Essential if you plan to connect a turntable without a separate preamp.
Look for built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming music via Spotify, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast. how to buy a receiver
Required for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X , which add "height" channels to make sound feel like it's coming from above you. Essential if you plan to connect a turntable
Ensure there are enough for every device (TV, PlayStation, Apple TV) plus one or two spares for future gadgets. how to buy a receiver
Best if you only care about music . It typically powers two speakers and a subwoofer (2.1 setup).