The time to buy is now: I have been asked multiple times if tariffs that may be coming in 2025 will make electronics more expensive. No matter what happens with tariffs, it is often in the first quarter of the year that manufacturers raise prices. Even items that are manufactured in the United States use parts from all over the world, so the effect could be wide-ranging if new tariffs are implemented. This year-end also has some of the best deals I have ever seen, many of them on products of exceptional quality. If you have something on your shopping list I would try and get it now rather than wait.

Q. I am looking for a stereo receiver to play music from CD, DVD and Blu-ray, vinyl, audio from 4K TV and possibly other sources. I plan to use it in a 2-channel stereo setup with vintage Altec-Lansing Valencia speakers, so I just need sound without surround effects.

I considered the Outlaw RR2160MkII but there is no way to experience a demo, and shipping is at buyer's expense if it needs to be returned. What are your thoughts on another choice?

—A.L., Minneapolis

A. The Outlaw is a great receiver and the company has an excellent reputation, but as you note it is a direct-to-consumer brand. That involves shipping in both directions, and you don't seem to be comfortable with that. If you are playing video sources I think you will be better served with an HDMI receiver, and the new Onkyo TX-8470 stereo receiver is perfect for you. It seamlessly blends music and video entertainment for playback in a traditional two-speaker stereo system.

The TX-8470 has HDMI-ARC and multiple HDMI inputs so it can switch and play your video sources with no loss of sound quality. It has a phono input with both moving coil and moving magnet settings, a rarity that shows this product is meant to cater to audiophiles and music lovers. It packs a robust 110 W per channel amplifier, premium streaming circuitry and classic Onkyo looks. At $799 it is a fine buy that will make your music, TV and movies come alive.

You should be able to find the TX–8470 in stores soon. You also might want to check Amazon to see if you can buy it either from them directly or from a vendor that allows you to send it back via an Amazon return location so you would not have to pay return shipping. I don't anticipate you being disappointed with the receiver though. onkyousa.com

Q. You recommended an upgrade to the AT3600L phono cartridge, by adding the $39.98 CFN3600LE stylus. Is there a similar upgrade for an AT91R cartridge?

—J.T., San Jose, California

A. I checked and the CFN3600LE stylus is compatible with your AT91R, which apparently shares the same cartridge body as the AT3600L. Go ahead and buy the CFN3600LE stylus, you will be very happy with the sonic improvements. The CFN3600LE also requires only 1.8g to 2.5g of tracking force, much less than the 3.5g of the AT91R and AT3600L. Less tracking force means less wear, so your records will last longer.

Something else I discovered as I researched your answer is there are literally hundreds of cartridges and turntables that use a variation of the AT3600L, under many different brand names. A full list is found on the CFN3600LE page on lpgear.com. If you own a turntable that is due for a new stylus or you simply want an inexpensive and very meaningful sonic improvement, it's worth checking out to see if your turntable or cartridge is on the list.

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