There are many lesser-known components available that are vital to
creating a high-end home theater environment. Some of these components
include sound equipment like a home theater amplifier or a surround
sound preamplifier. If you aren't familiar with these custom home
theater components, don't be overwhelmed. Below you'll find descriptions
of both as well as how you can find a home theater preamplifier and
amplifier that's right for your entertainment system.
The surround
sound preamplifier and the home theater amplifier, though similar, are
two separate components for a reason. The following is information on
these components that will help you get a better understanding of what
each does and how they work in unison.
Surround Sound Preamplifier
The
home theater preamplifier was originally a simple component contained
in the audio-visual receiver that serves as the core of a home theater
system. To allow for better control over a theatre's audio quality,
however, many manufacturers have begun offering preamplifiers as a
separate component that can be more directly controlled. This doesn't
mean that it's been completely removed from the A/V receiver and its
functions. Several models such as the NAD T175 from NAD still feature
decoding technology as well as control functions which allow for greater
customization of the audio experience.
As the name implies, the
surround sound preamplifier's job is to act as an initial amplifier for
audio signals that come in to the A/V receiver. This allows the
amplifier, or power amplifier (as it is also known), to have much less
work to do in order to get the audio level to the point that you want it
at. By using one in your system, you will also gain an additional
control point for making small adjustments to the quality of your sound
so that you can make everything exactly like you want it to.
Home Theater Amplifier
The
home theater amplifier was also originally just a component of the A/V
receiver. As the use of custom components began to rise in popularity,
though, the amplifier was one of the first pieces to be separated. A
separate amplifier allows for a much greater level of control when it
comes to the volume and clarity of your audio, and when combined with a
preamplifier, will allow you to customize your audio experience to the
layout of the room or rooms that your system covers.
As previously mentioned, the home theater amplifier is
sometimes referred to as the power amplifier because it is independently
powered, as opposed to having to share its power with the other
components of the A/V receiver. When audio information is sent to the
amplifier from an A/V receiver or other decoder, it is sent as separate
audio channels which are then independently amplified. The specific
levels of amplification can be altered at the amplifier itself, allowing
you to "shape" the end result to accentuate the specific qualities of
your audio that you prefer and that work best with the acoustics of your
home layout. Audio components manufacturers such as PSB strive to
include as many options for audio customization as possible, ranging
from basic graphics equalizers and volume controls to virtual audio
effects, bass boosting technology, and the ability to emulate a wider
range of sounds from individual speakers to better control the way that
your home theater system plays audio.
If you are designing a very
large home theater room or if you plan to have a complicated theatre
layout, consider purchasing these components. When the two pieces are
installed and are working together, you will have greater control over
volume, better sound quality and clarity, and an optimum system for
making additional customization changes to. A home theater custom
installer can give you specific information about your amplifier needs
if you are unclear about whether these items are right for your theater.
