Are you a vinyl lover? And Looking for the best receiver for the turntable? Since your turntable is the star of your home music system, that puts a bit of pressure on choosing the right one. With so many available receivers now in the market, it is so confusing which one to choose from.
The receiver and turntable are considered the perfect combination of both two worlds, the analog, and digital worlds. That’s why for you to enjoy the best vinyl records of the era, you need to have the best receiver. So with that in mind. I hope this review list of the best receiver for turntables will make you a wise purchase.
So, lets the drum roll begins, and let’s get started.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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Yamaha R-N303BL Stereo Receiver |
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Sony STRDH-190 |
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Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver |
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Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Receiver |
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Onkyo TX-8020 2-Channel Stereo Receiver |
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Marantz PM6006 Integrated Amplifier Pre-Amp |
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Sherwood RX4508 Receiver |
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1. Yamaha R-N303BL Stereo Receiver
If you want to enjoy smooth, stereo sound from different sources may be wired or wireless, then Yamaha R-N303 is a great choice. It can be hooked both on analog and digital connections and gives you more ways to listen to your favorite genre.
This Yamaha stereo receiver comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and phono input terminals for your turntable voice control using your Amazon Echo or Google Assistant (Alexa) devices.
FM 50dB Quieting Sensitivity (IHF. 1 kHz. 100% Mod.. Mono) – 3 V (20.8 dBf), FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Mono/Stereo) – 65dB / 64dB. It is equipped with “on board” AM / FM radio.
Simple and sophisticated design. Two channels of 100 W high-power output. It has a minimum RMS Output Power: 100W plus 100W (8ohms, 40Hz-20kHz, 0.2 percentage THD).
It has the most powerful streamer module. The MusicCast app lets you stream popular music services like Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM internet radio, Tidal, and Deezer.
And also by using Airplay you can listen to your downloads or music from your computer or other devices. The setup process will not cause you a problem, it is easy and obvious, and the instruction manual is available for reference.
Expert Tip: Just keep in mind to connect the receiver to your router or Ethernet switch, for you to access your music files wireless.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Great compatibility and connectivity
- Sounds good, it is clear and powerful
- Wireless connectivity may be tricky, no watch out
Cons
- No surrounds support
- Difficult to manage AM/FM turner because of lack of turning a knob on the panel
- No equalizer, only balance adjustment
Overall, YAMAHA R-N303BL Stereo Receiver has a lot of wonderful features at an excellent and affordable price. It is one of the best receivers for turntables.
2. Sony STRDH-190
Manufacture assures 100% satisfaction in sound quality and ensures high reliability. Its features make it one of the best receivers for a turntable. Its low-profile design ensures the receiver’s extraordinary longevity. It can easily fit in any traditional and conventional AV cabinet in your house.
Setup is very easy and straightforward. No frills, no decoration It has a power output of 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 kHz). It is built with four analog audio inputs and one output, so you can easily connect up to two pairs of speakers, and you can easily switch the speakers to playback in two different rooms, or use them all together in one room.
Not only that, but it also has a Bluetooth module that is compatible with any turntables, for easy wirelessly streaming of your favorite music and media. The FM tuner is awesome, it can support more than 30 stations preset. With its Hi-Resolution audio, it feels like the artist is performing in front of you.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Great connectivity and compatibility
- Accepts a wide range of speaker
- It is compact and compatible with any traditional cabinet you have at home
- Less expensive price is at it a good range
Cons
- No subwoofer support results in the difficulty in improving the low frequency
- No AM tuner, so difficult to listen to AM stations
- Limited features and low profile
Sony STRDH-190 may be built with limited features, but is still on the list as one of the best receivers for turntables with its feature and price. It does not have any extraordinary features unlike other’s competitors, but its generic features allow you to have a great superior home theater experience with immersive surround sound.
3. Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver
With its HEOS Built-in technology, you can stream your favorite music from anywhere and everywhere around your home. Sit back and enjoy your favorite music without having to reach out for a remote, adjust the volume, change the track, or switch the inputs, hand-free, thanks to its full voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa.
Experience a fantastic multi-room experience and playback music from Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and other digital streaming services available.
More than just being used for turntables, this receiver has a 5.2 channel amplifier of 150W per channel, Smart TV compatibility that boasts an exceptional resolution with 4kUHD video and HDR, that can transform your TV experience with that fascinating brightness, clarity, and solid colors.
The sounds are also incredible, giving you a very good output, and an outstanding listening experience.
Set up won’t be as easy as this, as it is equipped with an award-winning on-screen setup assistant, wherein it will walk you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV EQ settings and help you to properly optimize your surround sound using the Japanese precision technology.
Pros
- Awesome sound quality
- The price range is incredibly competitive for the features and efficiency
- Easy to set up
- Simple and elegant
Cons
- No built-in Pre-amp
- Not Customizable
In short, the Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver is a perfect choice not only as the best receiver for the turntable but also if you want to have a theater-like experience at home. With its competitive price, it might be an option.
4. Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Receiver
This receiver for turntables has an uncompromising value. Having a 5.1-channel AV receiver brings the best technologies to your home, including Dolby Vision, 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, and Bluetooth, it is a very good choice at an affordable price. It is also packed with YPAO and auto-calibration technology for ideal sound.
This AV receiver delivers transmission of 4K video, supported by HD R (high dynamic range) Video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log- Gamma which provides incredible contrast smooth tone, and rich, bright, and vivid colors, giving you a full high-definition experience with an exceptionally realistic and natural picture quality.
Expert Tip: With its Yamaha Cinema DSP technology, this receiver will provide you a natural and expansive sound imaging. Transforming the dynamics of the listening environment, with reproduction of famous venues such as Roxy Theater and European cathedrals, giving you the ambiancefeeling right in your room, because of its 5-channel surround sound.
Installation and setup are much easier using an AV setup guide, giving you expert assistance with cable connections between the AV receiver and source devices. It will guide you through various other settings such as speaker connection, TV and source devices connection, as well as the power amplifier assignments with no sweat at all.
Moreover, you will enjoy videos and music that has exceptional power and presence. It delivers richer bass than you would ever expect from a small-sized speaker while maintaining good localization and sound balance even with compact front speakers.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Attractive design
- Cinema DSP and high definition technology
Cons
- Requires amplified subwoofer
- The price is quite high
- It may be unaffordable to those who are on a tight budget, but with its all functionalities, it makes Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Receiver one of the best receivers for a turntable.
5. Onkyo TX-8020 2-channel Stereo Receiver
If you are on a limited budget, but looking to get the best possible two-channel audio performance. Then Onkyo TX-8020 2 channel Stereo Receiver is the answer. It is versatile enough to power up audio from your TV, Blu-ray player, personal computer, and CD player through digital or analog inputs.
The 5 Analog audio inputs and 1 output including a phono input for turntable connection come in handy and can maximize its functionality. It is compatible with DS-A5 Airplay Rl Dock with a massive El Transformer. The audio boost level and the sound quality are amazing.
The audio boost level and the sound quality are amazing because of their independent bass, treble, and balance controls. High-quality Speaker A/B Terminals enable the connection of Speaker pair A and Speaker B in a multi-room audio setup.
The remote interactive makes the process of cueing up music and video easier. Just by connecting DS-A5 and the receiver will automatically power up, select the appropriate input and start playback soon. Good to connect in an Airplay on your mobile or iTunes-equipped computer.
Pros
- Easy to set up and operate too
- Audio ports and phono ports make it compatible with any turntable
- One of the cheapest receivers in the market today
Cons
- Not supported with Bluetooth
Not everything has to be complicated. Sometimes you just need a simple way to transfer music to your speaker. That’s where Onkyo TX- 8020 comes in. An extremely affordable price with high-current, low-impedance amplifier technology.
Ensure that it will deliver a clean sound and makes those details pop in your music and makes your speakers and turntables shine.
6. Marantz PM6006 Integrated Amplifier Pre-Amp
The PM6006 is an upgraded successor but a fine-budget one. This upgraded version makes it possible to refine the sound for you in much more detail, and the extended connection is possible. Its predecessor PM6005 was regarded as the best-integrated amplifier. And this brand is mainly known for its rich and dynamic sound quality.
You will enjoy improved audio clarity from a host of music sources and players, from your CD player to your turntable to your streaming audio. It features a high-volume control. Wide bandwidth and high-speed reproduction for much better sound quality. It has a wider dynamic range and a lower audio distortion.
Built with 3 Digital inputs – 1 coaxial, 2 optical inputs, 5-line audio inputs, including phono, very flexible operations, can fit every turntable at ease and even to the most demanding speakers and claimed to provide the most accurate details of vinyl sound.
It has also 45 watts per channel that making it suitable for filling a medium-sized room with a rich sound.
Marantz proves its craftsmanship by elegantly crafting high-grade Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules or HDAMs. This is used for a powerful, dynamic, detailed sound. Its fully shielded extra metal housing will prevent analog interference thus producing a robust sound quality.
The HDAM technology assures that high-speed sound is being produced at a wide range of bandwidth. Encased in a cleaner look, along with a massive energy reserve, it is built to handle peak currents at the amplifier stage. Complete with the best surround sound & stereo listening experience you have been looking for.
Aside from its original features, and the added features, this new PM606 is a new star with excellent genes.
Pros
- The five audio and phono inputs promote turntable integration
- All digital files can be played well because of their 192kHz at 24-bit resolution
- It has a powerful and dynamic amplifier built to produce the most quality-sound
Cons
- Not supported by Bluetooth connectivity
- Priced is quite high compared with others
With all its upgrades and evolution, Marantz PM6006 is another solid go-to for someone nailing down their first hi-fi system. It may be a bit pricey, but a good investment as well. With all its sound improvement over the previous version, gives a more appealing set to the digital connections.
7. Sherwood RX4508 Receiver
Designed and built with the same quality and attention to detail as the previous versions. This receiver is equipped with the latest technology involving the Quartz PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning which has functions to auto scan, preset scan, and quick and efficient searching of FM radio channels.
It has 30 station presets. With AM/FM tone direct and bass treble controls. It is designed with stereo, packed with a 100W high-power output, and a discrete amplifier stage. Wireless streaming via Bluetooth and has a versatile remote control for easy access. You can tune in to radio stations, and select the audio source. Bluetooth pairing mode, control playback.
It comes with a pair of AAA batteries. This version is a simple-to-use quality receiver. The only receiver on the list that comes with documentation, is a radio antenna for both FM and AM radio. It has 3 audio inputs, 2 audio outputs, and a phono input. This version is an audio receiver, and HDMI jacks are not needed you can use it as your home theater set-up central hub.
Expert Tip: Though breaking from the traditional one-body design, this gadget shows a simplistic touch to it, with the high-class dignity of high-end audio. It does not compromise its sound quality.
The gadget may have a simplistic touch to it, but rest assured that it does not compromise the sound and quality. The inbuilt preamplifier is perfectly useful, delivering a highly efficient crisp sound even at a very high volume.
It is all black on the front, with an exception of a white label for a few buttons. The buttons are a power/standby button with a headphone jack underneath it, a memory button, a radio station tuning button, reverse and forward buttons, an input selection button, and a large volume.
Pros
- One of the best receivers for turntables
- Price is affordable without hurting the quality of the gadget
- Comes with built-in Bluetooth support
- A high-power amplifier is highly efficient in delivering crisp sound, even at high volumes
- Proves to be really useful in connecting gadgets to other devices.
Cons
- No input for HDMI
Affordable receiver for a turntable. May not be the best specs in the world but probably good for those who are on a budget and those looking for only the basic receiver.
Can A Turntable Sit On A Receiver?
Turntable setup evolves with time. With so many options in the market, the correct positioning of your turntable is a chore. Physically, you can put your turntable above your receiver. It won’t take you five minutes to do so. But the question is, is this the right thing to do?
Well, the answer is no. Putting your turntable on top of your receiver is not the best thing to do. It may seem easy and efficient at first, but it will create problems in the long run. It will bring more harm than good. And here’s the reason why you should not sit your turntable on a receiver.
- The receiver generates a lot of vibration that will affect your turntable.
- Improper setup can damage your vinyl records
- The turntable on the top of the receiver may cause buzz and may also prevent your receiver from getting proper airflow
Keeping your receiver and turntable on separate surfaces reduces vibration. Avoid light surfaces. There’s a tendency to produce vibration when people pass by. As much as possible put your turntable on a piece of heavy, stable furniture.
Which Receiver Is Best?
The best receiver for a turntable should be the one that completely meets your requirements. The above list serves as a guide for your to fully understand each kind of receiver available in the market today. Budget and quality must be fulfilled in choosing and buying your receiver.
A receiver equipped with multiple features and within your affordable price range must be the choice. Check all the ports, to ensure that they can be easily connected to other devices. You must go through also the technologies that the manufacturer claims to be pre-equipped for.
These things will help you decide wisely and come up with the decision why you should prefer this kind of receiver over the others.
How To Choose The Best One For You?
Just like stated above choosing the right receiver is a big task, a lot of thinking and planning should be done, considering that this is also an investment and money shouldn’t be wasted because of the wrong choices.
Factors to be considered are as follows:
- Budget – depends on your specification and purpose, a budget should always be considered, find the brand that won’t rip out your pocket but at the same time, the features that you are looking for are met.
- Features – Now that you already set your budget, list down some turntables that you want to review and ideally, hear for yourself. Is there any feature that you won’t need? Listed and itemized one by one. From the most important to the lesser one.
- Setting up – choosing and setting up any appliances or any audio component, the proof is in the listening, always listen, because the sound you like really matters, after all. it is you will be using it.
Conclusion
As I am always saying, it is sometimes difficult to choose the best receiver for turntables, always do your research, and don’t settle for only one option. Refer always to the list you have made to make a smarter choice.
If you have any more questions about the best receiver for turntable, don’t hesitate to comment or drop me an email and I will happily answer you. And I hope that with all that we discuss, you could be able to select the receiver for a turntable that best suits your needs.
Don’t be shy in asking questions, because by asking questions we will gain an understanding of certain things that will help you come up with answers that will be very relevant to your decisions or choices.
Always choose wisely, not because it is the fad or this is what society dictates you or other people are suggesting you, but because this will make you happy. Always educate yourself in everything, and put your heart into your every decision.
If you follow the steps and the explanation of all of the possible options of the best receiver for the turntable, it should be easier for you to decide and finalize your option.
If you have the budget, then go for the most expensive brand that will provide you with the most options and choices. You will be able to enjoy music, movies, and other entertainments at their finest like you have never done before. Always pick the one that suits your needs and budget, don’t settle for anything less because you deserved it and you won’t be sorry.