AVR vs External Amplifier
An AVR is the brain: it decodes formats, processes audio, and powers speakers. An external amp only adds power — never channels or processing.
Every home theater starts with an AVR (or a separate processor). It handles Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, room correction, HDMI switching, and typically powers 5–11 amplified channels.
An external amplifier takes over powering some or all speakers, freeing the AVR's built-in amps. It doesn't add new channels — the AVR still decides what plays where. Use one when your most demanding speakers benefit from more clean power.
Related topics
- Speaker SensitivitySensitivity is measured in dB SPL at 1 watt from 1 meter. Every +3 dB of sensitivity is roughly like doubling your amplifier power.
- ImpedanceImpedance is how much a speaker resists current, measured in ohms. Lower impedance demands more current from the amplifier.
- Reference LevelFilm reference level is the volume films are mixed at — peaks up to 105 dB SPL at your seat, with 115 dB from the subwoofer.