Ok guys (and girls); give me your input here, please. After weeks of research I’ve narrowed it down to these 2 AVRs. I’ve used pioneer for years and have been happy with them for the most part. I especially like the ‘auto level control’ feature (which is a necessity under my circumstances). It holds the volume at a comfortable level without sacrificing too much quality in the mix. I understand that most AVRs have this “midnight”option but some work better than others. I’ve never personally heard a denon but the specs and reviews sounds nice, and I especially like what I’ve heard about audyssey. Pioneers MCACC is also nice but I still have to do a lot of tweaking after.
I’ve also researched the various dolby atmos speaker set-up options between the 2 and I like that denon can be set-up to play 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 (with an additional 2 channel amp). And the pioneer can do 7.1.2 in atmos, but I cannot find any information about whether it could also be set-up to play 5.1.4. That option might be a selling featureto me. Anyone know about that?
I could be wrong about this... (if not I hate to be the bearer of bad news) but I don't think the Denon can do 4 overheads... (5.1.4= 5 channel surround with 4 overheads right?) If I'm wrong please let me know. I'm looking for the cheapest reciever that can do 4 overheads... looks like cheap might mean 2 grand for the time being... haha.
Ohh man that's awesome! That made my day... perhaps I'll be early adopter after all
So the other 2 are the rear overheads? If so, do you know which outputs on the Denon = .4 instead of .2? I was especially confused when looking at Pioneer's elite/ sc85/87/etc... as I've read "height" is the designation for overhead... but I see no such thing in the rear photos of Pionner.
Front Middle and Wides should be assignable for say Front Top, etc. Atmos speaker designations will vary as each manufacturer is likely to approach the old with the new differently.
Or does anyone know if there are receivers in that price range that can do 7.1.4 Or 5.1.4 without the need for a preamp? I figure if you have to spend the extra cash to get a preamp might be worth it to step up but doesn't seem there are any options below 2k.
If you want 11Ch (7.1.4), you either need an 11CH AVR or a 9CH AVR that can expand to 11CH with an external amp. As noted, the X4100W is a 7CH AVR that can expand to 9CH (5.1.4) with a 2CH amp. You can purchase an inexpensive amp like the AudioSource100 to power the height or surround speakers as they require very little power.
So the SC85 will not do 4 ceiling speakers? i have a 7.1 system and just ordered the SC85 will have it tomorrow. I bought 2 polk MC60 and wanted to add 2 more. I have 2 rows of seating where would i mount 2 and then 4 if this SC85 with do it.
This is a 9CH model and so you must drop down to 5.1 if you want to use 4 ceiling speakers (5+4=9). Also, better served posting in the Owner's thread now ...
Read up a few posts to Jeffokada81. He lists what it's capable of along with a link to the manual, which is also obtainable on Pioneer's website.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
AVS Forum
34M posts
1.5M members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!