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发帖数: 6771 | 1 新手，最近看看音响,看看电影，唱唱卡拉OK，人笨不太会考古搜精华，所以就放狗搜
，看到这个深入浅出，转到版上分享一下，抛砖引玉。。。
http://thecreativealternative.com/best-home-theater-receiver-gu
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AV Receiver Guide – Home Theater
Posted on April 14, 2013 by mychaelp
Check out some of the latest models with 4K Ultra HD compatibility now
included in this AV Receiver Guide for Home Theater
The A/V Receiver… Some have referred to this device as “The “Heart of the
Home Theater”. And for good reason; this one device is the central
component of your entire system, controlling how each one is seen and heard
by you and/or your audience based upon your input. This gives us good reason
to put much thought in selecting one. As with my previous guides to
choosing products that are “right for you”, I’ve gone through the paces
of owning various brands and types of receivers, along with online and in-
store research, summed up is what follows. Receivers range in price from a
few hundred to many thousands of dollars. In the low price range, the
differences are largely based upon their features. When it comes down to it,
most higher-end receivers are packed with features most people would never
need or use, or hear the difference. If you happen to be one of those who
can distinguish the difference and know what you’re looking for, I’ve also
included many technical specs.
For a bit of reference, I’ve been using A/V receivers, also called Home
Theater Receivers for more than 30 years. From the early beginnings when
they simply used two channels of sound input, extract and create a surround
effect with Dolby Pro-Logic. I’ve had a chance to experience first-hand the
improvements made over this time, while going through my fair share of
disappointments in them as well. With this AV Receiver Guide my aim is to
make your decision a bit simpler.
The Basics: What is an A/V receiver?
For those new to home theater, or not familiar, the purpose of an A/V
receiver is to amplify sound from multiple audio sources as well as route
video signals to the user’s TV(s) or home theater projectors from various
sources. The user may program and configure the receiver to take inputs from
devices such as a Blu-ray player MP3 player (iPod), cable/satellite box,
game system etc. and easily select for which source he or she wants to route
to their TV or home theater projector and have sound output.
How to use this guide:
The first portion of the guide will outline what features you should look
for in a new receiver based upon your needs and the devices you already own.
Subsequent guide sections will note how various leading, competing
receivers stack up related to those features. For this guide I’ll be
concentrating on four of the leading entry to mid-level receivers, while at
the same time they score very high in both critical and user reviews. These
receivers provide the biggest bang for the buck out there.
Inputs:
A/V Receivers available these days should include connections for multiple
HDMI connected devices. The HDMI connection will transmit both audio and
video streams to the receiver and through an output, out to your TV and/or
projector. I recommend looking for a receiver that is compatible with HDMI 1
.4 or higher as those signals become more available. This will allow the
receiver to work with the newer 3D material, 4K Ultra-HD format as well as
an audio return channel allowing your TV to send a signal back to the
receiver if desired. A minimum of 4 HDMI inputs are recommended. It is a
plus if the receiver includes 2 HDMI outputs which would allow you to
connect to a secondary video display such as a projector, however a single
output will also work as you can purchase a splitter if necessary due to
cost. FYI: HDMI 1.4 will work with 1.3 and lower as it is backwards
compatible.
You will want inputs for at least 4 devices. The more the better. Typical
devices include: Blu-ray and/or DVD Player, CD player, Game and/or Media
player (Roku, Apple TV), Phono (old style record players), and some
receivers will have an input for an iPod. You may see inputs for optical
digital connections such as Toslink. Some older devices include these
connectors but not HDMI for digital sound.
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
HDMI: 5 in – 1 out
USB: 1 (front)
Network: 1
Digital Optical: 2
Digital Coaxial: 2
Analog Audio: 4 in (1 front) 2 out
Component Video: 2 in 1 out
Composite Video: 5 in (1 front) 1 out
Subwoofer out:: 1
Headphone: 1
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
HDMI: 6 in – 1 out
USB: 2 (1 front and iPod/iPhone compatible)
Network: 1 (also includes built-in wifi)
Digital Optical: 1
Digital Coaxial: 2
Analog Audio: 6
Component Video: 2 in – 1 out
Composite Video: 5 in – 1 out
Subwoofer out: 2
Headphone: 1
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
HDMI: 5 in – 1 out
USB: Yes
Network: 1 (wired ethernet only)
Digital Optical: 1
Digital Coaxial: 1
Analog Audio: 2 in – 1 out
Component Video:
Composite Video: 2 in – 1 out
Subwoofer out: 1
Headphone: 1
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
HDMI: 6 in – 1 out
USB: Yes
Network: Ethernet
Digital Optical: 2
Digital Coaxial: 1
Analog Audio: 4 in – 2 out
Component Video: 1
Composite Video: 2 in – 2 out
Subwoofer out: 1
Headphone: 1
Number of channels:
For the home theater experience you want at least 5.1 channels of sound.
This means you will have front left, center and right speakers along with
left and right surround speakers and a subwoofer. There are also 7.1 and 7.2
channel systems adding another pair of surround back speakers (see diagram
below) and another subwoofer channel (the .1 or .2 in some instances).
Typically these will also operate at the 5.1 setting as well if you don’t
have the room or want that many speakers in your room. You may only want to
have 2 stereo speakers in your listening room. If this is the case, I still
recommend considering a 5.1 channel receiver because they typically offer a
way to use the extra channels to power a second set of speakers you may want
to use in another room. It’s always good to have options down the road. I
’ve used a 5.1 system and it provides a great immersive experience.
AV Receiver Guide,A/V Receiver Guide,Home Theater
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
5.1 (note: the similar RX-V575 includes 7.1 channels)
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
5.2 (note: the similar TX-NR626 includes 7.2 channels)
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
5.1 (the AVR-1913 with added features includes 7.1 channels)
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
5.1 (The AVR-3650 with added features and inputs includes 7.1 channels)
Digital Sound Formats:
A bit more information on the various digital sound formats, including some
that many of us enthusiasts may not be aware of: Note that all of the
receivers compared here are compatible with these formats.
AV Receiver Guide,A/V Receiver Guide,Home Theater
DTS-HD Master Audio is its non-redundant structure, which in turn allows for
more streamlined production. DTS-HD Master Audio technology carries one
encode and one QC pass versus two for competing technologies, allowing
quicker workflow and better quality. This may be why many DTS tracks take up
more space than the competitors.
Up to 7.1 discrete channels at 96 kHz and up to 5.1 channels at 192 kHz.
Interesting with a lower kHz rate with additional channels. I’ve not heard
the acoustic different with my ears though.
DTS-HD Master Audio is an industry standard and the only “one-stream”
surround audio solution for Blu-ray disc, making it the overwhelming choice
of the major studios and content providers worldwide.
Learn more about DTS-HD Master Audio directly from DTS’ site here, and see
why it’s included on 85% of Blu-rays. There’s a great PDF available
highlighting DTS-HD Master Audio for Blu-rays here and one for the codec
overview.
AV Receiver Guide,A/V Receiver Guide,Home Theater
Dolby TrueHD is a lossless compression audio format that enables bit-rate
efficiencies (disc and transmission) for a file size that is half that of
uncompressed pulse-code modulation (PCM), while simultaneously delivering a
studio master–quality reproduction of the original audio performance.
Includes user-selectable dynamic range control, enabling reduced peak volume
levels without loss of overall sound quality—ideal for listening late at
night without disturbing others. I’ve used this feature often, although
some receivers have a “dynamic” control for the DTS format as well.
Gives the Blu-ray content creator the ability to include a companion Dolby
Digital (640 kbps) 5.1-channel theatrical mix that complements a 7.1-channel
Dolby TrueHD theatrical presentation
Learn more about Dolby TrueHD on their site here.
Power:
When it comes to amplifier power you may be inclined to think “the more the
better!” This is one subject that isn’t always true. Keep in mind that a
100 watt provides just double 10 watts, not 10x as you may think. To
actually hear a slight difference in volume, you would need to double the
amplifier power, so a few Watts difference in rating isn’t really important
. See the chart below showing that from 80 to 100 watts there is barely a 1
decibel difference. The quality of the amplifier is more important than the
rated power itself. An amplifier with 10% distortion at full volume (and
most likely at lower as well) will be virtually unlistenable to most people.
Distortion rated at .01% would allow for amazing sound at all levels.
Typically this low a value is found only on receivers with a very high price
tag. Distortion levels measured are listed as THD (Total Harmonic
Distortion). The lower, the better.
And while we are on the subject of power, please be sure your equipment is
connected to a surge protection device of some sort. You just never know
when a power surge may occur and damage your valuable components. It’s a
small price to pay for what you get. At the higher end of surge protection
are devices that also assist with conditioning the power such as those by
Panamax (our review here).
The next item to consider is the S/N (Signal to Noise Ratio) rating which is
expressed in decibels. Here, the larger the ratio number the better, thus
70db is better than 50db.
AV Receiver Guide,A/V Receiver Guide,Home Theater
All of these receivers provide more than enough power to perform well in
most home theaters and power virtually any speaker.
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
80Wx5 channels
THD: 0.9%
S/N: 100dB
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
80Wx5 channels
THD: 0.8%
S/N: 100dB
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
75Wx5 channels
Note: Each of the AVR-1613′s five 75-watt channels is powered by its own
discrete circuit. This allows the receiver to reproduce original sound more
faithfully than conventional models, which use integrated circuits.
THD: .08%
S/N: 98dB
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
100Wx5 channels
THD: .07%
S/N: 68dB
Set-up:
On-Screen Display/User Interface. As all receivers are pretty complicated to
set up just right an on-screen set-up is pretty much mandatory for most
people. The GUI (graphic user interface) is fairly straightforward and you
will find yourself messing with a setting here and there as you notice
things you’d like to adjust. Without a GUI it would be much more difficult
which is why I only recommend those that include one.
Sound levels and tone are affected by your listening room’s size and
materials such as wall coverings, windows, flooring, and furniture. Many
receivers available these days include an automated set-up for the levels of
each channel. This automation typically means you use a provided microphone
and following the on-screen prompts move the microphone to different
locations while a series of tones are emitted from each speaker. The
receiver then adjusts the level (and sometimes the tone) of each speaker
based upon where you will be sitting, and eliminates the need to use an SPL
meter or adjust it by your own ear. Audyssey is one software maker that
excels in medium to higher class receivers. Here is a link to a PDF
indicating how this works and more specifics. I highly recommend choosing a
receiver with this feature. You may need to do an additional small
adjustment (usually with the subwoofer) but it’s well worth it.
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
YPAO Sound Optimization
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
Audyssey MultiEQ
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
Audyssey MultEQ (6 points)
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
EzSet/EQ
Network capability:
bannerThe latest receivers available may include network capabilities. These
receivers will connect to your home or other network (through wifi or
Ethernet connection) allowing you to listen to Internet Radio and/or other
Cloud Music Streaming Services such as Pandora. Some receivers will connect
directly to Apple products with AirPlay which may appeal to you if you have
a large iTunes library. DLNA support means you can connect directly to your
home computer, laptop or compatible NAS (network attached storage) to stream
music, video, or even photos. You may have this feature already within your
TV or other device such as an Apple TV, Roku, or Blu-ray player however, if
you want a quick, easy, and direct way of getting to this content, the
convenience on having it available within the receiver is hard to beat.
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
AirPlay
Free App for controlling with virtually any smartphone or tablet.
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
Free App for controlling with virtually any smartphone or tablet.
Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, Sirius/XM, Slacker, last.fm, Aupeo!, TuneIn.
No AirPlay
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
AirPlay
SiriusXM Internet Radio, Pandora, and Flickr.
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
AirPlay
DLNA 1.5 enables the AVR to stream audio from compatible devices
vTuner Internet radio: Enjoy your favorite radio stations, podcasts and
Internet-only programming from around the globe in outstanding surround
sound on your AVR. Quick, easy access to your favorite online stations.
4K Passthrough What you need to know:
Lucky for us, many newer receivers are beginning to incorporate this
compatibility. 4K is shorthand for 4,000 lines wide by 2,000 lines high, or
roughly four times the resolution of a 1080p display. The term actually
covers two formats, both supported in the HDMI 1.4 specification:
3840 pixels wide by 2160 pixels high
4096 pixels wide by 2160 pixels high
This graphic provides you an overview of just how much more detailed an
image 4K can provide.
4K-24K displays will put high-end home theater systems roughly on a par with
the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema projectors used in many commercial
movie theaters. You’ve probably seen the preview image during your last
theater visit. The HDMI 1.4 standard can now support these systems with the
extremely high bandwidth connectivity they will require.
All High Speed HDMI cables will support 4K functionality when connected to
4K devices. You can probably use your existing High Speed HDMI cables.
Additional features to consider/compare:
Yamaha RX-V475 (5.1)
Free App for controlling with virtually any smartphone or tablet.
Charging of iPod, iPhone and iPad via USB when AV Receiver is off. Should
work with other USB powered devices as well.
Background Video feature (for Radio only)
4k Pass-Through for the next generation high resolution images. Not yet
available, but there is a lot of talk about them and they were shown at 2013
’s CES show in Las Vegas.
A USB port on the front panel allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone/iPad,
which also charges them when connected. Because the digital signal from the
iPod/iPhone/iPad is transmitted directly to the AV receiver, there is no
signal loss or interference, so the sound quality is clear and cleaner. In
addition, you can use the receiver’s remote control unit to operate the
iPod/iPhone/iPad.
Standby HDMI though is featured.
Yamaha’s new ECO mode reduces power consumption by about 20%. It can be set
from the top of the GUI menu. (I’ve not tested this option in comparison
with other units).
Onkyo TX-NR525 (5.2)
The front-panel USB port lets you play MP3 and AAC stored in an iPod/iPhone,
and MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC audio files stored on a USB stick. The receiver
’s remote will then control all music. Your music will sound much clearer,
as the audio signal is transported in digital rather than analog form
through the direct digital connection.
Built-in wifi is convenient.
Hybrid Standby provides ‘HDMI through’ functionality while the receiver
sleeps, so you don’t have to fully power up to watch a Blu-ray or play a
game using just your TV’s sound.
4k Passthrough provides you forward compatibility with this newer format.
Denon AVR-1613 (5.1)
Vibration-resistant construction suppresses the negative influence of
vibration on sound quality. Power transformers are securely mounted on the
receiver’s solid bottom chassis to minimize vibration.
No AM tuner.
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 (5.1)
Very clean sound, see specs noted earlier that beat the competing models.
Lighter. Greener. Louder. This AVR uses a custom-designed digital power
supply that delivers the amplifier power and superior sound that you expect
from Harman Kardon products, without requiring hefty transformers. The
result is the same power as conventional designs with a lower overall carbon
footprint impact.
Clean and Dynamic, one-of-a-kind look makes a dramatic design statement in
any room.
A free, downloadable app allows you to transform your smartphone or tablet
into an easy-to-use remote control. Compatible with most iOS and Android&#
8482; devices, this high-definition graphical user interface gives you full
control of your AVR.
Conclusion:
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This AV Receiver Guide along with the included features has hopefully made
your decision making easier in choosing which home theater receiver is right
for you. As I stated earlier in this guide/review, I’ve had a lot of
experience with these components and for me, the best receiver of the bunch
when I take into consideration both cost and features, AND actual
performance is the Onkyo TX-NR525. The on-board wifi and 4K passthrough are
some of the latest desired features. BUT the undeniable sleek-polished look
and extremely clean sound of the Harmon Kardon really tempt me (maybe for my
office?). As you have read through the various differences between the
receivers, you may have concluded a different receiver is right for you.
This is why I’ve included my top four choices and when it comes to
performance, each of them offers a great value from manufacturers with long
standing great reputations. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Getting the best price tip! You can add an item to your cart on Amazon at
any time and don’t have to purchase right away. Each time you visit your
cart Amazon will note at the top any pricing changes. Your own personalized
price-tracking tool. Makes it much easier to track what you want to buy
later.
Where to Buy?
You can buy the Yamaha RX-V475 at Amazon. Currently they have what appears
to be the best price available and if you consider the free shipping, it’s
a great deal. Click here to view on Amazon.
The RX-V575 7.1 channel receiver can be found here.
AV Receiver Guide,A/V Receiver Guide,Home TheaterYou can buy the Onkyo TX-
NR525 at Amazon. Currently they also have what appears to be the best price
available and if you consider the free shipping, it’s another great deal.
Click here to view on Amazon.
The Onkyo TX-NR626 7.2 channel receiver can be found here.
You can buy the Denon AVR-1613 at Amazon. And again, currently they also
have what appears to be the best price available and if you consider the
free shipping, it’s another great deal. Click here to view on Amazon. You
can also find this receiver here.
The Denon AVR-1913 7 channel receiver can be found here.
You can buy the Harman Kardon AVR 1700 at Amazon. And yes again, currently
they also have what appears to be the best price available and if you
consider the free shipping, it’s yet another great deal. Click here to
view on Amazon.
If you enjoyed this alternative style AV Receiver Guide, please take a look
at my other reviews here. |
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