Upping Your Home Theater Receiver to 5.1 Channels
Using a home theater receiver to listen to your devices through one sound system can make all the difference in your home entertainment experience. That surround sound amplified through multiple speakers from manufacturers like Marantz gives that awesome feeling that you are actually there when listening to music or watching a movie.
What Are 5.1 Home Theater Receivers?
Home theatre or AV receivers receive and amplify signals in different formats to a speaker system. They work with multiple channels.
- 5.1 Channels: The numbers on multi-channel home theatre receive systems refer to the number of speakers or channels they use. The larger number is the number of channels or frequencies. The smaller number is the number of subwoofers that give extra bass. A 5.1 receiver uses five full range frequencies and one subwoofer. In comparison, standard speakers are usually 2.0 or 2.1.
- Compatibility: Depending on the model, receivers aim to be compatible with other devices such as stereos, TVs, Blu-ray players, satellite and cable boxes, and other audio or visual equipment. Always check any receiver and other devices you are planning to use together are compatible.
- Input and Output: Connections and ports may include HDMI, USB, and AV inputs and outputs. Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS wireless technology and components can give you the option of using speakers and devices in multi-rooms.
- Sound Formats: The audio and video formats in AV receivers aim to support the sound quality coding used for music, movies, and television. This may include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, 4K Ultra HD, Digital or DTS-X formats.
How Do the Channels Work with the Speaker Placement?
Depending on the coding used in the sound format of audio and video content, it will be separated and transmitted to each of the speakers in a 5.1 system.
- Front or Speakers: The main audio content, such as lead vocals in a song or speaker in a movie, is usually received by the main speakers placed at the front of a room.
- Rear or Side Speakers: Sound effects and secondary sounds such as traffic are usually coded to the peripheral speakers placed to the rear or side of a room.
- Amps: The amplification of speakers, or total power output is measured in watts. A higher power amp or watt, generally speaking, means you have more power or volume.
What Does This Brand Offer?
Marantz has been developers of a range of Hi-Fi audio and video technology for over sixty years. Originating in New York, they merged with the Japanese Denon and HEOS brands in 2002.
- Their current product range of home receivers and amplifiers ranges from models with 5.2 up to 11.2 channels.
- They offer AV receivers in slimline designs and with HDMI outputs and HDMI inputs on front-panels for quick and easy connectivity, along with remote controls.
For more information on specific models please refer to the manufacturer's website.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Marantz or any associated companies.