Receivers Buyer’s Guide
Receivers are one of the major components of a home theater system. These devices are responsible for routing video signals to the TV, as well as for amplifying the audio. They decode surround sound formats and then route the audio to the different speakers. Receivers can accept input from various devices including DVD players; CD players and VHS machines.
This expert guide aims to explain the different types of receivers; important features to take into consideration when reviewing them, as well as provide guidance on the types of receivers available within the various budget ranges.
Available types of receivers
Receivers are the most complex components used in home theater systems and are often referred to as Audio Video (A/V) receivers; Dolby Digital or DTS receivers; or home theater receivers. They can support mono (1 channel); stereo (up to 3 channels) and surround sound (5 channels or more) formats.
There are three main types of receivers, capable of reproducing surround sound, for home theaters: 5.1 channel; 6.1 channel and 7.1 channel.
- 5.1 channel
The most common receiver which is capable of decoding and reproducing Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound. 5.1 channel receivers should be sufficient for most home theater systems as extended surround sound formats in movies and DVD’s are rarely used.
- 6.1 channel
These receivers can support extended surround sound formats such as THX Surround EX; Dolby Digital EX; DTS-ES Matrix; DTS-ES Discrete 6.1; Dolby Pro Logic II; DTS Neo 6 and THX Ultra2 Cinema Mode and Music Mode.
- 7.1 channel
Similar to 6.1 channel receivers but they support additional surround sound speakers. Most 7.1 channels are also capable of supporting newer sound formats like Blu Ray.
Important specifications
The following specifications are important to consider during your review of receivers.
- Decoder type
Check to see what surround sound formats the receiver is capable of decoding. All manufacturers will state whether the receiver can support Dolby Digital; DTS; Dolby Digital EX; DTS-ES, Blu Ray or any of the other available formats.
- Amplification
Standard receivers have 5 channels of amplification enabling left; left surround; center; right and right surround speakers to be powered by the receiver. The more advanced 7.1 receivers support additional left rear surround and right rear surround speakers.
- Output power
Similar to 6.1 channel receivers but they support additional surround sound speakers. Most 7.1 channels are also capable of supporting newer sound formats like Blu Ray.
- AV inputs/outputs
These are the types of devices that can be attached to the receiver. The most common devices include Scart; S-Video; HDMI; analog audio – either via a RCA or XLR connector and composite video connections like those used with VHS players and games consoles.
- Digital signal processors
Most receivers are capable of simulating different audio effects using digital signal processors (DSP), while some only offer simple equalizers and balance adjustments.
- AM/FM Tuner
Check to see if the receiver has a built in radio reception tuner for both Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM). Some receivers even have satellite tuners.
Entry level budget
Due to the complexity of receivers, they are not cheap. While it is possible to purchase a receiver for just under $100, they generally only support stereo sound formats by offering a maximum of 3 channels.
The better option is to look at receivers up to $200. They may not offer a frills-and-all system but they do support surround sound.
The Onkyo TX-SR506 receiver is an incredible receiver that offers 7.1 channel support but is priced as an entry level receiver. At just under $200, this receiver offers high definition media support and advanced sound correction. With crystal clear sound, this receiver is true value for money.
Medium budget
As with most gadgets, if you want extra functionality you’ll have to pay for it. One of the best lower budget receivers on the market is the Yamaha RX-V463. This receiver has received high praises from experts with an overall rating of 100%. Refer to www.testseek.com to read some of the reviews.
The RX-V463 offers superior audio processing which includes 192 kHz/24-bit DAC for all channels. It has a 6 channel decoder, is compatible with iPods and is Bluetooth enabled. It supports high definition and has 8 DSP programs. With a host of additional features, this receiver is a steal at just under $300.
Advanced buyers
You can expect to pay in excess of $1000 for top of the line, fully featured receivers.
The highly rated Denon AVR-4308CI is available at around £1800. This advanced 7.1 channel receiver has two HDMI outputs and in addition to the standard input and output connectors, it also has connectors for HD radio; Ethernet; a Wi-Fi antenna; USB; iPod as well as RS232C. To read the reviews visit www.testseek.com
Final Words
What receiver is the best for you is entirely up to your demands and standards. There are good quality receivers to be had for a couple of hundred bucks, even less. But if you are truly a HiFi nerd than you will have to put up a lot more than that.
Disclaimer: This guide was written in late 2008 and the specific product recommendations may be outdated. However the basic discussions in this buyer's guide may still be of great value.
Written by; TestSeek staff
