Best 2-channel receivers under $200 in 2020

Cheap doesn't mean bad. Review of the best budget stereo receivers

The basis of a good home audio system is clean and crisp sound. The main component of obtaining high-quality sound is an AV receiver. I had an opportunity to make a comparison of the best stereo receivers under 200. I just want to note that you shouldn’t expect miraculous sound from such receivers. These devices are developed only for playing music or FM radio, which will be enough for an average user. All the devices in the review are affordable models with a limited number of functions and average characteristics.

Read our review of the best AV receivers.

However, despite this, models up to $200 can satisfy the owner's requirements for several years. In combination with proper use and proper connection to the home audio system, receivers of this price segment will be able to provide great sound. It is also worth mentioning that inside the receivers there is high-quality equipment, which has a long working life. Also, in terms of software, all modern receivers support all current formats and codecs, and some manufacturers provide long-term technical support for their products in terms of firmware updates. We tested several models of the best 2 channel stereo receivers with support for wireless music playback via Bluetooth. The purpose of this review is to help the reader choose the best model up to $200 based on a small set of requirements.

Our pick

Sony STRDH190

The best receiver under $200

Stereo receiver with phono input and BLUETOOTH connectivity that brings together your analog and digital music.

See price

Read the full review.

Sony STRDH190 — made for your audio collection

This is a good 2-channel receiver from Sony with the amplifier power 100 watts/channel. It is just a "workhorse" that has a clear sound picture of your favorite recordings. Sony STRDH190 has sturdy design and looks quite presentable as the best stereo receiver under 200. The receiver is rather thin and is made in a dark color. The controls are on the front panel. There is a volume knob and an input selector, a set of buttons for tuning, and a power button. Above the controls there is a small display for only the necessary information. The rear panel is occupied by audio inputs, terminals for the speakers, and the FM antenna connector. The sound is clean and well-balanced for a classic receiver. The Bluetooth features are solid. The receiver can connect to the mobile device if you want to activate that feature, which keeps the receiver in standby mode.

Yamaha R-S202BL — the receiver with natural sound

Yamaha R-S202BL is a budget 2-channel receiver with the power of 100 Watts/channel. There is a remote control in the kit with the receiver. It is convenient and has the necessary set of buttons for control. The appearance of the device is minimalistic but attractive. The receiver body is made of black matte metal as it should be in the best stereo receiver under 200 dollars. The manufacturing quality is high, and in general, Yamaha R-S202 gives the impression of a competently crafted device. The rear panel of the receiver has a minimum set of required connectors: analog audio inputs, speaker terminals, and FM/AM antenna connectors. On the front panel there are controls and a small display. The receiver connects to the home audio system very simply. For its power, Yamaha R-S202 has good and high-quality sound; coupled with good speakers, this receiver can become a valuable purchase for a home audio system.

Pioneer SX-10AE – clean sound at an affordable price

This budget model from Pioneer has strict design. The receiver is made of black matte metal. The front panel is occupied by control and display buttons. It is worth noting that, unlike other receivers, all its buttons are made round and some are slightly recessed into the panel. On the rear panel there are terminals for the speakers and analog inputs. The feature of this receiver is the presence of a line output and pre-subwoofer out. The 2-channel receiver has a power of 100 watts / channel. This is the level that you expect from the best home stereo receiver under 200 and it is quite enough for an average home audio system. Pioneer SX-10AE delivers quality and clean sound at the level of more expensive models. The connection to the system is very easy and intuitive, similar to any receiver in this price category.

Sherwood RX4508 – wireless audio at your home

Sherwood RX4508 is a 2-channel model with a powerful amplifier that produces 200 Watts/channel. The receiver is made in a minimalist style and provides high-quality sound. The front panel is highlighted by a minimal set of controllers: only 6 small buttons and a volume control. A little higher there is the glossy panel with the display. A set of connectors is located on the rear wall: terminals for the speakers, audio inputs, and the phono output. RX4508 creates a tangible sound pressure in the room, but what else can you expect from the best stereo receiver under 200? The volume and tone of low frequencies and high frequencies are adjusted via digital control, and switching is done by an electronic selector. The speakers are simply excellent. The device delivers clear bass and supports the sound range from the lowest fundamental frequencies. Along with the FM/AM tuner with 30 stations memory, the receiver has a built-in radio module that allows connecting any gadget via Bluetooth. The quality of the connection also promises to be high, because the wireless module supports both lossless data transfer profiles and the advanced AptX protocol.

Onkyo TX-8220 – the receiver with Hi-Fi quality on board

Onkyo TX-8220 is a budget 2-channel receiver. The front panel of the receiver is equipped with all kinds of controllers. This simplifies the tuning of the receiver's sound. The information display with green digits looks a bit old-fashioned. This potentially best stereo receiver under 200 is provided with a sufficient number of connectors. There are terminals for speakers, analog inputs, a line output, subwoofer pre-out, and also digital inputs (coaxial and optical). The receiver includes a wireless technology for streaming audio via Bluetooth with Auto Connect for pre-configured devices. Stable transmission with a low delay allows streaming music from almost any application to deliver richer and more detailed sound. The TX-8220 has enough power for a home audio system - 100 Watts/channel. However, the sound still remains loud and clear. Thanks to a wide range of controls, it is possible to achieve the hogh quality of sound.

Sherwood RX-4208 – the pass to the world of quality music

The design of the receiver is kept in the style of the RX line from Sherwood. Its black matte case seems big and heavy. On the front panel there are round controllers and a glossy panel with a display. The amplifier has a pair of analog line inputs and 2 stereo outputs. Additional devices can be connected to the receiver if needed. A well-developed system of inputs and switching capabilities will allow to lay all the connections once, and then forget about it, using only the remote control. The RX-4208 has the power of 100 Watts/channel , which is more than enough for a 2-channel receiver. Sound meets expectations, as it is clear, detailed, and carefully balanced. The Sherwood RX-4208 includes support for the Discrete Amplifier Stage technology, thanks to which developers have created a powerful class AB amplifier.

Onkyo TX-8020 – the simple Hi-Fi solution

Strict design in black color gives the receiver solidity. The central facade is occupied by a glossy panel with a display, a built-in joystick on the right, and function control buttons at the bottom, which allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast, and tone control modes. Inputs: five linear RCA, an input of the MM-phono stage, a pair of coaxial, and 1 optical. There are outputs for a recording device and for a subwoofer. There are 4 pairs of terminals for speakers, and jacks for AM and FM antennas. Onkyo TX-8020 delivers 90 Watts/channel power. Its precision, detail, and well-defined bass distinguish the live dynamic sound of the TX-8020. The device uses WRAT technology, which provides high-quality sound in the wide frequency range.

Sony STRDH130 – great sound with Japanese quality

Sony STRDH130 is an entry level 2-channel AV receiver. Its design combines plastic and matte metal surfaces. Numerous control buttons occupy the entire front panel, as there are two controls, an input for headphones and a small display. The quality of manufacturing is high. On the rear panel of the receiver, there is a wide range of analog inputs, the AM/FM tuner, 2 audio outputs, and speaker terminals. STRDH130 has good amplifier power as a home stereo receiver – 100 Watts/channel. It can produce very pleasant sound with no discernible interference, no distortion at pick volume, and the receiver is capable of driving balanced power to the speakers.

Comparison chart

Also, I would like to attach a comparison table of all these two-channel receivers. It describes the main characteristics for better visibility.