DTS Technology and its versions explained

 What is an Amplifier and AV Receiver? Differences between Amplifier and AV Receiver?

Amplifier:

An amplifier is a device that increases the amplitude of an audio signal, thereby increasing the volume of the sound. It is an electronic circuit that takes a low-level audio signal as input and produces a higher-level signal as output. Amplifiers are commonly used in audio systems to drive speakers.

 

AV Receiver:

An AV receiver, on the other hand, is a device that combines an amplifier with a radio tuner, digital signal processing, and various inputs and outputs for connecting audio and video sources. It is designed to act as the central hub of a home theater system, allowing users to switch between various audio and video sources, control volume levels, and customize sound settings. An AV receiver can also decode and process surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and distribute the sound to multiple speakers.

 

Here are some differences between an amplifier and an AV receiver:

 

Functionality: An amplifier is primarily designed to increase the volume of an audio signal, while an AV receiver is a combination of an amplifier and a multi-channel audio/video processor. An AV receiver can perform various functions, such as decoding surround sound formats, switching between multiple audio/video sources, and controlling speaker settings.

 

Inputs and Outputs: Amplifiers typically have fewer inputs and outputs compared to an AV receiver, which can have a wide range of inputs and outputs, including HDMI, RCA, optical, coaxial, and USB.

 

Power: An amplifier usually provides more power per channel than an AV receiver, allowing it to drive speakers to higher volumes. However, an AV receiver can provide enough power for most home theater setups.

 

Price: Amplifiers are generally less expensive than AV receivers due to their limited functionality. AV receivers are more expensive because of their additional features, such as processing and switching of audio/video signals.

 

Speaker support: Amplifiers are typically used with two speakers, while AV receivers can support multiple speakers, including surround sound setups.

 

Ease of use: AV receivers are generally easier to use than amplifiers due to their more user-friendly interface and remote control. An amplifier usually requires manual adjustments, and the user has to control the source selection and volume levels manually.

 

Upgradability: An AV receiver is more upgradable than an amplifier as it can accept new audio and video formats and can also be expanded with additional speakers and amplifiers. An amplifier is limited to the number of speakers it can support and may require an upgrade to accommodate additional speakers.

Conclusion:

While an amplifier is primarily designed to increase the volume of an audio signal, an AV receiver is designed to provide a range of features for a home theater system, including amplification, source switching, and processing of surround sound formats. Amplifiers are typically used in stereo systems, while AV receivers are more commonly used in home theater systems.

Here are the top 20 Stereo Amplifier brands

1. Yamaha
2. Marantz
3. Onkyo
4. Denon
5. McIntosh
6. Cambridge Audio
7. NAD
8. Arcam
9. Rotel
10. Anthem
11. Pioneer
12. Sony
13. Harman Kardon
14. Accuphase
15. Parasound
16. Musical Fidelity
17. Bryston
18. Classe
19. Hegel
20. Rega

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other reputable brands that produce high-quality stereo amplifiers.

Here are the top 20 AV Receiver brands:
 

1. Yamaha
2. Denon
3. Marantz
4. Onkyo
5. Sony
6. Pioneer
7. Anthem
8. NAD
9. McIntosh
10. Arcam
11. Rotel
12. Cambridge Audio
13. Harman Kardon
14. Integra
15. Outlaw Audio
16. Emotiva
17. Sherwood
18. Bryston
19. Parasound
20. Lexicon

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other reputable brands that produce high-quality AV Receivers.