with Dynamic HDR and HDR10+. This 7.2 channel receiver delivers clarity, contrast & color, & Quick Media Switching eliminates video delay
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA so you can adjust the volume, change tracks & switch inputs absolutely hands-free. Also works with Google Assistant, Apple Siri & integrates with home-automation systems like Josh.ai & Control4 SDPP
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization & DTS Virtual:X and crisp, clean picture with advanced video processing, 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through
  • NEXT GEN GAMING - Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag & frame tearing with 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • CONNECT WITH ANY HD/ULTRA HD TV, SUBWOOFER, BLU-RAY PLAYER & TURNTABLE FOR INCREDIBLE STEREO SOUND - USB, 8 HDMI ports (6 In/ 2 Out) with HDCP 2.3 processing, Digital In, Phono input & Network support with a range of wireless connections
  • GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV - Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the AVR-S960H is 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power amplifier meets the most demanding entertainment needs with the latest technology available
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT provides simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, & Audyssey MultEQ XT (with 2 preset options) that accurately calibrates all speakers in your home setup & tunes the AVR for an optimal listening experience
  • Does not support pass-through from all 4K/120Hz media sources
6 Pyle PT272AUBT  Receiver
Our Score:
9.3
Pyle
  • EQ CONTROLS: The sound amplifying device has crisp buttons for the audio sources and selectors, rotary knob for equalization and master volume adjustments. Includes remote control for distant audio adjustments and a power cable. Note :Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Manual
  • BLUETOOTH ENABLED: The integrated hybrid amplifier is equipped with Bluetooth for wireless music streaming. Works with today’s latest devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, etc.
  • 300-WATT POWER: The Pyle 4 Channel Pre-Amplifier is perfect for your home theater entertainment system. It gives you 300 watts peak power to be used for multi speakers witth 4-8 ohms impedance allowing you to enjoy high quality amplified audio
  • 6 INPUTS: The personal digital amp box supports SD / MMC card, USB, MP3, AM FM tuner, AUX, CD player, 2 microphone input with echo for karaoke or event hosting, RCA, AUX, and Bluetooth inputs
  • A/B SPEAKER SELECTOR: The professional integrated stereo receiver has A/B speaker selector enabling you to choose b/w speaker set. Use either A or B speakers or both. Note that when it is turned on initially it uses both speakers as default
7 YAMAHA RX-V385 Receiver
Our Score:
9.2
YAMAHA

YPAO auto calibration technology for ideal sound, Exclusive Yamaha Cinema DSP technology supports playback of HD Audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, etc.), providing natural and expansive sound imaging

5.1 channel powerful surround sound

4K Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma and BT.2020

Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 100W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD); Rated Output Power (20Hz 20kHz, 2ch driven) 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD); Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (Jeita) 145W (6 ohms, 10% THD)

Providing complete compatibility with the latest HDMI standards, this AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video at 60 frames/second pass through; It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma which provides incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors

HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 (4 in/1 out)

8 Sony STRDH590 Receiver
Our Score:
9.1
Sony
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • In the box: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
  • Multi Function System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, FM Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
  • Dynamic Setup: 4 Stereo Rca Audio Inputs and 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • Smart Connectivity: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps.
9 Cambridge Audio AXR100  Receiver
Our Score:
8.4
Cambridge Audio
  • ✓ EXPERIENCE HI-FI LIKE NEVER BEFORE - Connect your stereo system to upgrade everyday entertainment such as movies, tv, vinyl, and sports events to an incredible sound experience.
  • ✓ MOST POWERFUL AMP IN THE AX SERIES - 100 Watts per channel, FM/AM tuner with 30 presets, headphone out to listen in privacy, and remote control so you can sit back and enjoy your music.
  • ✓ BUILT IN BLUETOOTH - With the built-in Bluetooth receiver on the AXR100, you can wirelessly stream your favorite music from smartphone, tablet or PC with ease.
  • ✓ EASILY CONNECT ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT - The AXR100 has four analogue inputs for connecting all your music, AV and audio sources. Additionally, the built-in phono stage connects directly to your turntable for amazing vinyl sound quality.
  • ✓ TECH SPECS - POWER OUTPUT 100 watts (into 8ohms), FREQUENCY RESPONSE (-1DB) 5Hz - 50kHz, S/N RATIO (REF 1W) >82dB (unweighted), INPUT IMPEDANCES 47k ohms, MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 550W, SUBWOOFER OUTPUT 200Hz 2nd order L+R Level follows volume setting
10 Pioneer VSX-534 Receiver
Our Score:
8.3
PIONEER
  • PERSONAL PRESET. Press the personal preset button on the front panel for three seconds and your current settings such as volume level and listening mode. Up to three presets can be registered and called up from the front panel button or remote control.
  • DTS:X PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences.
  • RANGE CONTROL. With this unique mid-range sound control feature, you can make independent volume adjustments to the range including dialogues in films, with the up/down key on the remote control.
  • DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without employing additional surround or height speakers. 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos.
  • BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. Seamlessly connect your phone, tablet or PC and stream to the receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. This smart receiver remembers your device and starts playback whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.
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What Factors Should You Consider While Choosing best small audio receiver?

Getting to the best decision for a product purchase may take a bit of time. In a nutshell, we're available to serve you with your product problems at all hours of the day and night!

You can rest assured if you consider the following points before selecting best small audio receiver:

Inputs And Outputs

This is because the device has more outputs and inputs than it can handle. A receiver might accept audio signals from a television via the input, and then send them via an out to speakers. There should be enough outputs and inputs for all your equipment. You can also have a few more in case of expansion.

Interface

If you don't know how to use your high-tech receiver, it is useless. A well-designed receiver panel that is easy to navigate can make the difference between having high quality sound and picture quality or having your costly system go stale because it's difficult to get on. It's important that you use the receiver display panel to navigate and learn all functions. A graphical interface is the screen that allows users to set up the receiver and operate it. The viewer must display song information and album art when AirPlay is used.

Network Connectivity

Some receivers come with both wired or wireless network support. You can either connect them to your router using an Ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi. You can stream media from any device connected to the same network, such as laptops and smartphones. AirPlay will only work with Apple devices. It is not compatible with other AV receivers. If you live in a house where everyone uses Apple devices, make sure that the model supports AirPlay.

Total Harmonic Distortion

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of how much distortion the sound produces. THD can be measured as a percentage. It is the amount of deviation from the original signal. THD is a measure of distortion. The higher the THD the more beneficial. THD is a norm in most receiver amplifiers, and it should be below 0.1%.

Power

Power is not simply another term for volume, it's also measured in Watts. This also affects the receiver's ability deliver dynamic and detailed sound. A high-wattage receiver produces better sound quality, regardless of the volume.

Calibration

Audio-video beginners will find it difficult to set up an entertainment system in their home.
Automatic speaker calibration is an option on many receivers that makes it easier to calibrate the speakers. The receiver sends test sounds to each speaker and subwoofer, and monitors the sound with a microphone. This allows it to determine the size of the speaker, to measure distance between the speaker and the listener, and to check that the connections are correct. This technology is compatible with surround sound as well as traditional 2-channel home entertainment systems.

Multi-zone Audio Feature

Some models of amplifier-receivers support the ability to use one or more speakers in a different room. Some receivers can support multiple zones while others allow you to play different sources simultaneously in two rooms. One person may enjoy surround sound in their living room while another can listen to music through the speakers connected to the receiver. If you want to enjoy a great audio experience in your bedroom and living room, but don't have the budget to purchase two speakers systems or amplifiers to achieve it, this feature will be a huge help.

FAQs

Which A/V Receivers Are Better For Music Or Movies?

No. Music can reveal more about sound quality and character than movies soundtracks. Those who listen to music may prefer one brand over another.

What Is The Difference Between 5.2 And 7.2 Receivers?

Five surround sound speakers can be connected to a 5.2 receiver, as well as two subwoofers. For the surround sound speakers, there are five options: front left, front right and center.
Seven channels are available for surround sound speakers, and two subwoofer channels. A 7.2 receiver can handle both. The 7.2 speaker arrangement is identical to a standard 5.1 setup, with two additional surround sound speakers at the back and one more in the back.

Does An AV Receiver Improve Video Quality?

Advanced video processing abilities can be found in some AV receivers that improve image quality. The best performance is only possible with high-end, expensive models.
Even if your receiver is not high-end, modern televisions are equipped with excellent video processing algorithms, which will produce a stunning picture, regardless of source.

Is An A/V Receiver Good For Gaming?

You might find it possible, particularly if surround sound is important for immersive gaming. Before you purchase, make sure it supports the most recent standards, such as Dolby Atmos (one of the newer HDMI standards), and HDR compatibility. You can also find features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh rate support on the Denon AVRX4700H. While an A/V receiver doesn't need to be used for gaming, it is a great addition if surround sound is important.

What Is The Difference Between A Stereo Receiver And A Surround Sound Receiver?

Stereo receivers have two channels, and can be used to play stereo audio. Surround sound receivers have five channels or more and can connect to surround sound speakers.
To get surround sound, most people desire surround sound speakers. Stereo amplifiers can be used to enhance the sound quality in your home.

What Is Upconverting In An AV Receiver?

You connect the player to the receiver with one type of connection and expect that the receiver will output the video using another type.
You might, for example, connect an analog DVD player to the receiver and ask it to transmit this via HDMI.
Only the most expensive receivers are capable of upconverting different video inputs to HDMI output. You will need to transmit the component video signal through a component attached to the receiver if the receiver is unable to upconvert.

What Is The Difference Between An AV Receiver And An Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier that includes a preamplifier as well as a power amp in one box is called an AV receiver. It is also known as a receiver. It could be called an amplifier.
A receiver can be described as an integrated amplifier and a tuner that receives AM/FM radio signal. Technically speaking, an AV amplifier should not be used if it doesn't include a tuner. An AV receiver can be used, but it is still a common term.

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Do you have any product-related questions or concerns you'd like to share? As a result of your efforts, we will attempt to ensure even greater standards of excellence!


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.