Home Stereo Buying Guide: Amplifiers, Receivers, Speakers, Turntables and Streamers
Building a home stereo can feel intimidating: watts, ohms, DACs, phono stages. It doesn't have to be. This 2BOOM guide explains each piece of a stereo system in plain English, so you can build a setup that sounds amazing and fits your budget.
The parts of a stereo system
Every stereo has three jobs:
- Source: where music comes from (streaming, turntable, CD, TV).
- Amplification: boosting the signal so it can drive speakers.
- Speakers: turning it into sound.
You can buy these as separate parts or get some of them combined, like powered speakers with amplifiers built in. If you want simplicity, start with our best home stereo systems roundup.
Amplifier vs receiver
- Integrated amplifier: powers two speakers and switches between sources. Simple, focused on music.
- Stereo receiver: an amplifier with a radio tuner, and often streaming built in.
- AV receiver: for surround sound and home theater, with many channels and HDMI. Great for movies, more complex for music-only setups.
- Streaming amplifier: a compact amp with Wi-Fi streaming built in, like the WiiM Amp or Bluesound Powernode.
For a music-first system, an integrated or streaming amplifier is usually the best choice.
How much power do you need?
It depends on your speakers and room. Check the speaker's sensitivity (in dB). Speakers rated around 90 dB or more (Klipsch is a good example) get loud on modest power. Speakers around 85 dB need more. For most rooms, 50 to 100 watts per channel from a decent amp is plenty.
Also match impedance (ohms). Most home speakers are 6 or 8 ohms, which nearly every amp handles fine. 4-ohm speakers need an amp rated for them.
Choosing speakers
Bookshelf speakers
Compact and versatile. Put them on stands or a sturdy shelf. Best for small to medium rooms, especially with a subwoofer.
Floorstanding speakers
Tall towers with bigger or more woofers. More bass and volume without a sub. Best for larger rooms.
Speaker character by brand (very roughly)
- Klipsch: lively, efficient, loves volume.
- Polk: big, bassy, good value.
- ELAC, Wharfedale, Q Acoustics: balanced, musical, great budget picks.
- KEF: precise, great stereo imaging.
- Bowers & Wilkins, Focal: premium, detailed and refined.
Your room and your ears matter more than the brand. Listen in person if you can.
Adding a subwoofer
A sub handles the lowest bass and lets your main speakers play cleaner. Look for an amp or receiver with a subwoofer output (sometimes labeled "sub out" or "pre-out"). Place the sub near the front of the room and adjust the crossover and level until bass blends smoothly.
Sources
Streaming
Many amps now stream built-in. If yours doesn't, add a streamer like a WiiM Pro or Bluesound Node. Choose one that supports your music service and AirPlay 2, Google Cast or Spotify Connect.
Turntables
Vinyl needs a phono preamp (phono stage). Many amps have one built in, marked "phono." If not, buy a turntable with a built-in preamp or a separate phono stage. Popular starter turntables come from Audio-Technica, Pro-Ject, Rega and Fluance.
TV
Use an amplifier or powered speakers with HDMI ARC or optical input to run TV sound through your stereo.
Cables and setup
- Speaker wire: standard 14 or 16 gauge copper is fine for most homes. You don't need expensive cables.
- Placement: form a triangle between the two speakers and your seat, with the speakers angled toward you.
- Distance from walls: pull speakers a little away from the back wall for tighter bass.
- Stands: raise tweeters to ear height when you're seated.
Sample budgets
| Budget | System |
|---|---|
| Starter | Powered bookshelf speakers (Edifier or similar) |
| Mid | Streaming amp + good bookshelf speakers + small sub |
| Enthusiast | Integrated amp + floorstanders or premium bookshelves + streamer + turntable |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a basic stereo system?
A source (phone, streamer or turntable), an amplifier and two speakers, or simply a pair of powered speakers, which combine amplifier and speakers.
Is a receiver or an amplifier better for music?
For music only, an integrated or streaming amplifier is usually simpler and better value. AV receivers are best for home theater.
Do expensive speaker cables make a difference?
For typical home setups, standard copper speaker wire of the right gauge performs well. Spend the money on speakers instead.
Do I need a separate DAC?
Most modern amps and streamers have a good built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). A separate DAC is an optional upgrade, not a must.