I need help in finding the right reciever for my home theatre?

Question

ok. i have a jvc shelf system that has 540 watts with only 2 speakers (subwoofer has 180 watts x2 and main speakers has 90 watts x2). it also has digital out (optical) and 4 channels. My problem is that i don't exactly know what the channels mean, my guess is to get a reciever that has 4+ channels that has 180 watts in each channel but i don't know if it's right or exactly what i'm looking for to accomplish this thing i'm trying to do. so if anyone knows what i'm talking about and can help then please reply with a solution and/or in depth summary of whatever can aid me. THANK YOU!!!

Answer 1

First of all, don't fall in the watts per channel trap, the most important thing about your receiver is it's "THD", or Total Harmonic Distortion.

This is the amount of distortion your receiver puts out as you increase the volume.  Ever hear a buzzing sound when you turn up your car sterio?  That would mean it has a high THD, which is bad.  The lower the better and by low try to keep it in the 0.0X range or lower.

My reciever isn't nearly the best (it's a Yamaha), but its THD is 0.07% and I've not had any complaints.  My speakers are the JBL Southridge series (fronts are dual 12's 500 watts, 3 way center -can't remember wattage- and the rears are 8's 150? 175? watts).

Receivers have no impact on your sub because its self powered, it only sends it the signal to play.

If your speakers can only handle 90 watts just go for something that does not have a high watts/channel (100+ watts) because you'll blow your speakers easier.  Depends on your budget but you'll easily find a receiver that puts out a lower THD, you just have to look.