Choosing A Receiver

The receiver is the most important component in your home theatre system. EVERYTHING is connected to the receiver.

The first thing we need to know is: 2 channel or home theatre?

By this, we mean; is it a stereo system with two speakers or will you be implementing multiple speakers, and will the receiver be used in conjunction with your DVD, Blu Ray, Cable, Satellite, and Television?

First, we'll explore the two channel audio world.

This is a fairly simple venture. 2 speakers, CD player, and possibly and iPod, tape deck, and turntable.

With two channel receivers, the main difference you'll find in any given product line is power. The receivers may start with an offering of 50 watts per channel. The next step may be 75, then 100, etc.

Keep in mind that more power offers better sound at a LOW volume as well as a higher volume. At a low volume, with a higher power receiver, more power is stored in the capacitors and is used as required. This allows for a better dynamic range, even at low volumes.

Secondly, a Phono, or turntable input may be the step up feature. Other things like motorised volume controls, input selectors, aluminum faceplates and the like may also be considered as step up features.

Theatre Receivers

The options on a receiver are endless. Our advice is to get the best receiver that suits your budget.

Some factors to consider when buying a home theatre receiver are:

Inputs: How many inputs do you need? ie: How many components are you hooking up? How do they connect?

The newest connection type is HDMI. HDMI offers a one cable solution to pass audio and video from the source component to the receiver. Then, it's one HDMI cable out from the receiver to the TV. If you connect this way, you will use the AV receiver all the time. The TV speakers will not be used. Why would you use TV speakers when you have an awesome theatre system anyways?

Another consideration is: Do you need "upconversion"? Upconversion is a circuit in the receiver that allows different types of connections to be made, then output to the TV via HDMI.

For instance:

Blu Ray - connects via HDMI

Satellite or cable - connects via Component Video

VCR - connects via Composite Video

With a better quality receiver you'll be able to connect all these components to your receiver, and output the signal to the TV with just an HDMI cable. Simple....simple is good!

Some receivers are now offering 2 separate HDMI outputs. Why? Well, a couple of scenarios where this would be useful are:

You have a TV for regular viewing and a projector for those special movie nights or sports nights. 2 HDMI outputs off the receiver allows for simple connections to each display. No switching inputs or jostling cables around. Simple...simple is good!

Or, you want to output the video signal to another room but still use the theatre receiver to control what you're watching. You'll be able to watch a Blu Ray or the Satellite in another room without having to add another Blu Ray player or Satellite receiver. Simple...simple is good!

There are so many variables to consider when purchasing a new receiver. Come and talk with one of our sales professionals. We'll help you decide which receiver is right for you.

As a general rule, when buying a new theatre system; 1/3 of your budget should go to the receiver. Remember, it's the heart and the brain of the whole system!

Buy the best quality receiver you can afford. You won't regret it!