can anyone tell me what the actual difference is between an AV receiver an AV amp and an AV processor on looking at them they all look to do much the same. thanks
An AV receiver is like an all in-one unit and can be used as a stand alone device. It usually includes a tuner, the sound processor and the amplifier stage.
An AV amp or your basic power amp needs a separate unit or processor to accept different audio sources. Some have a volume control and others are dependent upon the separate processor or pre-amp for control. All are dependent upon a pre-amp/processor for everything.
An AV processor is a separate unit that has inputs for other peripherals but lacks an amplifier stage and has no speaker outputs. It needs a separate power amplifier to get the sound to the speakers.
Then you have the receivers that are capable of functioning as a pre/pro. It has its own amplifier stage but also has outputs for a power amplifier. You can bypass its speaker outputs when connected to a power amp.
