What is the differnce between Stereo Amplifier and Stereo Receiver

[Deleted member 25636]

Dear friends,

Anybody explain the difference between st.amp & st.receiver. is both are able to connect with speakers?

Thanks

 

[corElement]

In essence there is no difference in todays devices because each device comes with multiple features.

However there is a difference between power amplifier and integrate stereo receiver. A power amplifier is just the amplifier which has to be hooked up to a preamplifier.

 

[reignofchaos]

A stereo amp + radio receiver = stereo receiver.

Some stereo receivers also have a digital input or two. But then again some stereo amps also have a digital input these days, so the distinction is kind is blurry.

 

[hemantwaghe]

In essence there is no difference in todays devices because each device comes with multiple features.

However there is a difference between power amplifier and integrate stereo receiver. A power amplifier is just the amplifier which has to be hooked up to a preamplifier.

Don't know - don't comment

Receiver - Amplifier + Radio

also there is a good site called google.com --- one can type and get information.( last time you were unable to find prices of your favorite speakers - which me & denom got in 3 clicks on the company site ; so it seems google is new to you..)hyeah:hyeah:
another site is wikipedia

Receiver (radio) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[denom]

^^^^ +1 :thumbsup:

 

[corElement]

Don't know - don't comment

Receiver - Amplifier + Radio

also there is a good site called google.com --- one can type and get information.( last time you were unable to find prices of your favorite speakers - which me & denom got in 3 clicks on the company site ; so it seems google is new to you..)hyeah:hyeah:
another site is wikipedia

Receiver (radio) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No need to be rude Hemant. If you have something constructive to say just say so, without sarcasm and criticizing other contributors saying "don't know - don't comment' it's unfriendly. If one had to define a textbook receiver, a receiver should be an Amplifier+Radio+Preamp, not just amp+radio.

Reignofchaos put it correctly by stating it's distinction is blurry. I try not to use strict definitions because amplifiers and receivers today can come with a plethora of features, including preamps, DACs, tubes, lan connections, wifi connections, ipod docks and video components etc. In essence a control center that can receive data/signal is a receiver.A strict definition of it is impractical in today's world. Especially given so many dynamic sources of inputs that exist today.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

In essence a control center that can receive data/signal is a receiver. A strict definition of it is impractical in today's world.

Not so. They have always received signals. A receiver receives radio signals.

 

[corElement]

Not so. They have always received signals. A receiver receives radio signals.

I don't deny that, by definition I completely agree a receiver is an amp+preamp+radio.

But in today's world with so many different types of sources the radio is usually the last source of data. Both stereo amps and receivers today give various different types of connections over and beyond their definitive classifications. It blurs the classification because the rate of deviation between both classifications is so high people can easily get confused between the two.

At least that's what I understand from a practical point of view instead of textbook definition. I've never been someone who conforms to strict definitions about things anyway so don't mind me.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

All that has happened to the signal inputs is minus-phono and plus-digital --- and on most amplifiers/pre-amps, not even plus-digital, as that is expected to be handled by an external DAC.

The only difference between the integrated amp I bought this year, and the one I bought twenty years ago, is ...no phono input. So, amplifier/pre-amp-wise, I don't think that anything much has changed or become blurred.

A whole new thing has come along: the AVR stuff, about which I know nothing as I don't watch movies. Do AVR boxes usually include radio tuners?

 

[fran_elite]

I think Hemant tickled the right bone to get a detailed reply

 

[musicbee]

Do AVR boxes usually include radio tuners?

Not really. More common are internet radio and Ethernet ports for streaming function but I've not seen any with the typical AM/FM receivers.

Does anyone even listen to radio these days? I used to when WorldSpace was running but even then it was only like an hour or two in a week.

 

[corElement]

Avid I know does on his squeezebox and swears by it hehe

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Does anyone even listen to radio these days?

I think they do, but radio as in the world of hifi music? I guess UK still has Radio 3, broadcasting serious music. Whether the digital stream is worth listening to or not is a different matter.

 

[Deleted member 25636]

Dear friends,

Any how, probably i understood about stereo receivers and stereo amplifier through your discussions. then, why stereo receivers is cheaper than a integrated amplifier. (don't wrong with me friends, i am a beginner in this forum)

 

[venkatcr]

Not really. More common are internet radio and Ethernet ports for streaming function but I've not seen any with the typical AM/FM receivers.

Huh? All AVRs DO have inbuilt radio receivers that can tune and receive AM/FM signals. They also have antenna sockets for receiving the radio signals. The ones that can receive Internet signals are called "Networked AVRs.'

I am surprised at the amount of confusion in people's mind over such simple concepts.

Cheers

 

[venkatcr]

Any how, probably i understood about stereo receivers and stereo amplifier through your discussions. then, why stereo receivers is cheaper than a integrated amplifier. (don't wrong with me friends, i am a beginner in this forum)

You are getting confused with a number of technologies. Let me explain them to you.

There are multiple parts to listening to music.

1. The source such as TT, CD Player, Tape drive, etc.
2. A pre-amplifier that converts the very low signal strength of the source to around 2 volts.
3. A power amplifier (usually called a amplifier) that raises the 2 volts signal to enough wattage to drive the speakers.
4. Finally the speakers that convert the electrical signals to sound signals that you can hear.

The terms monorual, stereo, and multi-channel refer to the number of channels of sound that are processed and amplified. Monorual strands for single or one channel; stereo for two channels, and multi-channel for anything over two channels.

An integrated amplifier is an unit that has the pre- and power amplifier housed in a single box. An integrated stereo amplifier refers to an unit that can accept two channel signals directly from a source, pre-process it, amplify it, and play it on speakers for you.

When you add a radio receiver that can receive AM/FM signals, the unit become a Stereo Integrated Receiver, generally referred to as Stereo Receiver. All Stereo Integrated Amplifiers can only process analog signals. If one has an inbuilt DAC to process digital signals, this will be shown as an additional feature.

Comparing prices of a stereo receiver with an integrated amplifier depends a lot on the specifications. Your simple two-in-one is also a stereo receiver that also has a source built in. But they are built more for portability and convenience, not good sound. A well built integrated amp will have large power transformers and specialised circuitry that is designed for superb distortion free amplification. They can drive a large range of speakers and varied kind of music. A two-in-one will cost 5K, and a good integrated amp may cost upto a lakh or more. Nowadays, the complete circuity needed for a radio reception comes in a single chip costing a couple of dollars. So adding a radio receiver is no big deal. Most respected manufacturers like to keep their circuits simple to avoid distortion. So they are not very keen to add radio receiving into their circuits.

Cheers