[AVR questions for a new HT build]

So now I need advice on my rear speakers!  Right now im running my r28f's as my rear channels.  I am going to most likely sell those.  I'm considering the rb-51, rb-41, and the rp150s.  Should I mount these mid way up the wall or at the top of the ceiling an point them down?  I have 2 Atmos Speakers, should i hang the rear one high so I can run Auro 3d?  I still have limited knowledge on this but I'm not sure my best option.  

[Center Channel Recommendations]

God I love this forum, haha.  I just bought my first set of Klipsch speakers early this year and its pretty dangerous so that is your fair warning.  I started with the rc-25.  upgraded to the rc62ii, and now have the 450c.  Like everyone said before, just get the best you can afford.  It cost me a lot more money making my way up to the 450.  The 62ii was a really nice upgrade from the rc25.  But to my ears the 450 (although has smaller woofers than the 62ii) is in a whole different class.  Keep in mind i also upgraded my tower to the 280f so now they timbre match which im sure helped.  Long story short as everyone else said get the best you can afford.  I will most likely have a 64 here soon at my pace.

[AVR questions for a new HT build]

4 hours ago, K5SS said:

I actually prefer the amps in the Pioneer over the Denon but I like Denon’s room correction better.

 

For full disclosure, I am using Denon now and I am not sure what version of Pioneer Elite receivers are using for room correction, so hopefully someone will chime in with some real works experience.

 

To make things even more confusing for you, I am probably going to give Anthem or NAD a shot, the next time I feel my receiver is falling behind the technological curve. 

 

Here is some free advise, that I don’t follow myself; don’t try to keep up with all the different technologies. These companies know that by adding IMAX, or an “upgraded” DAC that dummies like me will sell their current model for pennies on the dollar to get the latest and greatest. These AVR’s are like computers and upgrading yearly can be terribly expensive. Ask me how I know all this;)

 

Looks like im going to go for the Denon x4400h.  I did also considered the Marantz sr 6012, but i think i really just wanted the name.....seems like the Denon checks more boxes for me...if anyone feels like im wrong from personal experience please chime in.

[AVR questions for a new HT build]

10 minutes ago, Bostonmurf said:

depends if you have outputs for power amps. most cheap amps don't unfortunately. honestly if you get either the 4300 or the 4400 your set up and can add the power amps at a later date. 799 or 899  is a steal.

 

3 minutes ago, K5SS said:

I just pulled the manual of your receiver and I am afraid Bostonmurf is correct. Your receiver doesn’t have pre-outs with is a prerequisite for adding an external amp. The good news is that just about every AVR, in the $1k range has pre-outs. And yes, both the receivers I linked have pre-outs.

 

 

 

Ok well that makes things a lot easier, haha. 

 

K5SS I know its probably more of a personal preference but would there be a reason you would choose Pioneer over Denon?  

[AVR questions for a new HT build]

27 minutes ago, K5SS said:

This is the never ending argument, on just about all audio forums. YOU will have to be the judge on whether you need an external amplifier, after you have upgraded the receiver.

 

Both the receivers I linked are very powerful (many other options, those were just the ones I would be considering, if I were in the market) and offer tons of features and performance, especially considering the refurbished pricing. Do a little research on the different receiver options, in your budget, and pick the one that offers the most features you are looking for. They will likely be in the same power range so I wouldn’t put too much weight behind the watts/channel ratings. Receivers in this price range will have quality on-board amps.

 

I am in the camp that it is better to have an external amp when driving 5+ speakers with a receiver as the watts/channel starts dropping quite a bit with multiple channels are being used. 

 

With that said, many people haven’t heard a difference, in their room and with their listening habits, when they went from using a top-shelf receiver to adding a multi channel amplifier. Others swear there was a “night and day difference” when they stopped using a receiver’s internal amps to a beefy external amp. This is where the problem arises, as everyone has different sized rooms and listening habits. You will need to make this big decision on your own, but the testing process is what I love the most about this hobby! 

 

 

 

That makes sense.  I'm probably going to pull the trigger on the Pioneer or the Denon X4400H (i assume its the newer version of the X4300H) they have it on Amazon for $899 right now.  I've heard a lot of good things about Pioneer even though I've only owned Denon and Onkyo.  It looks as though the Pioneer that you linked doesn't have Dolby vision?  Is that something that i should care about?

 

I have a feeling i know the answer but i have to ask anyway......My current AVR has all of the connectivity that i need but lacks the power.  Would it makes sense at all to keep my current setup and buy an external amp?  I assuming if it was as simple as that everyone would just buy cheap AVRs and have external amps.

[AVR questions for a new HT build]

14 hours ago, K5SS said:

Yeah, those speakers are begging for a Receiver way up the food chain. 

 

Something like this:

 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/pionsclx701/pioneer-elite-sc-lx701-9.2-ch-x-135-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

 

or if you want to stick with Denon, this:

 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4300h/denon-avr-x4300h-9.2-ch-x-125-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

 

A room that size, you would likely benefit from an outboard amplifier down the road. 

 

I have a lot to learn but getting feedback from people that have experience is huge, so thank you.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but will that Pioneer or Denon (that you suggested) have enough power for the Klipsch towers and the other speakers on its own?  Or do i need to get the amp for those to play best to their capabilities?

[AVR questions for a new HT build]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 

Attempting to build my first HT in my new home.  The room is above the garage and the dimensions are 26' x 13'.  Below is a pic (sorry its not a great one but the only one i had on my phone).  I recently made a few upgrades and I'm not sure my Denon AVRS730H is a good option anymore.

 

I just upgraded my Reference line mains to the RP series.  So right now my setup looks like this:

Fronts:  rp280f

Center: rp450c

sub: r115sw

side surrounds: Fluance XLBP

Atmos: Polk rc80i

 

My question is do I have enough power to drive the system with that Denon or should i think about upgrading.  The RP fronts are being delivered, so i haven't hooked them up yet and i didn't want to damage anything if they were not suitable.

 

Another question.  I don't have any rear surrounds currently because i thought the in-ceiling (atmos) speakers would suffice but i guess that was poor planning by me.  Should i get rear speakers and a separate amp to drive my fronts and keep the Denon (bc its only a 7.2).  Or should i just scrap that idea, bite the bullet and get a 9.2 if i want to add rears?

 

Thanks for any input or if you have any other advice to improve my systems.....I'm all ears!