Receivers vs Amplifiers! Everything you need to know!

I hope this video helps you understand what the difference is between amplifiers and receivers!

[jeffah]

I had watched a few videos about receivers and none of them really made sense until I came across this video. I've been thinking about getting a receiver as I know others who have them, but didn't know anything about them. This video gave an easy-to-understand basic explanation. This was the first step I needed!

[hd]

God bless you for having no stupid background music in your videos and having a decent microphone

[dreci]

Usually AVRs have much better DACs, however are limited in the amplification section. That's why most AVRs are rated at 1 channel, but if you add additional amps via the pre-outs you can get a very decent sound/video stage without straining the AVR. Like having a processor for signal and separate amplification stage. It can get really expensive, really fast but nothing beats having a system capable of running a 500 people venue in your living room.

[densfordt]

These are some important things you left out of the beginning ...
Firstly, Stereo means 2 channels. That does not include multichannel signals. The distinction is important.
Secondly, an amplifier, regardless of the gain knob, requires an input of at least 1V, hence the necessity of a preamp. [This needs to be clarified at the beginning] You can't just plug any audio source into an amp and expect it to play with any meaningful loudness. Preamps take various sources (CDs, DVDs, PCs, etc) and with proper volume control, boost their signals to the proper amplitude for the amplifier(s). Depending on whether you want Stereo or some surround format you can either buy an amp(s) and a separate Preamp or buy a "Receiver", audio or audio/visual, which includes a plethora of inputs and the volume control, and the amp(s) (depending on the surround format)...Once the distinctions are established you can move to the various configurations.

[SilentChaos]

I remember having a stack with an amp, stereo receiver and a multidisc player. Good old days.

[Gaithersteve]

In the formative days of high fidelity stereo equipment, the difference between an amp and a receiver was, the receiver had an FM/AM receiver in it. This is still true of AV receivers.

[patmat.]

Fantastic explanation 🙏 I love the small sketches, super efficient, no fat.

[johnclyne]

Your amplifier you refer to is actually what was once known as a integrated amplifier. Amplifier with preamplifier. I prefer separates which you didn’t touch on. I know you were trying to keep it simple. Which is great for someone just starting out. Why separates? I have 2 different pairs of speakers. One set are rated at 4 ohm impedance. They require more power just to “turn on”. They need a minimum of 25 watts of high current to come alive. The other pair are older & they have a 6 ohm impedance. To drive both of different loads would be very hard for one amplifier without going into why? It’s simpler & easier to have 2 amplifiers to drive separate loads through one preamplifier.

[mariadiakou]

Jonah i am amazed of the efficiency of your explaining. i was super ignorant and i just understood everything. even your float is so smooth and to the point.

[flowerpower]

Thank you soOOOoo much!!! I felt so lost! I looked at so many videos to understand the difference of the two and only felt more confused. You cleared everything up in less than 5 minutes. I feel much more at peace about what to purchase. Now I just have to figure out the best brand to buy for the type of event I wish to hold. Anyway, thank you so much for posting!

[Rick-orkq]

I was an audiophile back in the 70's, 80's spent lot of money on systems, I originally went component systems, because of the ability to get good quality at every point, power amp, pre-amp, tuner, my opinion at that time is if you by a receiver you are getting all that in one component and sacrifices are being made, even thou there were many good receivers with lots of power they perhaps didn't have as good a pre-amp, tuner or power amp, but that gets real pricy. So, a stereo receiver is a good to way to it all in one package at a lower price.
Someday perhaps McIntosh, just dreaming.

[hamiltonbrown]

You have saved me a world of time! Appreciate this info, help with some decision making

[cassieruth]

thank you! cant wait for the look on my husbands face when I tell him what we need

[TheJiffyLubeGuys]

In a small amount of time, I've learned a lot. Thank you.

[edmundflores]

You forgot to explain that there are two kinds of amplifier, an integrated amplifier ( both power amplifier & preamplifier in a common chassis), and a power amplifier which is by itself in a chassis, and that you need a separate preamplifier .

[php]

For all you beginner beginner audio enthusiast who want to have your first component system you should start with a 5.1 receiver even if you are only purchasing a pair of speakers. Just make sure if you start adding speakers to the first pair that they are part of the exact same model series and product line from one manufacturer. Cruchfield makes for a good source of information of solid audio product availability and expected prices before you decide to go shopping at your favorite big box retailer or independent home electronics retailer. My first home theater system I still enjoy. It's built around an old Panasonic AV100 5.1/6.1 receiver with 5 Energy Connoisseur speakers. That's a 100w/channel @ 8 ohms, nothing special or high end but solid. The biggest strength of my setup is limitless connectivity that's still relevant today. Biggest weakness is the living room the whole system is in. Room acoustics leave a lot to be desired but there is a limit to what you are allowed to do to a condo suite.

[HighOverlordSnarffieBeagle]

I've been watching more and more stuff like this. When I was young my older brother left his stereo system at home when he went to college because the place he and his 3 friends from high school live at all 4 years was such a shit hole in a horrible neighborhood that it got broken into monthly at least. They didn't even bother having a TV in the house and used the trunks of their cars to keep everything they owned that was worth picking up and carrying off. He had a Pioneer set up. Pioneer receiver, turntable, and tape deck. He also owned about 200 vinyl records and quite a few cassette tapes. I miss that so much, I really want to get a set up myself but to buy the old vintage stuff it cost a arm and a leg.

[klausmuller]

Thank you for making that distinction between gain and volume - people can easily confuse the two because as you said, the outcomes from turning both up/down seem and sound pretty similar.

[ralotheapollo]

Just started investing into my set up and this saved my life brudda, thanks for the easy to understand breakdown

[cblighter]

Wow! Glad I watched this. I'm surprising my husband with an outdoor TV set up. Outdoor speakers and AMPLIFIER included!😖😖😖

Thank God I have time to switch out to AV. Thank you!!😊