Loise Mausser: Kudos to you for trying to learn things before you buy. Let's see if I can help.The previous answer was great, but let me define a few terms, then give a a few opinions.* Amplifier : Device that takes line-level audio signals and adds watts of power to drive speakers.* Pre-Processor: Electronics package that has lots of inputs, a volume control and circuits to decode digital into analog, process HDMI audio and video, do bass-management, etc.* AV Receiver: A multi-channel amplifier and a pre-processor package built into a single enclosure.MUSIC vs HOME THEATER:The first opinion is: "MUSIC AND HOME THEATER SOUND IS DIFFERENT".When you get someones opinion on power or gear - try to understand if they are coming from a Music perspective or Home Theater. (I am strongly a home theater guy by the way).The goal of a music system is 'accuracy'. This tends to mean more expensive & sensitive speakers, and then you need better-than-average amplification for a good m! usic system.Power numbers are sold to young-and-dumb consumers who have the fantasy of creating concert-hall volume ... in the neighbors house. This somehow translates into letting everyone around them know how 'cool' you are with high volume.A Home Theater system is about 'impact'. You surround a few chairs with a circle of speakers. You do not want high-volume or power from any one speaker or it would drown out the surround-sound effect. You do not care if someone in the next room can hear things. You do not care if the sound is bad in a corner of the same room. You only care about the small circle of people who frankly are WATCHING the movie, listening to the dialog and then occasionally enjoying the theme music and special effects. (A good subwoofer near the corner is what is needed to create an impressive sound.)So a home theater system does not need as much power as a music system. It DOES need 70-80 watts per channel measured by an honest, reliable company. "A! nd lastly what all things should I check or look for in an amp! lifier?"First - run from any system that pastes "1,000 WATTS OF POWER!!!" in big letters on the box or the display card. These are crap systems sold to the young-and-dumb.The simple answer is: Buy a full-sized AV Receiver from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer or even Onkyo. In general these are quite good and the companies do an honest job of measuring power.If you really think you want a combo HT/Music system - still buy an AV Receiver from the above companies. But look at the higher end models that offer "Pre outs" for all 5 speakers."Pre Outs" - These are a set of 5 RCA jacks that will output the sound for the 5 speakers. This allows you to add external amplifiers later.WHAT YOU SHOULD BUY:(Here goes my opinion. Worth what you paid for it.)* Full sized AV Receiver from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer or Onkyo* Speakers from a company that makes speakers as it's main business* Subwoofer: A better-than-average, self-powered subwoofer from SVS Woofers or HSU ResearchHope this helps....Show ! more
Johnny Sirko: In Home Amplifier
Douglass Sarley: Very good question well stated. First everything in a audio and video system has an influence in the sound or video quality, even down to the cables that you hook up to them, let alone how it is setup and calibrated.It sounds like you understand the difference in a pre-amplifier and amplifier, and these components separate or built into a receiver.Once you choose the speakers you desire, because of there sound quality's, you then want to select an amplifier that will drive them well both electrically and complements them sonically. Electrically you want to be assured the amplifier can drive them efficiently, handle the impedance loads it presents to the amplifier, and has enough power to drive them to the desired volumes you are wanting to achieve. Having extra headroom (or reserved power) is a good thing so the amplifier never runs close to its maximum output so it never clips the output signal during hig! h demand and dynamic passages of effects or music.Then you want to sele! ct an amplifier that complements the sound of the speakers. As all speakers have their own sonic signature so will equipment, so the key is combining an amplifier that complements the sonic signature of the speakers. For example you wouldn't want to put a bright and lean sounding amplifier with speakers that can be a bit bright and lean, as you guessed it, you will have a overly bright and lean sounding system. The issue is how do you know what the sonic signature of speakers or amplifier's are. Well certainly the local independent high end audio video dealers know all this as they have extensive experience in playing with different speakers and amplifier to get to know what everything sounds like. They are certainly the best place to go if your wanting a good sounding and designed system as they know how to properly design a system. If your trying to do this on your own, then the only other sources is the good audio video magazines and their reviews, like Perfect Vis! ion (Absolute Sound for audio) and Stereophile. These two magazines are the only three magazines I recommend as they review the better lines of equipment, and are the only magazines I respect their knowledge and experience.There is allot to designing a good system I could go into allot of detail what to look for but only have so much room in these answer sections. So unless you have years to learn it all your best bet is finding a salesmen at one of these smaller independent high end audio dealers who will take the time to step you through the process and explain things to you.The chain stores don't have a clue what they are doing and 98% of the equipment they carry is low end anyway. A good system will be custom designed to your needs, how you want it to sound, and your budget. Do not be intimated by these high end stores, granted some carry some very expensive speakers and equipment, most of them also carry some exceptional sounding and built budget gear. So they can! pretty much design a system for any budget.Most people will not be fam! iliar with the better brands of speakers and equipment as they are not available in the chain stores, and you do not see them advertised on TV or the generic magazines.So become familiar with the better lines, and put your trust in the high end stores to help you design a system you will truly enjoy and be proud to own.Lastly if your really want to learn more on your own and have some time a really good book to read is THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIGH END AUDIO by Robert Harley. It is well written, very informative, and you can learn as much or as little as want, each chapter is written from basic to advanced. Get the 4th auditon as it includes home theater. Im even including a link to the book which allows you to read some of it to give you a really good overview of what the book covers.The best of luckKevin40 years high end audio video specialist...Show more
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