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 |  | Low: Basic Models Run $100-$250 |  | Medium: High-End Receivers Run $200-$600 |  | High: Multi-Channel Receivers Can Run $200-$2,500+ |
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For listening to music, a stereo or two-channel receiver - which accommodates only left and right speakers - is all that is needed, but these are becoming less common in favor of multi-channel audio/video receivers that can also support home theater systems. Multi-channel A/V receivers support 5.1-, 6.1- or even 7.1-channel surround sound using front, center and rear speakers, as well as a subwoofer. Choosing the best A/V receiver depends on room size as well as budget. The larger the room, the more amplification needed from the receiver.
Typical costs: | - A basic two-channel receiver outputs stereo audio from a CD or DVD player, turntable, radio or even an MP3 player, and costs from $100 to $250. Expect power amplification of 50 to 100 watts. The Teac AG-790A is an example of a budget stereo receiver. Available for about $115, it offers 100-watts per channel output.
- Expect to pay $250 to $600 for a high-end stereo receiver. A high-end unit should offer more amplification, more audio inputs and even the option of multi-room output, which enables users to output audio from different sources to speakers located in different rooms. An example of this type of two-channel receiver is the Sony STR-DA1500ES[1] , available for about $500. It delivers 105-watts per channel, and enables connection to an iPod or other digital music player.
- A 5.1 channel surround sound receiver costs from $150 to $600 and up. Higher end models tend to support more Dolby and DTS surround sound formats. Expect a receiver that can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and offers 50 to 100 watts per channel output. Dolby Pro Logic IIz Processing will replicate 7.1 surround sound on a 5.1 channel set-up. The Denon AVR-1610 is a good example of a 5.1 channel A/V receiver and costs about $350. It offers 75 watts per channel output, HDMI connectivity and supports Blu-ray disc surround sound formats.
- A multi-channel 6.1 or 7.1 channel receiver costs from about $200 to $2,500 and up. Expect powerful amplification, high definition video upscaling, multiple HDMI 1.3 inputs and compatibility with the latest surround sound formats such as DD Plus, TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The Onkyo TX-SR876[2] 7.1 channel home theater receiver retails for about $1,700 and delivers 140 watts per channel along with 9 audio inputs, 4 HDMI inputs and 1080p upscaling.
Related articles: Speakers, Home Theater, MP3 Player, Surround Sound Setup
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What should be included: | - A receiver usually contains a tuner, a preamplifier and a power amplifier and comes with a remote control.
- A multi-channel A/V receiver can power a home theater system as well.
Additional costs: | - To make good connection, you will need to purchase speaker cables and audio cables, which can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
- A power protection strip will keep a receiver safe from power surges. Expect to pay $5 to $60 or more.
- To match stereo speakers to a stereo receiver, see How Much Do Speakers Cost.
Discounts: | - One-generation-old A/V receivers may be sold at a substantial discount to the latest line.
Shopping for a stereo receiver: | - Home Theater Magazine offers a buying guide for receivers.
- Consider the size of the room where the receiver will be used; a powerful amplifier is probably not necessary for a small space.
- In order to listen to music in several rooms, look for multi-room audio outputs.
- When shopping for a receiver, take along music CDs or DVD movies that showcase a range of music and audio effects. Try to test a receiver at home paired with your own speaker system.
- Compare prices online at sites such as Amazon[3] or J&R Music World[4] . Then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy[5] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: PCGuyinCali in Campbell, CA. | Posted: February 6th, 2007 12:02AM |
| Brand: Onkyo | Model: TX-SR603X |
| Store: Fry's - Campbell |
I decided to replace my receiver when the remote to my old one broke and they wanted $50 just to replace the remote! I did some research, and heard Onkyo had highly regarded receivers. I am junkie of Fry's ads in the San Jose Mercury News, and I saw the Onkyo TX-SR603X, usually $300, was on sale for $250, so I went and bought it. This receiver totally rocks; it is my favorite electronics purchase in a while. Usually, the conventional wisdom is that upgrading speakers delivers the biggest bang for the buck, but upgrading my receiver made the biggest improvement I've seen (but maybe my speakers were already good and my old receiver was holding me back). Another reason to upgrade -- the new receiver came with a very nice universal remote that made it easy to control my TV, VCR, DVD Player and Receiver with one remote. It can't turn my VCR on/off (only change channels), maybe because my VCR is so old. FYI, for you Fry's ads junkies that don't get the paper San Jose Mercury News, the Fry's ads are online at:
http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/Subcat.aspx?cat=3339&subcat=3525 |
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External Resources: | - store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10...
- www.onkyousa.com/?m=TX-SR876&class=Receiver&p=I
- www.amazon.com/Receivers-Amplifiers-Audio-Video/b?ie=UTF8&node=281053
- www.jr.com/category/audio/receivers/
- www.bestbuy.com/site/Home-Audio-Systems/Home-Theater-Receivers/abcat0202003.c?id=a...
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