Comparing AV receivers to AV separates: which delivers the top-notch home cinema experience?
In the realm of home cinema and multi-channel audio systems, two main configurations stand out: the AV Receiver (AVR) and the separates setup consisting of an AV Processor (AVP) and Power Amplifiers. Each option offers unique advantages and trade-offs, catering to different user preferences and requirements.
AV Receiver (AVR)
An AV Receiver is a one-box audiovisual solution for a home cinema, incorporating built-in amplifiers, processing, and switching for both video and audio sources. Its compact and space-saving design makes it an ideal choice for users seeking all-in-one convenience.
Integration & Space: All-in-one unit with built-in amplifiers and processing; compact and space-saving.
Features & Convenience: Includes switching, control, audio/video processing, and room calibration in one unit; often has multiple streaming and multi-zone features.
Power & Performance: Typically provides moderate power per channel, suitable for most home setups; amp quality limited by integrated design.
Sound Quality: Good sound quality, but generally limited by integration constraints and lower-end components.
Upgradeability & Flexibility: Limited upgrade options; must replace entire AVR for improvements.
Cost: Generally more affordable and budget-friendly for complete systems.
An AVR is particularly suitable for users seeking a feature-rich, space-saving, and cost-effective solution for their home cinema needs.
Separates (AV Processor + Power Amplifiers)
A separates setup, on the other hand, requires multiple components, including an AVP and power amplifiers, taking up more rack or shelf space. This configuration excels in high-end dedicated home theaters where superior power, audio fidelity, and upgrade flexibility are priorities.
Integration & Space: Requires multiple components and amplifiers, taking up more rack or shelf space.
Features & Convenience: Focuses more on sound quality; often fewer streaming or multi-zone features, as emphasis is on high-end audio components.
Power & Performance: Higher power ratings per channel with independent power supplies; more consistent power delivery to demanding speakers.
Sound Quality: Superior sound quality due to higher-quality components (power supplies, transistors, capacitors) and cleaner signal path.
Upgradeability & Flexibility: Modular: can upgrade processor or power amplifiers independently; easier to expand channels or power as needed.
Cost: Much more expensive due to separate high-quality components and additional power amps.
Separates are preferred in larger rooms with demanding speakers and users wanting scalable, future-proof setups but involve higher cost, greater complexity, and more space.
Summary
- AVRs are ideal for users seeking all-in-one convenience, moderate power, and feature-rich support with a smaller footprint and budget. They provide good sound quality and integrated processing suitable for most home cinemas.
- Separates excel in high-end dedicated home theaters where superior power, audio fidelity, and upgrade flexibility are priorities. They are preferred in larger rooms with demanding speakers and users wanting scalable, future-proof setups but involve higher cost, greater complexity, and more space.
Additional relevant points include that high-end AV processors (pre/pros) usually prioritize sound quality over streaming or multi-zone features commonly found in mass-market AVRs. AVRs typically support advanced audio enhancements and modes to tailor sound in smaller or budget-conscious setups, while separates emphasize component quality and long-term system growth.
A high-end AVR can cost around £1,500 ($2k, AU $3k), while an AVP plus 11-channel amplifier could cost up to £6,000 ($8k, AU $12k). A reduction in amp power can result in less dynamic sound and less clear placement of discrete audio cues across an array of loudspeakers. Separates, consisting of an AVP and power amplifiers, provide more consistent power delivery across all outputs, even when driving demanding loudspeakers.
[1] Source: Home Cinema Choice [2] Source: AV Forum
- For individuals seeking a feature-rich, space-saving, and cost-effective solution for their home cinema needs, an AV Receiver (AVR) could be the ideal option.
- AV Receivers, with their compact and space-saving design, include built-in amplifiers, processing, and switching for both video and audio sources, providing a one-box audiovisual solution.
- On the other hand, a separates setup, consisting of an AV Processor (AVP) and power amplifiers, provides superior sound quality for high-end dedicated home theaters, where power, audio fidelity, and upgrade flexibility are priorities.
- News on technology and the latest in home cinema equipment reveals that high-end AV Processors (pre/pros) prioritize sound quality over streaming or multi-zone features commonly found in mass-market AVRs.
- A comparison of costs indicates that a high-end AVR can cost around £1,500 ($2k, AU $3k), while an AVP plus 11-channel amplifier could cost up to £6,000 ($8k, AU $12k).
- To achieve more consistent power delivery and cater to higher power demands of demanding speakers, users should consider the separates setup, which emphasizes component quality and long-term system growth. [1] [2] (Referring to Home Cinema Choice and AV Forum as sources)
