An AV processor performs the same surround sound decoding and source switching functions as an AV receiver, but without any built-in amplification. Instead, the processor's output is fed to one or more separate power amplifiers, which handle the job of actually driving the speakers. This separation offers genuine advantages for more serious home cinema builds, since the processor's internal circuitry doesn't need to share space, power or heat management with amplification components.

This approach is particularly well suited to larger, more ambitious systems, where the ability to add or upgrade power amplifiers independently - matching them precisely to your speakers' power requirements - offers far greater long-term flexibility than an all-in-one receiver. Many AV processors also include more sophisticated room calibration and video processing than typical receivers, reflecting their positioning as a premium, dedicated component.

If you're building a serious home cinema room and want the flexibility to expand or upgrade amplification independently over time, an AV processor paired with dedicated power amplifiers offers a genuinely superior foundation compared with an all-in-one AV receiver.