Best Receiver for Turntable

Best Receiver for Turntable

Getting the best receiver for turntables isn’t an easy task, especially if you don’t plan to shell out a couple of thousands of bucks for it. This article will navigate you through the most popular models of receivers that can be hooked up to a turntable — and make it sound as intended. The receivers are divided into two large groups:

  • with a phono input — these models have a preamp section that can be used to connect the MM turntable directly.
  • without a phono input — the receivers with analog ports requiring a preamp to be used between them and a turntable.

Units of both types can be stereo receivers or multichannel ones, include or lack subwoofer jacks, support various wireless technologies and protocols, or maintain a physical connection only. Check if there’s a receiver you plan to buy for your turntable!

Reviews of Receivers for Turntable

Receivers with a Phono Input

Sony STRDH190: Best Receiver for Turntables

Sony STRDH190

Looking for a dedicated receiver for your record player? Or a stereo receiver for different setups including a turntable one? With the low price and high-quality construction, the Sony STRDH190 will fit nicely. It has a separate circuit for the phono preamp section, a full set of record player connections including the grounding wires, and powers each channel for a full 100W. It’s a worthy candidate for the best receiver for a turntable if you need pure sound without breaking the bank.

The unit has solid construction featuring the rigid beam-centered chassis. This cuts the vibration and makes the output clear. The direct amplification path for a phono signal lets it pass through non-distorted, without capturing the noise of adjoining circuits. The receiver is rated for speakers from 6 to 16 Ohms, and provides a low THD of 1% at 8 Ohms. It acts well representing the standard frequency range (20Hz-20KHz) sounding neutral and dynamic. You can crank the volume quite high with this phono input receiver, keeping your analog tunes natural and warm. Still, it gets warm and even hot quickly enough despite the large heat sink. The good news is the auto-shutdown feature not letting the receiver overheat.

Setup is quick, too. Just hook up the wires, turn on your turntable—and you’ll get the sound from your speakers. However, the speaker clamps are spring-loaded terminals, tight for any wire of less than 14 gauge.

Key features:
  • Quick switching between inputs.
  • Three-mode dimness regulator for the display.
  • Presets for AM/FM.
  • Memory functions without a battery.
  • Direct mode for bypassing the EQ.
Pros
  • Very wide frequency response (10Hz – 100KHz).
  • Stable positioning thanks to the sturdy feet.
  • Can be programmed to wake up or go into a sleep mode at a certain time.
Cons
  • The bass tuner works up from 60Hz that doesn’t let you tune the sub-lows.
  • The power cable is hardwired, making it hard to replace.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Video Sony STRDH190

Onkyo TX-8020

Onkyo TX-8020

Combining the branded Onkyo clarity of sound and high-capacity amplification, this receiver transmits the signal from your turntable in full. Airy highs, deep lows, detailed mids create a wide soundstage for an analog sound. For its output, this unit can be called the best receiver with a phono input. Still, the absence of a direct wireless connection limits its functionality not letting you operate the receiver via your smartphone or stream your music library to it. On the good side, the TX-8020 is compatible with the dock station DS-A5 AirPlay RI, enabling the use of AirPlay.

The receiver implements the Wide Range Amplification Technology delivering 90W of power to each channel. It enables loud and dynamic sound even on 4-Ohm speakers. The signal-to-noise ratio is high making about 80 dB for a phono connection, and 100 dB for a line input. Connections include both analog and digital (coaxial and optical) ones. The receiver supports the video passthrough as well as lets you hook up a TV via optical or analog cables.

Setup and operation are simple and intuitive both via the included remote (full-sized), and the onboard panel. The speaker ports are compatible with banana plugs, and there’s a subwoofer output, letting enhance the bass. The sound can be tuned through the independent regulators for bass, treble, and balance. This receiver with a phono input can also work for AM/FM playback, and connect to headphones (the ¼-inch port on the front panel).

Key features:
  • Quick switching between inputs.
  • Three-mode dimness regulator for the display.
  • Presets for AM/FM.
  • Memory functions without a battery.
  • Direct mode for bypassing the EQ.
Pros
  • Very wide frequency response (10Hz – 100KHz).
  • Stable positioning thanks to the sturdy feet.
  • Can be programmed to wake up or go into a sleep mode at a certain time.
Cons
  • The bass tuner works up from 60Hz that doesn’t let you tune the sub-lows.
  • The power cable is hardwired, making it hard to replace.
Overall Rating: 8/10

Yamaha RX-V685

Yamaha RX-V685

The primary purpose of the Yamaha RX-V685 is to serve as a solid 7.2 home theater receiver. It features multiple technologies making your digital watching a high-quality one, like the surround sound emulation, 4K/HDR, and the Dolby Atmos support. So why rate it as the best receiver for vinyl?

The preamp section for the record player is separated from other circuits to keep the signal clean. It’s amplified efficiently letting you get 150W per channel for 6-Ohm speakers, and 90W for the 8-Ohm ones. The rigidity of construction and separation of inner blocks cut the distortion, letting you have a loud sound without compromising the audio quality.

Another option putting this unit in line with the high-class receivers with a phono input is the MusicCast support. You can make your system semi-wireless by setting up the Yamaha speakers wherever you want. In this way, you can send your turntable sound into the other rooms as well.

The receiver features the 110 dB sensitivity and transmits the signal clearly. The sound has a lot of detail and a dense soundstage. Mids and highs are open, bass is solid and precise up to the 80 levels of volume.

Apart from serving as the phono preamp, the unit can be used in almost any home theater setup. It has 5 HDMI inputs, and 2 outputs (enhanced with ARC), dual optical and coaxial ports, multiple analog jacks. It has a built-in AM/FM tuner and supports a Zone out connection.

Key features:
  • High-quality stereo separation.
  • Multi-room functionality.
  • Wireless speaker, Wi-Fi (two-bandwidth), and Bluetooth 4.1 support.
  • 4K/HDR/Upscaling support.
  • DTS:X, Dolby Atmos.
  • Voice command support (Alexa).
Pros
  • The high-class stereo separation with equally powerful and clean output.
  • The stereo speakers can be bi-amped for yet clearer sound.
  • Large informative and well legible display.
Cons
  • YPAO didn’t calibrate my Polk sub properly (the crossover was set too high).
  • The plastic front panel looks cheap.
Overall Rating: 10/10

Denon AVR-X3600H

Denon AVR-X3600H

Costing as a regular middle-class receiver, the Denon AVR-X3600H is stuffed with lots of functions and technologies. It has a developed multi-room functionality via the HEOS ecosystem, supports up to 11.2 channels, and powers the speakers up to 180W per channel. The latter fact and the built-in preamp for moving magnet turntables can make it the best receiver for a record player. Still, if your media entertainment is focused on vinyls only, this device might easily become an overkill.

Passed through this A/V receiver, the sound preserves its initial dynamics fully. All frequencies are worked out with precision for both stereo and multichannel playback. The “sweet spot” in the stereo mode is somewhere near the lower mids, while the output is well balanced. Lows have a lot of base, and voices are very clear without being pitched. The receiver transmits the phono signal immediately and provides sensitive volume control for it. The signal-to-noise ratio makes 100 dB letting you listen to your vinyl records loud without any noise.

The in-built HEOS lets you diversify your sound output to multiple zones and pick an input for each zone. This receiver with a phono input for a turntable supports various wireless protocols including Bluetooth (with A2DP codec), Wi-Fi, and has a smartphone app. It features numerous analog and digital ports including 10 HDMI ones with the HDCP 2.3 protocol and an eARC functionality for the HDMI output.

Key features:
  • Flat frequency response without coloration.
  • Height channels virtualization technology.
  • Audio streaming via AirPlay2 and Windows PlayTo.
  • UHD / HDR / HLG support.
Pros
  • Transmits Bluetooth output to a wireless headset.
  • The Audyssey MultEq calibrates the two-channel speaker set precisely and lets you tweak the parameters.
  • Can be controlled via Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
Cons
  • The remote isn’t backlit.
  • The Audyssey settings aren’t saved.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Video Denon AVR-X3600H

Denon AVR-X4700H

Denon AVR-X4700H

This model is a future-proof one thanks to the support of the latest AV formats: 8K and IMAX, Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. Still, apart from being packed with technology, it provides a solid amplification and high clarity of the sound output. The flexibility of settings results in the highly natural sound from analog sources including the vinyl record players. The presence of the dedicated preamp and detailed and warm performance in the stereo mode makes this model the best turntable receiver. That is, if you’re ready to pay that much (the receiver belongs to the high-end segment).

As with other multifunctional AV receivers, the back panel of this unit is crowded with ports. There are 11 dual speaker connections (binding posts with the RCA analogs for 6 speakers), 2 subwoofer outputs. 5 RCA pairs for analog sources, the phono section, several composite and component, optical ports. 8 HDMIs for input signal, and 3 for output. There are analog and HDMI connections for other zones, on the level with the HEOS wireless system. This Denon AV receiver with a phono input works fast and switches precisely between inputs within a second.

The unit can work in various speaker setup modes. The built-in Audyssey MultEq calibration does a good job recognizing the setup configuration and the parameters of each speaker. The sound flows dynamically and features a deep soundstage. The imaging is exact, and each instrument and voice is full and unique. Would there be a function of recording the vinyl into the digital format, this model would make the best phono receiver, hands down.

Key features:
  • 8K and 4K, Dynamic HDR passthrough.
  • Flexible configuration within 11.2 setup.
  • Full wireless support (voice command, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS).
  • Audiophile-quality sound with 125 WPC.
Pros
  • The Main+LFE setting lets use a sub for a stereo setup.
  • The AL32 processing ensures noise-free playback via any digital channel.
  • Can hook up to a monitor via RS-232.
Cons
  • Only a single HDMI port is a 2.1 version.
  • Alexa doesn’t integrate with HEOS.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Video Denon AVR-X4700H

Receivers without a Phono Input

Yamaha R-S202BL

Yamaha R-S202BL

This basic stereo receiver that can be hooked up to two pairs of speakers, produces the sound with the signature Yamaha clarity, and has Bluetooth. If you’ve got a preamp built-in to your record player (or a stand-alone one), this is a good option for a budget turntable receiver. You can wire two pairs of speakers and switch between them, changing your vinyl output, or use all 4 speakers at once — this unit has enough power for all of them.

At 8-Ohm impedance, the receiver produces up to 100W per speaker, which results in a loud and clean output. The distortion-free signal is backed up by the large amplifier section supported by the aluminum heat sink. Even at 50W per channel, the sound features high dynamics and well-drawn mids. The frequency range for this Yamaha receiver is indicated as 40Hz – 20KHz, while the lows are quite tight and well audible. There’s a slight roll-off at the extreme treble, but the voices and high-pitched instruments mostly sound warm and precisely.

A turntable or a preamp can be connected to any of 4 pairs of the RCA ports on the back of the receiver. Controls and EQ section are pretty straightforward. You can tweak bass and treble level, and change the balance via the front panel buttons or the remote control ones. Featuring an AM/FM tuner and 2.4GHz Bluetooth, it makes a worthy option to consider among the other stereo turntable receivers.

Key features:
  • A/B or A+B speaker connection with simple selector.
  • Discrete circuit and potent amplification.
  • Bluetooth streaming.
Pros
  • Setup is plug-n-play thanks to the simplicity of the connections and interface.
  • Bluetooth connection is consistent within about 60 ft.
  • Built-in memory for 40 radio stations.
Cons
  • The display is rather small.
  • Spring-loaded clamps for speakers don’t fit for a wire of less than 16 gauge.
Overall Rating: 6/10

Sony STRDH590

Sony STRDH590

Want a versatile receiver for your vinyl record player and other sources but don’t need all the latest techs and the entailing cost? If your turntable has the built-in preamp, the Sony STRDH590 is a worthy option among the multiple AV receivers in the market. It supports 5.1 channels, has Bluetooth, can pass through 4K content with HDR and color enhancing technologies. It’s also powerful, and amplifies any source well, letting you hear a neutral and detailed sound.

Thanks to the high-quality construction, the Sony STRDH590 can provide up to 145W per channel. Its signal-to-noise ratio is quite high (105 dB), keeping the sound pure during the volume increase. The THD doesn’t go beyond 0,9%. The receiver produces clean bass and widely dispersed mids. Highs are pictured nicely, without a metallic aftertaste at extreme points. What makes this model a good receiver for turntables is its lively dynamics. The sound is transmitted in a natural way, without overpowering issues at any frequency range.

Connections are represented with 5 HDMI ports (4 in, 1 out, ARC present) with the HDCP 2.2 protection. There are 4 sets of RCA jacks for audio input, each one can be used for connecting your turntable preamp. The USB port can be used to power up your smartphone. The receiver is equipped with the FM tuner, assignable optical and coaxial connections. Headphones can be hooked up via the front ¼-inch port.

Key features:
  • Transmits the analog warmth efficiently.
  • Supports Bluetooth streaming and a Standby feature.
  • Can work in the Virtual Surround mode.
Pros
  • Implements the D.C.A.C. system for an automatic speaker setting — works well for 2.0 and 2.1 modes.
  • Supports a stereo output to headphones
  • Full FM information is displayed thanks to the RDS tech.
Cons
  • Only front speaker ports accept banana plugs — others are spring-loaded types.
  • The graphic user interface is scarce and not intuitive — it’s not easy to tweak the audio settings.
Overall Rating: 7/10

Denon AVR-S540BT

Denon AVR-S540BT

The high amplification rate (140W per channel) and the ease of use put this middle-class receiver among the recommended record player receivers, though it doesn’t have a phono preamp. The analog connections are a few on this unit; still, with a discrete circuit configuration and a large amp section, it brings a highly dynamic sound with the detailed and rich soundstage. In a stereo mode, the bass sounds distinct and tight. Highs are well-drawn, making the voice nuances obvious. Mids are a bit too accentuated closer to the treble, while the overall output is well balanced.

The receiver is simple to set up and operate thanks to the integrated Setup assistant and a graphic interface. It supports the Denon 500 smartphone app as well. The compatible setups include 2.1-, 5.1-, and 5.2 channels. There are optical and coaxial ports for a TV connection, and a coaxial monitor out. The high-capacity digital sources can be hooked up via 5 HDMI inputs, and there’s an ARC-enhanced output as well. Three HDMI inputs pass through 4K and are HDCP 2.2 compatible.

Like many receivers for record players, the Denon AVR-S540BT is equipped with an AM/FM tuner. The stations’ information is displayed on a large front screen, as well as the input / playback data. There’s a port for a mic calibration, a headphones connection, and a 2.0 USB for media files playback.

Key features:
  • Fast setup.
  • High power rating.
  • 4K / Dolby Vision support.
  • Crossover options available.
  • 6 HDMI ports.
Pros
  • Phono settings can be saved into one of the four Quick Select presets.
  • Memorizes up to 8 Bluetooth sources.
  • Fully compatible with the 6-Ohm speakers.
Cons
  • No Zone 2 extension.
  • Doesn’t support lossless files.
Overall Rating: 7/10

Yamaha RX-V385

Yamaha RX-V385

This budget model handles up to a 5.1-channel setup, and has multiple features letting it serve as a record player receiver. It doesn’t feature a preamp section but can drive the stereo speakers at as low impedance as 2 Ohms. This lets it fit almost any vinyl record player setup you have. The receiver powers each channel for up to 100W, which is enough to recreate the dynamic flow of the analog music.

The stereo output of this unit is natural and has a wide scope. Treble is airy and distinct, mids bring a high amount of detail. Lows are solid with confident dynamics. The crossover works well sending the sublows to a subwoofer and creating a deep base for a soundstage. The speakers can be bi-amped to produce yet cleaner treble and midrange.

The built-in YPAO system lets you calibrate the speakers and set them automatically. While it works well for the rooms with a regular square configuration and the Yamaha speakers, trying to set up other speaker brands might become challenging. Still, the sub /crossover calibration is usually matching the expectations.

The receiver has multiple features for a digital playback as well. It supports 4K / HDR for video playback, has 5 HDMI ports (4 in / 1 out, ARC present), 1 Toslink port, coaxial AV connections, 2 pairs of RCA (can be used to plug in the record player preamp). It also has a tuner for an AM/FM reception, and relevant ports.

Key features:
  • Cinema DSP 3D technology.
  • HD audio formats.
  • HDMI standby functionality.
  • YPAO automatic setup.
  • Bluetooth support.
Pros
  • Full graphic interface support makes setup a breeze.
  • Lets crank up the volume keeping the audio clear — 110 dB SNR.
  • The Compressed Music Enhancer lets play the compressed files in high quality via Bluetooth.
Cons
  • Audio sounds are compressed through headphones.
  • The OSD cannot be disabled.
Overall Rating: 8/10

Sony STR-DN1080

Sony STR-DN1080

Having a full pack of high-class technologies for surround sound and UHD video transmission, this unit can also serve as a solid receiver for a turntable. It combines several construction innovations, letting it recreate a pure and alive analog sound from your vinyl player.

As Sony declares, the preamp and amp blocks are the high-quality ones, ensuring 165W of power per channel (for the 6-Ohm speakers). It also implements a specific anti-jitter circuit providing for a clean signal path and output. The vinyl sound produced via this receiver is rich in detail and effect and features a precise instruments’ positioning within an enveloping soundstage.

A phonograph preamp can be hooked up to any of the 4 RCA audio ports. There’re also the Toslink and coaxial jacks, an FM antenna connection, and the RCA ports for Zone 2. Seven pairs of binding posts for speakers and two sub outs represent the 3D sound capacity. All 8 HDMI jacks feature the HDCP 2.2 compatibility and pass through a 4K signal. Two HDMIs are for output (with ARC). You can plug in a USB via the front port, and enjoy a stereo sound in your headphones hooked up through a ¼-inch connection.

For wireless, there’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Sony | Music Center app, and multi-room functionality. The Internet can be hooked up through an Ethernet cable as well.

Key features:
  • DTS:X and Atmos support.
  • D.C.A.C. system calibration tech.
  • S-Force PRO technology for a virtual surround effect.
  • Adaptive speakers technology.
  • Lossless formats support.
  • Built-in Chromecast and Spotify.
Pros
  • The NFC tech lets the receiver pair to a smartphone with one touch.
  • LDAC codec provides for the Bluetooth-transmitted Hi-Res sound.
  • Copper resistors ensure dense and dynamic analog sound transmission.
Cons
  • Front panel knobs are made of thin plastic.
  • No pre-out ports.
Overall Rating: 8/10

Buyers Guide

How to Choose the Best Receiver for a Turntable

First, look at what you have. A pair of bookshelf speakers and a MM record player without a preamp? You’ll probably do well with a simple stereo receiver with a phono section. Plan on using your receiver for other activities as well? Then, choose a model with Bluetooth functionality, to stream music from your smartphone. Think of adding some more speakers and make a home theater? Check the multichannel models with HDMI and ARC technology. Don’t forget, if there’s no phono section, you’ll need to buy a standalone preamp. Or a new turntable with a preamp built-in.

When comparing the receivers, pay attention to the power parameters. It’s important to compare them on an equal ground (e.g. for 8-Ohm impedance, 20Hz-20KHz frequency range). The more watts per channel the receiver produces, the clearer and fuller the sound will be. Still, if your speakers are rated less (e.g. 30W each), paying for additional amplification might be a waste of funds.

While the presence of automatic speaker calibration is a comfortable option, make sure you can tweak the parameters manually as well. The analog output often differs from the digital one requiring other EQ patterns.