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The Daily Insight

Are amplifiers and receivers the same?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Published Apr 23, 2026

Are amplifiers and receivers the same?

An amplifier is just a device that takes an audio signal and amplifies it so that your speakers can use it to play the audio. A receiver has an amplifier in it, but has extra functionalities such as a tuner, preamp, radio, input selection, volume controls, and more.

How does a speaker selector work in a receiver?

A speaker selector sits between your receiver and speakers and splits the audio signal to all the speakers. Speaker selectors are very straight forward devices. As you can see from the diagram below, you simply connect the speaker output terminals from your receiver (usually Zone 2 or assignable back channels) or amplifier to the speaker selector.

How are speaker selectors with volume control work?

Speaker Selectors with volume control With traditional speaker selectors, all they do is send along the same audio signal and volume level to all speakers. That means that all the speakers will be controlled by the master volume on the receiver. If you lower the volume on the receiver, then all the speakers will be lowered together.

How many speakers can I connect with a selector?

Most speaker selectors will allow you to connect between two and six sets of speakers. The Niles SSVC-6 speaker selector allows you to connect up to six pairs of speakers and independently control the volume of each pair How Does a Speaker Selector Work?

Can a speaker selector be used with a tube amp?

The speaker selector’s user manual should detail for you any specific recommendations about using tube amps with a speaker selector. If using a tube amp, follow the specific instructions by the manufacturer since tube amps must usually have a load connected at all times.

A speaker selector sits between your receiver and speakers and splits the audio signal to all the speakers. Speaker selectors are very straight forward devices. As you can see from the diagram below, you simply connect the speaker output terminals from your receiver (usually Zone 2 or assignable back channels) or amplifier to the speaker selector.

When did stereo / home audio parts spares replacement electronics?

Purveyors of Electronic, Musical and Vintage goods from then, now and in between. Since 1982. Stereo / Home Audio parts spares replacement electronic parts.

Speaker Selectors with volume control With traditional speaker selectors, all they do is send along the same audio signal and volume level to all speakers. That means that all the speakers will be controlled by the master volume on the receiver. If you lower the volume on the receiver, then all the speakers will be lowered together.

The speaker selector’s user manual should detail for you any specific recommendations about using tube amps with a speaker selector. If using a tube amp, follow the specific instructions by the manufacturer since tube amps must usually have a load connected at all times.