[7thLetter]

I currently have a x4200w running 5.2.
I'm looking to step up to Atmos, at least a 5.2.4 setup.
The x4200w only has 7 channels that it can amplify, so I need to purchase something.
Will I see a bigger return on investment going with a 3- or 5-channel amp on my main speakers and using the receiver to do the rest, or upgrading the receiver to one that supports 11-channels?
I'm running PSA MT-110 for all 5 floor speakers currently, unsure what I will go with for atmos speakers yet.

 

[eriksells916]

@7thLetter you have some great speakers you now need 4 ceiling speakers (monoprice, micca mc-8, rsl, or htd). Next would be a 9 channel avr that can expand to 11, as it is a much cheaper option than 11 channel receivers. Save the $$ for a bad ass sub or 2.

in order of street price low to high...

Pioneer vsx-lx503/504
onklyo rz730/830/840
marantz sr6012/6013
denon x4400/x4500

If you have a bigger budget then the NAD 758 v3 (a little more than the x4500) but has Dirac Live, one of the best room correction solutions available under $2k.

 

[bobknavs]

I see that the X4200W processes 9 channels, but has 7 onboard amps. You could go to 5.2.4 with an inexpensive stereo add-on amp. I suggest the Dayton APA102BT (from Parts Express). Adequate to drive two Atmos speakers.

You could spend more if you like.

If you're not married to Audyssey, or semi-independent subwoofer equalization, the Onkyo TX-RX830 has been a fantastic bargain. (9 amplifers, 11 channels of processing.) The price has been going up on those that are left to find. Amazon still lists them.

 

[head_unit]

Will I see a bigger return on investment going with a 3- or 5-channel amp on my main speakers and using the receiver to do the rest, or upgrading the receiver to one that supports 11-channels?

I see that the X4200W processes 9 channels, but has 7 onboard amps. You could go to 5.2.4 with an inexpensive stereo add-on amp.

Yeah, if you want to go nuts on the channels then you'd need a new receiver just for the processing. But I'd definitely try the 5.2.4 idea as a first step.
Now, receivers all droop in power a lot-the more channels connected, the less power they deliver to each. So regardless of specs, another receiver is not gonna be truly stronger for your front stage. The best solution for that would be a beefy 3-channel amp, so your center is not underpowered compared to L/R...though 2-channel amps are probably more available at better prices.

 

[7thLetter]

I see that the X4200W processes 9 channels, but has 7 onboard amps. You could go to 5.2.4 with an inexpensive stereo add-on amp. I suggest the Dayton APA102BT (from Parts Express). Adequate to drive two Atmos speakers.

I thought about going the cheaper route of some cheap small amps for Atmos, but feel like I would get a better return investing in one good amp for the LCR and using the AVR to amplify the rest (or a 5 channel for all floor and just the AVR for Atmos). I'm just concerned I'll spend $1k on an amp and not see much difference, when I could sell my x4200w for like $400 and stick that extra $1k into a nicer $1400-1500 receiver. I've never had a separate amp for the speakers, so that's kinda what I'm wondering. If it is the better option than a receiver in the $1500 range.

But I'd definitely try the 5.2.4 idea as a first step.

The best solution for that would be a beefy 3-channel amp, so your center is not underpowered compared to L/R...though 2-channel amps are probably more available at better prices.

I'm thinking 5.2.4 will probably be my best bet, especially since I already have a nice 5.2 setup and it would only mean adding in Atmos speakers and not rearranging my base layer to accommodate rear speakers with surrounds.
I'm thinking something like Monoprice's Monolith 3x200 or 5x200. Not sure if it makes sense to have all 5 base layer running the same power levels, or just the LCR?

you have some great speakers you now need 4 ceiling speakers (monoprice, micca mc-8, rsl, or htd).Save the $$ for a bad ass sub or 2.

I'll definitely take a look at those options for Atmos speakers, thanks for the recommendations! (I'm clueless on ceiling speakers). As for the sub, I'm always shopping for a good deal on something more but my pair of v3600 are doing an okay job for now.

 

[smithsabom]

I have done both: used a small outboard amp to drive Atmos, (as well as surround, pre-atmos), and off loaded the front(L/R) to the outboard amp. I am currently using the later, but not for power reasons, per say. (My outboard amp has A +B terminals, and I have an extra set of mains wiring. This allows me to add alternate main speakers with minimal hassle).

so as for using a small outboard amp for Atmos duties - a very good cost effective way to go. there is not much required of Atmos speakers as far a program material goes. I doubt you would notice a difference between outboard driven Atmos v. onboard driven Atmos. Of course, YMMV.

as for Atmos speakers, I have not found a compelling reason to spend a lot, so along with the budget recommendations already given, check out pyle audio, they have 6.5" and 8" woofer in-ceiling speakers with an integrated enclosure for less than 100/ pr.

good luck

 

[irishluck73]

I thought about going the cheaper route of some cheap small amps for Atmos, but feel like I would get a better return investing in one good amp for the LCR and using the AVR to amplify the rest (or a 5 channel for all floor and just the AVR for Atmos). I'm just concerned I'll spend $1k on an amp and not see much difference, when I could sell my x4200w for like $400 and stick that extra $1k into a nicer $1400-1500 receiver. I've never had a separate amp for the speakers, so that's kinda what I'm wondering. If it is the better option than a receiver in the $1500 range.



I'm thinking 5.2.4 will probably be my best bet, especially since I already have a nice 5.2 setup and it would only mean adding in Atmos speakers and not rearranging my base layer to accommodate rear speakers with surrounds.
I'm thinking something like Monoprice's Monolith 3x200 or 5x200. Not sure if it makes sense to have all 5 base layer running the same power levels, or just the LCR?

I'm in the same boat with the X4200W. What did you decide on?

I'm looking at the following:
Denon X4500H $1000
Outlaw 2200X3 $800
Monolith 3X200 $1100
Monolith 5X200 $1300

 

[madhuski]

I'm in the same boat with the X4200W. What did you decide on?

I'm looking at the following:
Denon X4500H $1000
Outlaw 2200X3 $800
Monolith 3X200 $1100
Monolith 5X200 $1300

The JTR’s are very efficient. Especially since your using a sub, you may not get much benefit at all from a separate amp

 

[irishluck73]

The JTR’s are very efficient. Especially since your using a sub, you may not get much benefit at all from a separate amp

Appreciate that. My HT is a living room setup that is open to the rest of the house so I thought I could benefit from extra watts to push them during spirited listening.

Not sure if external amps would be more dynamic?

My movie watching distance is 11' and an AVR looks good for that. However, increasing distance to 15' and the wattage increase is significant for the same dB.