7.2.4 Receiver With external 7 Channel Amp

[MMGK1]

Hello fellow audioholics!

I did a search in previous posts and came up with lots of different scenarios and some conflicting information.

Before I make final decisions that may be wrong, I was hoping someone with much more experience than me just reading past posts could help!

I have run in-wall wiring for a 7.2.4.
I currently have:
2 x SVS PC-12NSD
1 x Klipsch KL-6504 THX (Center)
6 x Klipsch KL-6502 THX
4 x Klipsch CDT-5650 CII
1 x Emotiva UPA-7

I was hoping to pair the components with a receiver that will help them reach their potential by allowing me to use the UPA-7 to run the 7 mains And use internal receiver amps only for the Atmos.

From research, in minimizing cost for receiver, since going for higher tier receivers would be effectively “useless”, ’ve come up with:
Denon 3600
Denon 3700
Denon 4500
Denon 4700

I know many don’t allow to disconnect the internal amps when using pre-outs which is where I become uncertain. I also would rather not “waste” 2 of the Emotiva channels on Atmos speakers but I fear I may be limited unless I go for more expensive Denon 6500/6700, and the reason I bought the Emotiva was to be able to drop below the 6

For reference, I’m in Canada. (Pricing and availability of stock, Since I would rather not play full list for a 6500 from Crutchfield and local stores are all out)

Thanks for your opinions, insight, and wisdom!

 

[VMPS-TIII]

Hello fellow audioholics!

I did a search in previous posts and came up with lots of different scenarios and some conflicting information.

Before I make final decisions that may be wrong, I was hoping someone with much more experience than me just reading past posts could help!

I have run in-wall wiring for a 7.2.4.
I currently have:
2 x SVS PC-12NSD
1 x Klipsch KL-6504 THX (Center)
6 x Klipsch KL-6502 THX
4 x Klipsch CDT-5650 CII
1 x Emotiva UPA-7

I was hoping to pair the components with a receiver that will help them reach their potential by allowing me to use the UPA-7 to run the 7 mains And use internal receiver amps only for the Atmos.

From research, in minimizing cost for receiver, since going for higher tier receivers would be effectively “useless”, ’ve come up with:
Denon 3600
Denon 3700
Denon 4500
Denon 4700

Crutchfield has the Denon 3600 on sale for $799 USD. That's a great deal. The only thing I would miss is Auro-3D. The problem is to move up to the 4700 is a big increase. To me Auro-3D is worth the difference. But for many who have not experienced it - it will not be.

Denon AVR-X3600H (2019 model)

9.2-channel home theater receiver with Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Apple® AirPlay® 2, and Amazon Alexa compatibility

www.crutchfield.com

 

[TLS Guy]

Hello fellow audioholics!

I did a search in previous posts and came up with lots of different scenarios and some conflicting information.

Before I make final decisions that may be wrong, I was hoping someone with much more experience than me just reading past posts could help!

I have run in-wall wiring for a 7.2.4.
I currently have:
2 x SVS PC-12NSD
1 x Klipsch KL-6504 THX (Center)
6 x Klipsch KL-6502 THX
4 x Klipsch CDT-5650 CII
1 x Emotiva UPA-7

I was hoping to pair the components with a receiver that will help them reach their potential by allowing me to use the UPA-7 to run the 7 mains And use internal receiver amps only for the Atmos.

From research, in minimizing cost for receiver, since going for higher tier receivers would be effectively “useless”, ’ve come up with:
Denon 3600
Denon 3700
Denon 4500
Denon 4700

I know many don’t allow to disconnect the internal amps when using pre-outs which is where I become uncertain. I also would rather not “waste” 2 of the Emotiva channels on Atmos speakers but I fear I may be limited unless I go for more expensive Denon 6500/6700, and the reason I bought the Emotiva was to be able to drop below the 6

For reference, I’m in Canada. (Pricing and availability of stock, Since I would rather not play full list for a 6500 from Crutchfield and local stores are all out)

Thanks for your opinions, insight, and wisdom!

First you might want to rethink your UPA-7. We have had complaints, including from Gene of very poor customer service. With the speakers you have chosen you might want to just use the receiver amps and see how you get on.

If you really are set on external amps, then do the job properly and get a pre/pro. It will be a much more robust and professional installation.

If you are going to go that route, then I would seriously consider using 19" rack mounted proamps and balanced connections. Either Crown or QSC. Then you will have a block buster "cast iron" system.

 

[MMGK1]

First you might want to rethink your UPA-7. We have had complaints, including from Gene of very poor customer service. With the speakers you have chosen you might want to just use the receiver amps and see how you get on.

If you really are set on external amps, then do the job properly and get a pre/pro. It will be a much more robust and professional installation.

If you are going to go that route, then I would seriously consider using 19" rack mounted proamps and balanced connections. Either Crown or QSC. Then you will have a block buster "cast iron" system.

Thanks TLS Guy!

The reason UPA-7 was chosen was because I figured I would need a 2ch Amp to be able to use 3-4000 series in a 11 ch set up.

I then came across a second hand UPA for 600 CAD (About 450USD), so with the positive reviews, I figured the value was there, whether I used 2,3,5, or all 7 of them in the UPA-7. I figured in any case, it would help take load off AVR on top of adding amps needed to complete set up.

 

[Kleinst]

Crutchfield has the Denon 3600 on sale for $799 USD. That's a great deal. The only thing I would miss is Auro-3D. The problem is to move up to the 4700 is a big increase. To me Auro-3D is worth the difference. But for many who have not experienced it - it will not be.

Denon AVR-X3600H (2019 model)

9.2-channel home theater receiver with Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Apple® AirPlay® 2, and Amazon Alexa compatibility

www.crutchfield.com

I got a 4700 a month or so back when Greentoe through authorized seller had them on deal for $1199 shipped no tax. So I felt ok about that. But the 3600 sounds like it would be a fantastic deal

Curious on the Auro-3D that you mention. In my one setup I have upfiring atmos. The dolby surround mix works well. Is Auro-3D only going to give the best benefit if you have height/ceiling or can it be effective with upfiring? My upstairs has ceiling and I love that but not an option downstairs and I got Elac upfiring for cheap used so I'm using them and they work OK.

Thanks for any input on Auro-3D

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks TLS Guy!

The reason UPA-7 was chosen was because I figured I would need a 2ch Amp to be able to use 3-4000 series in a 11 ch set up.

I then came across a second hand UPA for 600 CAD (About 450USD), so with the positive reviews, I figured the value was there, whether I used 2,3,5, or all 7 of them in the UPA-7. I figured in any case, it would help take load off AVR on top of adding amps needed to complete set up.

The problem is that if it gives trouble, and it seems they are prone to it, Emotiva will not service it for you. So you made a $600.00 CAD gamble.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

Curious on the Auro-3D that you mention. In my one setup I have upfiring atmos. The dolby surround mix works well. Is Auro-3D only going to give the best benefit if you have height/ceiling or can it be effective with upfiring? My upstairs has ceiling and I love that but not an option downstairs and I got Elac upfiring for cheap used so I'm using them and they work OK.

Thanks for any input on Auro-3D

Auro-3D is only available if height speakers are attached to the 4700. Either directly or via pre-outs. Once a pair or four height speakers are attached to the 4700 you can utilize Auro-3D. It sounds much better than the other 4700 DTS options to my ears.

Auro-3D also has control preferences on the 4700 that were not available on the 4500. These allow you to adjust the effect based on the size of the room and the amount of impact you desire from the height speakers. It's easy to set up. The speakers work best if they are mounted over 6' high but up facing speakers should work as well.