Audio Receivers Remain the Workhorse for the Home Entertainment System.

Think of a receiver as a nerve center and engine of your stereo or home theater system. It receives the signals, processes them and gives them the necessary power to provide high level audio needed for your audio system.

Stereo receivers are becoming less common due to the advent of home theater receivers, with the HT receivers performing both the duties of stereo and multi-channel movie audio. However, there are still many audio enthusiasts who will choose a receiver that is capable of stereo alone. An individual may require a second audio source for a den or bedroom and stereo components may be all that is necessary, or they prefer a good quality stereo receiver for dedicated music listening.

Your stereo receiver performs a few tasks. It receives the signal from audio inputs such as cd players. Its built in tuner tunes into AM/FM signals. It provides the amplification to power your loudspeakers. The home theater receiver, of course, receives audio and video signals and specializes in decoding the audio into the surround sound that creates the home theater atmosphere.

The loudspeakers you have for your audio system may determine how much power your receiver should have. A more efficient speaker will require less power then a less sensitive speaker. A speaker rated with higher sensitivity will player louder then one with less at a given amount of power. So, you may purchase a receiver or loudspeakers with respect of the specifications of each.

Nowadays audio receivers are available that are compatible with portable music players. They act as a dock for these players so that you can now have these sources available for play on your home audio system. It is also now possible to receive satellite radio with audio receivers. What features an individual chooses is a matter his or her needs, budget, and what their preferences are for enjoying the world of audio.