We all remember that special movie theater moment. You know the one – the movie you had been waiting for months to see has finally arrived. You showed up to the theater early to get the best seats in the house. You sit impatiently, munching on your tub of popcorn. And then, the lights dim. The theater fills momentarily with the sounds of rustling feet, tipping boxes of milk duds and soft and loud “shhs”. Then, the beat. The bass hits big and the score for the movie of the year begins to play.
That memory would never exist if it weren’t for the sound quality of the theater sound system. If you want to truly appreciate your home theater, you have to carefully consider the best sound equipment for your home.
The sound in your system is implemented in the home theater environment with either an A/V receiver or preamplifier/amplifier combination. Here is a quick overview of what these options have to offer.
The AV receiver usually combines the functions of a radio tuner for AM/FM, a preamplifier that toggles and controls for the audio and video source, and a multi-channel amplifier. The radio tuner can also tune newer audio like HD radio and XM-Satellite radio. The preamplifier processes the incoming sound signals and distributes them to the appropriate amplifier channels and subwoofers. The preamplifier may also route the video signals. The AV receiver is the converging point for your entire home theater system; both inputs and outputs can be centralized through this piece of equipment.
High-end installations do often times use multiple components, however, so that the user can have more flexibility in upgrading components that meet growing needs for the household. Using separate components also can help with troubleshooting problems should a flaw arise in the sound quality or video feed in your system.
In either case, make sure you talk through your needs and the benefits of the AV receiver, multi-channel amplifier, radio tuner or preamplifier with your home theater retailer or installer so that you get the kind of sound for your system that will make a lasting memory.
