I want to set up a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup and looking for the best option for the AVR to drive this.

• Can I use Denon AVR-X1700H which only has 7.2 channels and use the two pre-outs with my old receiver to power them or maybe a separate amp? ...

The AVR-X1700H doesn't have main zone pre-outs.

If you're OK with factory refurb w/ 3-year warranty, accessories4less.com has the Denon AVR-X3700H available for $1,200, shipped.

 

I want to set up a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup and looking for the best option for the AVR to drive this.

• Can I use Denon AVR-X1700H which only has 7.2 channels and use the two pre-outs with my old receiver to power them or maybe a separate amp?
• I have two old receivers Onkyo and Sony from around 2005, can I use them to power the pre-outs in 5.2.4 somehow?

I am a newbie so please enlighten me and excuse me if these are silly questions

Here is my speaker setup:

• Front right and Left Klipsch RF-62 II (already have)
• Center speaker Klipsch RC-62 II (already have)
• Surround with Klipsch Bookshelf RB-51 II (already have)
• 4 atmos ceiling speakers - Polk VT60 (planning to buy from Costco for $300 for the 4)
• Two subwoofers 14" BIC PL 200
• Receiver - planning to buy what works best for a budget, preferably less than 1K. I had a Marantz SR7008 that I bought for ~1500 in 2015, it only lasted for 3 years... so I don't want to spend another 2K on a receiver.

Nope. The 1700 doesn't process. 4 height speakers. Only 2

 

Can I use Denon AVR-X1700H which only has 7.2 channels and use the two pre-outs with my old receiver to power them or maybe a separate amp?

No. You need 9 channels. This one only does 7 and cannot process 9 channels even with external amp.

Max Number of Processing (Preamp) Channels 7.1

 

Thank you for the information folks. It looks like I will have to buy 9 channel receiver. I have had a bad experience with accessories4less.com, I bought a refurbished one and it went bad just after a year (the warranty didn't cover it). So I am thinking of buying a brand new preferably.

 

Unfortunately AVR prices are high these days and if you need to go new, it will be tight to get a 9 channel AVR for less than 1K. If budget is a concern, consider going 5.2.2 instead. Your Denon 1700 can handle this easily.

 

Will the Yamaha TSR-700 work? Seems like it has pre-outs for the main front speakers. It is selling on Costco right now and will save me a lot of $ if this can work.

 

To do what you're asking, you need a receiver that handles 4 height channels, these are usually 11ch receivers (and 9 amps). These aren't cheap, the cheapest brand new one tends to be around $2000.

Denon X4500H, X3600H, (those are older models), X3700H, X4700H and higher models
Yamaha RX-V6A, RX-V8A, from older models the RX-A2080, RX-A3080
Onkyo NR7100, RZ50, from older models the RZ830, the RZ840

The cheapest one of these brand new is probably the Onkyo NR7100.

 

Is Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 9.2-ch Network AV Receiver any good for 5.2.4 setup? It is selling for $699 on Amazon and fits my budget. But wondering if the sound quality is any good. Please let me know if anyone here has any experience with this unit or any pioneer unit in general.

 

Looks like it is a legit 9 channel amp that will do what you want and no need for an external 2 channel amp via preout. Looks like it is an older discontinued model

 

Thanks for the help everyone here. I got a great deal for a refurbished Denon AVR-X3700H from the Denon website which was under my 1K budget so just ordered that . Hope it works out and there are no issues since it's refurbished 🤞.