Stereo Receivers offer important features that enhance sound quality and make the component easier to use . Consider these features when purchasing a stereo receiver, integrated amplifier or separate components.
Speaker A & B Outputs
Speaker A & B outputs allow connection of two pair of speakers to the receiver, one pair in the main room, one pair in another room. This is considered a basic multiroom sound system that provides music in two rooms using one receiver. In some cases you can play Speaker A & B simultaneously, others allow only Speaker A or B.Loudness Control or Loudness Contour Switch
A Loudness Control or Contour switch is used to compensate for the characteristics of human hearing. The human ear is most sensitive to midrange sounds or frequencies (between 1kHz and 5kHz) and less sensitive to low and high frequencies. As a result, bass and treble sounds are more difficult to hear at low playback volumes. Some stereo receivers have a Loudness Switch that raises the volume of the bass and treble frequencies at low volume to compensate for this effect. As the volume is raised the effect of the Loudness Control is reduced.Source Direct Features
Some receivers have a Source Direct feature or switch, also known as Pure Direct, CD Direct or other similar names. This feature bypasses some of the internal circuitry in the receiver, such as tone controls, balance controls and other circuits to provide the shortest signal path and the best or purest sound quality. In some cases, the Direct feature also turns-off the receiver's front panel display to reduce potential interference with the audio signal. Direct features can be used with the analog or digital inputs on the receiver. The effect, often subtle, increases the clarity of the sound.Phonograph Inputs
In order to play a phonograph record, a receiver must have a 'Phono' input. There are two types of phono inputs, moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC), which depends on the type of phono cartridge used on the player. If you plan on playing vinyl records on your stereo system, be sure it has a phono input. If it doesn't, an external phono preamp can be purchased at many electronics stores or online-click links below. Read my reviews here and here and check the best prices.Subwoofer Output
Smaller stereo speakers usually require a subwoofer
to reproduce low bass. A subwoofer enhances music programs and adds impact to movie soundtracks. Subwoofers don't have to be large and many can be concealed behind furniture or in a corner.Remote Control
Most all receivers come with a remote control. In some cases the remote control is single function, which means it can only operate the receiver. Other types ofremote controls include learning or universal remote controls. A learning remote control can 'learn' commands from other component remote control or are universal, which have pre-programmed codes from other components built-in and can be activated by entering a numeric code.
