What is a home cinema amplifier?
A home cinema amplifier, also called an AV receiver, is the central unit in a home cinema system. It receives audio and video signals from sources such as a TV, games console, Blu-ray player or media player and makes sure the sound is distributed to the correct speakers.
Unlike a normal stereo amplifier, which is mainly intended for two speakers, a home cinema amplifier can drive multiple speakers simultaneously to create surround sound.
How does a home cinema amplifier work?
Most modern home cinema amplifiers use HDMI to connect different audio and video sources.
HDMI can carry both digital audio and video through the same cable. Depending on the amplifier’s specifications, it may also handle 4K, 8K and various HDR formats, for example.
The home cinema amplifier decodes the audio signal and distributes it among the connected speakers, while the picture is passed on to a TV or projector.
Many home cinema amplifiers also support HDMI ARC or eARC, allowing audio to be sent from the TV back to the amplifier via HDMI.
How many speakers can I connect?
This depends on how many amplifier channels the home cinema amplifier has and which speaker configurations it supports.
Common configurations include:
5.1: Two front speakers, one centre speaker, two surround speakers and one subwoofer.
7.1: As 5.1, but with two additional surround speakers.
5.1.2: A 5.1 system with two additional height channels for formats such as Dolby Atmos.
7.1.4: Seven speakers at listening level, one subwoofer and four height channels.
The first number indicates the number of regular speaker channels, the second the number of subwoofer channels and the third, if present, the number of height channels.
Most home cinema amplifiers have a separate line-level output for connecting an active subwoofer.
What are Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are audio formats that allow a more immersive sound experience.
Unlike traditional surround sound, sounds can be positioned and moved in three dimensions, including above the listener.
To reproduce height effects, you can use ceiling-mounted speakers or dedicated Atmos speakers that direct sound towards the ceiling.
For the full experience, both the home cinema amplifier and the audio content need to support the relevant audio format.
What should I consider when choosing a home cinema amplifier?
There are several important things to check:
Number of channels: How many speakers you want to connect, both now and in the future.
Power and impedance: The amplifier needs to suit the speakers’ power requirements and impedance.
HDMI connections: Enough inputs and support for the video formats you use.
Surround formats: Such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Room calibration: Many models have automatic speaker calibration that adapts the sound to the room’s acoustics.
Streaming and networking: Some models have built-in support for music streaming, Bluetooth and wireless networks.
What is the difference between a home cinema amplifier and a stereo amplifier?
A stereo amplifier is primarily designed for music listening with two speakers.
A home cinema amplifier is instead designed to handle multiple audio channels, surround formats and various audio and video sources.
A home cinema amplifier also works very well for music listening. Many models offer dedicated stereo modes for music.
Do I need a separate power amplifier for my home cinema amplifier?
No. Most home cinema amplifiers have built-in power amplifiers that drive the speakers directly.
More advanced models may also have line-level outputs, called pre-outs, for connecting external power amplifiers.
This can be useful if you have particularly power-hungry speakers or want to expand the audio system.
There are also separate home cinema processors without built-in power amplifiers, which therefore need to be combined with external amplifiers.
Need help choosing the right home cinema amplifier? Contact our customer service team or visit one of our stores for advice.