An audio receiver is a crucial tool for any sound systems, often used interchangeably with terms such as AV amplifier, audio-video receiver, or stereo receiver. These synonyms refer to a device that can receive and process audio signals from various sources such as CD players, DVD players, or streaming services. Another alternative term is the home theater receiver, which often connects multiple audio and video sources and regulates the distribution of the signals between them. A surround sound receiver, meanwhile, is specifically designed to handle 5.1 or 7.1 audio channels for enhanced home theater experiences. In summary, these synonyms may differ in functionality or specialization, but they all refer to a vital component in a sound system.