The Best Stereo Receivers for Your Home Theater System

Stereo receivers began as simple radio devices that could be hooked up to a separate amplifier that powered a pair of speakers. They used to be the main device for audio component systems. With the coming of home theater systems, manufacturers have redesigned them to become the central component capable of powering a set of surround sound speakers with a built-in amplifier. Receivers for home theaters nowadays can support various media players and enhance their audio output. Some even have built-in media players.

1. Define your needs and do some research. Before you jump into the Internet and get lost in all the technical jargon that is used to describe a home theater receiver's specifications, your research would probably go more smoothly if you first define what you need the receiver to do. There are a lot of manufacturers and each one is pushing out several models each with its own special features. The latest and most expensive is not necessarily the most useful receiver for you. It all depends on what kind of home theater components you have and what you want the whole system to achieve in terms of entertainment.
2. Match with the other home theater equipment. A home theater system can be comprised of a plethora of audio and visual entertainment devices. The basic and necessary parts are of course the TV, which provides the video display and the speakers, which output the sound. Usually there is a media player like a DVD or CD player. Other possible components are game consoles, and even computers. The receiver should be able to accommodate whatever audio and visual devices you want to include in your home theater system because all of it will have to connect to the receiver. Output from media players, game consoles and computers will go into the receiver, and then the receiver will route the video out to the TV and the audio out to the speakers. Knowing exactly the types of devices that will make up your home theater will definitely help you decide which receiver to purchase.
3. Match the connections. Since every device in your home theater system is different in terms of make, model and function, the connections they use will apparently be different. Two devices that are similar in function such as two DVD players could still end up with different connection set ups because one is a far older model. TVs and media players may use RCA, component cables, or S-video. The more recent HDTVs and certain game consoles may have high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or digital video interface (DVI) connections. A good receiver for a home theater system should be flexible enough to support several types of connections and have enough input and output ports for the varied audio and video components.
4. Be sure it can provide sound for the whole room. A home theater system is supposed to simulate the huge sound and visual display that can be enjoyed in a movie theater. A big screen TV or a projector takes care of the visual display. The receiver and the speakers will provide the huge sound. This is achieved through surround sound so a good receiver should be able to accommodate the number of speakers you plan to employ. Most receivers made for home theaters are compact units that already include an amplifier to drive the speakers. Make sure the power rating of the receiver's internal amplifier is enough to fill the room. Higher wattage usually means bigger sound. Speakers and receivers also have what is known as ohm ratings and this specification should also be matched to avoid damaging either equipment.

The best way to ensure you make the right purchase is to arm yourself with adequate knowledge about the equipment you plan to buy. Home theater components are complicated entertainment to install and these devices don't come cheap. A little research will definitely help you get what you pay for.