1 - Types
The two main types of receivers are Stereo Receiver and Surround Receivers. A stereo receiver provides two channel output (Left and Right speaker); while surround sound receivers can process up to eight (7.1 surround) channels of sound (a center-channel, two front speakers, two surround speakers, two rear speakers playing the same channel of audio, and a subwoofer). |
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2 - Support for Surround Sound Formats
Your receiver should support all the surround sound and multi-channel audio formats you want to hear. The common surround sound formats are:
2.1 - Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is commonly used in DVDs and digital television broadcasts, this 5.1 channel surround sound format includes five channels of audio and a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel dedicated to delivering bass sound effects.
2.2 - Dolby Digital EX
Dolby Digital EX is a 6.1 channel extended surround sound format. It includes six channels of audio and a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel dedicated to delivering bass sound effects in the 10 Hertz to 120 Hertz frequency range. It is backward compatible with Dolby Digital 5.1 content.
2.3 - DTS
Digital Theater System (DTS) is a 5.1 surround sound format developed as a rival to Dolby Digital.
2.4 - DTS-ES
Digital Theater System-Extended Surround is an optional 6.1 surround sound format on quite a few DVDs and multi-channel audio recordings. This format was developed as a rival to Dolby Digital EX format.
2.5 - DTS Neo 6
DTS Neo 6 can create five or six channels of audio for surround sound setups from matrix stereo recordings. It also has the ability to create a 6.1 surround sound experience adding the additional rear channel to the 5.1 channel surround sound recordings. It is a rival to Dolby Pro Logic II.
2.6 - Dolby Pro Logic
When a Dolby Surround sound track is created, four channels of sound are matrix-encoded into an ordinary stereo (two channel) sound track. A Pro Logic decoder/processor "unfolds" the sound into the original 4.0 surround—left and right, center, and a single limited frequency-range mono rear channel. Systems that do not have the Pro Logic can play the sound in stereo.
2.7 - Dolby Pro Logic II
Dolby Pro Logic II creates a 5.1-channel surround sound experience from stereo recordings and four-channel Dolby Surround audio from TV shows and VHS tapes.
2.8 - Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx creates a 7.1 surround sound experience from your stereo, 5.1, or 6.1 channel recordings.
2.9 - THX Surround EX
The THX Surround EX surround sound decoding format can create a 6.1 channel surround sound experience from any home theater audio source. It natively supports Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Digital, and can also be used with DTS-ES, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, and Dolby Pro Logic II. Provides
optimum output with a 6.1 channel surround sound receiver and speaker system.
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3 - Connectivity
Your receiver should have inputs and outputs for all the devices you want to connect to your receiver. Buy a receiver with enough inputs to support multiple audio sources. The inputs commonly used are:
3.1 - Line-level Stereo
This analogue audio input allows you to connect to devices such as; stereo, AM/FM tuner, turntables that have built-in phono preamp, and devices that offer decoding for Dolby Pro Logic.
3.2 - Phono
This input allows you to connect your turntable to the receiver.
3.3 - Digital Audio
This input allows you to connect digital audio sources to your receiver. Check that the inputs on your receiver are the same as the outputs on your audio source.
3.4 - Component Video
This connection allows you to transfer signals from your progressive-scan DVD player or HDTV to the receiver. Receivers offering component video conversion transfer video from composite, S-video, or component video input source to your television via a component video cable.
3.5 - S-Video
Receivers that support composite-to-S-video conversion take in a video signal via an S-video or composite video cable and output them to your TV over an S-video cable.
3.6 - DVI
Carry encrypted high-resolution video signals from an HDTV-capable satellite or cable set-top box to an HDTV monitor with a DVI connector. DVI connectors can also be used with some DVD players.
3.7 - HDMI
HDMI allows transfer of uncompressed digital video signals and multi-channel digital audio signals from HDTV tuners, HDTV-ready televisions, and DVD players over a single cable connection. It offers copy protection and works well with plasma, LCD, and rear-projection DLP televisions.
If you have a standalone CD or DVD recorder, make sure your receiver has digital outputs compatible with the digital inputs on your recorder. It is also wise to ensure that your cables are compatible with your receiver. The type of cables you will need depends on the input/output connectors on the devices you intend to connect to your receiver.
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4 - Power Output
A surround sound receiver amplifier typically offers at least 100 watts of power per channel. For example, 100 watts x 5 for a 5.1 channel surround sound system. The equation may also specify an impedance rating; for example, 100 watts x 5 @ 8 ohms. Quite a few home speakers have an 8-ohm rating, but some go down to 6 ohms, 4 ohms, or even 2 ohms, requiring more power to drive them. Also, actual impedance may vary depending on frequency. Opt for amps that can handle lower-impedance speakers without overheating or shutting down.
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5 - Distortion
Output from the receiver amplifier must be free from distortion. Distorted output from an amplifier can ruin your listening experience. An amplifier that distorts sound at high volume can be un-listenable. Distortion is expressed in terms of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). It is generally accepted that 1 percent THD is the maximum acceptable distortion for high-fidelity sound reproduction. However, there are users who consider even a THD level of 0.5% can make the sound quality unacceptable.
As mentioned earlier systems with separate pre-amps and amps offer better quality sound than systems that use a receiver. However the sleek and compact design makes the receiver an ideal option for home users.
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