Amplifier/ Receiver is the same?

I

iamnotaparkbenc

Junior Audioholic
Hi, I think this will sound stupid to a lot of you

but is amplifier and receiver the same?
because I am planning on setting up a home theater system in my room, and I saw amplifier being discussed, but I never thought of getting an amplifier, only receiver? so I was wondering if I need an amplifier if I am getting a receiver?

Thank you for your help guys
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
Hi, I think this will sound stupid to a lot of you but is amplifier and receiver the same?
because I am planning on setting up a home theater system in my room, and I saw amplifier being discussed, but I never thought of getting an amplifier, only receiver? so I was wondering if I need an amplifier if I am getting a receiver?
Thank you for your help guys
A receiver has an amp in it. It also has a preamp that processes digital audio and switches the different inputs as needed. Some receivers also process and switches video signals.

There are stand alone amps but then you need other components to use it.

Now, when might you need separate components. Since speakers makes the sound and the room has a major impact on that sound, these two are the most important part or reproduction. Speaker impedance, sensitivity and listening distance would dictate amplifier power, be it stand alone or in a receiver. Now, if the speaker is a difficult load, not very sensitive, it might need more power than a receiver may be able to deliver; then, you have a reason for stand alone amps in the setup.
 
A

Ampdog

Audioholic
Iamnot,

Hope you do not mind if I abbreviate your pseudonym...

After the previous informative reply, perhaps a little more.

Basically, a radio consists of a receiving part and an amplifier part. The receiving section selects a specific station out of many hundreds, and processes the audio signal(s) off the radio wave. This delivers a small audio signal (order of millivolt). The amplifier part then amplifies this and finally feeds a large signal to a power stage to drive a loudspeaker. Thus all radios, from your portable to the most involved av system, consists of a radio part and an amplifier part, which may have several separate amplifiers for the respective channels.

On the classic hi-fi scene one normally had separates connected by cables, whereas on the av scene these mostly come combined into one fairly extensive unit, but internally still consisting of the separate units, integrated in whatever way you desire by switching options, etc.

That basically: hope it starts things. By the way, there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers. As the saying goes: He who asks is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask is a fool for the rest of his life.
 
A

Ampdog

Audioholic
To follow,

I see that Mtrycrafts and myself posted at the same instant. I was not referring to him when I mentioned a previous post.
 
Z

zumbo

Audioholic Spartan
To follow,

I see that Mtrycrafts and myself posted at the same instant. I was not referring to him when I mentioned a previous post.
Seemed like a simple enough question. Looked to be in the form of a yes or no.:rolleyes:

Modern AV receivers have more than the two parts you mentioned. So many more, it would take a very long time to explain. If an explanation is needed, I would suggest some type of link. Google is a good place to start.


To the OP.
I would suggest to pick what speakers you like first. Then, pick your receiver. This way, you try to be sure of getting the correct amount of power for the speakers you have chosen. If you think you will get into this hobby, as it looks like you are on your way, be sure to pick a receiver with the connections for the equipment you want to add, like games, dvd, cd, tv, and so-on.
Also, pick one with pre-amp outputs for all channels. This way, if you want to add more power later(an external amp), you can.
 
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I

iamnotaparkbenc

Junior Audioholic
Wow, thanks guys...:)

Right now, All I have ordered is a SVS 25 - 31 PCi sub. Planning to buy Onix X-ls and X-cs and for the surround system, I am still shopping around

For the receivers I have narrowed my choice down to ONKYO 605, will that be enough for me? I have also heard that DENON could be a better choice, but my budget is around ONKYO605's price range, so if you guys could, is there any DENON that you guys can recommend me? :p

Also I am not sure how relevant this is, but I have a HD SONY, does ONKYO or DENON able to use HD?

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it:eek:
 
avaserfi

avaserfi

Audioholic Ninja
Between Onkyo and Denon I would suggest getting the 605 if you want all the latest and greatest audio codecs otherwise I would say look into any older model Onkyo, Denon or Yamaha with HDMI 1.2 or higher. If you do this you will get a great receiver for dirt cheap since they don't have HDMI 1.3a which, right now and in the near future, is pretty much pointless. Also, all of these receivers will easily power your X-series speakers :).

A great receiver that fits the bill for example would be the Denon 2307 refurbished which can be had for $480 here: http://www.secondact.com/c=yj8aFyHhPOXMGtpK9FfRFb9U4/product/AVR2307CIRB/Refurbished_Denon_AVR2307CI_7_Channel_Refurbished_Home_Theater_Receiver_-_AVR2307CI.html (for the record I have never purchased from this site, it is just an example). Another great option is the Yamaha RX-V661 which is what I would probably buy if I didn't get the Onkyo.

They will all work with your Sony so that isn't a worry.

Lastly, I should point out that with receivers I wouldn't worry too much about brand if you get from a larger manufacturer, just get a receiver in your price range that has the features/connectivity you like and you will be golden.
 
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Z

zumbo

Audioholic Spartan
Onkyo 605 is the best choice in that price range for the features. I don't believe it has pre-outs for an added amp, if you think you may want to do that latter.

I do prefer Yamaha or Denon. It depends on the deal of the day as to which one of those I would get for myself. I have a Yamaha at the moment. It was the bargain at the time.

I do have an external amp added.
 
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I

iamnotaparkbenc

Junior Audioholic
Yeah, I am still deciding on which one I want to get, I just want the receiver to be able to support HDMI, and durable. That's pretty much it hehe:cool:

I guess now I have to shop around less for speakers and more to receivers

Thank you Guys
 
Z

zumbo

Audioholic Spartan
Onkyo is extremely durable. You don't have to worry about that at all.
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
To follow,

I see that Mtrycrafts and myself posted at the same instant. I was not referring to him when I mentioned a previous post.
Well, you did cover the radio part.:D Now, I don't know if I did or not;)
 
I

iamnotaparkbenc

Junior Audioholic
I am trying to order the Onix X-ls and X-cs since yesterday, but they have not replied to my email yet.

I am excited to get my speakers and sub :p
 

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