A home theater audio/video processor selects sources, processes audio and video, controls volume, and sends audio to separate power amplifiers rather than driving passive speakers itself. It is also called an AV processor, preamp/processor, or pre/pro. An AV receiver performs many of the same processing jobs but adds speaker amplifiers inside the same chassis.
Where the processor fits in a home theater
In a separates-based system, sources such as a player or streaming device connect to the processor. It selects the source and handles supported audio and video processing. Video is routed onward to the display; audio leaves the processor at line level and goes to one or more power amplifiers, which provide the power needed to drive the speakers.
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Depending on the model, the processor may also handle surround decoding, subwoofer integration and bass management, room equalization, additional zones, and links to a control system. Anthem describes these as core functions of its AV processor category: Anthem AVM Series A/V Processor.
How it differs from an AV receiver
| Component | Processing and control | Speaker amplification |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated AV processor | Selects sources and handles supported audio/video processing, volume, and other model-dependent functions. | Uses external power amplifiers to drive passive speakers. |
| AV receiver | Provides source selection and audio/video processing. | Includes built-in speaker amplification; some receivers also offer pre-outs for external amplifiers. |
The name “preamp/processor” reflects its two broad jobs: pre-amplifier functions such as input selection and volume control, plus digital audio and video processing. A receiver with pre-outs can feed external amplification, but that feature alone does not make it a dedicated processor.
#1 Best Overall
- Beyond the basics - This 5.2-channel home theater AV receiver delivers standout performance and value with Dolby Atmos, 4K120/8K60 HDMI, Bluetooth Multipoint and effortless setup. Delivers 70W of authoritative power and flexible speaker layouts including 3.1.2-ch. with up-firing or in-ceiling heights.
- Step into lifelike sonic worlds - Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for deeply dimensional, lifelike sound that draws you into every moment of your favorite entertainment, plus crystal-clear dialogue so you can hear every word.
- Stunning visual realism - Supports ultra-high definition 4K/120 and 8K/60 video, high-performance HDMI switching, advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic range technologies, HDMI eARC/ARC and next-gen gaming features like ALLM and VRR.
- Room Correction - Experience perfect sound in any room. An included setup microphone measures your room’s acoustics and speaker characteristics, allowing the receiver to automatically optimize sound performance.
- Easy streaming with Bluetooth Multipoint - Stream all your favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks wirelessly. Built-in Bluetooth Multipoint lets you pair two source devices and instantly switch between them.
What “12 line outs” means in practice
If you want Atmos-class processing without a receiver’s built-in speaker amps, the relevant category is a home theater AV processor or preamp/processor. Its outputs connect to external power amplification. Check the actual output and channel specifications: the number of processed channels, amplifier outputs, and subwoofer connections are model-specific, so the informal request for “12 line outs” does not identify a universal configuration.
The processor cannot normally drive passive speakers directly. A separates system needs suitable power amplification between its line-level processor outputs and those speakers.
Rank #2
- CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE & LAG-FREE GAMING - The Marantz 11.2 Channel Preamplifier delivers extraordinary visuals in latest 8K UHD format with advanced 8K HDMI upscaling, latest technologies like HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, QFT, VRR & ALLM that allow you to enjoy your entertainment in pristine quality
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR SPEAKER SETUP - Connect with power amplifiers like Marantz MM7055 or MM8077 to design your choice of a 7.1.4, 5.1, 7.1 or 2.1 speaker setup with virtual height effects & IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO FORMATS - IMAX ENHANCED, AURO-3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, & DTS Virtual:X
- LATEST HDMI 2.1 CONNECTIVITY - This preamp features 8 HDMI In with 8K upscaling (including (1) dedicated 8K In) / 3 Out (HDCP 2.3 compliant, eARC), and passes 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz* video signals, supports 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, & BT.2020 for crystal clear video quality
- CUSTOM LISTENING EXPERIENCE WITH AUDYSSEY - Features the Full Audyssey Platinum Suit with advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Room Corrector, dynamic volume, dynamic equalizer, LFC, Sub EQ HT for optimum calibration and acoustic correction of speaker output, ensuring room filling audio
- WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES - Stream music with Spotify, TuneIn, Deezer, Tidal, Netflix, Amazon Prime & others via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or AirPlay 2. Use the HEOS app across one room, or multiple rooms with built-in wireless HEOS multi-room audio technology
What to compare when choosing one
- Processed channels and speaker layout: Match the number of channels to the system you plan to build; channel counts are not interchangeable with speaker terminals or amplifier channels.
- HDMI connections and video support: Check the number of inputs and outputs, plus compatibility with your sources and display.
- Immersive audio formats: Confirm support for the formats your sources and planned system require.
- Room correction and bass management: Compare the room-optimization tools and how the model handles subwoofers and bass routing.
- Outputs and integration: Check subwoofer and amplifier output types and counts, as well as any secondary-zone or control-system connections you need.
These are feature and compatibility questions, not proof that a model with more channels or a higher price will sound better. Manufacturer specifications describe what a product supports; they are not independent comparative listening or bench-test results.
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Examples of the category
McIntosh identifies the MX124 as a home theater A/V processor. Its published specifications list 13.4 audio channels, seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, and Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control. These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not independent performance findings: McIntosh home theater processors.
Rank #3
- Sound Master tuned: Hand-tuned in Shirakawa, Japan by Marantz's Sound Master, CINEMA 70s delivers the warm, enveloping sound that defines The Most Musical Sound in an elegantly slim profile
- Slimline design, timeless style: At just over four inches tall, CINEMA 70s fits beautifully into any space. Carefully considered elements include aluminum controls, diamond-cut knobs, and the iconic Marantz porthole
- Immersive audio: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X place you at the center of a three-dimensional sound experience that brings every scene to life
- Refined power: With 7.2 channels and 50 W per channel, CINEMA 70s delivers the characteristic Marantz warmth and dynamic presence in a remarkably compact form
- Effortless connectivity: Six HDMI inputs — three 8K-compatible — plus analog, digital, and phono connections welcome virtually any source into your entertainment universe
Marantz describes the AV 10 as a 15.4-channel home theater pre-amplifier/processor and lists immersive audio, 8K video, room optimization, and streaming features. It illustrates how channel counts and feature packages vary across models: Marantz AV 10.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE 7-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER WITH NEXT-GEN MOVIE IMMERSION - Enjoy Denon sound in movies, games, and music with full 3D audio support, Dynamic HDR, QMS, HDCP 2.3 & advanced video processing for the best 4K home theater (8K ready when you are)
- ADVANCED 8K HDMI VIDEO SECTION - 3 dedicated 8K inputs and 1 output (8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through; 8K upscaling on all 6 inputs). Supports 4:4:4 Pure Color Sub Sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision & HLG for exceptional color, contrast, and clarity
- MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AUDIO - In addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X, the AVR-X1700H also supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology that creates virtual height effects even without the height channels for a truly immersive experience
- AWARD-WINING ON-SCREEN QUICK SETUP GUIDE walks you through simple, clear instructions to connect your TV, specify EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound. The back-panel is laid out with color-coded connections that makes organizing simple
- MULTI-ROOM, MULTI-SOURCE STREAMING, watch a movie in one room while another family member streams music from popular services like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, and more via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, or Bluetooth in a different zone, without interruption
Rank #4
- 【Digital Audio Processor】An audio processor that integrates mixer, power amplifier, effects, etc., which can be easily debugged by connecting to computer software
- 【Optimize Sound Quality】Provides graphic and 8-band parametric equalizer to enhance low-frequency response, built-in speaker crossover, limit speaker time adjustment and delay, etc
- 【LCD Screen】LCD screen to display channel and function settings, dedicated buttons to set all audio parameters and tools, LCD screen can display the current preset number and the selected input or output channel and its related parameters
- 【Anti-howling】Noise gate can help us remove noise and hissing of the signal, and can also produce very special effects
- 【Application】Metal material, brushed glossy panel, beautiful and fashionable texture, suitable for KTV/home entertainment/ performance conference, etc
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