Both in public and private, I am often asked to recommend audio gear. One of the most frequently asked questions is about receivers. Generally, I suggest that people should buy the most powerful receiver that will fit their needs if they can afford it. I also tell people that if you can't afford a receiver capable of pumping a steady, undistorted 18-20 watts into 8 ohm speakers, forget it for now.

That minimum figure is really required, even with relatively efficient speakers, if much of today's music is to be reproduced well. Beyond that you've got the tuner specs and quality of the AM circuitry and then the convenience features.