An AV preamplifier is one part of a separates-based home theater system, providing the audio/video switching and processing while a separate amplifier (or amplifiers) powers the speakers.
Going the separates route is generally considered to be the higher-performance option, as opposed to using an all-in-one AV receiver, because the manufacturer can focus more on selecting just the right components and design elements for that device’s specific function. Like an AV receiver, today’s AV preamp will decode the highest quality uncompressed audio soundtracks, such as DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, and a growing number also decode 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
On the video side, most AV preamps offer a solid number of HDMI inputs, with the ability to pass through the latest and greatest technologies like Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range.
It has been a long-held opinion that the AV preamp emphasizes performance at the expense of features, but many modern AV preamps are loaded with same features you’ll find in the AV receiver category—including automatic setup and room correction systems, network audio streaming, hi-res audio playback, multi-room AV distribution, and smart home control. Below are some educational resources to assist in your search for an AV preamp.
• AV Receivers vs. AV Separates: Which Is Right for You?
• Surround Sound Explained
• Automated Room Correction Explained
Making high-end audio and home theater fit in the modern home
As 2019 comes to a close, we at HomeTheaterReview.com look back at all the products we reviewed this year and pick the best of the bunch, from affordable favorites...
Emotiva's RMC-1 is one of the hotly anticipated AV preamps we've seen in years. But its most oft-discussed feature, it's insane channel count, is probably the least interesting thing...
Brian Kahn puts Marantz's flagship AV preamp through the ringer to see how it stacks up with previous models and the current state of the art.
Here at the end of 2018, we at HomeTheaterReview.com look back at all the products we reviewed this year and pick the best of the bunch, from budget favorites...
The Trinnov Altitude16 delivers pure audio bliss, says Dennis Burger, with more configuration features than most people would have any clue what to do with. But sonic perfection does...
Its price may be a bit daunting, but Greg Handy argues that the Lyngdorf MP-50 actually represents an incredible value, when you consider the products it competes against.
It's that time of year again--when the HomeTheaterReview.com staff looks at all of the products we reviewed this year and picks the best of the best. We've tried to...
Brian Kahn explores Marantz's AV7703, an ISF-certified 11.2-channel processor with support for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, UHD/HDR pass-through, hi-res audio streaming, Audyssey MultEQ32 room correction, and more.
Dennis Burger puts AudioControl's Maestro M9 processor to the test. This 7.1.4-channel home theater processor features Dolby Atmos/DTS:X decoding, support for HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2, and Dirac Live...
Dennis Burger examines the Acurus 4 from Indy Audio Labs. This 13.3-channel AV preamp supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2.
Myron Ho explores Anthem's AVM 60, an 11.2-channel preamp/processor that comes fully loaded with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, full UHD/HDR pass-through, DTS Play-Fi whole-house music streaming, Anthem Room Correction, and...
'Tis the season for Home Theater Review's annual best-of list, where we select the best products we've reviewed in the past 12 months.
Jerry Del Colliano reviews the Sigma SSP AV preamp from Classé Audio. Features include seven HDMI inputs, USB and Ethernet connections, and both balanced and single-ended connections.
It's that time of year again--time for the HomeTheaterReview.com staff to pick the products that we feel represent the best of the best from all of our 2015...
Dennis Burger reviews Emotiva's flagship XMC-1, a 7.2-channel AV preamp that carries an asking price of $2,499.
Brian Kahn auditions the Marantz AV8802 preamp, which adds features like built in Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X--along with many performance...
NAD's new Masters Series M17 is a high-performance seven-channel AV pre/pro with a modular design that helps it keep up with the changing landscape. Greg Handy puts this processor...
Home Theater Review presents its Best of 2014 Awards. We've surveyed all the products reviewed over the past year and selected the ones we think are the most compelling....
In weighing the relative merits of AV receivers vs. AV separates, I think even the most staunch supporters of the latter (yours truly included) have to concede that AV...