Question about amplifiers.

Energize · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:54

I've noticed that on all the amplifiers I've seen they all have video inputs. Do you have to run the video through these inputs or can you just have the video cables going straight to the tv from the dvd player and just have the stereo rca cables going to the amp?

Clarkey · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:21

AV receivers, not amplifiers as such. And no, your cables can bypass the receiver, only purpose is for switching video output along with audio.

Energize · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:29

Whats the difference between an av reciever and an amplifier? I want to be able to have surround sound on my dvd player, is an av reciever all I need, apart from the speakers?

squiffy · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:36

Stereo integrated amplifiers have analogue line level inputs, analogue line level outputs, speaker outputs, 2 channels of amplification, pre-amp stage. No video inputs, bass management or multi-channel processing. Suited to purely 2 channel system, or in a home theatre powering the left/right speakers.

Av amplifiers have analogue line level inputs, analogue 5.1 input and output, digital inputs, analogue line level outputs, 5 speaker outputs, 5 to 7 channels of amplification, pre-amp stage, video inputs and outputs, bass management and multi-channel processing. Basically the heart of a home theatre.

Pound for pound stereo integrated amplifiers will sound better than av amplifiers.