What does an AV receiver actually do?
2007/06/19 16:44:01
Hi, sorry to ask what must be a stupid question, but what does a receiver actually do? We're looking at buying the Pioneer 7th gen 42" plasma, and need to buy the accompanying equipment. We just didn't expect to spend almost the same amount on a receiver! Is it worth the investment? I had thought the speakers were the most important in making the most out of a home entertainment system? Appreciate any help or guidance you can offer.
-- Submitted by: Emma
Answer by:
Ty Pendlebury
Put simply, a receiver has two main functions: firstly, it amplifies the sound so it can be fed to your speakers, and secondly, it allows you to select the audio and video you wish to watch. You can use it to switch from a DVD to free-to-air TV, for example, with the touch of a single button.
It's well worth paying extra for a good surround system to go with your new flatscreen TV. But if you're looking at the PDP-427XDA, then you needn't get a AU$4000 receiver to go with it. I'd only spend up to a maximum of twice what the front stereo speakers are worth, as a rough guide.
If you want features, then the complementary Pioneer VSXAX2AS-S receiver would work perfectly, and will only set you back half of what the TV cost. You also get a remote control that will work the TV as well. But if that's also a bit rich for your blood, then try Denon's AVR-1707 for under a grand.
Speakers, are of course, another discussion entirely -- but it pays to shop around and listen to as many pairs as your ears and budget can stand.
Buying a big TV is only half the battle and it can be a long road to finding the home theatre system you're happy with, but the resulting experience can be very rewarding. Home-cinema-in-a-box solutions may be fine for the kids room, but if you're investing in a large-screen TV it's worth budgeting for more.
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kristo
22/06/2008 01:48 AM
HTIB may also be worthwhile in a rented property or when living in an apartment/unit and space is at a premium. There are two other features, that all too often, reviews fail to acknowledge -- the Wife Acceptance Factor and the space /aesthetic limitation -- whilst some people like having a stack of silver or black boxes in prime position in their living space (or a monolithic cabinet to conceal them), it doesn't gel at all well with the modern ethic, I know I'm not alone in finding it all tragically vulgar and needlessly so. Vacuum tube amps might be an exception but I'm yet to see one that does surround and costs less than a small car. Where are the quality, affordable surround receivers that fit behind your TV or inside the subwoofer... it seems HTIB might be the only real option for the wider and ever-widening majority.
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