AV Receiver Buyers Guide

Consumers looking to add just the right audio/video receiver to their home theater experience can benefit from reviewing a brief, general buyers’ guide as they work to make sense of the many options out there. Becoming familiar with basic AV receiver information and discovering something about the types of receivers available as well as the brands of receivers on the market is a good starting point for anyone looking to either purchase their first audio/video receiver or upgrading a receivers to enhance an in-home theater experience.

Unfortunately, learning about AV receivers and finding the right component for your system can be a daunting task for any home-theater neophyte. Information on receivers abounds but, thanks to all the push from vendors selling receivers, the info can be confusing simply because it is overwhelming.

An Audio Video Receiver is the component in a home theater system that coordinates the audio and visual output coming from all the different machines hooked into the system. An AV receiver processes video and amplifies sound and transmits it to a display device.

Here is a brief overview of the types of AV receivers available as well as a summary of some of the brands of AV receivers.

Components in the realm of receivers can vary from simple to complex. There are products called soundbars that basically do nothing more than output or provide sound for whatever display device a watcher is using. There then is a gamut of AV receivers, components that take input from a variety of video and audio players and/or tuners, process the content and then output the content to the appropriate sound or display device. The AV receiver market also includes a more comprehensive product often known as a “home theater in a box” (HTiB), which is a system that includes the receiver as well as the speakers necessary to support a user’s display, speakers and input components.

AV receivers are available from several noted manufacturers. Some of the most respected providers of audio/video components include: Yamaha, Onkyo, Samsung and Pioneer. The Pioneer line of receivers includes both basic or entry-level components and higher-end, feature-rich receivers, which are found in company’s Elite line.

Yamaha is another well-known name in electronics that offers AV Receivers. Yamaha’s options range from affordable entry-level machines to high performance AV receivers to complete home theater systems.

Samsung offers several choices in home theater systems. This company offers several inclusive options that come with one type of video player or another. Samsung also offers HBiTs.

Onkyo provides an incredibly broad range of receivers that are usually well received. Many Onkyo receivers provide great technology at mid-range prices. Denon is another manufacturer of AV receivers often noted for its quality models.

Other AV receivers come from companies like Harman Kardon and Marantz. Top-of-the-line expensive receivers used by try audiophiles with ample budgets are available from Krell and McIntosh.

Consumers should research the brands to determine which meet their needs. Buyers should also review articles summarizing the benefits of AV receivers and offering purchase tips.