AV Receivers

There is nothing quite like the experience of intense digital surround sound while you watch the latest action-packed blockbuster or the crisp sounds of the new release by your favorite band in the comfort of your own home. Technology is at the point where A/V receivers  with good-quality sound are reasonably priced. While the high-end receivers are still expensive, a $200 to $400 receiver will cut it for most consumers. For those of you who are new to the world of receivers, the basic functions of a receiver are to amplify sound, power speakers, receive and reproduce AM/FM radio signals, and act as a router for the slew of audio/video components, such as CD players, DVD players, VCRs, TVs, camcorders, video game systems, digital cameras and computers.

Quality

• Power: A receiver should be powerful, meaning that the wattage should be high enough to produce enough sound to fill a room. For example, the wattage should be at least 50 watts for an average-size room and more for cranking the volume and listening to a lot of bass. Watts per channel (4, 6 or 8 ohm) for speaker output is another important factor as are the speakers  themselves.

• Speakers: For optimal surround-sound quality, you will want at least six speakers (center, left, right, two rear and a subwoofer ) to experience Dolby Digital surround sound. If you have fewer speakers, let's say two for starters, you can use two-channels in stereo mode on stand-alone receiver models. For three, four or five speakers, you have the option of Dolby 3 stereo or Dolby Pro-Logic, which is perfect for home theater models. Keep in mind that they need to be compatible with the receiver (impedance, or number of ohms, must match up).

• Amplification: There should be no noise or distortion created when you pump up the volume and set the base high. A clear, crisp sound is a sign of a good quality receiver. You may still need a separate amplifier. 

• Tuner: Most receivers have good reception for FM signals; however, most don't pick up AM signals very well.

• Features: Check for a universal remote  and one-touch programming for memory settings on volume and tone and more for various devices and channels.

• Compatibility: Compatibility is crucial not just for speakers but also for wiring. Your receiver must be able to be wired with other units, such as CD/DVD players,  for it to live up to its full potential. Check the input/output ability of your other units before committing to a receiver. If your other components have coaxial or optical wiring, then your receiver must have it as well.

Features vs. Cost

These are the most important factors to consider when buying a receiver. Generally speaking, more expensive models will have more features. Before you buy, decide which features are most important to you and set a reasonable budget for those features. Don't spend a lot of money on features you don't really need just because they sound good on paper.

• Basic Model Features
• Least amount of power, but usually enough for decent audio sound.
• Front-panel input allows you to easily switch between different audio/visual components (digital camcorders  and cameras,  video games,  etc.).
• Depending on the model, you may be able to have direct input digital AM/FM tuning.
• Usually even the most basic models have a headphone jack and phono input jacks.
• Minimum 2 year parts and labor warranty on most models.
• Enhanced Features
• More input/output availability equals improved versatility and more compatibility.
• S-video and component-video inputs let you connect various components through your receiver to link up with your TV. 
• Depending on the model and if it has a remote, you may be able to have direct input digital AM/FM tuning.
• On screen display.
• Top-of-the Line Features
• Most powerful.
• More channels.
• The greatest number of s-video inputs and inputs for video components.
• Most have an on-screen display.
• Some have direct digital AM/FM tuning.
• Compatibility with all of the following: Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) decoding, Dolby Pro-Logic and various digital-signal processing (DSP) modes.
• THX compatibility.

Latest AV Receivers

Denon AVR 4306  130 watts x 7 into 8 ohms. Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS Neo:6 processing. HDMI digital video switching (3 in, 1 out). Analog-to-HDMI video conversion. XM Satellite Radio Ready. Learning/multibrand touchscreen electro-luminescent remote. Sixteen Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs.

ALPHA 24 Plus upsampling for stereo and multichannel digital sources. Denon Link input for digital transfer of stereo. Pure Direct modes switch off all unused circuitry for the cleanest possible sound. HDCD decoding. 7.1-channel input front-panel. iPod terminal (separate iPod cable required). Front-panel USB port connects to most other MP3 players.

Yamaha HTR-5860  Powerful 7.1-channel surround sound. 665 Watts power (95 Watts x 7 RMS) at 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20,000 Hz. Also reproduces surround for 6.1 channels, 5.1 channels and 2.1 Digital ToP-ART and high current amplification. Pure direct for high quality sound reproduction.

XM satellite radio ready. On-screen display. Surround back power-amp assignable for any surround sound system. 8-channel external system. Dialogue lift for enhanced dialogue sound output. Quad-field CINEMA DSP and 14 surround programs.

Pioneer VSX-72TXV  130 Watts x 7 Direct Energy Amplification. Stream Direct Mode. 3D Space Frame Construction. Air Studios Sound Tuning. High Grade Audio Parts. Advanced Digital Core Engine with New Sharc-EX + 48-bit Motorola DSP. Advanced MCACC with Standing Wave Control.

Phase Control Technology. THX Select 2 Certification. Dolby Digital EX, DTS Extended Surround, DTS 96/24, & WMA-9 Decoders. Advanced Concert and Cinema Surround Modes. 2 HDMI Inputs / 1 HDMI output. iPod-ready with remote control, On-Screen Display and Battery charger. XM-ready with XM Connect & Play Interface and On-Screen Display.

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DVD Players	Stereo Systems	Subwoofers	Computer Speakers	TVs