Is 7.2.4 worth it?

[Bkp09]

Originally I was thinking of buying RX-A2070 and configuring 5.2.4 for my 3500 cubic feet fully closed home theater. The setup will be used 90% for movies. Now, I think I can easily get 2 extra decent in wall surround speakers for cheap. However, I’ll need either RX-A3070 or AVR-X4400H plus an extra 2 channel amplifier. This is where it will stretch my budget but am very interested in knowing your thoughts if it will be worth it to have 7.2.4 with spending 800 extra bucks?

Also, is there any other 11.2 receiver that I can use instead of 3070 or 4400 in similar “extra” budget?

Thanks!

 

[2channel lover]

Originally I was thinking of buying RX-A2070 and configuring 5.2.4 for my 3500 cubic feet fully closed home theater. The setup will be used 90% for movies. Now, I think I can easily get 2 extra decent in wall surround speakers for cheap. However, I’ll need either RX-A3070 or AVR-X4400H plus an extra 2 channel amplifier. This is where it will stretch my budget but am very interested in knowing your thoughts if it will be worth it to have 7.2.4 with spending 800 extra bucks?

Also, is there any other 11.2 receiver that I can use instead of 3070 or 4400 in similar “extra” budget?

Thanks!

Probably not...unless you're a proactive type, I've not sure how much 7.2 atmos content is out there right now, but if it were me in your situation (dedicated HT, 90% movies, ample space for 7 ch) I would get the 11.2 processor, wire for 4 atmos speakers, install 2, and come back to it when I could get a 2 or 3 ch amp and the other pair of speakers to finish it off.

In the meantime your 5.2.2 system I think will suffice.

 

[mtrycrafts]

What is the actual room dimension, number of seats and how close to the image?

Yes, it may be worth it if you have a player that can do Atmos. But it appears that Atoms is mostly on the 4K stuff from here on out.

 

[Bkp09]

What is the actual room dimension, number of seats and how close to the image?

Yes, it may be worth it if you have a player that can do Atmos. But it appears that Atoms is mostly on the 4K stuff from here on out.

Room size is 17x23x9 feet. Sitting will be around 15-19 feet away from 150” projector screen. Planning to have 8 seats.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Room size is 17x23x9 feet. Sitting will be around 15-19 feet away from 150” projector screen. Planning to have 8 seats.

I would think that would beg for a 7.2.4 setup. That should be the goal.

 

[Farmdog]

I would think that would beg for a 7.2.4 setup. That should be the goal.

Agree. Anything less would be a disservice to that space.

My space is very similar at 16x24x9 with 120” AT screen. Currently 7.1 and upgrading next month to 7.2.4 if I can figure out how to get the rears out of the ceiling and at ear level.

 

[2channel lover]

I would think that would beg for a 7.2.4 setup. That should be the goal.

I agree...the space is ideal for 7 ch...and with it being a dedicated HT room, why not at least prep for the max?

Financially I think it becomes more "worth it", the more they use it. Atmos content is growing, but still lagging.

 

[snakeeyes]

5.2.4 might work good though if you do bipoles for sides. Then you have extra money for the best pair of subs to really make that theater fun! Good luck!

 

[panteragstk]

5.2.4 might work good though if you do bipoles for sides. Then you have extra money for the best pair of subs to really make that theater fun! Good luck!

Only problem is that Atmos calls for direct speakers (I forget the term) and not dipole.

If it were me (and I did) I'd go all out, but if you're going to skimp on channels the rear would be the first to go. 5.1.4 would sound awesome.

As for those saying there isn't that much Atmos content, there is. Tons actually. I've easily got 50 or so movies with Atmos. That and the new upmixer from Dolby is fantastic on "regular" 5.1/7.1 tracks. Even 2ch sounds awesome with the new upmixer.

I've got 7.4.4 in my theater and it's awesome. My room is much smaller too.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I’ll need either RX-A3070 or AVR-X4400H plus an extra 2 channel amplifier. This is where it will stretch my budget but am very interested in knowing your thoughts if it will be worth it to have 7.2.4 with spending 800 extra bucks?

Also, is there any other 11.2 receiver that I can use instead of 3070 or 4400 in similar “extra” budget?

Thanks!

Wait, the Yamaha 3070 is $2K. The Denon X4400 is often on sale for $799 brand new. Just keep an eye on Amazon, Fry's, Newegg, Electronics Expo.

 

[Farmdog]

Just bought a Denon X4400 and got it for $1200. That was cheapest I could find online and from dealers. Open box/used are still usually $999.

Not sure the X4400 ever legitimately gets to $799. $1299 is cheapest it's been over past 7 months on Amazon according to camelcamelcamel.

X4300 OTOH has been as low as $700 in the past 8 months. Not much difference from audio standpoint between the two. X4300 can still do 9.2 with 11 preouts.

 

[2channel lover]

As for those saying there isn't that much Atmos content, there is. Tons actually. I've easily got 50 or so movies with Atmos.

I've got 7.4.4 in my theater and it's awesome. My room is much smaller too.

That's a collection....I'm reading maybe there are roughly 150 Atmos titles out there. Whether that's accurate, or way off...we're probably still talking about a count in 3 digits and less than 500.

My wife would exhaust 150 titles in a few months...lol...her problem is she rarely ever watches them more than once so I can't invest in BR discs to satisfy her movie craving...I see where Netflix has or will have soon Atmos movies as part of there lineup...that would be ideal.

I'm sure it is awesome!!!

Given that you have so many...for a guy like me that only wants 10-15 or so to show off the system...what are some of your top titles?...I have 4 now I think.

 

[snakeeyes]

Yes monopole is recommended over dipole. Not sure bipole is also out or not but monopole is recommended for the most precise object based atmos. 7.2.4 is the best way for multiple rows of seating in large rooms of course.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Just bought a Denon X4400 and got it for $1200. That was cheapest I could find online and from dealers. Open box/used are still usually $999.

Not sure the X4400 ever legitimately gets to $799. $1299 is cheapest it's been over past 7 months on Amazon according to camelcamelcamel.

X4300 OTOH has been as low as $700 in the past 8 months. Not much difference from audio standpoint between the two. X4300 can still do 9.2 with 11 preouts.

Oh, yeah, if you've been following here on AH, it's almost a known fact that the Denon X4000 series will go on sale for $799 brand new from Amazon.

The X3000 series often go on sale for $599 on Amazon.

But you have to wait for the next year model to be released, which is probably this Summer (X4500). The X4400 was released in 2017.

But the sale goes on and off, so you have to be vigilant.

Another thing is to phone Electronics Expo and see if the sale person can make you a deal.

@DigitalDawn on this forum also.

 

[panteragstk]

That's a collection....I'm reading maybe there are roughly 150 Atmos titles out there. Whether that's accurate, or way off...we're probably still talking about a count in 3 digits and less than 500.

My wife would exhaust 150 titles in a few months...lol...her problem is she rarely ever watches them more than once so I can't invest in BR discs to satisfy her movie craving...I see where Netflix has or will have soon Atmos movies as part of there lineup...that would be ideal.

I'm sure it is awesome!!!

Given that you have so many...for a guy like me that only wants 10-15 or so to show off the system...what are some of your top titles?...I have 4 now I think.

I got Saving Private Ryan recently and it's pretty good. I also have Roger Waters The Wall and it's fantastic as well. I have a few others, but since I use the upmixer I haven't noticed any specific movies that stand out. With the way my room sounds the sound tends to just "be there" so it's fully enveloping unless the soundtrack is crappy. Haven't come across any like that yet.

I'm noticing more and more with movies I have that DON'T have an Atmos track that the credits show that the Atmos logo. So it is apparently more available than we think.

 

[panteragstk]

Oh, yeah, if you've been following here on AH, it's almost a known fact that the Denon X4000 series will go on sale for $799 brand new from Amazon.

The X3000 series often go on sale for $599 on Amazon.

But you have to wait for the next year model to be released, which is probably this Summer (X4500). The X4400 was released in 2017.

But the sale goes on and off, so you have to be vigilant.

Another thing is to phone Electronics Expo and see if the sale person can make you a deal.

@DigitalDawn is a dealer here that you can also work with. I got my x4300h from her and she was great to deal with.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

@DigitalDawn is a dealer here that you can also work with. I got my x4300h from her and she was great to deal with.

You got the X4300 from her for $799?

 

[panteragstk]

You got the X4300 from her for $799?

I've seen her advertise many different prices. I would just ask her and see what she says.

 

[2channel lover]

I got Saving Private Ryan recently and it's pretty good. I also have Roger Waters The Wall and it's fantastic as well. I have a few others, but since I use the upmixer I haven't noticed any specific movies that stand out. With the way my room sounds the sound tends to just "be there" so it's fully enveloping unless the soundtrack is crappy. Haven't come across any like that yet.

I'm noticing more and more with movies I have that DON'T have an Atmos track that the credits show that the Atmos logo. So it is apparently more available than we think.

Noted.

I'm drawing a blank on the few I have, but Keanu Reeves, John Wick is one...Another has a bunch of earthquakes...as you can probably tell movies are not my strong suit. I'll start to pay more attention once her movie sources pick up more Atmos titles.

 

[Randy Hess]

Originally I was thinking of buying RX-A2070 and configuring 5.2.4 for my 3500 cubic feet fully closed home theater. The setup will be used 90% for movies. Now, I think I can easily get 2 extra decent in wall surround speakers for cheap. However, I’ll need either RX-A3070 or AVR-X4400H plus an extra 2 channel amplifier. This is where it will stretch my budget but am very interested in knowing your thoughts if it will be worth it to have 7.2.4 with spending 800 extra bucks?

Also, is there any other 11.2 receiver that I can use instead of 3070 or 4400 in similar “extra” budget?

Thanks!

Check out the Pioneer Elite series for reasonably priced 11.2