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-   -   Current state of Home Theater Processors/Receivers (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=50711)

KahunaCanuck 12-30-2021 05:41 PM

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!

bart 12-30-2021 06:27 PM

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They will last 5 - 7 years, before their technology will be really outdated.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.

doggiehowser 12-30-2021 06:40 PM

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

thughes 12-31-2021 12:59 PM

Quote:

. . . when Anthem will release the HDMI 2.1 boards for the AVM70/MRX1140
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.

KahunaCanuck 12-31-2021 12:59 PM

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.

Jdsmoke 01-01-2022 01:44 AM

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.

thughes 01-01-2022 12:40 PM

Quote:

One thing to consider is you can get a nice AV processor and a bunch of separate amps.
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.

doggiehowser 01-01-2022 08:23 PM

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.

KahunaCanuck 01-01-2022 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiehowser (Post 1052311)
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:

bart 01-02-2022 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiehowser (Post 1052311)
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.


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.


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