Building a new home theater set up and trying to decide on a receiver. I have previously used the Yamaha RX-A6A and really enjoyed the functionality it offers. 8k HDMI, HDR support, PEQ with 7 bands per channel and 4 bands per sub output, Musicast app, the web interface and network command capabilities. However I have discovered the limiters they put in place on output power and realized that at 7 channels driven it is limiting me in the mid 50 watts per channel.
Looking for something that can provide similar functionality and more power per channel in the $2-2500k range. I will be driving a 7.2.2 system with SVS Ultra Towers and center, dual PB-2000 Pros, and Prime Satellite and Elevation speakers for surround and height channels. The PB-2000 pros already have the built in DSP with a 3 band EQ per sub. Focus is movie watching and I do generally listen at fairly loud levels. Stuck between the Denon AVR x4800h or the Onkyo TX-RZ70 which are both on sale currently for $1,870 and $2,061 respectively which are great deals on both. I’ve also seen the Sony AZ5000ES that is intriguing and in the same price range.
Onkyo provides considerably more power (133 watts at 7 channels), supports Dirac, but lacks true PEQ capabilities. The Denon offers both Audyssey and Dirac with better EQ capabilities, but slightly less power output (low 100s at 7 channels). The Sony is getting great reviews for its surround reproduction.
Any input on these options? Obviously I could go with an AVR and add an external amp on top, but the A6A is currently $2,500 compared to these two higher powered AVRs that are currently cheaper.