Receiver help for upgrade to home theater

[Sizmic]

Hi all. Would appreciate your wisdom in helping me choose a new AV receiver for my home theater setup. I have recently finished my basement and installed a LG 77" Class - C1 Series - 4K UHD OLED TV. Speakers include a pair of floor-standing Monitor Audio RS8's, center channel Monitor Audio RSCLR, surrounds Monitor Audio RSFX, and a Monitor Audio RSW-12 for the sub. I am looking for an upgrade from my Onkyo TX SR705 that will handle today's latest music & video formats. Would like something powerful enough to drive this 5.1 speaker setup for outstanding movie watching and music listening. Thanks!

 

[-Jim-]

Hi @Sizmic,

You speakers are reasonably efficient with a nominal 6 ohm impedance, so there's a lot of AVRs that could fit this application. I'm assuming your present receiver plays them loud enough for you. If so then it really boils down to defining features you want.

Are you looking to move into Dolby Atmos, and if so hopefully you've pre-wired for it?

What sources are you planning on using (Blu-ray, TV, Cable Box, Satellite, Streaming, CDs, Gaming Console, Phono / Vinyl, etc.?)

What budget do you have for the new AVR?

Please advise and then we can narrow down the field.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[Sizmic]

Appreciate the response Jim.
Present receiver does provide enough sound levels. Definitely do not want to downgrade.

I am not up to date on Dolby Atmos. I would like to reproduce the latest and greatest sound formats, but do not want to spend any more money for speakers. Keeping with my 5.1 system. Plus my basement has a low ceiling of around 7ft.

I would like to keep around a $1k budget.

Mostly, sound sources will come from streaming apps on TV. Will have an Xbox and Wii connected for gaming and occasional blu ray movies. And then a CD player will fulfill my music needs.

 

[-Jim-]

Appreciate the response Jim.
Present receiver does provide enough sound levels. Definitely do not want to downgrade.

I am not up to date on Dolby Atmos. I would like to reproduce the latest and greatest sound formats, but do not want to spend any more money for speakers. Keeping with my 5.1 system. Plus my basement has a low ceiling of around 7ft.

I would like to keep around a $1k budget.

Mostly, sound sources will come from streaming apps on TV. Will have an Xbox and Wii connected for gaming and occasional blu ray movies. And then a CD player will fulfill my music needs.

There's a contradiction in your statement "I would like to reproduce the latest and greatest sound formats, but do not want to spend any more money for speakers". Immersive Audio is the latest sound formats and would require in ceiling speakers for optimal performance. (And you don't have to break the bank for them either.)

But I understand the desire to stay with 5.1, it's just that current 5.1 AVRs are usually just entry level these days and lack better amplifiers and features (like better Audyssey, video processing, etc., for example). Your current AVR spec'd itself at 100 W + 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 THD) with 2 channels driven. In those days (as was common) they didn't give anything with all channels driven but you would be happy meeting that same spec today. I suggest going for an AVR that hits your $1,000 budget.

I forgot to ask where you live as geography will impact what's available for $1,000. Also, is there a particular preference or brand you want to avoid?

 

[Kingnoob]

There's a contradiction in your statement "I would like to reproduce the latest and greatest sound formats, but do not want to spend any more money for speakers". Immersive Audio is the latest sound formats and would require in ceiling speakers for optimal performance. (And you don't have to break the bank for them either.)

But I understand the desire to stay with 5.1, it's just that current 5.1 AVRs are usually just entry level these days and lack better amplifiers and features (like better Audyssey, video processing, etc., for example). Your current AVR spec'd itself at 100 W + 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08 THD) with 2 channels driven. In those days (as was common) they didn't give anything with all channels driven but you would be happy meeting that same spec today. I suggest going for an AVR that hits your $1,000 budget.

I forgot to ask where you live as geography will impact what's available for $1,000. Also, is there a particular preference or brand you want to avoid?

Very true it seems prices have doubled or tripled, I don’t have Atmos. But ℹ I certainly wouldn’t go rock bottom with the avr even running 5.1 get something quality.

 

[-Jim-]

@Sizmic
Where (country) do you live as geography will impact what's available for $1,000. Also, is there a particular preference or brand you want to avoid?

 

[Kingnoob]

Okay, but where you live as geography will impact what's available for $1,000. Also, is there a particular preference or brand you want to avoid?

I’m not the op, lol I was just stating prices went up. I’d probably upgrade my tv stand first if I do anything. Oops I quoted you not the op. Although a cheap av fan might help Not sure if onkyo needs it or not it’s not running hot .

 

[Sizmic]

I live around Chicago.
Maybe I am over thinking it, but I fear adding speakers that may not match the sound coming from my current setup. Installing ceiling speakers would be easy to do with the drop down ceiling. I guess this could be a future option.
I have only owned Sony and Onkyo receivers...so I haven't experienced any brand bias. I am open to any reputable brand.

 

[rsharp]

I'm in a similar situation. I currently have a 5.1 setup with HD sources. Getting a new 4K TV and will be adding a 4K Blu-ray player and finally update to a new receiver this March (waiting for the release of the Marantz Cinema 40).

In terms of audio, I plan to stay with the 5.1 setup and try out the Dolby Atmos virtualization for starters. At most, the room can be upated to 5.1.4. And if add the height speakers, they'd be in-ceiling. However, that would be a substantial cost. So I'm going to wait until I hear the differences when virtualization is on/off.

 

[-Jim-]

I suggest you look at Accessories4less and focus on Denon AVRs with a 3 year warranty. The AVR-X4700 at $1250 shipped is just beyond your reach but it's a great deal for such a well featured AVR. It is Factory refurbished but with a 3 year warranty I'd go for it. You can add Atmos speakers later as your budget allow. They are "effects" speakers and add to the ear (bed) level and are not where you focus 95% of the time.

 

[lovinthehd]

I live around Chicago.
Maybe I am over thinking it, but I fear adding speakers that may not match the sound coming from my current setup. Installing ceiling speakers would be easy to do with the drop down ceiling. I guess this could be a future option.
I have only owned Sony and Onkyo receivers...so I haven't experienced any brand bias. I am open to any reputable brand.

Most of the matching to worry about would be in the front three....surrounds not so much....maybe a concern if multich music is a priority, then I'd prefer the main 5 matched but not critical. Atmos would be the least of my concerns on matching. Subs need not match at all.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Most of the matching to worry about would be in the front three....surrounds not so much....maybe a concern if multich music is a priority, then I'd prefer the main 5 matched but not critical. Atmos would be the least of my concerns on matching. Subs need not match at all.

I would think even with music surround levels are ambiance unlike the front three.

 

[mtrycrafts]

,,, Getting a new 4K TV and will be adding a 4K Blu-ray player and finally update to a new receiver this March (waiting for the release of the Marantz Cinema 40).
...

How large of a TV?

 

[Sizmic]

I have a 77" TV.

What kind of performance degrade will I see from switching from my current amp, which is biwired to the mains, to a Denon AVC-X4700H?

Now you guys got me thinking about ceiling speakers. I do not have room behind couch for ceiling speakers, but can put right above. I assume 2, in the middle of the room, will give me some nice dynamics? Or, go with 4 even though directly above couch?

 

[Kingnoob]

I have a 77" TV.

What kind of performance degrade will I see from switching from my current amp, which is biwired to the mains, to a Denon AVC-X4700H?

Now you guys got me thinking about ceiling speakers. I do not have room behind couch for ceiling speakers, but can put right above. I assume 2, in the middle of the room, will give me some nice dynamics? Or, go with 4 even though directly above couch?

probably won’t lose anything.
Wow nice, I always wondered how anyone transports those TVs over 55” after unboxing. I may Eventually have to move an unused one to replace my 40” unfortunately it has no hdr.
77” So massive it would be wall to wall here almost too large , I can’t fit anything that big I’m using a tiny 40” right now.

 

[lovinthehd]

I would think even with music surround levels are ambiance unlike the front three.

Somewhat depends on the mix/recording.

 

[-Jim-]

I have a 77" TV.

What kind of performance degrade will I see from switching from my current amp, which is biwired to the mains, to a Denon AVC-X4700H?

Now you guys got me thinking about ceiling speakers. I do not have room behind couch for ceiling speakers, but can put right above. I assume 2, in the middle of the room, will give me some nice dynamics? Or, go with 4 even though directly above couch?

I'm surprised to hear that you think going to the X4700H that you would see the performance degrade. Not in my opinion. This is a very decent receiver.

Almost all folks here do not see any benefit to Bi-wiring / Bi-amping. The Denon can do it if you want, but I don't see it doing anything much with your speakers. Check it out here: Denon AVR-X4700h Bi-amp

The most effective Atmos setup does have pairs of in ceiling speakers so you can get left to right and back to front panning for the effects. If the rear pair of speakers are directly above it will limit it somewhat but I guess it's better than not having them. I'd probably move my seating if possible, but that's down the road.

But if you want to look at recomended layouts look at the dolby atmos installation guide

I hope this is helpful.

 

[lovinthehd]

I have a 77" TV.

What kind of performance degrade will I see from switching from my current amp, which is biwired to the mains, to a Denon AVC-X4700H?

Now you guys got me thinking about ceiling speakers. I do not have room behind couch for ceiling speakers, but can put right above. I assume 2, in the middle of the room, will give me some nice dynamics? Or, go with 4 even though directly above couch?

Bi-wiring is rather meaningless unless maybe you're trying to use up some cabling that is a higher gauge for the length you need. Passive bi-amping with an avr isn't much either, more about marketing for the extra terminals on the speakers as well as for the avr. Check out this article on the subject https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

 

[Kingnoob]

Bi-wiring is rather meaningless unless maybe you're trying to use up some cabling that is a higher gauge for the length you need. Passive bi-amping with an avr isn't much either, more about marketing for the extra terminals on the speakers as well as for the avr. Check out this article on the subject https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

Why is it included in every avr It seems, such a useless feature does it do anything? Gimmick keeps coming..
I tried it saw no difference.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Why is it included in every avr It seems, such a useless feature does it do anything? Gimmick keeps coming..
I tried it saw no difference.

Simple. There is a market for it. It sells more.