Post by Skaggs on Mar 7, 2005 11:55:15 GMT -5
Receivers: Home-theater hub[/size]
Digital receivers--the multichannel descendants of the plain stereo receiver--are better equipped than ever to serve as the heart of a home theater.
Receivers have perfected the art of multitasking. They provide AM and FM radio tuners, power six or more speakers, and relay signals between audio and video components. To accommodate today’s sophisticated setups, most new digital receivers have enough connections for at least six audio and video devices.
The receiver in a home-theater setup is central to surround sound. It decodes surround-sound formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1 and
DTS--which contain two front channels, a center channel, two rear channels, and a low-frequency channel (the .1, for a subwoofer)--sending each channel to the appropriate speaker. Many new models also support Dolby Digital 6.1, 7.1, and DTS ES, newer formats with three or four rear channels. These receivers can handle the seven or eight speakers needed to convey the slightly fuller, smoother surround effect.
Stereo receivers cost a bit less, but it’s worth paying for digital. Even if you don’t have a home theater, you may want to at some point during the life of the receiver.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Here are some points to consider:
Don’t assume high price means better performance. The digital receivers we tested cost from $200 to $800, and there’s a wider range in the market. Paying more usually buys more features but does not always get you better performance. Even models priced at less than $300 can be very good. For $500 and up, you can expect the most power, inputs, and features.
Get extra power for big rooms. Most new receivers deliver 80 watts per channel or more, ample for a 15x25-foot living room. For bigger rooms, plush furnishings, or noisy parties, get more power.
Count the connections. Even low-end receivers usually have enough video inputs for a DVD player, a VCR, and a cable box or satellite receiver. There are different types of inputs that carry varying levels of signal quality. With digital devices such as DVD players and satellite receivers, S-video and component-video inputs handle better video quality than composite-video inputs. Make sure you have enough of the appropriate inputs for all your audio/video gear.
Most receivers have all the audio connections you’ll need, but some may have more of a particular type than others. The standard array on all but the cheapest models includes left/right audio inputs for stereo sound; optical and coaxial digital-audio inputs for multichannel sound from DVD players, digital-cable boxes, and satellite receivers; and 5.1 analog inputs for multichannel sound from DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) players. The input you’re least likely to find is a phono input for a turntable, so check that out if you’re into vinyl. Most receivers have optical outputs for connecting a CD recorder or digital-audio tape (DAT) recorder.
If you like loud music, check your speakers. For blasting music for hours on end, you need a receiver rated to handle the front speakers’ impedance. Most receivers are rated for 6- and 8-ohm speakers. With 4-ohm speakers, they could overheat and shut off.
Don’t splurge on pricey cables. You usually have to buy cables, about $10 and up, for digital-audio, S-video, and component-video connections. We haven’t found expensive cables to improve sound quality, so stick with lower-priced ones.
All but three of the lowest-rated receivers were judged very good for amp/tuner performance, indicating that they delivered clean sound with minimal distortion. The three judged good for amp/tuner performance weren't quite as crisp and noise-free. All the tested models support Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS surround sound, all that most consumers need. All but Panasonic (9), Pioneer (12), and JVC (13) also support 6.1, a less common format that adds a third rear channel.
The Ratings rank models by performance. Quick Picks highlights models you might want to consider based on how they scored and on factors such as price, features, and inputs.
Best values for most:
2 Panasonic SA-XR50 $300
3 Yamaha RX-V450 $260
8 Onkyo TX-SR502 $300
9 Panasonic SA-HE75 $200
12 Pioneer VSX-D514K $200
The Panasonic (2) was the slimmest model tested, and it has ample video connections and a useful Help button. But it has a one-year warranty rather than the more typical two years. The Yamaha (3) is among the few tested models rated for use with 4-ohm, as well as 6-ohm and 8-ohm, speakers. Given its modest power ratings, it wouldn't be the best choice for unusually large rooms. It lacks S-video inputs. The Onkyo (8) is a fine choice, and it has many inputs. The Panasonic (9) and Pioneer (12) give you solid performance at the lowest cost. They lack 6.1 support, but that format is still uncommon. The Panasonic has a front-panel input, which is missing on the Pioneer, but it lacks component-video inputs. Both have a one-year warranty.
If you want more power, features, and video connections:
4 Yamaha RX-V650 $400
6 Pioneer VSX-D914K $400
These fine choices have enough inputs to connect lots of gear, enough power for large rooms or noisy parties, and auto calibration to simplify speaker setup. The Yamaha (4) has a few pluses such as on-screen display and multizone capability. For $150 more, the similar RX-V750 adds a phono input and has higher-rated power, not shown in our tests. Like the Yamaha (3) above, both are rated for use with 4-ohm speakers. If you don't want auto calibration, you can save $100 with the Pioneer VSX-D814K, $300, similar to (6). Both Pioneers have a one-year warranty.
Receiver features
These features can make a receiver easier to use or more versatile
Auto-calibration. Uses a microphone to automatically adjust speaker sound levels, delays, and more to balance the surround effect for your room size and speaker setup.
Onscreen display. Shows the menu on the TV screen for better legibility and easier navigation than on the receiver’s front panel.
Front-panel input. Provides easy access for hooking up a camcorder or game system that may not be permanently connected.
Digital-audio inputs. A single cable that accepts a digital signal from devices such as DVD players. Can be coaxial or optical; must match the output on the source device.
Multizone or multisource capability. Enables a receiver to handle two sources at once, enabling you to play a DVD movie in one room and a music CD in another, for example. On Onkyo (1), Yamaha (4), Sony (5).
Center-channel preamp output. Lets you use the TV speakers for dialog if you have no center-channel speaker. On Onkyo (1), Yamaha (4), and Pioneer (6).
Switched AC outlets. Allows you to plug other devices into the receiver and power them on and off with one switch. On all except Panasonic (2) and JVC (11, 13).
Digital receivers--the multichannel descendants of the plain stereo receiver--are better equipped than ever to serve as the heart of a home theater.
Receivers have perfected the art of multitasking. They provide AM and FM radio tuners, power six or more speakers, and relay signals between audio and video components. To accommodate today’s sophisticated setups, most new digital receivers have enough connections for at least six audio and video devices.
The receiver in a home-theater setup is central to surround sound. It decodes surround-sound formats such as Dolby Digital 5.1 and
DTS--which contain two front channels, a center channel, two rear channels, and a low-frequency channel (the .1, for a subwoofer)--sending each channel to the appropriate speaker. Many new models also support Dolby Digital 6.1, 7.1, and DTS ES, newer formats with three or four rear channels. These receivers can handle the seven or eight speakers needed to convey the slightly fuller, smoother surround effect.
Stereo receivers cost a bit less, but it’s worth paying for digital. Even if you don’t have a home theater, you may want to at some point during the life of the receiver.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Here are some points to consider:
Don’t assume high price means better performance. The digital receivers we tested cost from $200 to $800, and there’s a wider range in the market. Paying more usually buys more features but does not always get you better performance. Even models priced at less than $300 can be very good. For $500 and up, you can expect the most power, inputs, and features.
Get extra power for big rooms. Most new receivers deliver 80 watts per channel or more, ample for a 15x25-foot living room. For bigger rooms, plush furnishings, or noisy parties, get more power.
Count the connections. Even low-end receivers usually have enough video inputs for a DVD player, a VCR, and a cable box or satellite receiver. There are different types of inputs that carry varying levels of signal quality. With digital devices such as DVD players and satellite receivers, S-video and component-video inputs handle better video quality than composite-video inputs. Make sure you have enough of the appropriate inputs for all your audio/video gear.
Most receivers have all the audio connections you’ll need, but some may have more of a particular type than others. The standard array on all but the cheapest models includes left/right audio inputs for stereo sound; optical and coaxial digital-audio inputs for multichannel sound from DVD players, digital-cable boxes, and satellite receivers; and 5.1 analog inputs for multichannel sound from DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) players. The input you’re least likely to find is a phono input for a turntable, so check that out if you’re into vinyl. Most receivers have optical outputs for connecting a CD recorder or digital-audio tape (DAT) recorder.
If you like loud music, check your speakers. For blasting music for hours on end, you need a receiver rated to handle the front speakers’ impedance. Most receivers are rated for 6- and 8-ohm speakers. With 4-ohm speakers, they could overheat and shut off.
Don’t splurge on pricey cables. You usually have to buy cables, about $10 and up, for digital-audio, S-video, and component-video connections. We haven’t found expensive cables to improve sound quality, so stick with lower-priced ones.
All but three of the lowest-rated receivers were judged very good for amp/tuner performance, indicating that they delivered clean sound with minimal distortion. The three judged good for amp/tuner performance weren't quite as crisp and noise-free. All the tested models support Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS surround sound, all that most consumers need. All but Panasonic (9), Pioneer (12), and JVC (13) also support 6.1, a less common format that adds a third rear channel.
The Ratings rank models by performance. Quick Picks highlights models you might want to consider based on how they scored and on factors such as price, features, and inputs.
Best values for most:
2 Panasonic SA-XR50 $300
3 Yamaha RX-V450 $260
8 Onkyo TX-SR502 $300
9 Panasonic SA-HE75 $200
12 Pioneer VSX-D514K $200
The Panasonic (2) was the slimmest model tested, and it has ample video connections and a useful Help button. But it has a one-year warranty rather than the more typical two years. The Yamaha (3) is among the few tested models rated for use with 4-ohm, as well as 6-ohm and 8-ohm, speakers. Given its modest power ratings, it wouldn't be the best choice for unusually large rooms. It lacks S-video inputs. The Onkyo (8) is a fine choice, and it has many inputs. The Panasonic (9) and Pioneer (12) give you solid performance at the lowest cost. They lack 6.1 support, but that format is still uncommon. The Panasonic has a front-panel input, which is missing on the Pioneer, but it lacks component-video inputs. Both have a one-year warranty.
If you want more power, features, and video connections:
4 Yamaha RX-V650 $400
6 Pioneer VSX-D914K $400
These fine choices have enough inputs to connect lots of gear, enough power for large rooms or noisy parties, and auto calibration to simplify speaker setup. The Yamaha (4) has a few pluses such as on-screen display and multizone capability. For $150 more, the similar RX-V750 adds a phono input and has higher-rated power, not shown in our tests. Like the Yamaha (3) above, both are rated for use with 4-ohm speakers. If you don't want auto calibration, you can save $100 with the Pioneer VSX-D814K, $300, similar to (6). Both Pioneers have a one-year warranty.
Receiver features
These features can make a receiver easier to use or more versatile
Auto-calibration. Uses a microphone to automatically adjust speaker sound levels, delays, and more to balance the surround effect for your room size and speaker setup.
Onscreen display. Shows the menu on the TV screen for better legibility and easier navigation than on the receiver’s front panel.
Front-panel input. Provides easy access for hooking up a camcorder or game system that may not be permanently connected.
Digital-audio inputs. A single cable that accepts a digital signal from devices such as DVD players. Can be coaxial or optical; must match the output on the source device.
Multizone or multisource capability. Enables a receiver to handle two sources at once, enabling you to play a DVD movie in one room and a music CD in another, for example. On Onkyo (1), Yamaha (4), Sony (5).
Center-channel preamp output. Lets you use the TV speakers for dialog if you have no center-channel speaker. On Onkyo (1), Yamaha (4), and Pioneer (6).
Switched AC outlets. Allows you to plug other devices into the receiver and power them on and off with one switch. On all except Panasonic (2) and JVC (11, 13).