If you're looking to dig into the world of hi-fi systems that consist of a separate stereo receiver or integrated amplifier that powers a set of passive speakers — whether your passion is ...

an AV receiver is the beating heart of a home theater system. You’ll be hard-pressed to wire up any bookshelf speakers, floor-standing speakers, or subwoofers without one of these bad boys!

An audio amplifier and switching device for a stereo system. The receiver contains inputs for all the audio sources and outputs to one or more sets of speakers. It may also include an AM/FM tuner.

turning them into audio/video (A/V) receivers. Today, most home entertainment hardware vendors make A/V equipment for both listening and viewing (see A/V receiver). THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL ...