Need help selecting a new AVR

[moves]

I'm due to replace my Pioneer Elite AVR soon. I am looking for Atmos, 4k, and a strong DAC. I need prepouts fot my2 channel amp to power my mains... I currently run a minidsp for my 2 subs. A preout for my center channel would be nice as well.

I know about the X6800H Denon and the Marantz C30 but was wondering if there was something a bit less pricy.... I do have a nice system and speakers so I want something that will compliment the rest of what I have but don't want to spend 4k+ on an AVR.... thoughts?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

X4800 also nice and also built in Japan.

X3800 also nice, built in Vietnam.

Yamaha RX-A6A also nice. 5 YR warranty. But Room Correction not as good as Denon. PEQ is pretty nice.

 

[PENG]

I'm due to replace my Pioneer Elite AVR soon. I am looking for Atmos, 4k, and a strong DAC. I need prepouts fot my2 channel amp to power my mains... I currently run a minidsp for my 2 subs. A preout for my center channel would be nice as well.

I know about the X6800H Denon and the Marantz C30 but was wondering if there was something a bit less pricy.... I do have a nice system and speakers so I want something that will compliment the rest of what I have but don't want to spend 4k+ on an AVR.... thoughts?

The value king is really the X3800H, so if you are on a budget and don't want to over spend then the 3800 is a no brainer.

That is, even if you don't believe in room correction, if you do then it is > a no brainer lol.....

 

[Trebdp83]

The Denon AVR-X3800H really does offer the best bang for buck. Though, I’d also consider the Onkyo TX-RZ70 which comes in at a price comparable to the Denon AVR-X4800H and Yamaha RX-A6A. The RZ70 and other Onkyos will be familiar to those using later model Pioneer units.

All offer a full set of pre outs with the Denon models supporting four subwoofers. If wanting to use external power for the Center Channel Speaker as well, the savings from an X3800H purchase can be used for another amplifier.

 

[moves]

Awsome guys thanks for your input... on the higher end.... this looks awesome:

AVM 90 from Anthem: https://products.anthemav.com/avm90/


THE 3800 has 9 channels and 4 sub outputs.... I have a minidsp so the extra sub outs are not needed.

However, I don't now much about Atmos but wouldn't one want 11 channels? 4 ceiling, 2 rear and the typical 5? or are the extra 2 channels only needed if you have 2 or 3 row seating?

 

[Trebdp83]

The X3800H can process 11 channels and power 9. One could use it as a processor and power all channels externally.

 

[PENG]

Awsome guys thanks for your input... on the higher end.... this looks awesome:

AVM 90 from Anthem: https://products.anthemav.com/avm90/


THE 3800 has 9 channels and 4 sub outputs.... I have a minidsp so the extra sub outs are not needed.

However, I don't now much about Atmos but wouldn't one want 11 channels? 4 ceiling, 2 rear and the typical 5? or are the extra 2 channels only needed if you have 2 or 3 row seating?

Just my 2 cents, the X3800H will do much better with DLBC, or even just Audyssey, than the AVM90, that’s based on measurements, AVM owners who only gi by their perceptions will obviously think the opposite is true. As to minidsp, I have had 3, now two 8 channel units, they are no substitue to the AVR’s subouts that are discrete, and the minidsp’s are limited to 2 V maximum unless yours has balanced outputs. With the mini, you would be doing double conversions, ie ADC and then DAC, not ideal….

The AVM90 costs a lot more, probably 7 times that of the x3800h on sale, that’s a tough one to justify for a lot of users who just want a good practical option to enjoy HT and music, but for a fan of expensive Anthem AVM, it can br. great choice.

 

[TLS Guy]

Awsome guys thanks for your input... on the higher end.... this looks awesome:

AVM 90 from Anthem: https://products.anthemav.com/avm90/


THE 3800 has 9 channels and 4 sub outputs.... I have a minidsp so the extra sub outs are not needed.

However, I don't now much about Atmos but wouldn't one want 11 channels? 4 ceiling, 2 rear and the typical 5? or are the extra 2 channels only needed if you have 2 or 3 row seating?

Avoid the junk coming out of Vietnam. I have had two in row units made in Vietnam fail prematurely. One in 3 months with warranty repair appalling.

Sound United have been driven into the ground by Masimo. Places like Vietnam are awash in counterfeit capacitors especially.

I was really encouraged that the CEO of Harmon, the purchaser of Sound United say in his first interview, they had to get control of their supply chain. He obviously knows there are issues here.

At this time if you buy a Marantz or Denon receiver make sure it is built in Japan, and rigorously avoid one sourced from anywhere else until the junk is all sold off.

I suspect Yamaha is a solid choice as far as reliability, warranty and after sales service.

Unit failure is a massive PITA I can assure you, warranty or not.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Avoid the junk coming out of Vietnam. I have had two in row units made in Vietnam fail prematurely. One in 3 months with warranty repair appalling.

Sound United have been driven into the ground by Masimo. Places like Vietnam are awash in counterfeit capacitors especially.

I was really encouraged that the CEO of Harmon, the purchaser of Sound United say in his first interview, they had to get control of their supply chain. He obviously knows there are issues here.

At this time if you buy a Marantz or Denon receiver make sure it is built in Japan, and rigorously avoid one sourced from anywhere else until the junk is all sold off.

I suspect Yamaha is a solid choice as far as reliability, warranty and after sales service.

Unit failure is a massive PITA I can assure you, warranty or not.

A LOT of brands, including the $7.5K Anthem is made in Vietnam. Arcam also made in Vietnam.

The $10K NAD M17 AVP is made in China.

 

[TLS Guy]

A LOT of brands, including the $7.5K Anthem is made in Vietnam.

The $10K NAD M17 AVP is made in China.

Yes, and Anthem were on my short list, and is one of the reasons I avoided Anthem.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes, and Anthem were on my short list, and is one of the reasons I avoided Anthem.

Very few components are made in Japan: Denon x4800 and higher end models, Marantz Cinema40 and higher end models are made in Japan.

Yamaha and Sony made in Malaysia.

 

[Trebdp83]

If throwing out the budget for a processor such as the AVM90, I’d look to the Marantz AV20 for considerably less money. Spending a bit more than the AVM90 will get you an AV10.