Current state of Home Theater Processors/Receivers
 

Hey guys,

After selling our last home in the summer I traded in my Classe setup that had been my system for 15 years+ (CA5300 & SSP800).

My new home has a room that the previous people had a theater, but it was really basic and I am replacing it all. While I don't buy Blurays anymore, I have a Sony UBP-X800M2 4K UHD Blu-ray Player ready to go, have a JVC DLA-RS3100 on order (they are behind on production of course), but have not decided on my sound system or speakers at this point. Streaming and live TV will be 90% of the use, listening to music the other 10% maybe. I assume the picture will be stunning...

I always wrestle with having great sound (which my Classe did IMHO), with current tech (which the Classe was waaay behind on) and future upgrades/tech changes. I don't want to be switching out a receiver every year to have the newest stuff, but don't want to miss out on the significant changes.

So I guess after all that, what are your thoughts on the current state of Home Theater sound? 5.1 vs ? Best value for processors or receivers that deliver the goods? Any thing to consider I haven't thought of? Let's have a chat!

For TV and streaming, very decent processors from Yamaha and Marantz (4K) will more than do the trick.
They will last 5 - 7 years, before their technology will be really outdated.
Amps, subs and speakers: depend on your budget.
If it is for TV, I wouldn't spend a fortune.

I haven't heard Atmos of Auro 3D yet, it seems it's quite spectacular, but I'm still very happy with our 5.2 set-up.

I used to want a single system for both stereo and HT but if you have the space, having two dedicated systems might work out better.

It is hard to go wrong with M&K speakers for HT. The S300/S150 range is basically what they use in Lucas/Disney/Paramount for engineers to master movie soundtracks.

When used behind an acoustically transparent screen, the sound seamlessly matches to the on screen action and it is all the more immersive. Plus you don't need crazy expensive electronics to get them to work. I've found even a modest Denon 4700H will drive all 9 channels well.

When my friends and I were trying to integrate HT with good stereo, you end up trying to get matching centre and surround speakers that will integrate well with your mains so these would often cost a fair bit more and also require you to invest in similarly priced amplification to match. And may not even offer as well integrated a system as a dedicated one like the M&K

For me, if I were purchasing a new processor/amp combo now, I might wait to see when Anthem will release the HDMI 2.1 boards for the AVM70/MRX1140. This will offer a better match to the 4K120/8K compatibility in your JVC projector.

In the past, we always needed to buy specific discs just to make the most of our 7.1 system. These days, DisneyPlus, HBO Max and Netflix all have Dolby Atmos soundtracks on their latest movies so there is no shortage of material.

For Atmos, I recommend at least 4 overhead channels so you can get the surround effect overhead as well. I'd even take a 5.1.4 over a 7.1.2 any day, especially if you are using one of the M&K S150T/S300T tripoles

This is the route I went. I am happy with the results. Anthem ARC takes some time to set up, but it works fine in leveling out room effects.

I will be going to a JVC laser projector next.

Thanks guys!
I understand the new Anthem stuff looks promising, though it seems there are some teething problems, will check into the M & K speakers as well.

Yamaha & Marantz are certainly at the top of my list for receivers...wondering about some of the other processers out there as well. Monoprice? Trinnov? JBL? Others?

It's always tricky deciding whether spending a bit more delivers much more. My last system was B&W 800D/HTM1D and 803Ds with JL subs...I really noticed a big upgrade in sound going from a Denon receiver to the Classe. I guess I am trying to find the line where I can get great bang for my buck and still have 90% of the sound.

One thing to consider is you can get a nice AV processor and a bunch of separate amps. This way you can upgrade the AV processor at a lower cost later down the line vs buying a high end all in one. It will cost you more but provide more flexibility in the long run.

True - my Anthem is the AVM70. I'm using the same McIntosh amps I have used for several years. This is perhaps the third processor for some of the amps.

I moved from a flagship Marantz AV pre pro to an Anthem AVM60 and I have to say even without ARC, the Anthem was just a better preamp. The steering of effects between different channels was just spectacular. That’s the difference to me between a good preamp and a great one. It works in stereo as well as HT.

The first movie I put on was one I had seen numerous times - the first Iron Man movie. And that opening scene, I’d seen the tumbleweed blow across the screen in front of the humvee so many times. But that was the first time I’d actually heard it.

Awesome! This is what I am thinking as well...:thumbsup:

That's interesting!
My processor will be 7 years old, so a new one might be coming soon.

One question: can you play multi-channel DSD from a SACD-player from your Anthem (without conversion to PCM in between)?
I have a lot of SACDs, I'm not planning on ripping them.

Sadly no. Anthem like Classé don’t support DSD.

Must be a Canadian thing.

Thing is - if you engage any room correction on the Marantz or Yamaha or Onkyo etc that do decide DSD, it gets converted back to PCM anyway.

I did choose my Marantz AVP for the DSD playback but I felt that I primarily used it for movies - and the Anthem was better for that purpose.

IIRC, no Anthem device supports DSD (SACD) directly and requires they be converted to PCM in the player.

Thank you Kal!
I was hoping you would chime in.

What is your experience with Anthem processors?
I read very positive reviews of them.

Is the added sound quality compared to the Marantz - if there is any - neutralised by the extra conversion DSD -> PCM?

I listen to my SACDs in pure audio mode. No Audyssey correction here. It didn't add, it took away in my experience.

Thank you for your answer.
In our case we listen to music 95% of the time, and watch movies less than 5%.
We do find the Marantz does a pretty good job at that.

Limited and ancient.

In practice, no because any processing/EQ requires PCM conversion on any machine.

Then I'd find a way to bypass the prepro, whichever one you choose.

Thanks again Kal.

But I do use the DACs in my Marantz. I think they're better than the ones in my Oppo.
I know an exaSound S88 MII would provide better sound, but I haven't found a way around this problem: I have my Marantz (still needed for Apple TV/Netflix, if only occasionally) connected to my power amps via RCA. I could add a S88 via XLR, but then I'd have to switch the Hegel in the back each time I switch from the Marantz to the S88...

That's why I'm searching for a one box solution. If the Anthem will be Roon ready, it could do the streaming + SACDs + Apple TV (we don't watch cable TV anymore).

Sorry for hijacking this thread a bit, but it might be relevant for other members too.

My next purchase will be the McIntosh MX123, after which I feel I’m done with any future upgrades. Personally I cannot find a better home theatre processor on the market. There are more expensive Mc processors, but for me they come with a bunch of features I’ll never use. I currently use the MX121 which I love, and only really looking to upgrade to get Dolby Atmos.

You could use the RCA outputs of the s88 (or the e68) with a simple RCA switch. Or you could feed the RCA outputs of the DAC into the 7.1 inputs of the Marantz.

Emotiva just dropped a new basic 13.2 processor for $1000. It is exactly what I am looking for - something to take all my HDMI connectors, decode them, then send sound channels to my amps. It has their in house room correction too. I am using my Oppo for processing right now but it only has one HDMI input and I really need need 3. Mcintosh has something similar but it is $5000.

I like the Anthem and Marantz mega-processors but it seems like I am paying for a bunch of redundant features. I just need HDMI processing and switching!

-Geoff

Thanks again Kal!
The RCA switch is a very interesting idea.
Any brands worth exploring?

Zektor! (Used, only)

Much obliged! :thankyouspin:

I'll start searching!

I recently updated my old plasma TV to a 8K Samsung TV and it turned out that the
only way to connect it to a receiver or HT processor is through the HDMI eARC
connection. I'm not entirely up-to-date on why the industry has taken this route,
but that's off topic. Granted I can use the TV setup box and the bluray players,
but they will be maxed out at 4K at best and they are EOL products.

After enjoying the beasty Yamaha RXV1 for almost 20 years, I decided to look around
and update the HT processor. My original thoughts were to buy the Mcintosh MX-123
with the 8K option, but that was out of my budget. There were quite a few
options (Denon, Anthem, Yamaha, Onkyo), but decided on the Marantz AV8805A.
There is a underlying assumption that the video board may be the same as in the
MX123, so at least the video quality should be as good. Even if the sound is not quite
up to par, I'm confident it'll be a huge improvement over the old Yamaha that it
replaced. Just the fact that it is more of a preamp and not a receiver will bring
noise down considerably. With much less power requirements I can also connect it
to my PS power plant so that's another advantage.

Regarding the other options, I was leaning towards the Denon AVR-X6700H, but just the
volume and input selectors were a turn off. They were too plastic to my taste
and the feedback that they had was also disappointing. Then they are receivers so
I immediately steered away. The Yamaha's 8K are just coming out, and their looks also
went sideways -- not sure what happened there.

Overall the Marantz looks good, it has all the features that I need and to spare (channels, etc).
and so far the connectivity with the TV is smooth. Turning the TV on turns on everything
and the TV remote controls the HT processor without issues. Next is to include the C2200
in the mix with the passthru option. My room is rather small so for now I'm going to go
for a 5.2.2 setup and see how it goes.

Is the 8805A with just one HDMI 2.1 4k120/8K30 input?

Yes, one input and one output. The other two outputs are 4K.

That's rub no matter when you jump in and buy a processor. There is ALWAYS new technology coming out. At least if you buy a dedicated processor, having separate amplifiers will mean you only have to replace ONE major component every 5-10 years to stay current!

-Geoff

Well I have ordered the Anthem AVM 90, it is supposed to arrive next month...will update you when I have everything up and running!

:lurk:

Congrats! I've followed this thread and was wondering which route you chose. :thumbsup:

What amps? The old Classe' or something new?

I have the marantz 8805. I quite like it. I'm running 7.2.6. I have just upgraded my Projector and the next item I will have to replace is probably my processor. With 5G coming on strong I think I have time to wait and see.

I haven't chosen the amps yet (sold my Classe 5 channel)...leaning towards the Anthems (they have 2 levels), but am waiting to figure out the speaker layout and number first (my contractor is figuring out where it all goes). Nothing moves fast in our current world!!

Have you gotten your AVM90 yet?

I am highly considering getting it as it appears to be able to perform a 1st in DSP based SSP's. It's apparently able to run and perform ARC natively up to 192/24. That's Altitude32 only territory as far as I am aware as it can process natively @ 192/24 up to 24 channels, no other SSP to my knowledge can run their respective onboard room EQ above 96/24 with many only running at 48/24.

The Altitude16 and Datasat LS10 can run at 96/24. Not sure about the Lyngdorf/McIntosh SSP's. The Storm Audio ISP Elite MK series only run at 48/24.

What the AVM90 lacks compared to it's competitors is no Auro3D support which is disappointing. Obviously native Auro3D content is practically speaking non existing however the Auro-matic up mixer is apparently quite good as an alternative to Dolby/dtx.

I get mine this week hopefully! It seems to have some nice little upgrades due to the delay, 2.1 HDMIs as well...

:lurk:

Well my project is finally almost complete...it took more work than I thought, including heavy duty negotiations with my wife, who won this round :D. I was skeptical about in-wall speakers, but to keep the peace we went with them. Since adding the subs I am thoroughly impressed however and can say this is my best sounding theater yet. To make the in-walls happen we had to build a new wall 4 inches out from the current one, as all of the house power went through that wall (of course!!).
https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5645

In the end, I decided to go with synergy, and bought the new Anthem AVM90 Pro, along with their amps (2 x Gen 2 MCA 525 + 1 MCA 225) for the 11 channels. BDI Elements cabinet for the equipment. We then added Paradigm speakers front (E7LCR 3 way in walls), rear (E2LCR 2 way in walls) and because we have no left wall, the side surrounds were put in the ceiling (E80As x 2), along with the 4 Atmos (E80s x 4). The final piece was REL subs, S812s for the front left and right, TX9 for the center channel & 2 more TX9s for the surrounds and Atmos. Sources are Apple TV 4k, 4k Cable & Sony UBP-X800M2 UHD Blu Ray player.
https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5647

https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5648

We did a rough calibration with the ARC before the subs arrived, but this weekend the final calibrations will occur.

Video is the Screen Innovations 120" Zero Edge Pro Black Diamond 8k, with the JVC DLA NZ8 Laser Projector.
https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5649

https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5646

I was expecting great things from the video side, and I am happy with the results, but the sound side was a revelation...cannot believe how good it sounds already. I have been playing with Apple Music Spatial mixes and some of them are really good. More work to come to dial it all in...

https://www.audioaficionado.org/pict...pictureid=5650

Amazing home theater! So, 5 subs in all? We use the BDI elements cabinet in a far more modest home media room -- I like the design. Whose in-wall speakers did you choose?

+1

Great room and system, congratulations.

Paradigm
Ci elite E7s in the front, E2s in the rear

Thx!

Great work! Love how the screen is set into a black "surround." Beautiful room! Nothing like a built to order dedicated HT room. Now just need the movies and popcorn!