Full blown AVR for 2.1 listening?

RochRx7

RochRx7

Enthusiast
I've got a pair of unused Chane A5rx-c's sitting around..

I'm going to be doing strictly 2.1 listening (with occasional movie use)

My open/diagonally-ceiling living room is horrible for acoustics and I have tile everywhere. Would I be better off using an AVR with auto eq (Audyssey XT32 for example) rather than a dedicated 2.1 stereo amplifier?
 
Swerd

Swerd

Audioholic Warlord
Welcome to AH!

Yes, you'll be better off choosing a modern AVR for your 2.1 system. You get more for your $ because they sell more AVRs than stereo systems, better economy of scale. All the new R&D in audio processing goes into those AVRs. All AVRs have capable digital bass management options. Many stereo systems don't. The state-of-the-art for stereo systems hasn't changed for 30 years or more and if they change at all, they are only catching up to what already is available in AVRs. Although many might claim otherwise, there is no sound quality benefit to using stereo systems, whether they are stereo receivers, integrated amplifiers, or separate preamps and amps.

I don't know what power requirements of your Chane speakers might have, but they don't seem like they need more than most AVRs can deliver.

The only suggestion I can make is to choose an AVR that has preamp output RCA jacks. That will allow you to add more power in the future by buying a separate amplifier, instead of buying a another AVR. That way, you can use your AVR as a preamp.

By "open/diagonally-ceiling" do you mean that your living room's ceiling is vaulted? A ceiling that isn't parallel to the floor can be an acoustic advantage. However, you'll probably hear lively reflections from those tile floors. Area rugs and furniture can help a lot.
 
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AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
I would get a MCH AVR over a Stereo receiver 100% of the time even for 2.0/2.1 music listening.

Less isn't always more. :D
 
RochRx7

RochRx7

Enthusiast
Welcome to AH!

Yes, you'll be better off choosing a modern AVR for your 2.1 system. You get more for your $ because they sell more AVRs than stereo systems, better economy of scale. All the new R&D in audio processing goes into those AVRs. All AVRs have capable digital bass management options. Many stereo systems don't. The state-of-the-art for stereo systems hasn't changed for 30 years or more and if they change at all, they are only catching up to what already is available in AVRs. Although many might claim otherwise, there is no sound quality benefit to using stereo systems, whether they are stereo receivers, integrated amplifiers, or separate preamps and amps.

I don't know what power requirements of your Chane speakers might have, but they don't seem like they need more than most AVRs can deliver.

The only suggestion I can make is to choose an AVR that has preamp output RCA jacks. That will allow you to add more power in the future by buying a separate amplifier, instead of buying a another AVR. That way, you can use your AVR as a preamp.

By "open/diagonally-ceiling" do you mean that your living room's ceiling is vaulted? A ceiling that isn't parallel to the floor can be an acoustic advantage. However, you'll probably hear lively reflections from those tile floors. Area rugs and furniture can help a lot.
Thanks for the response Swerd, that's exactly the insight I was looking for.. I ended up snagging a Denon X4100W over the weekend (coming in tomorrow).. I can't wait.

I'm not home to take a pic but the below is similar to what my listening space's ceiling will look like.




Again, thanks for the feedback man.. it helped a ton in my decision.
 
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