The 10 Best Streaming Receiver, Tested And Researched

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Auris Blume HD Long Range Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Auris Blume HD Long Range Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver

This Hi-Fi receiver streams the highest quality audio wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or computer to any home stereo system. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: BluDento True Hi-Fi aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver

This premium device features CSR8675 streaming technology and supports a range of audio formats, including aptX HD and aptX Low Latency. Read Review

3. Best Space-Saving: iFi Zen Blue V2 HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver

This receiver has a digital output which allows it to work with anything with a digital input, such as TV's, AV amps and external DACs in your hi-fi set up. Read Review

4. Best Connectivity: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer

This unit is a stunningly good streamer, delivering the convenience of digital audio without compromising audio quality. Read Review

The streaming receiver is the centerpiece of your home video setup. It’s what allows you to stream all your content from a variety of different sources directly to your TV. Without one, you can’t access any streaming services, apps, or online videos and your viewing experience may be lukewarm at best.

There are many streaming receivers on the market, and they’re not all created equal. Some have better specs than others and some support more features. To help you sort through them all, we've compiled an informative list of some of the best streaming receivers.

Along with the compact and small construction, our winner, the Auris Blume HD Long Range Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver, is equipped with a built-in digital-to-analog converter that reproduces the best sound for digital content. If you prefer a more high-tech and high-end model, then no worries, because our list got plenty of them.

Our Top Picks

  • STUNNING HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: Featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and support for Qulacomm aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX and AAC decoding, bluMe HD adds high definition Bluetooth to any home stereo system.
  • DIGITAL & ANALOG CONNECTIVITY: bluMe HD provides ultimate compatibility with your stereo equipment with Analog RCA and Digital Optical SPIDIF outputs. Also compatible with AUX inputs with included RCA to AUX cable.
  • BEST-IN-CLASS SOUND: Built-in true Hi-Fi 384kHz/32-bit upsampling Audiophile Digital to Analogue Converter DAC allows bluMe HD to decode and play audio files in all their lossless glory.
  • UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING STEREO SYSTEM: bluMe HD is a premium Hi-Fi Bluetooth adapter that streams the highest quality audio wirelessly from your phone, tablet or computer to any home stereo system. Easy setup, connects in seconds.
  • LONG RANGE BLUETOOTH: Employs special circuitry and precision-tuned antenna to extend the wireless range to up to 100+ feet, providing glitch-free performance that works through multiple walls.
TOP Choice #2 BluDento True Hi-Fi aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver
Our Score:
9.5
BluDento
  • ✅ Rediscover Your Old Speakers: BluDento BLT-HD is HiFi Bluetooth DAC Receiver supports aptX HD which can stream high quality music from Bluetooth enabled cellphone, pc or tablet to any of your home stereo systems. Plug and Play, super easy to use.
  • ✅ Bluetooth Version 5.0: BluDento Bluetooth DAC is featuring Bluetooth v5.0 CSR8675 chipset which is a premium solution delivering high quality wireless audio performance and supporting for aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC and SBC decoding.
  • ✅ Flexible Output Connectivity: Supports both analog ( L/R RCA / 3.5MM AUX ) and digital ( Optical TOSLINK + SPDIF Coaxial ) outputs, provides wide compatibility with your existing stereo equipment.
  • ✅ Audiophile Grade DAC: Features TI PCM5102A DAC which is a high performance 32bit / 384kHz PCM data, 2CH audio D/A converter targeted for audiophile grade portable applications, a high level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. 2.1VRMS MAX RCA output level.
  • ✅ Enhanced Long Range: Utilizing CLASS 1 Bluetooth technology and designed with external gain antenna. BluDento Bluetooth DAC Receiver can achieve a range of up to 100ft. Kindly be noted that Operation Range can be affected by many factors such as physical obstructions like walls, metal obstacles. And also depended on Bluetooth source devices.
TOP Choice #3 iFi Zen Blue V2 HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver
Our Score:
9.4
IFi
  • ✅ UPGRADED - The latest version of the ZEN Blue, featuring an updated Jitter Clock with over 20dB performance and an improved aerial with 80% more reach.
  • ✅ HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO - With CD quality aptX HD AAC Bluetooth up to 24 bits / 192 kbps you will experience higher quality audio than standard Bluetooth Without the drop in quality your music will have better definition and clarity
  • ✅ DIGITAL OUTPUT - Use the optical and coaxial or SPDIF connections to connect to anything with a built in DAC and corresponding digital input; your TV, an AV amp or external DAC in your hi-fi set-up
  • ✅ EASY BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - The latest Qualcomm 5100 series Bluetooth (only input) DAC supports Bluetooth 5.0TM in all current and future formats such as AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA Codec. Easily stream your favorite music in CD quality to your system from your smart phone, laptop, DAP, or any device that transmits Bluetooth. Control your music with your favorite music app, sit back and relax
  • ✅ ANALOG OUTPUT - For an easy upgrade connect via single-ended RCA to an amp or active speakers or via 4.4mm output to amp / speakers with a balanced output
4 Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer
Our Score:
9.2
Cambridge Audio
  • ✓ STUNNING SOUND QUALITY - The convenience of digital audio without compromising audio quality. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) lets you enjoy the effortless accessibility of digital audio and also appreciate the sonic excellence that Cambridge delivers.
  • ✓ POWER TO TRANSFORM YOUR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE - Dual Wolfson WM8740 DACs (premium digital to analogue converters) give music more detail and warmth. Hear musical nuances that you’ve never noticed in songs that you’ve listened to a thousand times.
  • ✓ ADVANCED UNSAMPLING FOR CLEANER AUDIO – Cambridge Audio’s advanced Adapted Time Filter 2 (ATF2) technology upsamples all incoming digital audio sources into a 24-bit/384kHz signal, which helps resolve very fine detail.
  • ✓ WIRED OR WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY - Via wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi dongle), connect to your home network for Internet Radio, online music services, AirPlay, and music libraries stored on your computer.
  • ✓ MUSIC ANY WAY YOU WANT IT – With the CXN (V2) network streamer, pick from the sources you use daily – Spotify, Google Play, Pandora, Apple AirPlay 2, or other internet radio channels.
  • BRILLIANT WIRELESS AUDIO: Featuring support for the state-of-the-art Sony LDAC audio codec, Qualcomm aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX and AAC decoding, bluMe Pro adds the highest quality Bluetooth audio to any home stereo system.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY & EXTENDED WIRELESS RANGE: Featuring Analog RCA and both Digital output options - Digital Optical and Digital Coaxial, bluMe Pro is designed ultimate compatibility with audio systems of all types, for true high resolution audio. Utilizes special circuitry and external gain antenna to extend the wireless range to up to 30meters / 100+ feet, providing glitch-free performance that works through multiple walls.
  • AUDIOPHILE QUALITY DIGITAL SOUND: Employs a very high performance audiophile-grade ESS Sabre upsampling 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) that allows bluMe Pro to decode audio files and provide a lossless audio experience. bluMe Pro Also adopts a high-performance Cirrus Logic digital audio conversion chip that efficiently encodes the Bluetooth audio signal to high quality digital optical & coaxial signal outputs.
  • MODERNIZE YOUR GOOD OLD HIFI STEREO: bluMe Pro is an audiophile quality premium HiFi Bluetooth audio adapter that adds high definition Bluetooth connectivity to any vintage home stereo system, AV receiver or powered speakers. Simple setup, connect bluMe Pro in seconds to your music system and stream Hi-Res audio wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
  • PREMIUM ALUMINUM DESIGN WITH OLED DISPLAY: Encased in premium anodized aluminum housing, the sleek and compact bluMe Pro is a premium product that also encomposes a 1.3-inch OLED screen that intuitively displays information like Bluetooth connection status, audio codec, sampling rate, song name and more. *Please note: This device is not a transmitter.
6 Yamaha R-N602 Network Hi-Fi Receiver
Our Score:
9.0
Yamaha Audio
  • Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
  • DSD 2.8 MHz / 5.6 MHz, FLAC / WAV / AIFF 192 kHz / 24 bit, Apple Lossless 96 kHz / 24 bit playback
  • Music Cast wireless multi room audio support, built in Bluetooth, Wi Fi, Wireless Direct, Airplay, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, SiriusXM Internet Radio music streaming services
  • Digital audio inputs for TV or Blu ray Disc players along with a Phono input (MM)
  • Front panel USB connection for digital docking with iPod / iPhone and USB flash drives. Continuously Variable Loudness Control
  • Top ART sound quality design with high quality parts and Pure Direct for greater sound purity
7 Denon DRA-800H 2-Channel Stereo Network Receiver
Our Score:
8.8
Denon
  • HI-RES AUDIO PLAYBACK – Listen to your favorite tracks stored on a memory device via the USB port on the front panel, or through network sources. Also, connect your turntable to the speakers or amp via the integrated phono input and MM equalizer
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE DISCRETE 2-CHANNEL AMP – Feel the power & hear every audio detail with this ultra-stylish & powerful receiver (100W per channel at 8 ohms) that offers greater stability with a wide range of speakers & delivers balanced sound each time.
  • ENJOY MULTI-ROOM STREAMING – Built-in HEOS technology allows you to playback music through any popular streaming service such as Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music and others via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or AirPlay 2 in one room and more simultaneously
  • ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION FOR A STUNNING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE – Features full 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020 pass-through. Watch your favorite movies & shows with exceptional color, clarity and contrast.
  • VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL MAJOR VOICE AGENTS – Change audio tracks, control volume, switch inputs, and play & pause music with your voice. Just command Alexa, Siri, and other leading voice agents or any smart home automation systems
  • With its 100-year legacy & Japanese precision technology, Denon BRINGS PURITY OF SOUND AND JOY TO YOUR LIVES. Immerse yourself in multi-dimensional audio & sensational surround sound with this amplifier for an unmatched home theater & entertainment system
  • EXPERT SOUND ENGINEERING – Denon’s experience in designing award-winning amplifiers and their use of Hi-Fi parts, custom resistors, audio grade capacitors, a double differential DAC circuit and analog preamp circuits deliver a superior sound experience
8 Marantz M-CR612 Network CD Receiver
Our Score:
8.7
Marantz
  • BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi & AIRPLAY 2 ENABLED STREAMING – Listen to your favorite tracks on Pandora, Spotify or SiriusXM, watch videos on YouTube or Netflix, or simply tune in to any Internal Radio Station from around the world to enjoy unlimited hours of playback
  • ALL NEW VOICE-SUPPORT FUNCTIONALITY – Just say the commands out loud to any major voice agent including AMAZON ALEXA, GOOGLE ASSISTANT OR APPLE SIRI and play music, change tracks, turn the volume up or switch inputs hands-free
  • MULTI-ROOM CONNECTIVITY WITH HEOS – The Digital Audio Amplifier technology allows you to configure a pair of speakers in one room or two sets of speakers in two separate rooms with independent volume control
  • FULL OF FEATURES, YET SO EASY TO USE – Start using this player the moment you unbox it. Simply plug it to an audio source and enjoy full dynamic range digital audio playback of your favorite movies and TV shows
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY – This Network CD Player includes 2 Optical Digital Inputs to connect your set-top box, Blu-Ray, DVD Player & more so you can enjoy full dynamic range digital audio playback through various sources
  • ONE-STOP SOLUTION FOR TODAY'S DIGITAL MUSIC NEEDS – An all-in-one audio receiver (60W x 2 or 30W x 4 channels), disc player for WMA/MP3 (CD-R/RW), AM/FM Tuner, & network streamer. Enjoy Hi-Fi LISTENING WITH EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO DETAILING
  • ✔ USE APPLE OR ANDROID DEVICE AS CONTROLLER – Download Cambridge Audio’s control app for Apple or Android. This gives you a single, simple interface for all your music choices.
  • ✔ LET YOUR DIGITAL MUSIC TAKE FLIGHT - The Azur 851N handles the most popular digital file formats and gives them all a sonic upgrade, from lossy sources like MP3s and Spotify to music files downloaded from HDtracks.
  • ✔ ADVANCED UNSAMPLING AND DACs – Cambridge Audio's sophisticated Adapted Time Filter 2 technology upsamples all incoming digital audio to a 24-bit/384kHz signal to resolve extremely fine detail for clean, crisp sound.
  • ✔ ULTRA CONNECTIVITY - The 851N takes almost any digital file from virtually any source and renders it to the highest possible standard. Any digital audio source can be enjoyed through your hi-fi set up.
  • ✔ DIGITAL PREAMP – Cambridge Audio also engineered this to be an outstanding digital pre-amp that connects directly to dedicated power amplifiers or traditional integrated amps.
  • 【Center Unit of Your Audio System】:S50 Pro+ designed with multiple input and output interfaces, like RCA analog input/output, optical input/output, subwoofer output, coax output and a 12V trigger output. Able to connect most of your audio gears.
  • 【Multiroom control & Application】: Allows multiroom and multi-zone streaming via multiple devices connected to the same network and control via your phone.Advanced circuit design with built-in speaker protection circuitry, best suited for your home bookshelf/ceiling/desktop/speakers; recommended for home TV audio, computer audio system games, tower speakers and garden speakers.
  • 【Multiple Music Sources & Protocols】: Supports Spotify, Tune in, iHeartRadio, XIMALAYA, QQ Music, TIDAL, Napaster, Qobuz, QQFM, Deezer etc. And airplay1, Qplay, DLNA, UPnP protocols. Also Other audio sources for local music, USB flash drive, NAS and line inputs.
  • 【Easily Control Via App & Web】:Choose your music source and control playback, set EQ, control multiroom/independent playback, select preset content, control alarm clock, WiFi settings, update firmware and more... All the useful features you need in our free 4STREAM App for iOS & Android.What's more, you can Control each unit directly via web browser. Just enter the device IP in the browser.
  • 【STABLE STREAMING AND HIGH SOUND QUALITY】: Equipped with aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0, ESS9023 SABRE DAC, Cirrus Logic ADC for true High-Res music. Supports playback of lossless music files-MP3, APE, FLAC, WAV with Hi-Res audio.When streaming wirelessly, Bluetooth can reach up to 30 meters. With stream music over the network, Wifi can reach anywhere the signal covers. And free iOS and Android app: 4stream
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A Simple Way To Choose The best streaming receiver For You

Would you like to know how to select the best streaming receiver to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.

Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.

Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best streaming receiver to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best streaming receiver.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best streaming receiver to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.

Here you can select the Denon AVR-S760H 7.2-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.