New Receiver Advice

[Juddthejuice]

Hello all! First time posting, so forgive me as I'm sure this could lead to a black hole.

My current set up is an Onkyo TX-RZ830 receiver, Bowers and Wilkins HTM6 center, B&W 606 Front speakers, 607 rears and a Klipsch sub.

I was looking at upgrading my Onkyo. This might sound silly, but I really want my receiver to drive clarity, and I don't feel like it does. I want Darth Vader's voice to sound menacing...I want Kylo Ren's voice sound whiny yet menacing.

And overall, I just want to feel like I'm in the movie. My current receiver sometimes feels like it is lacking.

I was looking at the Yamaha A1080 or 2080. That's based solely on Crutchfield and Best Buy magnolia. I'm wondering your guys thoughts.

Thanks! Sorry if it is too broad.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If I ever sell my Denon AVR-5308 (original MSRP $5,500), I would replace it with a Yamaha RX-A AVR.

But I don't think the sound quality in Direct Modes (Straight, without any kind of EQ) will be any different than a Denon, Marantz, Sony, Onkyo, etc.

 

[Juddthejuice]

Can I ask about direct modes? Currently, I think I have my Onkyo set up to THX Cinema, as it sounds better than the other modes.

I have it attached to my Samsung Q90R via earc. Would direct be the best option or me?

Mind if I ask why you'd replace with Yamaha? Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Can I ask about direct modes? Currently, I think I have my Onkyo set up to THX Cinema, as it sounds better than the other modes.

I have it attached to my Samsung Q90R via earc. Would direct be the best option or me?

Mind if I ask why you'd replace with Yamaha? Thanks!

I basically use 2 modes in my Yamaha:
1. Straight (for Atmos, DTSX)
2. Surround Sound for everything else - DTS NeuralX (99% of the time) or Dolby Surround (1% of the time). If the Dolby Atmos track sucks, then I will also use NeuralX.

So you should use whatever sounds the BEST to YOU.

There are threads debating Yamaha vs Denon/Marantz and other brands. But the main 2 reasons I have sold all my Denon's (the AVR-5308 is the last of the Mohicans ) and would replace with only Yamaha are:

1. Reliability (debatable, of course)
2. Compatibility (WiFi remotes, WiFi Streaming, HDMI)

I'm sure everyone realizes that everyone has a different experience throughout their years. This is just mine.

But it would be nice if Yamaha could sell their products at 50% OFF like Denon.

I don't know how Yamaha or any other brands can compete with Denon when Denon keep on selling their previous models at discounts of about 50%.

 

[XTex]

Just a general question, but have you looked into any placement and/or room treatment options to gain what you're looking for?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Just a general question, but have you looked into any placement and/or room treatment options to gain what you're looking for?

Before putting any panels on the walls I would get the $90 UMIK-1 mic and do REW measurements of the room/speakers to see if they need treatments.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd upgrade the sub before the receiver. Speakers next, possibly looking at room placement/treatment. AVR not so much.

 

[snakeeyes]

It might be worth looking at a better center if you have tried everything else. Did you try setting to small and raising the crossover to 100hz or 110hz?

What size sub is that Klipsch? How big is the room?

 

[afterlife2]

I agree change your Center(Look into another BW one. If sold on amazon even better if you need to return) and Subwoofer. That Onkyo is a good high tier reciever.

 

[2channel lover]

Hello all! First time posting, so forgive me as I'm sure this could lead to a black hole.

My current set up is an Onkyo TX-RZ830 receiver, Bowers and Wilkins HTM6 center, B&W 606 Front speakers, 607 rears and a Klipsch sub.

I was looking at upgrading my Onkyo. This might sound silly, but I really want my receiver to drive clarity, and I don't feel like it does. I want Darth Vader's voice to sound menacing...I want Kylo Ren's voice sound whiny yet menacing.

And overall, I just want to feel like I'm in the movie. My current receiver sometimes feels like it is lacking.

I was looking at the Yamaha A1080 or 2080. That's based solely on Crutchfield and Best Buy magnolia. I'm wondering your guys thoughts.

Thanks! Sorry if it is too broad.

The AVR you have is THX rated, unless the room is enormous the Onk is not your problem....I agree with beefing up the sub 1st...I love the balance of 2 subs and the pricing is not prohibitive if you're looking to upgrade a $1k AVR.

Some B&W lines can be tougher to drive...87dB sensitivity rating for your speaker is not terrible, but obviously it's not delivering what you want to experience. To get what you want...I like the CC upgrade as well, but the truly upgrade B&W (I'm a 20+ yr owner of 800 series) CCs can be pricey but you can find them on ebay....upgrade meaning HTM4, probably the HTM3 if it's a larger room.

FWIW...this would be the last money I spend, but if you did want to beef up the Onk, it has pre-outs...add 3 outlaw 2200s, 200wpc mono blocks across the front 3, Use your AVR to power the surrounds...you'd have a topshelf power/control setup.