Best stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers

Top pick: Yamaha R-N600A — a network stereo receiver that does the whole job in one box: streaming, Wi-Fi, a clean 100 dB signal-to-noise and plenty of dynamic headroom for real speakers. It's the easiest "buy once, stop thinking" choice for most people.

Who the others suit:

• Onkyo TX-8470 — the value network receiver if you want HDMI and AirPlay without spending much.
• Denon DRA-900H — best if a TV is in the mix: 8K HDMI switching plus two subwoofer outs.
• Yamaha A-S301 — a plain integrated amp for a turntable-and-speakers setup, no streaming.
• Cambridge CXA81 — the step up for detail and drive with better speakers.
• Sony STR-DH190 — the simple, reliable budget receiver.
• Marantz STEREO 70s — slim, warm, HDMI-rich for a living-room system.
• Rotel DX-5 / Leak Stereo 230 — small-room purist and classic-look valve-ish warmth respectively.

Skip the no-name 300–600W "amplifiers": the wattage is peak fantasy, not honest power.