Hi - new to this forum, so thank you in advance for the help.
I just moved into a new-to-me house which has a dedicated media room. My current AVR (Intergra) is on its last legs - Zone 2 won't work and 3 inputs are fried (likely due to massive lightening strike 2 years ago - even while on surge protector).
Room specs:
-14x14 (9ft ceilings)
-4 ceiling speakers installed at each corner
-Zone 2 output to amp in basement that powers 8 pairs of speakers (indoor and outdoor)
My use of AVR:
-Media room for TV/Movies
-Streaming music from multiple sources (I don't need Apple Airplay, but could use it)
-Zone 2 for audio to the 8 pairs of speakers
-Potential future Zone 2 video output to family room on adjoining wall (50/50 chance this will happen)
Speakers:
-4 ceiling speakers installed in media room (unknown brand, haven't had chance to pop off cover and traveling for the next week)
-Klipsch RF-42 floor stands
-Klipsch RF-42 surround
-Klipsch RF-42 center
Budget:
$500 - $1000
Issue/question:
1. I've typically only had 5.0 surround. Is 7.1 that much better?
2. Is Dolby Atmos really worth it? I could use ceiling speakers as either 5.1.2/5.1.4 or 7.1.2/7.1.4 and not have to purchase any additional speakers. The 7.1.2 or 7.1.4 would require a more expensive AVR.
Here is what I'm looking at:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580TXN838/Onkyo-TX-NR838.html
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580TXN737/Onkyo-TX-NR737.html
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX3100/Denon-AVR-X3100W-IN-Command.html?search=denon_3100&skipvs=T
Any thoughts on Onkyo vs. Denon and is it worth trying to incorporate the ceiling speakers using Dolby Atmos? If not, then I would just use the rear ceiling speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 setup (if Zone 2 is not powered).