If you are starting to think of setting up your home theater system, you may want to know if you need a receiver or an amplifier for your home theater system. Many questions may arise in your mind. What’s the difference between a receiver and an amplifier? Are they the same? Questions like these may arise in your mind while setting up your home theater system. Are they the same? The answer to this question is negative. There are differences between these two. So, you might know the differences between these two and choose the right one for your home theater system.
what is an amplifier? An amplifier takes an audio signal, amplifies it, and then your speakers use it to play the audio. What is a receiver? A receiver comes with an amplifier and many functionalities like a preamp, input selection, tuner, radio, and more.
When you are getting a tuner, volume controls, radio, etc., and an amplifier in a single device, why should you buy an amplifier? Though a receiver is more beneficial, an amplifier is beneficial to use. If you want to have a crystal-clear idea about these two, then keep reading.
Standalone Amplifiers
We have already told you that an amplifier takes an audio signal, amplifies it, and then outputs it. It is very important for your speakers. If you don’t get the amplified signal, your speakers won’t get enough power to work.
But when choosing between a receiver and an amplifier, you would probably choose a receiver because you are getting many functionalities with a receiver.
You may think a standalone amplifier is standalone. But unfortunately, it isn’t. You will need the speakers, a preamp, the amplifier so that the system can work.
You would like to choose a receiver rather than an amplifier after reading this far. But you have to consider more things before your final decision.
Amplifier vs Receiver
As you know, a receiver is more convenient than an amplifier; you may like to choose a receiver. But there are some cases you might choose an amplifier rather than a receiver.
You already know that a receiver comes with a built-in amplifier and many functionalities like a preamp, input selection, tuner, radio, and more. You may choose a receiver for your home theater system to connect your speakers, TV, and more all into a single spot. It will be a great choice. But if you are an audio lover, want to set up your home theater for music, in that case, an amplifier would be a great choice.
Regardless, between these two, many people choose a receiver. People who are music or audio lovers choose an amplifier for their home theater system.
Pros and Cons of Amplifiers (Separates)
Pros of Amplifiers
- If you go with the separates, you will have the control of choosing your preferred components. You can pick the best or your favorite components like the preamps, tuner, amplifier, radio, etc., in the market. You don’t need to buy a pre-built unit that doesn’t provide components that you like.
- You can easily upgrade a separate system unit wherein a receiver you couldn’t. You won’t need to buy a new system for a component. If you need a better amplifier or a new tuner, you can easily change it.
Cons of Amplifiers
- If you go for a separate unit, then you will need to consume a bit more money. Separates items with the best quality will cost a good price. And it will be a big factor when you are getting all the components at a much lower price.
- The separate unit will take more space to set up the system completely. As each component is self-contained, the system will take more space than a receiver.
Pros and Cons of Receivers (Separates)
Pros of Receivers
- All-in-one Unit– If you choose a receiver, you will get everything in a package. It includes a built-in amplifier and many functionalities like a preamp, input selection, tuner, radio, and more. It will be a perfect choice for your home theater system.
- Conserve Space- A receiver doesn’t take much space. It will take less space than a separate system.
- Cheaper Option– A receiver will go to cost less than other separate components.
Cons of Receivers
- Usually, a Lower Quality Amplifier- The amplifier of the receiver is not a completely dedicated amplifier. Though it is built-in, it has to share space with the other components. So, if your speaker is large, it might not produce enough power to make them work.
- Must Replace the Entire Unit when Upgrading- When it comes to upgrading your receiver, it isn’t very cost-efficient. Besides, there is no way to upgrade the individual parts. In that case, you will need to purchase a new receiver.
Should you use Amplifier or Receiver?
We think we can give you all details clearly. Now it is time to choose between these two units. So, which one should you choose?
Well, if you don’t have a large room, you don’t need huge speakers, you want all the components in a single unit, then you should go for a receiver. It will be a great choice for you.
But if you are an audio lover, want the best sound quality, have large speakers, have a large room, then you should go for an amplifier with separates. It will be the right choice for you.
Different Types of Receivers
There are varieties of receivers in the market. You need to choose the right one for your setup.
The main two types of receivers are A/V receivers & stereo receivers. Both of them provide a Bluetooth connection, which is a great facility.
A/V (Audio/Video) Receivers
A/V receivers or audio-video receivers contain support for video and audio. Besides, they have spaces for multiple inputs. It will help you connect media streaming devices, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and others to your TV and speakers.
For people who want to consolidate all the components of their home theater without too much mess, this will be a great choice. If you want a convenient way to set up your home theater, it will be a great choice.
Stereo Receivers
Stereo receivers will provide you a great audio system. They have functions like input selectors for picking various audio sources, volume controls, radios. But they don’t provide any support for video sources.
It is a great choice for people who love audio but want a convenient setup. It is a great cost-efficient option to power your speakers for listening to music.
Related Questions
Do you need an amplifier and receiver?
The answer is no. If you purchase an A/V receiver, you will get a built-in amplifier. An A/V receiver can receive a signal, then process it, amplify the signal, and allow video to pass through to a TV. But an amplifier is only capable of receiving an audio signal, then process it and amplify the audio signal to different speakers. Most of the time, you will need either an A/V receiver or an amplifier, never both at the same time.
What is the difference between a preamplifier and an amplifier?
The only difference between these two is power. A preamplifier gives a small amount of power to boost a weak signal to line level. On the contrary, an amplifier provides much power to boost the power of a line level to a level so that speakers can use it.
Can you only connect all the components to my TV?
It depends on your TV because many TVs don’t come with enough input slots to connect all the components. But if your TV supports that, you won’t get the same sound quality via your TV as you would get a receiver and speakers.
Isn’t the audio going to be worse in an all-in-one system like a receiver?
No. Nowadays, the audio quality of a receiver is very improved. It is comparable to an amplifier’s audio quality. The only difference is you can choose your favorite components in a separate unit, while in a receiver, you can’t do that. However, it is not a big problem for the consumers.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Best Seller List of Receivers:
- Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home.Frequency band : 2,400 MHz – 2,483.5 MHz, Maximum output power : ≤ 5.0 dBm..Connector Type: Bluetooth
- 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
- Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
- Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
- Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
- Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home.NOTE: Scroll down the catalog to find installation Manual and User Guide for trouble shooting steps..Frequency band : 2.4 GHz band
- Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
- 4K Pass Through: 4K HDR Compatible with Hdcp 2.2 Support for Sharper Source to Screen Image Quality
- SMART CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby to turn on the receiver from your phone
- Multi Functional System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, Fm Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack
- 5.1 channel powerful surround sound with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
- Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 100W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD); Rated Output Power (20Hz 20kHz, 2ch driven) 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD); Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (Jeita) 145W (6 ohms, 10% THD)
- HDMI with HDCP 2.3 (4 in/1 out)
- 4K/60 Ultra HD support, HDR10, Dolby vision, hybrid log gamma and BT.2020 provide incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors
- YPAO automatic room calibration technology for an immersive movie experience
- WATCH YOUR MOVIES IN 8K - At 70W x 5, the Denon AVR-S570BT features (4) HDMI 2.1 8K inputs and (1) HDMI output. Supports eARC with up to 40 Gbps speed. A successor to the AVR-S540BT, the receiver ensures HD audio playback and an enhanced gaming experience. Power Consumption in W : 310, Standby Consumption in W : 0.1.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE - The AVR-S570BT supports the latest formats like HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR for realistic display, VRR and QFT for lag-free exceptional gaming, and DTS HD Master, and Dolby TrueHD for immersive audio
- YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth, play music from various audio sources and create an integrated multi-room audio system. Allows wireless music streaming from popular streaming apps like Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, and more
- OUR EASY ON-SCREEN HD SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear, simple, and intuitive instructions to connect your TV, while the specific EQ settings help you optimize your surround sound so that you can make the most of your movies, music, TV, or gaming
- CONVENIENT CONTROL - Connect the AVR with your Smart TV Remote and access all your speaker sources and surround mode selections using just one remote, or download the Denon Remote App for iOS and Android and seamlessly control the AVR through your phone
- NEW 8K READY 7.2 CHANNEL AVR - Upgrade your home entertainment with the high-performance AVR-S760H that lets you build the best 4K home theater and supports 8K video & latest 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X
- ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION WITH 8K UPSCALING - Features 3 dedicated 8K inputs that support 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video pass-through. All HDMI inputs support 4:4:4 Pure Color Sub Sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision & HLG for exceptional color and clarity
- SEAMLESS, LAG-FREE GAMING EXPERIENCE - Enjoy Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which reduces lag and frame tearing for a smoother gameplay with stunning visuals and hi-resolution sound effects
- EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS - No Command Center or extra hardware required. Get Hi-Fi sound around your home with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer & more
- FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALEXA & OTHER MAJOR VOICE AGENTS lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote Adjust the volume, change the track, or switch the inputs absolutely hands-free
Best Seller List of Amplifiers:
- The Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Amplifier features 10 watts, 7.5Hx11.5Wx13.7D inches, 11.7 pounds
- The 6 inch Fender Special Design speaker delivers quality tones and variety of sounds from blues to metal
- Enjoy a breadth of controls, including gain, over-drive select switch, volume, treble, and bass
- The closed-back design packs a heavier bass response
- 2 Year Limited Warranty: Fender amplifiers are designed for players and built with unmatched quality, down to the last screw—Fender warrants this amplifier to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from original purchase
- 【300W POWER】Daakro AK45 Digital Audio Amplifier Fully upgraded design, 300W+300W peak power and 40W+40W rated power, perfectly suitable for 4-16 inch passive speakers.This little BT amplifier which is perfect for karaoke, home theater, and acoustic sound systems. It's great for small apartments, bedrooms, offices, basements, and garages. Its compact size design fits easily into your bookshelf or A/V cabinets.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 】Built-in bluetooth 5.0 core, no pop, no audible noise when Bluetooth connection is established, designed for the customers who pursue HiFi sound. (NOTE: Please keep the distance within 30ft/10m between the device and amplifier without any wall blocking. But if you are connecting whith TV or PC devices, please keep the distance within 15ft/5m.)
- 【USB 2.0/SD Card Input 】The sound amplifying mixer device features a USB/SD card input to support flash drives or SD card. Allows you to play your favorite audio files from your computer's media library when you connect it directly to the amp.
- 【Bass & Treble Control】Designed with volume, treble and bass control knobs for more delicate adjustment of the sound, much fun and high playability. Include controller for distant audio adjustments. Note: There is an isolation plastic sheet at the bottom of the remote control, which needs to be removed before use.
- 【Wide Application】Compatible with mobile phones, computers, tablets, laptops, etc. Recommended for home audio, computer game audio systems, tower speakers, garden speakers. The small and simple design is also suitable for car audio systems. (Note: AK45 is only for passive speakers, not for active speakers)
- Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home.Frequency band : 2,400 MHz – 2,483.5 MHz, Maximum output power : ≤ 5.0 dBm..Connector Type: Bluetooth
- 100 watts x 2 (8 ohms, 1 Kilo Hertz). Speaker impedance - 6–16 ohms
- Phono input, 4 stereo RCA audio inputs, 3.5 millimeter input, stereo RCA output
- Built in Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music service, podcasts, and more from other Bluetooth devices.
- Connect up to 4 speakers; A/B switching to play all at once, or in separate zones
- The versatile amplifier for powering all your entertainment
- Connect everything from your turntable and stereo to your wired speakers to enjoy vinyl, CDs, stored audio files, and streaming. You can even power outdoor speakers and expand your Sonos system to the backyard
- Enjoy stereo sound for shows, movies, and video games when you connect Amp to your speakers and TV. Wirelessly add a pair of Sonos One surrounds for immersive home theater
- The rack-mountable design features a specially developed heatsink for optimized airflow and heat management
- Get brilliant sound without compromising space or design with Sonos Architectural by Sonance, a collection of in-ceiling, in-wall, and outdoor speakers optimized for Amp
- ENTRY-LEVEL POWER AMPLIFIER: Experience powerful sound with the BT20A Bluetooth amplifier, boasting an impressive 100Wx2 maximum output power. It can power multiple speaker cabinets, which can be used at home or in small venues
- EFFECTIVE, SIMPLE, AND NO FRILLS: The compact design allows it to be used in any space where passive speakers are required. It can be used in an office, a bedroom, a living room, a garage, or even on the patio
- EASY TO SET UP: The 2 Channel amplifier has a straightforward installation and a one-touch power switch for easy operation. The smooth bass and treble controls allow tuning to taste and the connected bookshelf speakers
- BLUETOOTH AND RCA INPUTS: The seamless Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to stream music directly from your phone without any dropouts or delays, delivering crystal-clear sound and impressive volume for your home audio setup
- ALL-BLACK DESIGN: This Class D amplifier features an integrated one-piece design that not only adds to its looks but also makes it more durable. With its stylish look, it fits wonderful on any shelf and complements most home decor
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Last update on 2025-01-17
