What is the difference. I’ve seen people talk about amps and pre amps and processors and I’m confused.
I’ve only ever used a receiver before.
a preamp is 2ch only.
an avp is 5+ channel providing processing for surround sound. they typically can be used as a preamp using 2ch selection.
i use mine as a preamp only as its a very nice unit, sounds better than my other pre and avr, and i didnt want 5 amps(long story). i also have a 7.2 avr for home theater.
Nice!
I’m going to be running a home theater.
I’ve always just had a single receiver. But now that I’m looking at buying some super expensive (relative to my personal level of financial capability). So I’m trying to contemplate upgrading maybe beyond a single receiver. Maybe a receiver and amp. Or processors and amps. Not sure yet, but these definitions are helpful so I know what I am looking at.
As I mentioned, an AV Receiver is basically an AV Processor with built in power amps (for at least some of the channels).
Many of them have connections allowing you to start with one, but later bypass the internal amps and use your own external amplifiers. This gives you an upgrade path. External amps can be as powerful as you like, and can be superior to the tiny ones packed into the receiver.
Dedicated AVPs often cost as much or more than typical AV receivers, which might indicate how little is spent on those dinky internal amplifiers. Or it could mean that they know they can gouge you, knowing that you are about to spring for several outboard amplifier channels.
Nowadays, home theater devices support far more channels than is easily installed in a typical room. I still get by with a minimal 5.1 system (left center and right front speakers plus two surround speakers and a subwoofer.) I don’t miss helicopters flying over my head. AV equipment sees to go obsolete quickly. If you are willing to forgo additional channels and Dolby Atmos, etc., you can get a real bargain on an older processor or receiver.
The other thing to be aware of about older ones is that their video switching may not support the latest HDMI signals. In my case, I just do the video switching on the TV itself. It’s less convenient (requiring two remotes), but a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing the processor with a current one (I’m running McIntosh gear, and their latest AVPs cost is stratospheric.)
Makes sense. And yeah, some prices are wild. I’m definitely not audiophile wealthy. So I’m researching as much before spending any more because I plan on using my next set of purchases for a LONG time.
But also, I like being able to pay my mortgage.
A simple Google search could tell you all that you need to know about the topic. I don’t think this is the correct place or approach for getting an answer for this question.
Check back in when you have done a bit of your own research.
Thanks I did Google but maybe the sites I selected didn’t explain it well. Because I was still a little confused. Just wanted to ask here to ensure I had an accurate understanding. Thank you.
A receiver has a power amplifier and pre-amplifier in same chassis (and a radio receiver. Integrated amps are preamps and power amps in same chassis.
Preamplifiers takes signal from an input and sends it to via rca or xlr to power amplifier which sends the power that drives speakers.
So is a Pre-amp, the same as a processor?
Preamplifier (Control Center) — Allows input selection and volume control, may also provide tone controls. Traditionally these also include a phono preamp circuit, but as not everyone needs that feature these days, some omit it.
Phono Preamp. — As mentioned above, this is the circuit necessary to equalize and boost the signal from a phone cartridge up to so-called line level. These can be purchased separately if your system doesn’t include this feature and you want to add a turntable.
DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). Changes a stream of sound encoded as digital data into an electrical signal that can be amplified. Many digital disc players and streamers include an internal DAC circuit. But some people prefer to employ a separate DAC. Some devices (CD Transport or streamer) may lack a DAC and therefore provide a digital output for you to connect one of your own choosing.
Power amplifier — The circuit that actually drives the loudspeakers. Typically these come with two channels for stereo use, but single channel monoblocks are also available.
Integrated amplifier — Combines the features of the preamp control center with power amps. Some may also include a headphone output.
Tuner — A device specifically for picking up broadcast radio, typically AM and FM. These are getting rare.
Receiver — Combines the features of the Integrated amplifier with a tuner.
AV Processor — A multichannel preamp control center for home theater use. It offers input selection for audio and video, and has DACs for the main and surround channels. The more expensive ones can also perform digital EQ room response analysis and correction. Separate power amplifiers are required to drive the speakers
AV Receiver — An AV processor plus power amplifiers.
Great