Best Stereo Receiver Under $299

While it would be nearly impossible for us to list all of great home audio stereo receivers that are currently on the market and priced under three hundred bucks, we have striven to find several that can suit the fancy of any avid home audio nut; ourselves included. And considering the current economic slump, we realize that most people out there are trying to operate on a slimmer budget these days. That means that while we all certainly wish that we could run out to the store and purchase the stereo receivers of our dreams, the reality is that most of cannot afford to do so. However, it does not necessarily mean that there are not ample selections of available and rocking stereo receivers that you can not get your hands on. So here are two picks that we find to offer ample features, plenty of perks and amenities, and that are well priced under the $300 bracket. And if this list still does not suffice your audio needs check out some more in this awesome online list.

HARMAN KARDON HK3490 Stereo Receiver
What doesn’t this Harman Kardon stereo receiver do? Firstly, front left and right channels make adding auxiliary devices a real snap. With five channels surround modes you know that you have plenty of home audio and home theatre options to explore, no matter what sound you are shooting for. With 40-watts per channel, your home is certainly going to have the roof jumping up and down when you play your favorite music. High level linear input sensitivity assures the clarity of the sound, and it won’t matter what Dolby system that you are using, this receiver reads them all, and you can go to Dolby digital at 50db. So no matter if you are just looking to hook up some front, floor standing speakers by your television set, or if you are looking to jump into a 5.1 Dolby surround sound home theatre system, this puppy will make your ears perk once you have it out of the box. Well priced online from about: $299.00

Specs:
• Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power (FTC) per Channel: 40 Watts per channel, 20Hz  20kHz, @ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
• Five-Channel Surround Modes
• Front L & R Channels: 30 Watts per channel @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz; 20kHz into 8 ohms
• Center Channel: 30 Watts @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz into 8 ohms
• Surround Channels: 30 Watts per channel @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz into 8 ohms
• Input Sensitivity/Impedance, Linear (High-Level): 200mV/47k ohms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A): 100dB
• Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation
• Dolby Pro Logic I and II: 40dB  
• Dolby Digital: 55dB
• DTS: 55dB
• Frequency Response at 1W (+0dB, 3dB) : 10Hz; 130kHz
• High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC): ±25 Amps
• Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM): Unmeasurable
• Slew Rate: 40V/µsec
• Frequency Range: 87.5 108.0MHz
• Usable Sensitivity: IHF 1.3µV/13.2dBf
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Mono/Stereo 70/68dB
• Distortion: Mono/Stereo 0.2/0.3% 
• Stereo Separation: 40dB @ 1kHz 
• Selectivity: ±400kHz, 70dB
• Image Rejection: 80dB
• IF Rejection: 90dB
• AM/FM Tuner
• Frequency Range: 520 – 1720kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 45dB
• Usable Sensitivity: Loop 500µV
• Distortion : 1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8%
• Selectivity : ±10kHz, 30dB
• Television Format: NTSC
• Input Level/Impedance: 1V p-p/75 ohms
• Output Level/Impedance: 1V p-p/75 ohms
• Video Frequency Response
• Composite and S-Video: 10Hz; 8MHz (3dB)
• Component Video : 10Hz; 100MHz (3dB)
• HDMI: Switching

When choosing the right home stereo receiver you want to take several things into equation. What type of warranty does it come with? How much money does it cost? How much power can it deliver, and to how many speakers? Finally, how many options do you have when using this receiver and is it really worth the money that you will be spending? This stereo receiver by Harmon Kardon, easily makes the cut in our book, and offers a high level of usable amenities for a rocking low price.