7 CHANNEL AVRs: 2023 BUYING GUIDE | Home Theater | Dolby Atmos | DTS;X

[@jeffleonard343]

That Marantz Cinema 70S is a terrific value IMO. Love Marantz processing and UI

[@kimauten7343]

@jeffleonard343 the subs out is all I need!

[@Leo.SKDXL05]

I've had my Denon X 4700 H for the past 3 years and I've used the emotiva xpa-3 gen 1 for my three fronts and now I'm adding The Outlaw 7125 for my surround and Heights. I was hoping to hear your feedback on the X 4700 H but I can see why it was excluded from this list being 2023. I'm really enjoying all your videos, you're doing a great job, hope your channel continues to grow.

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks! And yeah, 9+ channel AVRs will be discussed in Friday’s video! 🤘

[@davidross7255]

@@ealanosborne I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the Denon x3800h.

[@Barleyleg]

@@davidross7255 It’s fantastic! An absolute no-brainer when BB has them on sale.

[@P-LOWN1997]

@@ealanosbornelooking forward to see that video! I’ve got the denon 6700 and i absolutely love it such a great value avr

[@Audiomainia2310]

In one breath brother? Impressive!!!!

[@kandle1988]

you make it so easy thank you so much

[@ealanosborne]

You’re welcome! 🎉

[@JasonSmith-vo1yf]

Great video! Very informative and easy to understand. Are you going to continue the series with a 9 channel review?

[@ealanosborne]

This Friday, baby! Tune in then! 😁🎉

[@JasonSmith-vo1yf]

@@ealanosborne Will do! I love that your videos are more on the budget friendly side. I think that’s more in line with the typical viewer.

[@ealanosborne]

@@JasonSmith-vo1yf I agree! Of course from time to time I review a pretty expensive piece of gear, but I know I need to keep all budgets in mind. 😁🌈

[@thelazostsa]

Nice video you made,sony str-an1000 doesn't have front speaker pre outs..

[@marcomoreno8959]

Wait I thought the video said the an1000 can work with an external amp? I’m looking to buy one but need to use an amp to run my front left and right. Will that zone not section not work for an external amp?

[@Ausseke]

Great buying guide, I am still rocking my Denon X3700H. 7.2.4 is the only way to go if you have the room and the cash :P

[@ealanosborne]

So true! 🎉

[@Capybarainahumansuit]

Im considering a 3.1 or 5.1 I'd consider this to eventually go to 5.1.2 or 5.2.2

[@Audiomainia2310]

Can I make a suggestion? Onkyo TX NR 6050 / $449.00. 90 WPC / 4K - 8K / HDMI 2.1 The same as the Onkyo TX NR 6100 except no THX certification and 10 WPC less. But far less expensive and has ALLM, VRR, QFT, and I'm using one now - CEC is flawless.

[@ealanosborne]

Oooo yeah! That's a good one! Thanks!

[@LarryPutski]

Sony has got my vote with that spatial technology

[@Bemx2k]

Which 7.1 channel AVR will be offering the best Stereo and on other hand 8k support

[@ealanosborne]

Technically, the Anthem and Arcam 7-channel offerings will be best for 2-channel stereo playback since they have audiophile-grade ESS Sabre DACs inside. But they aren't cheap. The next best IMO is the Marantz Cinema 70S or Cinema 60.

[@Bemx2k]

@@ealanosborne Thanks , what if I got DAC with ESS 9038Q2M with RCA output for AV receiver , is it good enough for Denon X4800H to sounds good ?

[@ealanosborne]

@@Bemx2k oh sure. You could always introduce an external DAC for better 2-channel music listening, set the audio mode to Direct or Pure so that the Denon doesn’t do any processing on its own. 👍

[@titan2793]

Thanks, I was eyeing the sony but was on the fence. After this video I will wait for the beat price I can get it at. Thanks.

[@ealanosborne]

You’re welcome! 😃🎉

[@gilvanilima]

I looked on the Pioneer website and noticed that they no longer have the LX 105 and all the others that are left no longer use the ELITE name. Even the display with the characteristic color of the ELITE is gone.

[@kimauten7343]

I have a 70s ordered, amp it up to drive sonus lumina v amtor. Can't wait!!!

[@ealanosborne]

Hell yeah! 🤘🎉

[@kimauten7343]

Also I am old school dude and all this new stuff is very cool. Haven't built a receiver- AVR set up in a few years. Have in a blast researching all the new products.

[@manzarek74]

So sound wise and functions are they similar x1800 vs x2800 ?

[@ealanosborne]

Correct. Same chip set in both. Just a little more power and a few more bells and whistles with the X2800H. 👍

[@BL-cx6uh]

Hi Ealan, great video. How do you thinkg the Marantz 70s would pair with Klipsch speakers ? (without pre-amps... 50W enough)?

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, pretty good since Klipsch speakers are notoriously sensitive. 🤘

[@Bxr400]

Great presentation!!!! but one question…..how well will the Sony AN-1000 go with my Bose Acoustimass-6 Home Theater speaker system? I rather do the AV receiver than a Sony sound bar.

[@ealanosborne]

I'm not too familiar with the Bose Acoustimass systems, but I imagine if you still like the sound of those Bose speakers, they do allow that system to work with another receiver. The AN-1000 would go well, I would think.

[@Bxr400]

@@ealanosborne Thanx 👍

[@itry2brational]

I have the Klipsch Reference 5.1 Home Theater System with 2x R-625FA speakers, which blow my mind, and a very large open room. A Yamaha TSR-5830 powers the speakers. Soon I will be getting an 80+ inch TV. Do I need a pre-amp? What receiver would you recommend?

[@ealanosborne]

I don’t think so, IMO. Those speakers will be perfectly powered by the AVR. 🙌 If and when you upgrade speakers that can handle more power, you’ll want to invest in a preamp. 🤘

[@itry2brational]

@@ealanosborne Thank you for your expert opinion! I don't feel like I lack any power but I'm not an audiophile or expert. The system can definitely be turned up to the point of overwhelming. BTW, the tv has been selected and purchased: 83" Samsung S90C. Its replacing an old 60" Samsung 7150 which is over 10yo. The room is huge and evenly shaped so I have insane channel separation. Its a magical feeling. My little girl said she feels like she's in the movie. Exactly, my dear, exactly. lol

[@kuroshzamani1775]

Great video! Do you think The Sony AN-1000 can handle KEF Q750 towers + Q600c + 2X Q50a + 2X Q800ds in a 300 ft2 room?

[@ealanosborne]

TBH, that KEF setup would probably be better powered by the Onkyo 7100. More power, THX certified, Dirac Live room correction, and even supports 9 channels if you wanted to upgrade later on. And right now on Amazon it’s only $799. If it’s too pricey, the Onkyo 6100 has the same power rating, but no Dirac Live. 🤷‍♂️ Food for thought! 😁

[@markvandenberg4606]

Great overview, thanks! Do you think the Cinema 70s would be powerful enough for a 20'x20' space with mostly budget Polk speakers if I were to drive my L and R fronts with an external amp using HT Bypass? I'd be upgrading from the S750H, which sounds great for movies (in my mind), but mediocre for music... It'll be either the Marantz or the X1800H for a little bit of savings. I love that the latter comes with pre-outs as well. It's a great value for smaller systems. Thanks!

[@ealanosborne]

Yes, I think that would be a great system! Plus, with the Cinema 70s, you always have the option of powering ALL of your speakers with external amps, if you decide to upgrade speakers later on down the road. Options are best! 😁🎉

[@markvandenberg4606]

@@ealanosborne Thanks!!

[@doncalvert49]

When are you.getting new speakers?

[@ealanosborne]

Hopefully pretty soon, actually. 🤞

[@Nocturnal2010]

I still have a dh790 and there's nothing wrong with it except rms rating@6ohms lol It was my first Atmos setup. But now It's in the closet with a few others 🤷🏾‍♂️😁

[@cloez6828]

how does the Pioneer VSX935 stack up next to the STR-DH790? Which of the two would you recommend for budget 7.2?

[@ealanosborne]

Pioneer all the way. It’s more updated, supporting HDMI 2.1, 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz and Next gen gaming features that the Sony doesn’t have since it’s many years older. 👍

[@stephenlowes2161]

Hi. I have the sony hta9 which I like but feel it lacks quality. I am thinking of upgrading to the new sony 3000 receiver. Have you heard both and would the receiver with good speakers be much better and worth the upgrade. And why does receiver do spacial 360 mapping if all channels are wired.... thanks

[@ealanosborne]

I’ve tried several times to acquire an HT-A9, but to no avail. 😭 But with that being said, a traditional wired system will still be superior to a soundbar since you’re dealing with speakers that have larger woofers, especially when it comes to a subwoofer. Soundbars are popular since the setup is quick and convenient, but still don’t have the overall power and fidelity of a wired system. But most these days would rather settle for convenience than put in the extra effort of dealing with speaker wires. 🤷‍♂️ With that being said, if you still want the convenience factor, a Sonos system is one of the best on the market today for both movies/TV/music listening (Sonos Arc, 2 Era 300s for surrounds, and Sub Gen 3). But if you still want to go down the traditional route, the AZ3000ES receiver can still do 360 Spatial Sound Mapping since its software based, and performs a series of tones and measurements to create a 3D bubble of sound based on where your wired speakers are located. Pretty cool tech. 🙌

[@NightSociety]

Are there any recommendation, don't know if they make anymore standalone graphic equalizer for any of these AVRs? Understand there are built-in preset, or software via BT devices, somehow the sound quality just not as good as standalone EQ.

[@ealanosborne]

MiniDSP have a fantastic reputation with user friendly external DSPs. Check out their website. 👇👇 But it’s easier with a preamp processor for the main speakers. MiniDSP is a breeze with dialing in your subwoofers. But any AVR with Dirac Live will have great settings to dial in your speakers and subs. www.minidsp.com/

[@mariuszdziekonski3120]

Great comparison hands down but I've noticed you did not mention that the Cinama 60 has HDAM module which is also present in their Stereo 70s stereo amp. This makes the 60 model superior compared to the music capabilities of the 70s and is why the price is much higher for the Cinema 60 both having the same number of pre-outs All the best

[@loudryka]

I picked up a Denon S760H for $209 from their refurbished store!

[@ealanosborne]

Whoooaaa! What a steal! 🎉

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there...I want to run an Atmos HT- 5.2.4 so I need a 9 channel receiver...which one is a good one for 2024? Thanks

[@ealanosborne]

Do you already have speakers? Since this will be your first attempt at a 5.2.4 system, I’d recommend the Onkyo TX-NR7100. Great power, excellent features for the price. 👍

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there...I was considering a Denon AVR-X46700h or a Marantz Cinema 50...a friend of mine who owns an Anthem AVR swears that his home theatre sounds a lot better with the same speakers ever since he got the Anthem 1140 and he credits the Dirac software for it, but I would rather not spend too much... decisions! Thanks @@ealanosborne

[@0311uli]

With the Yamaha V6 and A2A, they have same wattage but the audio capacitors on the V6 are inferior at 8200uf while the A2A has the same 10,000uf capacitors as the A4A. Listened to both the A2A and A4A and both almost sounded the same with the slight difference that A4A has slight more oomf on the base. Dug deeper and the slight difference between them is the DAC chips with A2A being Burr Brown and A4A Saber DACs. If it’s the Yammies I agree between the three shown I’d get the A2A plus can be found cheap on Accessories4less.

[@ealanosborne]

Nice! Thanks for that rundown. 🤘

[@0311uli]

@@ealanosborne ur welcome, man. I was curious about the Yammies and how many mentioned V6 and A2 were the same. I was like nah. Gotta see what's actually happening since I can't believe Yamaha would do a dress-up version of the V6 for a quick cash grab. After doing some research I'm glad that Yamaha added some important bits to separate the regular brand from their Aventage line

[@georgeangeloudes9254]

How do u think the cinema 70s pair with warmish speakers??

[@ealanosborne]

Great! Marantz’s musicality tends to do well with warmish speaker characteristics. 🤘

[@mnrodriguez]

What could be enough power for B&W 685 S2 in front with an AS 608 Sub-woofer in a average size room? (2.1 I lean more to music and was thinking about the Marantz Cinema 60)

[@ealanosborne]

The Cinema 60 would be plenty, yes. You might even be able to get away with the Marantz Stereo 70S since it’s just 2.1 you’re dealing with. The only drawback with the Stereo 70s is that it doesn’t support Dolby Digital or DTS, only 2-channel PCM signals. If you need Dolby/DTS support, you could even get away with the Cinema 70s with your B&W speakers. But if that doesn’t matter and you can get by with PCM audio, the Stereo 70s is $200 cheaper than the Cinema 70s. 🙌

[@mnrodriguez]

@@ealanosborne , thanks!

[@mohamedumars6634]

Pls suggest me whether x1800h support DtsX and Dolby Atmos

[@ealanosborne]

Yes it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 👍

[@mohamedumars6634]

@@ealanosborne thank you

[@SixMeter]

I own the Onkyo TX RZ50 and was wondering why it wasn't in your list, or the latest Onkyo TX RZ70? I enjoy your reviews and look forward to what is next.

[@ealanosborne]

Those are both 9 channel AVRs…which I will mention in tomorrow’s video! 😁

[@SixMeter]

Oh Okay! My Bad!

[@sasoesasoe]

My receiver has to have 2 pre-outs ... In EU for me the cheapest price option for Sony AN-1000 is 830 eur (on salle) ... the DENON X2800H for 720 eur or even 9.4 channel X3800H for 900 eur. So, is Sony still the better option for me?

[@TrevorBatt]

Awesome channel Ealan!! Would (selfishly) love to see this same review with 9 channel AVRs too.

[@ealanosborne]

Tune in this Friday! 😁🎉

[@quickflik3980]

I am trying to run some elac carina or elac solano with some rear speakers and maybe a sub in the future but idk if its woth spending €500+ on a avr (I can get a brand new denon x1700 for €439,99) If you have any other recommendations pls do tell me

[@lesliefortier6595]

What do you have to add concerning Marantz HDAM amp modules that are not in the 70s but are in the rest of Cinema line. You didn't mention them. Are the modules better than OP(?) chipsets ?

[@ealanosborne]

True, if the subtle differences (Marantz’s words, BTW) that an HDAM amp provides is important to you - mainly for music listening - then sure, you might want to look at the Cinema 60 or above. But that’s only if you’re using the internal amps. The 70s’s 50 wpc rating isn’t enough in my case, so that’s why I use external amps exclusively with it. I think that’s the point of the 70s, too, essentially being a less expensive, slim version of the 60 that most who buy it will end up using external amps, so HDAM doesn’t apply anyway. I’d rather save some money and use external amps than rely on the internal amps of the 60.

[@lesliefortier6595]

Does that mean you like them. I’m trying to decide on an upgrade. At this moment I’m between Onkyo RZ-50 and the Cinema 60. Trying to hold off until January but I can hardly wait.

[@ealanosborne]

@@lesliefortier6595 I do like the Cinema 70s very much! It’s perfect for my open concept living room, since I can’t go all crazy with a 9.2.6 system (for example) with the layout of my living room. 5.1.2 works just fine.

[@lesliefortier6595]

@@ealanosborne Is the power sufficient for a KEF speaker system including Carina II’s, LS50 and C100? I’m trying to settle on one thing without the expectation of adding on outside amp. Cinema 60 would give me double the power and slightly better quality due to HDAM. I will not be buying either until I find a deal I like. Thanks for replying.

[@lesliefortier6595]

I do like listening to music very much. That’s how I became an audiophile. Mostly jazz and blues! Thanks again

[@loksha323]

The Onkyo N6050 is about $299 as well

[@belgiovthedoby]

Great video! I would go for the cinema 70s but...no dub 😢

[@shamad58]

When will you review Nakamichi Dragon?

[@ealanosborne]

In a couple weeks! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Barleyleg]

My open living room concept really wants to know which speakers your open living room concept is talking about……. Cheers!

[@ealanosborne]

Heehee! It’s gonna be quite the task to pull that system all together. It should be on its way soon, though, so hopefully in November I can do the big reveal! 🤞🤞

[@mindblockandroid]

The dh-790 paired with a jamo hcs system would be the poor man’s HT dream. Also, I understand that with a firmware update it supports earc! Is that correct?

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, according to this, an eARC firmware update was released way back in Oct 2018. 🎉 www.sony.com/electronics/support/downloads/00015537

[@mindblockandroid]

@@ealanosborne Awesome! I think this is a fantastic option for us pc gamers who would like to upgrade from rinky dinky logitech 5.1 speakers, and/or for nintendo switch gamers who want surround sound. The switch only does 1080p, so the video capabilities of the 790 are not as important.

[@ealanosborne]

@@mindblockandroid True! That’s the situation I’m in right now, since I don’t get around to playing video games as much these days. But when I do, it’s almost exclusively on the Switch. 😄

[@HTadd1ct]

Denon and yamaha are the two brands I suggest.

[@johnrapp91]

Just got the A2A for $585 new on Amazon. 🎉

[@ealanosborne]

NICE DEAL! 🎉

[@kriswingert1662]

Incorrect, Integra absolutely has 7.1 amps. The DRX2 and 3 series are Both 9, 7.1 or 5.1.2.

[@jasonme3557]

I have had both the Arcam and Anthem. Do not be misled. The Arcam blows the Anthem out of the water is sound quality.

[@ealanosborne]

Good to know! I’m trying to get my hands on an AV41 in the next month or so. I’m hoping that happens, since it’s been about a year and half with my IOTA AVX17. Running a KZbin channel, I’m itching for some change/an upgrade, you know? 😁🤞🤞

[@kev3226]

7 channel Avr is best priced. 9 channel will usually double the cost.

[@whatdoyouthinktodd]

Maybe five channel isn't very popular but I will say it's a much better balance system. Seven channel is not a very balanced system. I would say if you had a five and you wanted to upgrade. You should go to a 9.4 which is a much better balance and more agile system. You can run 9.4 very balanced and have a very solid soundstage. Or end up with a 5.4.4 which is extremely balanced for not a whole lot of money. Also when it says it is 90 watts per channel it is running stereo two channels driven. It also is 90 Watts at very very short time like a millionth of a second. If you have seven channels and you think it's running 90 watts per channel you're out of your mind if you're lucky you're probably getting 35 or 40 watts per channel.

[@samson1508]

There were 99 comments, mine is 100....❤

[@ealanosborne]

Hooray!! 😁

[@sandsmarc]

There really is no Atmos with 7 channels. You need 11. 7 for the bed. 4 for the ceiling.