New Atmos 5.1.4 setup -- is a receiver an option?

[chillster]

We're renovating our basement and what better time to install in-ceiling speakers and an Atmos setup. I have a Parasound 5125 5 ch amp that I love. My thought is to get a Atmos receiver and use the Parasound amp to drive the big load front, center and 2 surrounds and the receiver to drive the ceiling speakers. I was looking at the Denon AVR-x4100 but it cannot re-assign the front, center and 2 surrounds. Going with a AV pre/pro would be expensive and require getting another amp too.

Any ideas would be much appreciated. My target budget is $1500.

Thanks!

 

[gene]

Denon 5200W is a better choice but it costs a bit more. The Yamaha RX-A2040 and 3040 (best of the 3 receivers here) is really good. However, DTS is about to announce DTS:X at the end of the week and HDCP 2.2 is right around the corner. If you can hold out till September, I'm pretty confident you will see new AVR's with DTS:X and HDCP 2.2 support.

 

[chillster]

Denon 5200W is a better choice but it costs a bit more. The Yamaha RX-A2040 and 3040 (best of the 3 receivers here) is really good. However, DTS is about to announce DTS:X at the end of the week and HDCP 2.2 is right around the corner. If you can hold out till September, I'm pretty confident you will see new AVR's with DTS:X and HDCP 2.2 support.

Gene, thanks so much for your fast response. I've watched a few of your videos on Youtube -- great content!

Do you know if the x5200 (or the Yamaha receivers) would allow be to use my Parasound amp for the front and center? The x4100 will not.

Best

Mike

 

[gene]

Gene, thanks so much for your fast response. I've watched a few of your videos on Youtube -- great content!

Do you know if the x5200 (or the Yamaha receivers) would allow be to use my Parasound amp for the front and center? The x4100 will not.

Best

Mike

Yes the Denon 5200W has preamp outputs so you can use your 5CH Parasound amp. It has very flexible speaker and amp assignability. However in this price range, I'd take a hard look at the Yamaha RX-A3040.