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Intro to home stereo systems

Love music? If you're not playing it on a genuine stereo system, chances are you could love it a lot more

In a nutshell. A home stereo system includes two speakers for two good reasons. Most recordings have two separate and distinct channels. And you have two ears.

When you listen in stereo, recorded music sounds more like a live performance. It's a feeling you won't get from a single wireless speaker.

Most stereo systems include three things:

  1. A stereo receiver or amplifier
  2. A matched pair of speakers
  3. At least one music source

This article will help you choose a home stereo system that suits your lifestyle and your listening space.

Wireless speakers are super convenient. One box is all you need. And some of them sound surprisingly good. For background music, I love them.

But stereo recordings have discrete left and right channels for a reason. They give you the unmistakable impression that you’re in the room with the performers. In this regard, a pair of speakers always beats one.

Stereo imaging

Listening to music in stereo gives you the experience the artist had in mind. And it’s just plain more fun! You can hear the musicians spread out across a three-dimensionsal sound stage.

With stereo, different instruments come at you from different points between and beyond the speakers. You hear your music in three dimensions – just like you hear real musicians positioned in different places on an actual stage. You experience the music and the space in which it’s played.

Parts of a home stereo system

A home stereo system typically includes three main ingredients:

  1. A stereo receiver or amplifier
  2. A matched pair of speakers
  3. At least one music source

Stereo components

The music source could be an external component, such as a turntable or CD player. It could be a receiver’s built-in AM/FM tuner. Or it could be a wireless connection to a smartphone or a home network.

What is a stereo receiver?

Traditional stereo receivers combine an AM/FM radio tuner with a 2-channel power amplifier and a preamp section. The preamp section gives you control over source selection, volume, tone and balance.

What's an integrated amplifier?

An integrated amplifier is just like a receiver, but without the radio. Some models are as large as a typical receiver. But there are plenty of compact amps, too. For more info, see our integrated amplifiers buying guide.

For a super-simple system, try powered stereo speakers

Powered speakers

A turntable and a pair of powered speakers make a great compact stereo system.

If you’re looking for an even more compact system to liven up a dorm room, kitchen, or small apartment, consider a pair of powered stereo speakers. With the amplifier (and, in some cases, the Bluetooth receiver) built in, these speakers save a lot of space.

Wireless speakers in stereo mode

Some wireless multi-room speakers can be linked together in stereo mode. If you alread have a wireless speaker, check to see if you can pair it with another identical speaker.

For example, if you're a Sonos owner, you can add a second Play:1, Play:5, or Sonos One in the same room. Use the Sonos app to pair them. One of the speakers will play the right channels, and the other will play the left channel.

Stereo amps with wireless multi-room audio built-in

Want to enjoy the benefits of a wireless multi-room audio system, but with real stereo speakers in at least one room?

Whole-house audio

The Yamaha WXC-50 wireless streaming preamplifier adds Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MusicCast multi-room audio features to a traditional stereo amp or receiver.

Consider mating a pair of regular (non-powered) stereo speakers with a powered zone component like the Sonos amp. It’s a very compact wireless multi-room music player with a stereo amplifier built in. Amplified zone players are also made by Yamaha, Denon, and Bluesound.

Speaker options to fit your taste and your space

Your library, home office, spare bedroom, or any other small, relatively private room can become your sonic sanctuary. Bookshelf speakers are perfect for small rooms. They can be wall-mounted or placed on speaker stands.

Floor-standing speakers are great for large rooms. They produce plenty of deep bass. They're hard to beat for big, room-filling sound.

For more speaker selection tips, see our article on choosing stereo speakers.

Don’t forget the speaker wire

Most speakers don't come with any wire. You'll need to get some to connect the speakers to your receiver or amplifier. For more info, see our article on choosing and installing speaker wire.

How many watts do you need?

If you’re buying a pre-packaged system, you don’t have to worry about the finer points of matching speakers and amps.

If you’d like to put together an a la carte system, you can get some advice from one of our expert advisors. Or you can follow these simple guidelines:

  1. Look at the recommended power range for the speakers you want to buy.
  2. Choose an amp whose RMS power output (watts) is within the acceptable range.

If you already have an amp (or you'd rather pick your amp first), make sure the speakers you choose can handle the power it puts out.

If you’re using 4-ohm speakers, make sure the amp you choose is compatible.

To get the most from a small amplifier, choose efficient speakers (as reflected in their sensitivity rating). The higher the number (in decibels or dB), the more efficient the speaker, and the louder it plays with a given amount of power.

Setup makes a huge difference

Toeing speakers for better sound

Toeing in your speakers (pointing them toward your seat) can make a dramatic improvement in their sound.

The placement of your speakers relative to your listening seat plays a large role in your system's sound.

The speakers should form an equilateral triangle with your listening position. This means your speakers are the same distance apart from each other as they are from you. For more tips on how to set up your speakers, see our article on speaker placement for stereo music listening.

Will a stereo system work with my phone?

Onkyo TX8160 stereo receiver

Stereo receivers with home networking capabilities give you access to an endless variety of music.

Think stereo systems are strictly old-school? Think again. Many of today’s stereo systems have Bluetooth® and/or Wi-Fi® built in, so you can easily connect your phone and listen to Spotify or You Tube™.

Think they’re just for well-heeled audiophiles? You might be surprised by how little you have to pay to get a decent system.

A stereo system takes up more room than a single wireless speaker. But for music lovers, that’s a worthwhile trade-off.

We can help you choose

Have questions about home stereo? Our expert Advisors know the gear inside and out.

Your Advisor can send specific Crutchfield pages to your screen, saving you a lot of browsing time. You'll get a shopping cart loaded up with everything you need. Contact us today.

Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.

For some more home stereo system design tips, read our budget audiophile playbook.

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Dan from Chicago

    Posted on 11/11/2023

    I have had numerous entry level pieces over the years and am now in the fortunate position to be able to build a higher quality system of all new gear (vs. a mish mash of old things). I have lots of vinyl and cds and would like to integrate streaming (but that is not essential). Not building a home theater system, this is just for music. I am intimidated as to where to start. Thank you for advice.

    Commenter image

    Ned O. from Crutchfield

    on 11/13/2023

    Hi Dan, Thanks for your note. I'm envious of your position! We have a bunch of great options for putting together a nice, high-quality stereo hi-fi system — too many to list here. I've asked one of our Advisors to get in touch with you to learn more about your situation and help you make the best choices.
  • Paul C from Erdenheim

    Posted on 10/16/2023

    Which Stereo Receivers can handle phono, CD and tape in/tape out? Thanks!

    Commenter image

    Ned O. from Crutchfield

    on 10/19/2023

    Hi Paul, We have a few stereo receivers that have phono, CD, and tape in/tape out connections. To widen your choices, you may also want to consider an integrated amp. I've asked one of our Advisors to get in touch with you to learn more about your setup and help you make an informed choice.
  • Gus

    Posted on 10/2/2023

    I am in the process of building a house. Is prewiring all the rooms and outside porches still the best way to go to get great music throughout my house? Or have bluetooth speakers come far enough to eliminate wires?

    Commenter image

    Ned O. from Crutchfield

    on 10/19/2023

    Hi Gus, Thanks for your question. While traditional wired multi-room audio can provide the most stable format for getting music throughout your whole house, you may also want to consider Wi-Fi multi-room audio. Platforms like Sonos, Bluesound, HEOS, and others work really well, as long as you have robust internet. I've asked one of our Advisors to get in touch to help you consider the choices for your specific situation.
  • SAMUEL from Gilbert Louisiana

    Posted on 12/10/2022

    Hello Eric. I have a PYLE PD3000BT Pre Amplifier w/Built-in DVD/CD/BT/MP3/AM/FM/USB with a peak output of 3000 Watts. I am playing it through a pair of Vintage AAL 124 floorstanding Loudspeakers that are only rated for 200 Watts. They sound really great but I find myself pushing them to their limits often. I also have a Rockville Rockshaker 12 Powered Sub 850 Watts connected. This is a stereo system not home theater or surrond. I want to upgrade the loudspeakers any suggestions or advice would be most appreciated. THANK YOU.

  • Fredrick A. Keller from Port Orchard

    Posted on 10/29/2022

    I still like my old stereo system with cd and tape because I have quite a collection. What have you got to replace it?

  • George bender from Fort Myers Florida

    Posted on 1/6/2022

    I have amplifier cd table and two speakers. On our move to Florida something got damage and I cannot get cd layer or receiver to work. Can u recommend someone in Fort Myers area could hook up a small system

  • Mark Blaedel from Ames

    Posted on 12/13/2021

    Hello, I have a Dual 1218 turntable and a Tivoli Model 1 radio with one auxiliary input. Both components are older but in good shape. Is there an easy way to plug my turntable into the radio? Thanks for your comments.

    Commenter image

    Eric Angevine from Crutchfield

    on 12/14/2021

    Mark - I also have a Tivoli radio, and I must admit I had never thought of using it as a powered speaker, but I do think it's possible. The Music Hall Mini phono preamp has a 3.5mm output that should allow you to do the trick. Hope this helps!
  • Mark from Philadelphia, PA

    Posted on 9/8/2021

    Hello, I'm looking to buy a combo CD, Cassette player for music... ??

    Commenter image

    Eric Angevine from Crutchfield

    on 9/9/2021

    Mark - This rack-mountable Tascam CD-A580 is the only one we've carried in the ten years I've been with Crutchfield. That said, it's a darn good one, and you can get it for a pretty good price if you snap up the one that's left.
  • Pat from Califon

    Posted on 8/9/2021

    I have two speakers with RCA connection, an Aiwa turntable, and a Sony cd player. I need an amplifier or receiver to make it all work. Any suggestions for something simple and doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

    Commenter image

    Eric Angevine from Crutchfield

    on 8/10/2021

    Pat - I'm assuming these speakers with RCA connection are self-powered, so I'm not even sure you need an amplifier if that's the case. Without knowing more about them, it's hard for me to make a solid recommendation. If they are self-powered, and have a phono input and a digital input, you can plug your components directly into the back and skip the receiver/amp altogether. It might behoove you to contact an Advisor who can glean the details of your existing equipment and make a truly informed recommendation. Thanks for asking!
  • Fresner from BRONX ,NY

    Posted on 6/1/2021

    i have a problem with my YAMAHA NATURAL SOUND AV RECEIVER RX-V 575, I move it to an other place, when i plug it, it say: DECODER OFF. WHAT CAN I DO, Please help.

    Commenter image

    Eric Angevine from Crutchfield

    on 6/2/2021

    Fresner - I've looked at the manual for that receiver, and it sounds like the decoder is something you have to select to set up your surround sound preferences. If you're using the Yamaha in stereo mode for music listening, I think the default "off" is what you want. If you're watching movies and you want to use a specific type of digital signal processing like DTS, you can use the "program" button to cycle through the menu options until you find the type of processing you want to apply. Hope this helps!
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