An AV receiver is the heart of a home media system, equipment that can connect together all the devices of a modern home: sound amplifier, TV, media player, game console, computer, smartphone and even vinyl player. Modern receivers are equipped with the functions necessary for high-quality listening to music.
So if you think that this device for receiving and transmitting sound is purely for professional “sound engineers,” then you are mistaken. Although techies will definitely appreciate it, they are not the only ones. Audio-video receivers are conventionally classified as Hi-Fi equipment and are designed to decode a multi-channel digital signal. Essentially, this is a multi-channel amplifier that has an expanded set of functionality.
A simple example: you have cable TV, but the sound is absent or very poor, because your TV or home theater “does not see” the scale format or reproduces it incorrectly. The AV receiver easily solves this problem - it copes with any formats. Most AV receivers have Dolby Digital decoders and at least one S/PDIF digital input for connecting sources with digital output, as well as the latest DTS decoders.
At the same time, the track is “read” with unsurpassed sound quality. Some models of receivers, like an equalizer, can imitate a concert hall or stadium. And also create cinema-quality surround sound, it all depends on the model - budget or premium. Moreover, a premium receiver is able to adapt to the surrounding reality and create the ideal sound for a particular room.
Finally, the AV receiver can be used as an audio amplifier. Audio and video transmission is carried out via digital interfaces (for example, HDMI).
AV receivers, as a rule, are also equipped with support for HDR video, which gives the picture rich colors and high contrast while maintaining realistic and natural image quality.
Expert's choice
For help in choosing AV receivers, Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to Nikolai Fedenev, concert and studio sound engineer, production manager. The expert chose the following model as the best:
Pioneer VSX-LX304
This receiver is said to be an IMAX theater experience at home. Works great as part of a home theater. The device has most of the properties a modern user needs: a 9.2-channel receiver with decent power, 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, which provides excellent physical switching. Great for reproducing movies with cinematic quality. For example, IMAX Enhanced delivers powerful, immersive home theater sound. Or Dolby Atmos - virtual surround sound and high-frequency effects.
The receiver supports Apple AirPlay 2, allowing it to play music or podcasts throughout the home. The vast majority of modern audio file formats known today are supported, and the audio quality is not lost, but, on the contrary, only significantly improved. The fact is that the technology analyzes the acoustic properties of the room using a specially dedicated microphone and itself adjusts the playback parameters, reducing background noise.
Has the function of listening through wireless headphones. There is built-in Chromecast technology that allows you to control the receiver from any mobile device. Supports major streaming services such as Deezer, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify.
Main characteristics
| Power consumption: | 760 W |
| Number of channels: | 9,2 |
| Interfaces: | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth / v4.2 /, LAN, RS-232, Google Assistant |
| Sound modes: | IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and other audio formats |
| Tuner: | FM/AM bands |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quality parts, advanced functionality and powerful sound, support for playing audio files
Outdated remote control, no analog multi-channel output from the preamplifier
Tuner
Many modern receivers built into AV receivers are equipped with a digital system for searching and storing stations. Of course, this component is not required in the receiver and its absence will not affect the quality of the sound output.
Today, using a receiver, you can play music from almost all over the world. Want to hear music from Madagascar? No problem. The receiver has access to the Internet, where you can select any of the stations you like. Using the receiver and the appropriate cable, you can connect to a personal computer and gain access to all files.
Top 10 best AV receivers of 2022 according to KP
Sony STR-DH790
Sony STR-DH790 Photo: Sony
This receiver model is often chosen in order to synchronize the device with the TV and make the sound of regular programs or TV series better. And in fact, although it is inferior to premium models, it is not by much. Inexperienced fans, as a rule, stop going to cinemas after purchasing the Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver. So the sound is really good.
Main characteristics
| Number of channels: | 7.2 |
| Power: | 145 W (per channel) |
| Peculiarities: | HDMI interfaces, 4K signal support, FM radio tuner |
| Signal to noise ratio: | 105 dB |
Advantages and disadvantages
Bluetooth 4.0, two Subwoofer out inputs, compact design, support for HDR+ and Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos - and all this at a price lower than premium devices
Heats up quickly, poor cooling system
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Pioneer SC-LX901
Pioneer SC-LX901 Photo: Pioneer
Premium AV receiver. This is the only receiver that has 11.2 channels. Provides home theater sound at the highest level. The device is impressive in size - more than 18 kg, and all because its elements create sound even better than in a cinema hall. The device implements the maximum configuration of a multi-channel system without the help of external power amplifiers. And, of course, a big plus is the Dolby Atmos system, which automatically distributes sound sources according to their position specified by the sound engineer.
Main characteristics
| Number of channels: | 11.2 |
| Power: | 280 W (per channel) |
| Phono stage: | MM |
| Peculiarities: | HDMI interfaces, 4K signal support |
| Functions: | network connection via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AM/FM radio tuner |
| Signal to noise ratio: | 108 dB |
Advantages and disadvantages
Sound quality, DSD 64/128/256 playback, PQLS. Full smartphone control and advanced networking features
Inconvenient remote control, display of outdated design
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Denon AVR-X2600H
Denon AVR-X2600H Photo: Denon.com
The receiver has good output power and advanced connectivity options. The main advantage of the model is high-quality sound and a full range of modern functions at a more than reasonable price. It has a 7.2 configuration, eight HDMI inputs and two outputs. It is possible to transmit a 4K signal with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Another feature of HDMI is eARC technology, which provides an audio return channel with HD and 3D audio. Connection is possible both via Ethernet and Wi-Fi. And also to the “multiroom” system, which allows you to transmit sound from the TV to any room in the house. You can use a mobile application to control the AV receiver. Another feature is support for Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice systems.
Main characteristics
| Number of channels: | 7.2 |
| Output power: | 95 W per channel (8 ohms), 125 W per channel (6 ohms) |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance: | 200 mV/47 kOhm |
| Signal to noise ratio: | 100 dB (Direct) |
| Peculiarities: | FM/AM tuner |
| Built-in decoders (main): | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, Dolby Digital Plus, etc. |
| Peculiarities: | Bluetooth, AirPlay, Ethernet, front panel USB, mini-jack for calibration microphone. |
Advantages and disadvantages
Google assistant, wide range of formats for playback
Outdated interface design
Onkyo TX-RZ820
Onkyo TX-RZ820 Photo: Onkyo
It is a 7.2 channel flagship that gives amazing sound quality. Owner of Dynamic Audio Amplification technology. Network and analog audio that can be played from many devices, including streaming via built-in Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi. The receiver also features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). Its main advantages include excellent quality sound, a dynamic audio amplification system, support for playback of many formats and channels, and the presence of a sufficient number of inputs. Communication protocol is dual-band Wi-Fi.
Main characteristics
| Number of channels: | 7.2 |
| Power: | 180 W (per channel) |
| Phono stage: | MM |
| Peculiarities: | HDMI interfaces, 4K signal support, network connection via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AM/FM radio tuner |
| Signal to noise ratio: | 106 dB |
Advantages and disadvantages
Powerful amplifier, convenient menu, sound quality, can be controlled via a mobile application
There is no bass at low and medium volumes, the remote control is outdated
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YAMAHA RX-A2A
YAMAHA RX-A2A Photo: YAMAHA
This AV receiver will also transform your home theater with professional-grade audio and video. The amplifier has acoustic characteristics that make the sound clear but spacious. Anti Resonance Technology (ART) protects against external vibrations.
The main thing is that the 7.2-channel receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, the latest version of HDMI 2.1 and 8K and 4K/120 resolutions. It is also equipped with a microphone that adjusts the sound depending on the room. Equipped with the MusicCast Surround wireless platform, which allows you to connect additional components.
Main characteristics
| Number of channels: | 7 |
| Outputs: | HDMI x7, coaxial x1, optical x1 |
| Peculiarities: | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, AirPlay |
| Weight: | 10.2 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
No vibration, you can connect additional components (rear speakers and subwoofers) wirelessly
Design is not for everyone, few options
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Output power per channel
volume depends on this parameter . The more powerful the amplifier and AV receiver, the more expensive and heavier it is.
Output power per channel has two meanings: “nominal” (the number in the device passport) and “actual”. “Nominal” power indicates the ability of the amplifier to output a similar parameter to connected devices with the corresponding characteristics in a short period of time. “Actual” power means the power parameter that is continuously output.
Important: to determine the actual power, divide the rated power by 2 - most receivers are no more than 50% efficient.
The choice of amplifier or AV receiver based on output power is determined by the size of the room and the characteristics of the connected speakers.
- For a small room (15-25 m2), the optimal solution would be a device with 100-150 W per channel, for a spacious room - a model with a power parameter of 150 W (40-50 m2).
- The power ratings of the AV receiver and speakers should ideally match or, in any case, their difference should not exceed 15%. Otherwise, the AV receiver with a peak signal even at medium volume can damage the speaker.
It is advisable to purchase a device with a power reserve - in this case, the scale of the sound stage and sound dynamics (the difference between “quiet” and “loud”) are improved. Thus, the viewer will feel all the richness of various sound effects in modern films or sudden changes in dynamics in symphonic music from piano-pianissimo (quiet and very quiet) to forte fortissimo (loud and very loud) and vice versa.
Important: output power may vary under the influence of a number of factors - primarily, fluctuations in the impedance of the speaker system and the level of distortion.
How to choose an AV receiver
There are several main characteristics that you should pay special attention to when choosing an AV receiver:
- Power. The higher the better. However, for a room of 18 square meters, 80 watts and an acoustic sensitivity of about 90 dB are suitable. For 30 m² there are already different numbers - 120 W and 95 dB, respectively.
- Digital-to-analog converter. Look at the frequency in kilohertz, the higher it is, the better. On average, this figure is 96 kHz, the most expensive models have a frequency of 192 kHz.
- Convenience. Pay attention to the menu so that it is easy to operate. Otherwise, the AV receiver will turn into a puzzle.
Modern devices. The latest models of mid-price and premium AV receivers are equipped with a Bluetooth interface. The receiver is easy to synchronize with any device - smartphone, home theater, TV, laptop, etc. And enjoy the sound of your favorite compositions in the highest quality. A remote control is also often included.
AC resistance (impedance)
This parameter means the minimum impedance of the speaker system with which the amplifier or AV receiver can operate normally.
The lower the impedance of the speaker system, the higher the actual power of the amplifier. Therefore, lowering the impedance increases the sound volume, but at the same time, more stringent requirements are placed on the amplifier.
AV receivers designed to work with 4 ohm speakers are quite durable. But models designed to connect to 8 Ohm speakers are not suitable for low impedance speakers.
Important: it is strictly forbidden to connect speakers with a lower impedance than that specified in the data sheet to the amplifier, as this will lead to system breakdown. But connecting a speaker with a high impedance to the amplifier will reduce the output power.
Popular questions and answers
Sound engineer and production manager Nikolai Fedenev answered questions from Komsomolskaya Pravda.
What parameters should you pay attention to first?
Choosing an AV receiver is a very important process, because it is a device that (most likely) will stay with you longer than the TV and other multimedia equipment in your home. Don't skimp on the receiver; buy with the future in mind. The power should be chosen a little higher than that of the speaker system: excess is better than deficiency. Try to have a little more inputs than the number of devices you currently have: you never know when you'll get a new player, right? Try to choose a receiver with automatic sound correction and surround adjustment - this way you will get the result that was intended by the sound engineers of musical groups and film studios.
How is an AV receiver different from an amplifier?
A home amplifier is usually a device with a smaller set of functions. The receiver is always equipped with a system that supports surround sound (5.1; 7.2, etc.), as well as the maximum number of required connection interfaces (HDMI, S/PDIF, Bluetooth, etc.).
How to connect an AV receiver to a TV?
At the moment, the main connection method is the HDMI interface. It is very important that its resolution is compatible with your TV. You should not connect a Full HD receiver to a 4K TV - this way you will not achieve maximum image quality. If you want your TV to work as an audio source, you need to connect it to the HDMI (ARC) connector.
How to connect an AV receiver to a computer?
To connect the receiver to a PC or game console, it is recommended to use the optical digital S/PDIF connector. This way you will get the surround sound of a real home cinema.
Circuit design
Semiconductor (transistor) – resistant to overloads, short circuits and vibrations, does not require special cooling. Most amplifiers and AV receivers are solid state.
Tube - in terms of performance it is inferior to the previous version, but it compares favorably with its characteristic “tube” sound. Many music lovers consider this sound more pleasant than the sound produced by a transistor model. Cons: high price, large dimensions, short lamp life. Expensive professional amplifiers and AV receivers are often tube-based.
Important: due to the design features and principles of operation, lamp equipment is more expensive than transistor equipment. Therefore, it is not advisable to purchase the cheapest tube model with the expectation of high-quality sound - such a device will quickly fail. It’s better to buy a reliable semiconductor amplifier or AV receiver for the same money, especially since not everyone can feel the difference in sound.
Hybrid - combines transistors and lamps. This technique is rare.
Summary, important interesting facts
Building a network and providing the Internet with transceivers and fiber optics has recently become easier, as special routers, routers, and switches with them for fiber optics are being produced. There are also transceiver adapters, one of them is shown in the picture. below:
To conclude, here are some interesting nuances:
- All equipment working with optical fiber is sensitive to dust, even to the point of signal loss due to it. In no case should you clean it with air, but with a special cloth;
- there are no SFP transceivers for 10 Gb twisted pair cables - so far it is not possible to transmit more than a gig over copper;
- “medics” with a built-in optical port are less common, since special CWDM and OADM technologies have begun to be used. More often, routers with optical ports are being installed;
- if optical fiber is carried along poles, for example, to a village user to improve the quality of the Internet, then you need to take an optical cable with a cable. If on the provider’s side there is SFP, then on their side there is not much difference in what to install - a switch or a media converter. If they only give you a copper port, you will have to install 2 doctors. If the user buys everything at his own expense and transfers it to the balance of the provider, then the latter can attach telephones and other cables to the line and use the OB at its own discretion. There is no particular harm in this as long as the signal quality is not affected. It is possible not to transfer the OB to the provider’s balance, but the user will have to service it, and in case of interruptions this can be expensive;
- It is also necessary to distinguish between simple media converters and ONT, ONU (“Annushka”) - subscriber terminals, installed on the user’s side. In terms of his intellectual functions, a medic is like a simple switch - that is, completely “dumb.” ONU is a more advanced device with its own “mind”, supporting vlan, and setting up configurations for various services. “Annushki” are installed mainly with new equipment, simple “medics” are installed to support old systems.
Above is a selection from a specialized resource about ONU, which also reflects the fact that optical technologies are developing at an extremely fast pace. In the article, we looked at the basics of one of its main elements - called a transceiver, which acts as a network adapter and media converter.
Transceiver media converter
So far, the most popular are classic copper (twisted pair, etc.) communication lines adsl, shdsl, ethernet. But optical cables are gradually becoming larger and noticeably more common. Installation of fiber optic lines (FOCL, FOCL) is becoming cheaper with the development of technology. Until recently, they laid the Internet mainly for legal entities and enterprises, and recently many such systems are ordered by individuals, ordinary citizens who want to receive high communication speeds.
Sometimes Internet providers do not have the funds to deploy an extensive network at once, or at some stage of development of their service it is impractical. The problem is solved by connecting subscribers through transceiver media converters. Popularly known as “medic”. The main task is to adapt a signal from an optical fiber for transmission to a twisted pair cable and vice versa. The device converts an electrical impulse (the same one on metal conductors) into an optical one (the same one on a fiber optic cable). In short, this is an electron-optical converter.
A popular appearance is a small box, reminiscent of outdated modems, about 2 cm high, 10 cm long and wide.
The body has the following elements:
- power connector, that is, for operation (conversion) of signals a low-current power supply is required, in this case a separate small power supply is used;
- at least 1 copper port, but may be more if several stations are served. This port is intended for connection to a computer or router;
- 1 (or more) optical port for connecting to the operator’s network via fiber optic cable.
Such a transceiver-media converter is not a router or even a switch. This is a so-called transparent bridge, an adapter that simply passes traffic through itself at the point of transition of communication from the electrical medium to the optical medium. Usually the device does not have IP or web interfaces (there are models with it, but rarely).
Types of media converters
Options for media converter receivers:
- according to speed characteristics: 100 megabit (D-Link DMC-920R/T), 1 gigabit (D-Link DMC-1910R/T). Feature: they operate at the same speed, there is no option for adjusting it either in hardware or software;
- by connectors. There are built-in transceivers with SC, LC standard or with an SFP port. The connector in the latter version depends on the module used;
- fiber type: single mode
- multimode
- special view - for transition between the two above;
- uncontrollable, until recently everyone was like that;
- “bare” boards with connectors for mounting in the internal space of the equipment;
At communication stations (at Internet providers), for the convenience of using media converters, special baskets with connectors are installed for such microcircuits with already supplied power, which makes it possible to do without socket blocks.
To provide Internet services, the described type of device is still effective, but it is becoming obsolete and is gradually becoming less popular, since more often subscribers are equipped with special switches that accept several services, and you can also purchase a router with an optical port and a transceiver inside, which is much more convenient.
But transceivers-media converters are still popular and sometimes indispensable for building a fiber-optic video surveillance network (we’ll look at an example in detail below) and for similar purposes.
Transmission medium
The transmission medium largely affects the form factor, speed, and communication technology. There are two types of this:
- fiber optic with single-mode and multimode fibers;
- electrical: twisted pair, as well as twincoaxial wire (very rare);
Fiber optics (Fiber) transmit light, not electrical signals. This is a cable with a very thin core (core), a little thicker than a hair, made of special flexible glass that conducts light. The core is covered with a varnish sheath, on top of which there is fabric and plastic insulation. That is, there is only one wire, everything else is protective shells.
The diagram above shows how light travels inside the core: it is completely reflected from its boundaries - this is total internal reflection, which ensures that large distances can be covered.
Cons of fiber optics:
- you can’t bend it sharply, there is an opinion that it breaks, this is not entirely true, the fiber is flexible and it is very difficult to break it, that’s not the point. The bends may be significant and will not cause harm, but if they are sharp, then the signal simply will not pass through it (if you bend it, the signal disappears, if you bend it, it appears). This must be taken into account when laying the line;
- expensive OV itself and equipment for its maintenance.
Advantages:
- not sensitive to voltage surges or interference;
- incomparably higher speed (60 Tbit/s and higher) and capacity (bandwidth) when compared with other media, for example, twisted pair (only 10 Gbit/s). One hair-thick wire can serve several channels;
- covers extremely long distances without amplifiers, etc.;
- light weight;
- service life 30–50 years, twisted pair - about 5 years;
- can work in water.
Optics do not transmit electricity, which can be considered both a plus and a minus. Also, it either has a signal or it doesn’t, since it is a digital transmission.
Types of OV:
- multimode. Large core diameter (50 and 62.5 µm), for multiple light modes. Conducts signals up to 2 km. They are used for local connections where the distance is up to 300 m. These are AOC (Active Optical Cable) transceivers, SWDM (Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing) compaction technologies;
- single-mode. Small core diameter (9 µm), for only one mode. More popular. Especially for modern telecommunications. Works with distances up to 160 km, allows you to create long-distance DWDM compaction systems.
Let's move on to the next type of medium, metal cables that conduct electrical signals.
Kinds:
- twisted pair The most familiar even to ordinary people. This is a copper or copper-plated cable for the Internet, usually with 8 or 4 cores with their own insulation (inside the main outer shell there are 4 or 2 pairs twisted around each other). In 2016, a 10GE Copper cable type was released for SFP+ 10GE Copper transceivers;
- twin-axial. This is a “coaxial” with 2 parallel conductors in a common shield. Very rare. Used with Direct Attach Copper type transceiver.
Where examples are used
There are an extraordinary variety of network designs with fiber optics and such network adapters. The principle is simple: the OB from the provider enters the switch with the specified transceiver, and it distributes the Internet to computers connected to it. Below is one of the options:
Main areas of application:
- providing high-speed Internet via optical fibers. In data centers, at providers, in server rooms, etc.;
- for communications of any kind (telecommunications, etc.);
- building networks: video surveillance;
- computer (local or other).
The transceiver can work with lines entirely made of optical fibers or transfer the signal from them to metal lines and vice versa. It is almost always associated with this type of medium (fiber optic).
