⭐️Picking a Receiver _(Z Reviews)_ Home Theater 102
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- Опубліковано 9 гру 2019
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Denon Receivers --------------------- [amzn.to/368XZrG]
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Processors ----------------------------- [emotiva.com/collections/proce...]
Power Amps --------------------------- [amzn.to/38dIMYo]
MiniDSP NanoAVR HD ------------ [www.minidsp.com/products/ht-s...]
1:08 - WHAT DO YOU NEED?
2:33 - BRANDS
6:42 - POWER
14:13 - FEATURES
20:23 - ROOM CORRECTION
24:30 - 5.1 vs 7.1
25:38 - ADVANCED SETUPS
34:18 - SUMMATION -----------------
35:54 - REFURBISHED UNITS
38:15 - HIGH RES BACK SHOT
Home Theater 101
• Home Theater 101 (Z Re...
How To Build-Up a Home Theater
• ⭐️How to Build-up a Su...
How to pick Rear Channels
• ⭐️Rear Channels _(Z Re...
How to Choose the Right Subwoofer
• ⭐️Choosing the Right S...
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CHAPTER JUMPS :::
1:08 - WHAT DO YOU NEED?
2:33 - BRANDS
6:42 - POWER
14:13 - FEATURES
20:23 - ROOM CORRECTION
24:30 - 5.1 vs 7.1
25:38 - ADVANCED SETUPS
34:18 - SUMMATION -----------------
35:54 - REFURBISHED UNITS
38:15 - HIGH RES BACK SHOT
@M. S it is still in the description. And I pinned my Atmos thoughts.
Video source that support 7.1?
A NOTE ON ATMOS/DTS-X/AURO3D -- If you want to do Atmos that changes nothing accept adding to the minimum spec requirements I spoke of above, Same as choosing between 5.1 and 7.1 now 7.1.4.
A NOTE ON X.2 Models. Most surround processors do not actually modify the control of dual subwoofers. It is essentially a built in RCA splitter which you can buy here [ amzn.to/35U7Gu5 ] so ignore that delineation.
Z Reviews Do u room correct even w/ ur Ohm speakers? Doesn’t that effect/negate some of the magical sound reflections stuffthat Ohms produce? BTW, I have 1000s that I luv.
@@elleferrao2640 I do not correct currently. I may attempt it. But I do want to correct for my subs. Those need tweaking.
Z Reviews Interesting. When I spoke to Evan at Ohm he said that any software that has an effect on “early reflections” would likely be “counterproductive to some of the benefits of the Walsh technology”.
I also don’t room correct or use a center...it mite mess w/ that phantom center the Ohms create.
@@elleferrao2640 Honestly the most tweaking ive done to my ohms was today i twisted them a bit more inward so that my mono voice was more centered as I walked back and forth in my living room.
Z reviews I love your videos you have changed my perception about audio and I've became an addict :)
I would like to hear your thoughts about ATMOS, is it worth it? what possible setup options from basic to extreme?
Home Theater 101 INTRO : ua-cam.com/video/U-tfoHeA-tY/v-deo.html
Home Theater 102 RECEIVERS : ua-cam.com/video/b01kHaqc-iY/v-deo.html
Home Theater 103 CENTER CHANNELS : ua-cam.com/video/ILFo9zLGqzI/v-deo.html
Home Theater 104 REAR CHANNELS : ua-cam.com/video/Cz2gCFfo2Ho/v-deo.html
Home Theater 105 SUBWOOFERS : ua-cam.com/video/jpUMx3VpFK8/v-deo.html
Marantz and Denon are sister companies too. Also man, I think you should do a HTPC video, like how you are sending audio from your HTPC.
@Pojosamaneo plex + nvidia shield is the way to go.
Marantz and Denon are owned by sound United along with other brand names
Pioneer and Onkyo, same deal.
meh, that's what Jayztwocents and Linus are for.
Jep, how do I get Netflix to play 5.1/7.1 into this?
I went crazy and bought a Denon AVR X-8500H and am running 13 channels and nothing has ever sounded better. And trust me, Denon does not use the same DAC’s on their entry level receivers as they do with this beast. A world of difference. I do love watching your videos Z!
*The Marantz SR5011* is a great higher mid-tier receiver. I got one earlier this year. Coming from a Denon X1200W & Onkyo Tx-Nr676 this was the best purchase I have ever made regarding my home theater. Sounds absolutely phenomenal with it's internal amplifier, but it also has rca outs so you can use it as a dedicated processor. Music sounds full and rich, movies are warm and have immense detail.
Would love a Home Theater 103 that goes over the purchasing and specing out a full theater. As in if you were starting over, and not being crazy ;) what would be a nice setup. Pick a Reciever with preouts, some seperate amps for the speakers, etc. That would in the end perhaps your only concern for the future is the purchasing a new reciever as features get updated. Would be a very useful video. Thanks.
I bought my first receiver ever this year, I went with the best bang for buck route, picked up 2018s Denon AVR X-3500H, I needed some thing that would have a phono input for my record player as well as plenty of options for upgrades later in the future for my surround sound system. I picked a refurbished one off of Amazon for about 360 bucks. This thing has been great so far really pleased with my purchase.
Agree almost 100% with your receiver recommendation. I would summarize by stating the following. For the average home theater newb, spend around 3 hundred bucks on one of the brands you mention to get something decent that's about 100w/ch. Marantz is also my favorite brand, even though right now I have a Yamaha. (It works fine, but I don't really like how it detects and switches surround modes).
For someone that is (or wants to be an enthusiast) but you still don't want to spend major bucks - you look at the cheapest receivers you can find that have pre-outs, preferably all 7 (or more) channels. That generally means you're going to have to spend a little more because you'll have to get a mid to upper level model from that brand as entry level models will not have pre-outs. However, it will still be FAR cheaper than buying an actual pre-amp that has no amps in it. THEN you can spend that money you saved from getting a cheaper receiver instead of an expensive dedicated pre-amp and you go get the best amp you can afford. If music is important to you, I say you get the best 2 channel amp you can afford to use for the L/R channels and just use the receiver's amps for the rest. Then later if you want get another multi-channel amp for the other channels to complete the system if you want. Otherwise if 2 channel music isn't a priority you can get a nice 3 to 7 way external amp. Now, these external amplifiers you can keep forever and then just swap out the receiver when it becomes obsolete.
It is infuriating that there aren't entry level priced pre-amps out there. It is FAR cheaper to purchase a receiver to use as a pre-amp than it is to actually buy a dedicated pre-amp/processor, because those are priced with an audiophile tax and are always packed with way more features than you need and are also 2 to 3 times more expensive than a receiver that will do the EXACT SAME processing.
Z... this review is so great. Perfectly timed and absolutely full of knowledge. I love your style and your extensive knowledge that you share. KEEP IT UP!
ALSO! There better be a 103 episode!
I love this channel...just the pick me up i need right now..🤗 and yeah i have my Denon avr 3311ci for almost ten years now and still love it..
My first stereo system was a Sony. It lasted for 25 years before I finally chunked it for space. I also have a SAVA-D900, an old HTIB (home theater in a box). I heard it in Sears and loved it. Bought it, used it for about 7 years, gave to my brothers and they have had it for 11 years. It still is a nice smooth sounding surround system. Had to have the DVD changer fixed while it was under warranty but it still plays like new for my bros. So, I never had bad experience with Sony, except their stuff doesn't have the BEST sound. Definitely seems like decent quality on the lower end of the audio spectrum.
Hey Zeos, I'd like to hear you discuss your media PC. Connections, software, any special hardware installed, you know, the real nitty-gritty.
Rack system built in wall, so yeah analog will probably never die, SACD sounds amazing on separates 5 YAMAHA MX01s B&K reference processor, playing Dire straight material today. MIB movies did a great job on the surround Mix. Thanks for your reviews 👍 great material covered
Great job.....Yeah, 20 years ago I figured that buying into the top tier is worth it for the pre out and multi sub outs. I can still use my Pioneer I bought 30 years ago. Also, my HK sounds amazing.
That thing must be a beast
@@lamecasuelas2 it played at over 100 DB for 24 hours at UConn Spring Weekend 1996.
Thank you for putting this together! Definitely some worthwhile advice!
Yes, would like to see more HT videos, in all price ranges and upgrades that one could add and what difference they would make. Thanks and I enjoy your reviews
As someone who owns Marantz and Denon I don’t recall ever having to use hdmi through my receivers mostly optical tv it’s a 4K oled yet all video sources come from ps4 4K computer and 4K player no issues and yes have a Denon 5803 and enjoy DTS from it even with newer titles why? I stick to settings of audio to 5.1 and it’s plenty of sound clean and powerful bass.
Enjoying your off the cuff videos. I’m that almost lone Sony fan and have had 0 issues in over 20 years. But my comment is really about room correction software. It’s great for that one position where you set up the mic, but we can’t all sit in that one position. But it’s a nice tool to compare and combine its suggestions with your ear in each sitting position. At least that’s what I did to try and get a balance for multiple seating places.
Really useful. I have always found home theatre unbelievably convoluted and complicated. Thanks for cutting through a lot of the BS.
I've been dealing with electronics for many years and I find the Yamaha to have the less issues and and the easiest menu to deal with!
Audio Electronics Agree! Seems we also sub to some of the same channels lol!
@@nathanjones4039 Look like :) we are the audio fans
I’m on my second Yamaha receiver. I have the RX-V565, had it for 10 years and only just starting to have issues with it now.
@@benkrake3678 10 years is not bad at all, I have one from the early 2000's and it is still running great, I went through few denons and onkyos in a short period of time
Audio Electronics Yamaha is brand I really trust, mainly because they make high end amplifiers too, which are highly regarded, and their gear really does stand the test of time. I sold my first Yamaha 5.1ch receiver to my brother in law, and it still works fine, no issues whatsoever. To get 10 years out of any 7.1 HDMI receiver is really good. My father still uses his mid 90’s Technics SA-GX390 5ch Dolby Pro Logic receiver to this day, but doesn’t use it as much now.
Ive had a yamaha rxv673 for 4 years and love it does everything i need
For the budget price, I always go with Marantz or Denon on Home theater recievers ! Or Yamaha Advantage Pioneer Elite ! Now My 2 channel class AB Pioneer elite SX-N30 is a beast ! But it was 799.00US ! But after 1.5 years the budget minded 2ch IOTAVX STACK is a champ at 899.00US !! But great overview on HTR or AVR 😆 thanks Zeos!!
I have an old (2005 ish) Harmon Kardon AV receiver 50wattsx7 (all channels driven simultamiously) 35 amps of current 35 lbs. Its sound quality is awesome, very powerful but no HDMI and component only.
yea dude needs to get out a littel my harmon avr 135 is 25 amps a chan across all 5 . real specs all the shit he is talking about is shit for the noobs.
Love my HK. Akm chips.
Very happy with my Denon receiver. Bought it refurbished a year ago.
Same here from Pioneer Sc-82 to denon x3500h. I must say Audyssey xt32 made my speakers sound like id never thought. Was about to buy some psa towers lol...im good for now.
Your refurbish explanation alone was worth the listen (approx 36 min). Thanks.
Oh man, I can't wait to watch the nanoAVR review. But to be honest I would be even more amazed to know your thoughts about IL-DSP. It seems damn good.
Ok, just seeing the guns on the wall made you bump up like 30 points in my mind. Props to you and yours this season!
I thought he lived in japan or something but from the window view it's the USA
You can tell he doesn't live here in Kalifornia. Displaying your guns like that would freak out the Libs here.
I got a pioneer elite receiver, yeah they are pretty nice though I recommend them if you are looking for also a brighter sound, say if you have warmer tilted speakers. Likewise if you want something warmer because maybe your speakers are already bright then look at denon or marantz. Can't recommend those 3 and Yamaha receivers enough.
Great advice. Spend the least on things that will change quickly and spend the best money on things that are persistent.
Hey Zeos, a suggestion of video. A whole music system where none of its parts cost more than $100. I am speaking of a DAC, a headphone Amp, a speaker amp, a headphone, a pair of speakers and maybe a turntable and/or a streaming device like an raspberry pi. You could say wich one of these itens you are fine spending 100 bucks or less and wich one you could benefit a lot by saving a little more and spending, let´s say, $150 or $200.
My suggestions in these departments are:
DAC - Schiit Modi 3/ SMSL M100
Headphone Amp - Schiit Magni 3+ / Schiit Magni Heresy / JDS Lab Atom
Speaker Amp - Loxjie A10 / SMSL SA100
Headphones - Philips SHP9500 / Cooler Master MH-751 / SIVGA SV006
Speakers - Dayton Audio B652-AIR / Edifier R1280T / Micca MB42
Turntable - Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
I would like to watch your opinion on this matter of fully systems on the strict budget.
Great video as always...There was no mention of the Kriss Vector at all though.
Yes speaker placement is really interesting, because many people place speakers against the walls and that ruins the speakers most of the time.
I had one of the onkyo’s with the hdmi problem. It was covered under warranty, but I still had to ship it to the center and that was stupid expensive. I just bought a Marantz two days ago. Didn’t even consider Onkyo due to the experience even though I am sure the problem was fixed.
Can’t wait for part 3: bass enemas.
that sony receiver analogy LMAO
I've been using my Denon AVR 3805 for the past 17 years - which doesn't have an HDMI out to the TV (laughing, I know). I've now had three TVs because the logic boards all failed. I've replaced three DVD/Blu-Ray players because they've failed. My current Samsung Plasma is starting to flicker, that plagued my last Sammy Plasma.
I still have the same speakers (Polk LSi15 for mains, LSiC, cheap surrounds, a thumping sub) and Denon receiver.
If you can plug your video sources directly into the TV's, and the audio sources directly into the receiver, you'll be good to go, and your receiver becomes less obsolete and lasts a helluva lot longer than 4-5 years.
If you have an older receiver that doesn't do 4K or 60hz you can always hook up your pc straight to your tv and then run a second hdmi from your pc to your receiver just for audio. You'll need to add the receiver as a second monitor even though your not using the video signal. This is a pretty simple work around for those who have an htpc and an older high end receiver with great audio performance. You can also use a displayport to hdmi cable for the audio if your pc only has one hdmi and multiple displayports, like most modern pc's.
My first surround reciever in 1999 was a Sony. Worked great for years powering a 4.1 system. Always took a good 8 seconds to lock on to a DTS signal, which sucked when Gladiator or Lord of the Rings changed layers, but no other problems....until it came time to upgrade. Bought an Onkyo for the ProLogic IIx and 6.1 capabilities mainly, and the Sony was moved to a bedroom and hooked to the computer. Somewhere during that transition the surround channel amps gave out. Still used it, but in a 3.1 config. Bummer. I also had 2 sony subs die on me as well. Sony does make great headphones, TVs, and shiny silver disc players, but avoid anything they make with an amp in it.
Arcam is popular in consumer high end in the UK.
Best line of the show 35:24 "I think that's it for this episode..." **proceeds to go for 7 more minutes**
I just got a Sony STR-DN 1080 and it blows my Denon 930h out of the water. Literally better in every way and they were relatively the same price released around the same time
Some receivers (my yamaha) you can do audio out to TV over HDMI. I do this and put a $10 box that passes through hdmi and splits off optical fibre (left right only) then goes dedicated dac/amp for left/right. The receiver powers the rest of the surround sound at the same time. I have the Dirac version of that nanoAVR before the receiver that fixes up any timing delays from seperate dacs and room corrects (also a cheapo 5port hdmi switch before that for more inputs).
I don't fully understand the adc part of your setup (the coax part) but I thought you might be able to avoid a conversion (and save money) by using the receiver audio out to TV and a cheap hdmi fibre optic splitter.
Bought an onkyo nr686 for $250 running a set of rb42 for my fronts also was playing around with some car door speakers no box as rears. Not optimal rears but they definitely work was kinda shocked at the difference with the rears for movies a lot of immersion is added.
Would be cool to see your next one-subject video be about going into detail of what makes a speaker good for nearfield listening.
What I've noticed in looking for a receiver under $500 from the better brands is that you only get preouts for 2 front channels and a sub. Until you hit about a $700 -$800 price point. Then I notice on a 7.2 channel pre-amp receiver you'll get multi-zone and preouts for all channels plus support for DTS:X and Atmos etc.
“I think the video is over...” ten minutes later 🤣
yea, same xD
Onkyo made after 2016 has all the problems fixed. The internal heat was desoldering chips on the older one's surface mount components.
My Denon 7.1 is from 2008 works great same for my plasma from 2009, speakers and sub too then in my bedroom my 5.1 Denon, tv, and speakers all from 2009 work great but I did recently add 2 SVS PB1000s since they went on sale and a couple Klipsch Rp 280fa's because they were on sale for $699 for the pair which was just too much of a good deal to pass up. When I do upgrade my AVR's I plan on moving to separates. Great video.
Z, I was in the market for a new HTR to replace a YamahaHTR bought in 1998. Well I follow done of your links and got hold of a top of the line Onkyo TX-RZ820 THX Certified receiver. This had an MSRP of $1,399, today it was being sold for $399. this deal appears to be new-old stock being sold through Amazon. Hopefully there is no hidden damages here. thanks for the content.
The dolls casting a shadow on your wall looks like an intro to an anime movie.
Great info. I enjoy your videos and all the electronics in your place. I own a denon in command X series. Also a Sony x930e tv.
Got a 9.2 Pioneer Elite on black Friday for $350. I'm quite happy with it.
thank god you made this video cuz I was talking with someone somewhere in YT comments who wanted wireless surround sound... not that they're gonna watch this video and learn or anything, but it gives me a sense of relief to hear someone make sense.. LOL or is there actually a wireless surround sound that works?
I mean you can do wireless but it still isnt truey wireless. You need power to the amp module or to the speakers themselves. I'd rather run a cheap speaker cable around the room then try and hide power cables.
Storm audio is a beast. Couldn't be happier.
I actually don't like the 7.1.4 notation as it actually translates to needing a 11 channel receiver. Although some 9 channel receivers offer pre-outs to enable 11 channels, with a stereo amp needed for the additional two channels. And there is also the dolby atoms enabled speakers which fire upwards for those that can't or won't start drilling holes in the ceiling if you want height channels.
Back in the day, the Sherwood 'Newcastle' line was terrific
I just recently purchased the Denon AVRX4500H💪🏾
After having this for a year, what are your thoughts ? What do you like most ? And any dislikes ? And would you buy this again ? Thanks
@@garycooper8652 I absolutely love the Denon receiver. I would definitely purchase it again. It’s one of the best investments in my system besides my second sub🔊🔊
Nice video, what about using something like eARC to increase the useful lifespan of your Receiver? You could plug in all your video sources directly into your TV and have your TV push eARC downstream to the Receiver. This way you could upgrade to a new TV later with new visual features but not have to upgrade the receiver since the receiver would still be processing the audio. Reading online eARC allows for up to uncompressed 7.1 and Dolby Atmos so from my understanding this should work correct?
this what i am using now ,using 9 years old receiver my x9000h tv as video source and reciver for audio only ,but no atmos as its old receiver
I have a Yamaha RX-V565 7.1 receiver, and I have had this receiver for 10 years from brand new. I have noticed that this receiver is on its way out, because it has a short somewhere. Whenever you start adjusting the tone settings, it shuts off and goes into standby mode. I can turn it back on easy so the amplifier protection isn’t kicking in, so that’s good I guess. I’m going to go back to a 2ch system eventually once my receiver finally shits it’s self.
Thanks Zeos, this is actually usefull.
I bought a cheapo pioneer av reciever from walmart like 5 years ago, 0 problems so far. All HDMI Works, no speakers half working etc. Pioneer VSX-522
Picking a reveiver? But you said all we need is the Swan M300.
I am a Yamaha guy. Denon and Marantz are a merged company since 2002 and are both owned by Sound United LLC. I would imagine they are about the same in terms of quality and performance since they both use Audyssey XT32 in the higher end models.
I have Denon X3500H and Yamaha RX-A880. I prefer the Yamaha by far, honestly. I think the Yamaha has a few features I prefer - more manual adjustability with the equalizer (more bands and you can equalizer each speaker separately), the a880 runs YPAO faster than x3500 Denon runs Audyssey and I think YPAO does a better job because it has a built in decipher code for reflections. I don't know if the Denon does but I hear more bass hum from the Denon, it sets the bass higher because it is only measuring the output, the Yamaha also measures for reflections so I don't notice any bass hum with the Yamaha.
The way the room corrections make my speakers sound is: the Yamaha is much more natural even a bit laid back or dark with the Elac UB5. The mids can be a little chesty but on most recordings the sound is smooth and soft but very detailed and natural. At it's worst, it can be dark and sound like there isn't enough details. YPAO seems to me pretty much forgiving where you place the microphone. I go to each seat and hold the mic to my ear - right next to my ear - and get good reading and sound. Simple, easy, and effective YPAO. It gives a larger sweet spot from what I can tell.
The Denon is almost opposite of that. Audyssey seems to favor a leaner, brighter sound with powerful bass WHEN Audyssey calculates itself correctly. A few times I have had Audyssey make my big speakers sound small and other times tune the bass too overpowering. I assume Audyssey is very unforgiving with placement of their microphone; too close to a wall the bass will go down, too far away it will shoot it up. Audyssey seems to pinpoint a sound to a small area to be the sweet spot. I ran it yesterday and when I sat back in my chair the sound was just right but when I bent over in my chair, the sound got disorganized and messy sounding - like that clump of mid-range infidelity. Maybe Denon go more flat with their reference profile causing the highs to be more in your face, or what sounds like an upward sloping high end. The Denon throws a bit too many high highs and the bass can sounds a bit muddy from being overpowered or you could say there is some bass hum noise in the sound with my Klipsch RP280F.
I'll probably try the Denon with my Elac to see if they go better together. Denon with a slightly brighter and bassier sound might match better with the Elac that has a softer sound. Likewise, the Yamaha might be perfect with the Klipsch since it has a more laid back and natural sound to go with the lively and dynamic Klipsch. I would say the Denon is more lively and dynamic like the Klipsch and the Yamaha is more natural and smooth like the Elac speakers.
Even my mom who is no audiophile loves the Yamaha much more than the Denon. After hearing the Denon, she only wants the Yamaha; I couldn't agree more with her. The Denon is definitely powerful and dynamic, it even does a good job delivering clean sound like the Yamaha (arguably), it just doesn't have as nice of a set of features IMO. The reflection test of the Yamaha is pure genius and makes the world of difference.
This could be considered a slightly unfair comparison as the Denon is 2018 model and the Yamaha is 2019 but they were within $50 of each other and I bought the Yamaha first. I only got a Denon because Joe from JoeNtell swore on Denon and I wouldn't say he is wrong but I am favorable of the Yamaha. It could be that Idon't know the best way to optimize the Denon. The Denon does set like 50 different points of equalization through it's Audyssey but you can't go in and change those manually. If you get the $20 app so you can select a target setting for your equalization it might be invaluable asset - it could take a while to find what you actually like and the app does not have a high rating in the play store, it is like 2.3 star.
Picked up an Integra DTR 50.3 on Marketplace for very cheap and it's been stellar!!Runs my laptop, Xbox, Xbox One,Wii,3 amps and TV with ease.
Wow, this was a ton of great info. Sorry if this was explained elsewhere (new to the channel- love it btw!), but since you don’t run a center channel and have set the receiver accordingly, do you watch movies and such in surround sound mode or in multi channel stereo?
I have a Denon 7.1 AVR connected to my TV but I just run a two channel setup. I think I turned off the center and surrounds in the settings, but I never know what surround mode I should be watching things in (i.e. stereo / mch stereo / dolby digital), they all seem to sound the same.
I love these home theater videos.
Thanks for the info, Z. Any hope for a video on pre-pro's next?
I reviewed the MC700 so I can arrange that soon.
One thing I learned from helping someone else set up their system, be honest with yourself on how you're going to use it. My friend wanted a surround sound set up for movies and tv but really only used it to listen to music. Music is two channel, you can pair a nice stereo receiver and a quality pair of speakers and then you'll have great music and still enjoy movies and tv shows. If you try to play music through a 5.1 system it won't sound right. That's because none of the 5.1 speakers were designed to produce the full range of sound in two channels. So, for him, it was a waste of money.
Well, there are plenty of wonderful music/concert DVDs and Blu-Rays that are designed for optimal listening on a good 5.1 or 7.1 system. It depends on the quality of the receiver,
the speakers, and how it's calibrated. I agree though, for pure music listening in 2.1, you're better off with a separate system. Most home theater receivers are optimized for
multichannel sources, not so much for basic stereo sources. Sometimes for an apt., let's say, you're better off with a smaller PC speaker 5.1 or 2.1 THX system instead of
a full home theater system. Esp. if you're going to just use a PC or laptop as your main media source.
I would definitely get at least a 7.1 or 7.2 receiver these days. The 5.1 or 5.2 are just so bare bones and many have spring clip speaker connections.
And they cost about the same
Thinking off getting an Pioneer SC LX704 this year end next year an emotiva XPA3 Gen 3 Amp for Front Left, Right and Mid. I started with an complete 5.1 System from Pioneer with an VSX 531. It does still well but i want to upgrade for an 5.2.2 or 5.2.4 System. For the back the SC LX 704 has enough power for my Q150s and the Front will get LS50s or R3s so the Emotiva Amp for the low 3.2 Ohms and some headroom.
Hey Zeos.
what 1080P projector(s) and screen would you recommend?
Thanks!
If you have a DAC just hook it up to the TV and you can use any old Stereo receiver you want to. Or if the old AVR has optical just run it to the receiver lol.
I agree with the brands you recommend. However I would say NAD is great too. I have a sony reciever thats about 10 years old thats still working great with 4 hdmi inputs, its good for how much i paid for it. it was originally 400, got it for 20. If I were to upgrade I would go with Yamaha, Denon, or NAD. Denon is just a more affordable Marantz. Also, you can just get an 4k hdmi switch and then run that to your tv then run optical or spdif into your receiver so you dont have to upgrade when the video switcher is outdated.
Could you do a review on power supply ? I remember you talking about a APC power conditioner ..
Should we get a surge protector ? A power conditioner ? A voltage regulator ?
Hey Zeos - can you get your hands on some NHT speakers to try - either the C3 or C4's?
Have a 1990's Sony receiver... Failed after 20+ years of use, the last 5 or so as the dedicated sound system for the living room. The method of failure was passing mains to the speakers, triggering a protection circuit.
Replaced it temporarily with a similarly ages jvc that I barrowed from my father, which was replaced when my grandmother moved to florida and we got her entry level Yamaha. All the while running pioneer entry level 3 ways that have been toppled and abused by a kid with major issues. They have yet to fail...
@@chanslorvalorum6905 it was a basic entry level receiver when we got it... It ain't going to sound great but it sounded better then the tv
My older Yamaha RX-Z9 puts out 330 watts per 7 channels into my 4ohm speakers as well as two more height channels at 50 watts ....
I've tried newer Receivers and nothing sounds as good so I added a newer processor to add the newer surround options but I watch most stuff on streaming services and really most still are Dolby 7.1 so if you can live without the convenience of HDMI you can get a much better system by switching your video sources outside of your Receiver ...
Sony ownership trashed the brand for about a decade. They have righted the ship, their ES line carries a 5 year warranty. They are the only AVR we use in the CI trade. We were big Marantz dealers until about 6 years ago and they needed constant repairs and weird updates. I like Marantz but lately Sony has been phenomenal.
I purchased an onkyo a few years ago, the hdmi board failed within 10 months. The actual board was in a position that gotroasting hot and I think it messed up the solder joints? I replaced the board and used a usb pc fan that helped . I’m pioneer now but that needs replacing as it’s 4K but I need a 4K HDR pass through. Despite my new pioneer being newer etc the older 1080p onkyo had better sound! My pioneer is Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 but my next amp is going to be a Denon .
The umbrella company that owns Marantz and Denon also own Kef, too.
Been using Denon AVR-S540BT for my 5.1 and it has been serving me very well
can you stream spotify from smartphone to it ?
@@janhrobar782 yes. You'd just connect it to your phone/pc and open up spotify and it will play over the Bluetooth to the receiver
@@c4monkey superb feature, thanks for confirming
Zone 2 RCA line out and/or preamp out is a heavenly thing for those of us with separate headphone amps that we want to have access to BVD players for Blu-ray Audio or SACD. TIP- My Yamaha claims not to output HDMI signals to Zone 2, BUT it will in Party Mode (all zones mode). Just mute Zone 1 and you and your headphones can “party” in peace without disturbing others. This is important with receivers because the receivers’ own HP output does NOT seem to improve as the more expensive models go up in price.
Another good receiver to go for is the Nad Receivers, they have hdmi modular upgrading, which is by far the biggest reason people upgrade there receivers, also has dirac live, pre outs and honest power ratings
What about NAD pre pros?. Are they any good?
I was going to buy the edifier R1850DB and Add the Polk 10” sub to it. I really only just listen to music and play Xbox occasionally but I think I’d rather go the home theater route to start so I can upgrade over time. What would be a good place to start at with just a 2.1 system to begin? Anything that will sound equal to/better than the R1850DB?
Got a recommendation for a receiver for the pioneer sp-bs-21lr 5.1 setup? I have 4 spbs21lr and the matching center channel and I replaced the pioneer sub with the bic f12 now I need a receiver. Budget around $300ish and will be used exclusively for home theater. Your videos have been very helpful to me. Thank you.
After spending 40 years of upgrading (from vinyl to 8 track to cassette to dvd etc.) I agree with EVERY thing you said! I have mostly had good amps, but last time my amp broke it was cheaper to buy a low end Onkyo than repair my old big amp. That was five years ago and now my sound sometimes cuts out. Now I know why!! HDMI input! Doesn't happen with fibre optic or composite. I am now looking for a new amp and found this video so useful! Thanks so much for making this!!!
You should look at Musical Fidelity power amps and the M6si integrated amp because they have some seriously good measurements however they cost a lot.
I had a Denon surround receiver and it failed after just a couple of years use. I have an older Onkyo surround receiver and it is still fine. Can't really go by brand IMO and any brand can fail prematurely. I don't do surround sound anymore anyway and am using just 2.1 channel audio on my desktop.
That's pretty true. The same company that bought up Denon and Marantz several years ago now also owns Pioneer and Onkyo, and you can get a lemon from any of them depending on the model and when it was made. Most of them do last a long time though so your odds of your next one lasting many years is pretty good.
I use a mini DSP for my crossovers in my current active 2.0 setup.
I am thinking about expanding to 5.0 (or 4.0 at first).
Are there any surround receivers with digital pre-outs? Aka 5.1 dolby/dts in and 5 seperate PCM out? I am having a hard time finding them.
I would like to exclude the additional DAC and ADC I would get when using an analogue pre-out (al my sources are digital).
33:34; definitely enthralled and don't want you to stop. ;-)
your topic it's so educational thank you so much ill learned a lots
Sony makes excellent audio speakers and amplifiers, etc. It's just not at BB or the like. Check out if any Sony dealers are still around, otherwise I'm not sure how to go about getting some of their hi-end items. Was able to listen to some of there stuff at Axpona about 4-5 years ago, very impressive.
Look for watts @ all channels driven for HT. Wattage in 2 channel stereo is what they tell you...that's great for 2 channel music but you are doing a HT so look for all channels driven (if you can find it because they hide it). Marantz (my choice) and other high end receivers still advertise 2 ch driven, but they will also tell you ACD
I just bought a high end AVR Denon receiver 125 Watts per channel...Open box NOS... Full 7.1 Pre-outs. No HDMI . I am using it in my music room for stereo with a $30 Bluetooth receiver. Amazing sound. Why would you buy something newer for music? Total investment including shipping = $89.00. A careful shopper can get a killer setup for nearly nothing. As long as there are folks who need to upgrade every few years, these bargains will exist.
Were waiting on HDMI 2.1, do 5.1.4 use the preouts and get atleast 5in speaker for the .4 .
Best bang for the buck receiver in my opinion is 2014 Marantz SR7009. It has 125w, 9 channels, atmos, bluetooth, airplay, 4k/60hz, Audyssey xt32 calibration. Price can range from $400 - $1000. Second best is 2014 Denon X4100 which is very comparable to SR7009 but cheaper.
Hey Z, have you done a review on the Infinity subwoofers of yours?
That Tascam PA-R200 can do 4k but ti's the first Gen. you can even up code all of its inputs with the Qdeo .
Onkyo TX-RZ820.so so cheap,at my place this av amp still around 850 USD, in USA only $400 ,the best value around $400 to me.i know is old model, but still a very solid amp.
Captain America is my TV audio setup, thanks to your review! Marantz rocks! Only AV receiver I'd buy. I think Denon bought Marantz a few years ago.
Why yes MadMaxx, they sure did!