Should I Use an AVR for 2-Channel Home Theater


This is a very basic question that I’ve never been sure of. If I want a decent set of speakers to use with TV (DVR, DVD) but don’t need multichannel and don’t need video switching, what are the pros and cons of an AVR vs. a 2-channel integrated amp or receiver? Obviously with an AVR I am paying for 3 or 5 extra channels of amplification and for a bunch of switching I don’t need, but maybe it’s worth it for other reasons.

A few things I can think of that may be factors: (1) better to use the DAC in the AVR (or integrated, as some have them now) vs. the ones in the TiVo or DVD player (unless it’s a high-end DVD); (2) downmixing multichannel and Dolby stuff – should that be done in an AVR or can I let the source devices handle it?; (3) adjusting for audio-video lag; (4) potential to add a subwoofer that taps the .1 LFE channel.

What do you think?
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin
A 2 channel integrated amp will always sound far better for the same money. Only catch is you will need a dac as well. Perhaps you can look into some of the 2 channel integrated amps with built in dac.

Forget the av receivers if you plan to do 2 channel only.
Thanks Meiwan. I agree about bang for the buck as regards 2-channel, but I still want to know if there are things an AVR does that I will miss if I don't use one.

For an integrated with DAC at a budget level, I'm thinking the Nuforce DDA-100 or one of the Peachtree products, and I'm sure there are plenty of other choices.
Some do. Most don't. I agree with Meiwan and go the 2 channel integrated amp route.

First, your not really paying for extra channels in an AVR as most of the R&D and parts costs go into features like video processing, room correction, etc. Not amplification, either preamp or power amp. The built-in amps are generally low power with small, off the shelf power supplies. At least the mainstream AVR's definitely are. There are a few upper eschelon manufacturers of AVR's that will pay attention to quality amp sections but at these price points, you can get pretty high end integrated amps instead.

Since you don't need any of this stuff along with the extra low powered channels, look at a quality 2 channel integrated amp. Plus, many are now starting to come with built-in DAC's. The critically reviewed Harman Kardon even has bass management and sub outputs. If you want 2 channel, then buy quality 2 channel equipment that is designed for it.