Need help pairing AVR with SVS

[syberman]

Hello everyone,
Hope all is well. I am searching for a AVR for my SVS Ultra speakers. I have 2 Ultra towers, Ultra center and 4 Ultra surround. My newest addition was the HSU 15” sub. I currently have a pioneer elite sc-35 avr. It does it’s job but I’m thinking there has to be something better that what I currently have. I do want my new avr to have 4K. I’ve been looking at Marantz, Denon a little on Yamaha.
It gets really confusing with all the differences that all 3 I mentioned have. Ultimately, I want a powerful avr that has ample power for my current setup. If anyone has any thoughts, please pass it along here. I appreciate everyone’s input, thank you.

syber

 

[lovinthehd]

You're only going to get so much amp section from an avr, but the upper end of the ranges tend to have the better ones, but overall the differences among avrs is still within 1-2dB generally. That's where an avr with pre-outs comes in handy, so you can use external amps as needed. I think Audyssey XT32/SubEQ works better for subs particularly (especially using the Audyssey Editor app and maybe Ratbuddyssey) but haven't tried YPAO's versions at all....just going on various reports I've read from use. Might use an spl calculator to help estimate amp needs http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html.

Also, there are ways to work around the Pioneer for 4k like players with dual outputs....especially if the Pioneer works for you otherwise, that Pioneer is up there in terms of powerful avr amp sections.

What's your budget, tho?

 

[syberman]

Thanks for the reply. I’m not a fan of Yamaha and I don’t know why, I’ve never owned it. My budget is 2-3k, maybe more if the unit is “future proof” I’ve heard many good things about denon and marantz, Yamaha too.

syber

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the reply. I’m not a fan of Yamaha and I don’t know why, I’ve never owned it. My budget is 2-3k, maybe more if the unit is “future proof” I’ve heard many good things about denon and marantz, Yamaha too.

syber

They may have some competition from Onkyo/Pioneer with the Dirac-enabled avrs that are coming up, too....depending on how that all shakes out with distribution etc....

 

[syberman]

I've had a Onkyo AVR in the past, I can't say it was a pleasant experience. I'm looking for a mid to high end avr that is capable of 4k and has power to drive my current setup.

Syber

 

[Pogre]

Ah, a man after my own heart! I had almost the same setup for quite a while and I loved my Ultra speakers. I eventually did get a separate amp for my front stage but didn't notice any major differences as far as sound quality. My avr (SR6011) did a pretty damned good job with the towers by itself when I had to send my amp in for repair/replacement. For me Audyssey MultEQ XT32 did a lot to help with fr, but always had trouble with mid bass with the towers full range. Those towers can be fussy about placement.

What are you missing right now? A different avr or more power in and of itself won't offer much, but good/better room correction can help.

 

[mx416]

Hi Syberman, I have the same front three and have ran them off a x4300h for a couple years. For me I have been pleased with the results. I will say the biggest bang for the buck for me with the x4300h was getting Audyssey with sub eq. IMO with mid-high level AVRs its more about the EQ software and how you plan to use it.

The only things to make sure is you get an AVR with pre-outs and EQ’ing for dual subs.

good luck!

 

[Teetertotter?]

Denon or Yamaha

 

[lovinthehd]

I've had a Onkyo AVR in the past, I can't say it was a pleasant experience. I'm looking for a mid to high end avr that is capable of 4k and has power to drive my current setup.

Syber

What happened particularly? Did you get one with the hdmi/network board issue from 2009-12? I also have one from this time period but it was fixed and has been running better since (runs cooler now). My Onkyo was from before they axed Audyssey, too. Their financial troubles with the Gibson ownership of Onkyo USA seem to be behind them somewhat, and now with the new distributor in the US we'll see how it shakes out, but adding Dirac could be a game changer....

 

[syberman]

I had a older Onyko, it was definitely before the 2009 model. I purchased a Bose 5.1 that was hooked up to the Onkyo in the store. I heard it and I was hooked. The sound was great and I told the salesman I want this exact setup. I purchased it and bought it home but I never got the same sound. I went back to the store the next day and I clearly remember the same salesperson say they have no clue on what the settings are, they had people to setup and configure. I asked to talk to the person but I was SOL.

I used that setup for quite some time but I wasn’t happy. Fast forward to now, I’m happy with my setup but I’m looking for something better than my current Pioneer Elite SC-35.

syber

 

[lovinthehd]

I had a older Onyko, it was definitely before the 2009 model. I purchased a Bose 5.1 that was hooked up to the Onkyo in the store. I heard it and I was hooked. The sound was great and I told the salesman I want this exact setup. I purchased it and bought it home but I never got the same sound. I went back to the store the next day and I clearly remember the same salesperson say they have no clue on what the settings are, they had people to setup and configure. I asked to talk to the person but I was SOL.

I used that setup for quite some time but I wasn’t happy. Fast forward to now, I’m happy with my setup but I’m looking for something better than my current Pioneer Elite SC-35.

syber

Much more likely the issue at that time was the crap Bose stuff! LOL a Bose with a real "sub", now that's funny. I wouldn't write Onkyo off on that experience in any case.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Much more likely the issue at that time was the crap Bose stuff! LOL a Bose with a real "sub", now that's funny. I wouldn't write Onkyo off on that experience in any case.

YeH. I’ve used a few Onkyos and I’d have to agree. The disappointment would be in the Bose, not the Onkyo.

 

[Pogre]

I had a older Onyko, it was definitely before the 2009 model. I purchased a Bose 5.1 that was hooked up to the Onkyo in the store. I heard it and I was hooked. The sound was great and I told the salesman I want this exact setup. I purchased it and bought it home but I never got the same sound. I went back to the store the next day and I clearly remember the same salesperson say they have no clue on what the settings are, they had people to setup and configure. I asked to talk to the person but I was SOL.

I used that setup for quite some time but I wasn’t happy. Fast forward to now, I’m happy with my setup but I’m looking for something better than my current Pioneer Elite SC-35.

syber

Define "better"? Newer electronics will get you current, which could be viewed as better, but your sq isn't likely to change. You gotta switch gears and look at speakers and subs if you want a sq upgrade.

 

[syberman]

I’m not looking to upgrade my speakers, I’m happy with them. I’m looking for “better” in terms of 4K or 8k hdmi, Bluetooth connectivity, the user can download and upgrade when possible, more power than what I currently have.

syber

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I’m not looking to upgrade my speakers, I’m happy with them. I’m looking for “better” in terms of 4K or 8k hdmi, Bluetooth connectivity, the user can download and upgrade when possible, more power than what I currently have.

syber

Extra connectivity makes sense. More power won’t be able to be utilized as the speakers will be a bottleneck.

 

[Pogre]

I’m not looking to upgrade my speakers, I’m happy with them. I’m looking for “better” in terms of 4K or 8k hdmi, Bluetooth connectivity, the user can download and upgrade when possible, more power than what I currently have.

syber

Well, I brought it up because a portion of your post talks about being dissatisfied with the sound quality. Plus your post I quoted talks about Bose speakers...

So I scrolled back to the top and see you have Ultra speakers now, lol. Those are really nice speakers and a favorite of mine so you're in pretty good shape now. My bad for skimming.

I'm a Denon/Marantz guy. I found some good deals yesterday at AC4L for a Denon X3600 for $899 and Marantz SR6014 for $999. They're previous year's models but still plenty current for pretty much everything. Both offer preouts for adding an amp if that's something you'd consider and Audyssey XT32 for room correction, which works wonders for me in my room. I think those models are right in the sweet spot between price and performance. The higher tier models have a li'l more bling and a touch more power, but not enough for me to justify the jump in price.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Extra connectivity makes sense. More power won’t be able to be utilized as the speakers will be a bottleneck.

Well, I’m fired. I did the same as @Pogre. Missed the part about the ultras!!!
Oopsies...

 

[Pogre]

Well, I’m fired. I did the same as @Pogre. Missed the part about the ultras!!!
Oopsies...

It's even in the title!!

Our BDS (Bose Derangement Syndrome) kicked in and we temporarily couldn't read!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

It's even in the title!!

Our BDS (Bose Derangement Syndrome) kicked in and we temporarily couldn't read!

Yeah, feeling pretty dumb ATM...
oh well. Can at least admit I dumm fukked it.

 

[Trell]

It's even in the title!!

Our BDS (Bose Derangement Syndrome) kicked in and we temporarily couldn't read!

In the SteamVent forum BDS is an acronym for Biden Derangement Syndrome