If you’re new to home theater, the term AVR might sound a little mysterious. AVR stands for Audio/Video Receiver and it’s the heart of most modern home audio systems. An AVR is a single box that does it all: it switches between your sources (TV, game console, streamer), processes surround formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, amplifies the signal for your speakers, and passes through clean 4K video. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for your living room.

That’s why AVRs are such a great starting point for both casual listeners and serious movie fans. Emotiva’s BasX MR1 and MR1L receivers deliver true audiophile-grade performance in one chassis. They combine robust Class A/B amplification with a modern 13.2-channel processor, support for Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X™, HDR/Dolby Vision, eARC, our EmoQ room correction, and more. In short: you get cinema-quality sound, modern video support, and an easy upgrade path.

Here’s the best part: quality receivers like the MR1/MR1L include a full set of preamp outputs. When you’re ready for even more headroom, control, and impact, you can add a dedicated power amplifier—letting the receiver handle the brains while the amp takes over the heavy lifting. It’s like putting a turbocharger on an already capable sports car.

How Many Channels Should You Upgrade?

• Surround Sound Enthusiasts: If your system is all about immersive movies, power all your speakers with a multichannel amp like the BasX A7+ and XPA-9.
• Stereo or Front-Pair Upgrades: If stereo listening is your passion, or your front speakers do most of the heavy lifting, start with a 2-channel amp like the BasX A2+ or XPA-2.

Power Levels That Fit Your Room

More watts don’t automatically mean better sound. It’s about matching your room size, speaker efficiency, and listening habits. Even a modest upgrade from the BasX series can bring noticeable improvements in clarity, dynamics, and overall listening experience.

Best Value Upgrades in 2025

The BasX Series offers excellent sound quality, solid build, and great value:

• BasX A2+ – 160 W/ch into 8 Ω (250 W into 4 Ω), balanced XLR and RCA inputs, robust Class A/B design, and transparent protection circuitry.
• BasX A7+ – The same balanced-input upgrade with the ability to power seven channels. Perfect for full home theater setups.

Going All-In: XPA & XPA-DR Series

If you want high-end sound with room to grow, the XPA-2 and XPA-DR models are premium, modular choices:

• XPA-2 – Fixed 2-channel model delivering 300 Watts per channel into 8 Ω (600 into 4Ω).
• XPA-DR1 – Monoblock powerhouse with 650 Watts into 8 Ω (1,000 into 4Ω)—ideal for ultra-high-end stereo or single-channel use.
• XPA-DR2 – Two-channel, 550 Watts per channel into 8 Ω (800 into 4Ω)—perfect for demanding stereo setups.
• XPA-DR3 – Three-channel, 450 W per channel into 8 Ω (600 into 4Ω)—ideal for powering your front stage in a surround system.

All XPA and XPA-DR amps are modular, offer both balanced and unbalanced inputs, and can be expanded as your system evolves.

Quick Reference: Choosing Your Upgrade

Resources & Further Reading

• Finding the Right Amp: BasX vs. XPA
• How Much Power Do You Need?
• BasX A2+ Stereo Amplifier
• BasX A7+ Seven-Channel Amplifier
• XPA Amplifiers
• Emotiva Receivers

Starting with an AVR is a smart, flexible choice. But when you’re ready to upgrade, adding a dedicated amplifier is one of the biggest leaps you can make for sound quality. Whether you choose the budget-friendly BasX line or the modular, future-proof XPA series, you’re setting your system up for a richer, more dynamic audio experience.

Need help choosing? The Emotiva team is here to walk you through your options and build the perfect setup for your space.

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