There is still some interest in stereo receivers.
You might want local AM-FM radio.
If you want to listen to the Brewers, Bucks or Packers with local announcers while watching the game on TV, the AM section of a receiver is your answer.
If you enjoy local musical programs or NPR, you might enjoy local FM radio.
If you want to listen to TV content through nice stereo speakers, a stereo receiver is your answer with OPT or HDMI inputs. You’ll have two strong channels of power, instead of 5 or 7, where several channels sit idle.
But the market no longer sells millions of stereo receivers. It’s very tough to determine how serious your interest is, and how much power you’ll need. But we have the answer!
Marantz NR-1200: $700 (75×2)
Marantz’s STEREO RECEIVER makes a number of sage choices. It will be your receiver, or base unit to add on to.
It has AM-FM. It has phono MM. It has OPT & Coax. It has 5 HDMI inputs. It has Bluetooth. It has HEOS. It has Airplay 2. It has speakers A & B! It has two subwoofer outputs. And….
It also has PREAMP OUTPUTS!!!
NAD C-268 Power Amp ($1000, 80×2)
By offering the preamp outs, you can add a power amp of your choice to NR-1200 to make it the muscle of your choice. You maintain all the great features of NR-1200, but now you can have the POWER you want. A great choice would be the NAD C-268.
Why might you consider C-268 at 80×2? The power rating is almost the same as the 75×2 that is built in the receiver itself. The answer is, amplifiers of the same power are not all built the same. NAD’s C-268 is a sports car. The 75×2 inside the NR-1200 is a family sedan. C-268 sounds faster, stronger and more controlled. Dynamics fly out of your speakers compared to the amp on board the receiver chassis. It’s a wonderful upgrade.
NAD C-298 Power Amp ($2400, 185×2)
Or, perhaps you’ll consider NAD’s new C-298 Eigentakt based amp. C-298 will compete with very expensive audiophile amps from the biggest names out there. For only $3100 you have a state of the art stereo “receiver.” You’ll have all the modern features, and the acceleration and speed of a Ferrari.
Marantz MM-7025 Power Amp ($1000, 140×2)
In MM-7025 you will have cranked up your power to 140×2. It doesn’t have quite the impedance stability of the NADs, but it’s a marvelous amp for the money and happens to match the NR-1200 aesthetically. Your all in at $1700.