11.2.4 Atmos on a budget?

JamesAB said:

I have a room that already has 9.1 speakers setup including 4 in the ceiling. So it wouldn't be difficult to add a couple more speakers for 11.1.4.


Looking at the offerings, the receivers that have built-in support with 11 channel amps seem to be each brand's "flagship" receivers costing 2-3K. However I see 9.2 receivers that can do the 11 channel processing if you add an extra external amp. This seems like a much less expensive option since I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I only plan on watching Blu-ray discs and some TV streaming. The entry level 9.2 receivers like this I've found are the Pioneer VSX-LX503 and Onkyo TX-RZ730. Spending a bit more, I could get the Marantz SR6013(2018 model) or the Denon AVR-X3600H.


Are there other options I should be considering?
I've only been looking into integrated receivers. Should I consider spending more for a pre-amp processor and adding my own amps?
Ultimately, I'd like to spend under $1,000 but I am flexible.

Or is Atmos 11.2.4 a hoax that I should forget about?


Thanks for the advice,
James

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JamesAB said:

I have a room that already has 9.1 speakers setup including 4 in the ceiling. So it wouldn't be difficult to add a couple more speakers for 11.1.4.


Looking at the offerings, the receivers that have built-in support with 11 channel amps seem to be each brand's "flagship" receivers costing 2-3K. However I see 9.2 receivers that can do the 11 channel processing if you add an extra external amp. This seems like a much less expensive option since I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I only plan on watching Blu-ray discs and some TV streaming. The entry level 9.2 receivers like this I've found are the Pioneer VSX-LX503 and Onkyo TX-RZ730. Spending a bit more, I could get the Marantz SR6013(2018 model) or the Denon AVR-X3600H.


Are there other options I should be considering?
I've only been looking into integrated receivers. Should I consider spending more for a pre-amp processor and adding my own amps?
Ultimately, I'd like to spend under $1,000 but I am flexible.

Or is Atmos 11.2.4 a hoax that I should forget about?


Thanks for the advice,
James

Click to expand...

JamesAB said:

I have a room that already has 9.1 speakers setup including 4 in the ceiling. So it wouldn't be difficult to add a couple more speakers for 11.1.4.


Looking at the offerings, the receivers that have built-in support with 11 channel amps seem to be each brand's "flagship" receivers costing 2-3K. However I see 9.2 receivers that can do the 11 channel processing if you add an extra external amp. This seems like a much less expensive option since I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I only plan on watching Blu-ray discs and some TV streaming. The entry level 9.2 receivers like this I've found are the Pioneer VSX-LX503 and Onkyo TX-RZ730. Spending a bit more, I could get the Marantz SR6013(2018 model) or the Denon AVR-X3600H.


Are there other options I should be considering?
I've only been looking into integrated receivers. Should I consider spending more for a pre-amp processor and adding my own amps?
Ultimately, I'd like to spend under $1,000 but I am flexible.

Or is Atmos 11.2.4 a hoax that I should forget about?


Thanks for the advice,
James

Click to expand...

JamesAB said:

I have a room that already has 9.1 speakers setup including 4 in the ceiling. So it wouldn't be difficult to add a couple more speakers for 11.1.4.


Looking at the offerings, the receivers that have built-in support with 11 channel amps seem to be each brand's "flagship" receivers costing 2-3K. However I see 9.2 receivers that can do the 11 channel processing if you add an extra external amp. This seems like a much less expensive option since I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I only plan on watching Blu-ray discs and some TV streaming. The entry level 9.2 receivers like this I've found are the Pioneer VSX-LX503 and Onkyo TX-RZ730. Spending a bit more, I could get the Marantz SR6013(2018 model) or the Denon AVR-X3600H.


Are there other options I should be considering?
I've only been looking into integrated receivers. Should I consider spending more for a pre-amp processor and adding my own amps?
Ultimately, I'd like to spend under $1,000 but I am flexible.

Or is Atmos 11.2.4 a hoax that I should forget about?


Thanks for the advice,
James

Click to expand...

JamesAB said:

I have a room that already has 9.1 speakers setup including 4 in the ceiling. So it wouldn't be difficult to add a couple more speakers for 11.1.4.


Looking at the offerings, the receivers that have built-in support with 11 channel amps seem to be each brand's "flagship" receivers costing 2-3K. However I see 9.2 receivers that can do the 11 channel processing if you add an extra external amp. This seems like a much less expensive option since I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I only plan on watching Blu-ray discs and some TV streaming. The entry level 9.2 receivers like this I've found are the Pioneer VSX-LX503 and Onkyo TX-RZ730. Spending a bit more, I could get the Marantz SR6013(2018 model) or the Denon AVR-X3600H.


Are there other options I should be considering?
I've only been looking into integrated receivers. Should I consider spending more for a pre-amp processor and adding my own amps?
Ultimately, I'd like to spend under $1,000 but I am flexible.

Or is Atmos 11.2.4 a hoax that I should forget about?


Thanks for the advice,
James

Click to expand...

JamesAB said:

Yes. I mispoke. Or mis-typed.



I'm really talking about a 7.1.4 setup.Damn this new math...

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JamesAB said:

Thanks for the advice and another apology for mistyping. These receivers are simply advertised/called 11.2 receivers. But I'm looking to do a 7.2.4 setup.

I looked at Denon's website and I see they have it marked down $300 less than the original price. The same price discount was just listed on Amazon today.

Still the Denon AVR-X3600H would be $350 more than than the Pioneer VSX-LX503.

I'm tempted to avoid Onkyo (even though its cheaper) because some people are still having HDMI problems.

Are there specific features that would make it worth spending more on the Denon?

Thanks again for your help.

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JamesAB said:

This is what's confusing about buying new gear.

Can the Denon AVR-X3600H do 7.2.4 Atmos today? Or is it simply promising Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (via future firmware update) someday in the future?
I looked at Denon's product download page and couldn't find info or downloads for firmware updates.
https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx3600h
Are these hidden somewhere else?


The main reason I want to be able to do 7.2.4 is Atmos.So there doesn't seem to be much point in purchasing a reciever that only promises it in the future.

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skylarlove1999 said:

All about how you want to allocate your budget. I would grab the 3600 and an inexpensive 2 channel amp. Your other options are good as well. I love the Denon sound. These are two features the other receiver options don't have.

Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (via future firmware update) and DTS Virtual:X create three-dimensional effects without height speakers

IMAX Enhanced reproduces the full dynamic range of specially encoded IMAX soundtracks from compatible sources

Being that you will have four Dolby Atmos speakers not sure how valuable the first feature would be.

The second feature doesn't have much content right now but some major studios have signed onboard

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the7mcs said:

you seem to be knowledgeable so I'm gonna ask you



I am thinking about deciding between the Denon 3600 and one of the Yamaha RX A2780 or 3080 because of the Sabre DAC that is being boasted about by Yamaha in the feature list



So I am actually thinking about using pre-outs and an external amp so my question is - at that point does it even matter what kinda DAC the receiver has whether I bought Pioneer 305, Denon 3600 or any of the Yamaha



I have never owned a Yamaha before but I've heard people talk about how musically detailed and bright it is so I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with the DAC?

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skylarlove1999 said:

The volume of the preout is controlled by the Yamaha receivers volume control. That signal will pass through the Yamaha's Sabre DAC, so you don't lose that by adding external amplifiers. Yamaha partnered with ESS Technology back in 2013 to introduce the Sabre DAC into the Aventage line. I personally haven't heard them but many professional and customer reviews rave about the sound.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...aha-Selects-ESS’s-SABRE32-Ultra-SABRE-Premier

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skylarlove1999 said:

Sorry for the confusion. Yes with an extra 2 channel amp you can run 7.1.4 with 4 Atmos speakers with the 3600.

The Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization promise in the future would be to replicate height sounds for owners who don't have any actual height speakers. Similar to how a sound bar creates a virtual soundfield around you but there are no rear or back speakers.

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the7mcs said:

Aha! I see... so that's how it works.... alright good to know

thanks!

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JamesAB said:

Just to be clear. The Denon AVR-X3600H is capable of doing authentic Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 if I attach an extra 2 channel amp, without waiting for a firmware update?
"Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization" is another different feature for people to emulate the full setup without extra speakers, correct? I suppose the keyword would be "Virtualization".

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ipca204 said:

Marantz 6013 will do what you want as well. It is also on closeout as it is last years model

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