Streaming apps are great for playing your favorite playlists – just keep in mind that you’ll need to connect the receiver to your home network. Some receivers include built-in apps for streaming music over the web from services like Spotify or Pandora. Both 4K and HDR offer significant upgrades to your TV’s picture quality, so it's worthwhile making sure your receiver enables you to enjoy both.Įveryone’s favorite smartphone streaming protocol can be found on many receivers, making it easy to stream music or play your own MP3s from your phone or tablet.
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If your TV supports 4K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR), and you have the appropriate source content, you’ll need a receiver that can properly pass the full signal through to your TV. As you’re shopping for a receiver, consider which of the most common premium features may be right of you. Most receivers are good at the basics, but there are a few luxury features to look out for. For example, if you’re watching video of a rainstorm using a proper 7.1.x setup, it will sound as though the rain is falling in the room. With these additional speakers, an Atmos or DTS:X receiver can coordinate the sound much more precisely. A setup like this adds two or four additional speakers, typically in the ceiling.
Receivers describe the surround audio formats based on how many speakers they utilize. If you’re buying a receiver to build a home theater, it’s important to understand the various surround sound formats, what you’ll need to enjoy them, and the content that’s most likely to feature high-end audio. Surround sound receivers can also be used to play back stereo audio, but audiophiles find fault with the sound quality of the music using surround sound receivers.īestReviews Speaker madness: receiver surround formats Surround sound receivers are generally more expensive than stereo receivers because they have to power more speakers, in some cases up to 11, and two subwoofers. Home theater receivers, or surround sound receivers, are designed to “surround” the viewer with the audio from a TV show or movie.Stereo receivers are generally more affordable than surround sound receivers. If you want a home music setup, a stereo receiver is your best bet. They’re ideal for music and often favored by audiophiles and turntable enthusiasts. Stereo receivers have two channels: left and right. Most receivers are designed for one of two uses: as a two-channel stereo for music or a multichannel surround sound setup for home theaters. These “Home Theater in a Box” kits and are a good entry-level way to get into home theater. Some receivers are sold as a bundle with speakers, wire, and Blu-ray player.