General Information
The home audio receiver serves as the command center of your stereo system. The receiver is actually three separate components rolled into one package: the preamplifier, amplifier and tuner. While these components can be purchased separately for enhanced performance and adjustability, the home audio receiver provides the easiest, least expensive option.
Preamplifier
The preamplifier in the receiver is responsible for the majority of the receiver's functions. All of your audio inputs, such as CD players, DVD players, TVs and satellite radio are connected to the preamplifier using analog or digital cables. The preamplifier also handles basic functions like volume and balance. Different modes allow the preamplifier to process formats such as 2-channel audio, Dolby Digital and DTS. The most essential function of the preamplifier is to receive data from the audio source and process the signal. Signals are read and processed into the appropriate format such as stereo (two-channel audio) or surround sound formats like Dolby 5.1.
Amplifier
Once the audio signal has been processed by the preamplifier, the amplifier strengthens the power of the signal and then sends it to out to the speakers, where it becomes audible sound. Audio information is sent out to the appropriate speakers in the format that it was processed into. Stereo allows information to be sent to the left or right speaker, while surround sound utilizes an array of speakers, generally five to seven. The lowest bass frequencies are sent to the subwoofer.
Tuner
The tuner allows for reception tuning of AM/FM and/or satellite radio stations.
Tags: information sent, preamplifier amplifier, processed into, satellite radio, surround sound
