What is the difference between a receiver,separates, and amp (1 Viewer)

[Omard.]

I have seen some people say that they want to sell there receiver for separates? What is the difference? What is the amp used for? Sorry for such a neewbie question.

 

[John Garcia]

Receiver has the processor and amp in one. Separates commonly refers to a separate processor and amp. The difference is that separate units tend to be of a higher quality because they don't have to accomodate as many components competing for real estate in each design.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Please don't apologize for using the Basics area exactly for the purpose for which it was created: to ask basic questions. Everybody is a newbie at some point in his life.

 

[Omard.]

Lets see if i understand when it is all together in one its called a receiver. on the other hand if you purchase a processor and an amp these things are separates. Is it hard to hook up separates? Do you get a major advantage with separates?

 

[Jack Briggs]

It's not so much "harder" as it is time-consuming and more involved (interconnects need to be run from the preamp/processor to the power amp or amps).

A receiver consists of a tuner, a preamp (and, in the age of digital home theater, a processor), and a power amp. For greater flexibility and even better performances it's preferable to purchase separates.

 

[Omard.]

So if I see a company advertise a processor this is not a receiver? So for a neewbie a receiver whould be best?

 

[Carl Johnson]

Assuming this is your first system you'll be better off with a receiver. Seperates tend to be much more expensive than receivers.

 

[John Garcia]

MUCH more expensive. Typically, unless you look used, just a pre-amp processor (pre/pro) or the amp alone, will cost as much, and often more, than the higher models of receiver from most manufacturers.

 

[ChrisWiggles]

Yes, reading your other posts, a receiver is the way to go for you. Separates can cost thousands easily. A receiver is an all-in one unit, and will MORE than suffice for all reasonable theaters. Keep in mind that most receivers nowadays have pre-outs, so you can add separate amplifiers later on if you want. This in essence lets you use your receiver as JUSt a processor if you want, essentially allowing you to get sepaarates.

 

[Adam_mmm]

so separates are usually associated with seasoned audiophiles?

 

[Carl Johnson]

Yes they are. Your first system shouldn't be seperates any more than your first sports car should be a Ferrari. Even if you can afford to go that route you'd be better off starting with standard equipment.

 

[Cees Alons]

Sorry for such a neewbie question.

You don't have to be sorry for a newbee question, but you should be ashamed a bit for not checking our primer, although a clear message at the top of this area advises you to do so. "*** Welcome to the HTF", it says, "Please read this first ***".

OK, no hard feelings, of course, but in this post in our primer I tried to explain concisely about the things you asked.

Cees

 

[Bob McElfresh]

A little history:

In the 60's and early 70's companies started producing "Integrated Receivers" that were cheaply built. Also in those days speakers were power-hungry things that wanted 200 watts per channel to start to work. It became the audiophile view that nothing less than external tube amps and tuner/processor was acceptiable.

But both electronic and speaker technology have changed by the 90's. Now integrated AV receivers are much higher quality and do a great job for both music and movies. And speakers have become much more efficient so they sound great with less power.

An the very nature of the system has changed. In the music world, you use 2 large speakers to fill a room and make it sound like a concert hall. The goal is to make it sound good even in the next room with a high-level of accuracy.

But a HT system is very different. You surround a few chairs with an array of 5 speakers, all focused on the central location. You dont care how it sounds outside the circle. And you dont need tons of power because not all the speakers are running to capacity all the time (unlike a 2-channel speaker system). It gets better with a self-powered subwoofer in a corner. This removes a lot of the power needs from the receiver.

So a outstanding HT experience can be had with about a $500-$700 investment in a good receiver: Yamaha, Dennon, Kenwood are all top names.

For a bit more money, you can go with separates and if you fancy yourself a audiophile/2-channel person, this would be the suggested route.

The the "Receivers/Separates/Amp" fourm for more details and discussion.