Tips & Reviews

Stage 1 Receivers

Check one, two. Diving into the world of home theater can be a bit intimidating at first, but offers tons of benefits over standard TV audio. All audio/video channels are run through the receiver, and distributed out to the speakers for an upgraded sound experience. For those with limited space or budget, smaller 2.1-channel receivers can operate a lean system, while stepping up to 5.1-channels offers far superior sound while not breaking the bank. The first step is to think about what media the system will be used with, what the budget is, and how many channels are required. These entry-level receivers are a great starting point.

Stage 2 Receivers

With these receivers, full-home theater mode is engaged. Systems in this tier will be larger, either 5.1 or 7.1-channels which means more space, more power, and a bigger budget. Some systems are even 7.2-channel, which means multiple subwoofers for extreme bass. If HD media is a critical component for entertaining, this is where things get interesting. 4K video and HD audio capabilities are often realized with this level, and various media sources mean streaming or Bluetooth is all within reach.

Stage 3 Receivers

Hold on to your hats, as things get taken to a whole new level with the elite-tier receivers. Across the board, this is for those who spend a lot of time entertaining or just must have the best quality. Price is far higher, but whole-home audio can be set up using these receivers as a central hub. Premium audio certification like THX or Dolby Digital mean refined audio processing comes standard, and 4K video capability is virtually always included. As many inputs as you want, you can have them all and power numerous rooms all on different audio settings or speakers. Backyard BBQ with party tunes while the kitchen has smooth jams and classical in the study? No problem. Build your audio masterpiece that will last a lifetime, without limitations.