A quality receiver can be one of the best investments you make when developing your own home theater system. When I first started planning my home theater system years ago – I did not fully understand how AV and stereo receivers differ and whether this …
Does a Soundbar Replace a Receiver?
It isn’t unusual for someone to need to downsize their sound system to a soundbar setup, or for someone to start their setup by purchasing a soundbar. When looking at a usual home theater setup, you usually use a receiver. A receiver takes audio and …
You No Longer Need a Receiver for Surround Sound Setups!
Everyone who considers a home theater system is new to set up and components at some point. For me, my first tentative steps into the home theater world were overwhelming, to say the least. With so many components, knowing which pieces are required for what …
AV Receivers Can Improve Picture Quality: But Not Always!
AV Receivers are a complicated and sometimes misunderstood component of home theater systems. It’s not incredibly clear what they do with all that bulk. Sure, there are ports all over the front and all over the back, but what are they all for? The heavy …
Surround Sound Channels Explained: 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, and More!
When you’re setting up a surround sound system, you’re going to run across numbers like 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, 7.1.2, 9.1, and beyond. As you see them over and over again, you may begin to wonder what they are. What do the different speaker channels mean? …
How Much Power Do Speakers Need? Speaker Specs Explained
This can feel like a complicated and overwhelming question when putting together your home theater. With specs from wattage, speaker sensitivity, decibels and more, it can feel like some really difficult math homework. Luckily, figuring out how much power your speakers should have doesn’t need …
Do You Need a Preamp for a Home Theater?
When it comes to setting up a great home theater system in your home, the electronics world can appear overwhelming. If you are like me, all the various technical components and specifications can become confusing. In my search for the best home theater system, I …
What Is A Home Theater In A Box? And Is It Worth It?
I do not know about you, but my den is the most lived in room in my house. Gathering with family and friends to watch movies, catching up on the latest Netflix series, and having a romantic night in typically all takes place in my …
Is a Receiver the Same as an Amplifier? Receivers vs Amplifiers
So you’ve decided to set up your own home theater system, and now you’ve come to a bump in the road. “Do I need an amplifier or a receiver? Aren’t they the same thing?” It’s not a surprise that this is a confusing topic, as …
Can you Connect a Soundbar to a Receiver?
Soundbars are typically sold as an all-in-one unit, meaning it contains one or more amplifiers, drivers for multiple speakers, and processes the incoming signals on its own. This is an active soundbar. It is uncommon to connect an active soundbar to a receiver, but it …