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A home theater audio/video (AV) processor selects sources, processes audio and video, controls volume, and sends audio to separate power amplifiers. Unlike an AV receiver, it does not usually contain the amplifiers that drive passive speakers. It is the control center of a separates-based theater system.
What a home theater AV processor does
In a typical system, source devices connect to the processor. It selects the source and handles the audio and video processing supported by that model. Video is routed to the display; audio is sent at line level to one or more external power amplifiers, which then drive the speakers.
Depending on the model, the processor may also decode surround formats, manage bass and subwoofers, apply room equalization, serve secondary zones, and connect with a control system. Anthem’s description of its AV processor category includes source selection, surround decoding, volume, room equalization, bass management, video routing, and audio output to power amplification: 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 and preamp functions such as volume | Uses separate power amplifiers to drive passive speakers |
| AV receiver | Provides source selection, volume, and audio/video processing | Combines those functions with built-in speaker amplification |
“Preamp/processor” or “pre/pro” describes the processor’s two broad roles: preamp functions such as input selection and volume, plus digital audio and video processing. A receiver with pre-outs can send signals to external amplifiers, but that feature alone does not make it a dedicated processor; the receiver still has built-in speaker amplification.
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Is there a processor with around 12 line-level outputs?
Yes. A dedicated processor is the kind of device to look for when you want immersive-format processing and multiple line-level outputs for external amplification, rather than an integrated receiver amp. Check the model’s processed-channel count and output connections against your intended speaker layout and amplifier inputs: a channel count does not automatically tell you how many physical outputs are available or how a particular system can be configured.
Examples of current processor specifications
These manufacturer-listed specifications illustrate the range of channel counts and feature sets in the category; they are not independent tests of sound quality.
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| Model | Manufacturer-listed capabilities |
|---|---|
| McIntosh MX124 | 13.4 audio channels; seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs; 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro; Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control. McIntosh product information |
| Marantz AV 10 | Described by Marantz as a 15.4-channel home theater pre-amplifier/processor, with immersive audio, 8K video, room optimization, and streaming features. Marantz product information |
What to check when choosing one
- Processed channels: Match the supported channel count to your planned speaker layout.
- HDMI connections and compatibility: Check the number of inputs and outputs and whether the processor supports the capabilities required by your sources and display.
- Audio formats: Confirm support for the immersive formats you intend to use.
- Room correction and bass management: Compare the available room-equalization and subwoofer-management functions.
- Outputs: Confirm the number and type of subwoofer and amplifier outputs, then ensure they suit your amplifiers and system plan.
- Control and integration: Check compatibility with any control system or secondary-zone setup you need.
Specifications identify capabilities, not comparative performance. A higher channel count or price alone does not establish that one processor will sound better than another.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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