9.4.4 ATMOS UNLEASHED! | IOTA AVX17 Preamp Review | 17 Channel Home Theater Processor

[@rayking507]

Hi guys I am from UK, just to let you know I called and spoke to Mr Ian the owner of the company IOTA Enterprises. We had a long chat and I do not want to put you off of your purchase for this IOTAVX AVX17 unit but he told me that they are going to bring out a new Pre Amp which will be 9 channels and include optional Dirac room correction as an additional add on purchase. He said this new unit will be out in about 12-14 months. And heres the exciting bit, you can trade in your old IOTAVX AVX17. Ohhh yeah he also said in about 16-18 months they will also have the new 17 channel version out with Dirac. And one more thing, I did ask if the old units will also benefit from optional Dirac and he said unfortunately not but you can upgrade via trade in. 👍

[@ealanosborne]

Whoa! Thanks for the inside info! I’m all in if this unit gets Dirac! 🤘

[@drumskostas]

Thank you very much for the heads up! With the huge increase in prices for the Denon receivers and Marantz pre-amps, the IOTAVX was like a breath of fresh air! My main issues though is that it does not support 8K (more precisely 4K/120Hz for gaming), Dirac, earc and Auro3D. Did Mr Ian mention anything about those features? (8k, earc, Auro3d).

[@ealanosborne]

@@drumskostas Correct. I mentioned that when I was going over some cons. If the new 17 channel version with Dirac also has HDMI 2.1, VRR, auto low-latency, eARC and Auro 3D support? I would be all in, hands down! 🤘

[@rayking507]

@@ealanosborne I spoke to Mr Ian again today, unfortunately it is highly unlikely for their next processor to include the optional Dirac as they run into very time consuming process between the company IOTA, the factory that will be building them Tonewinner and Dirac working tother to make Dirac suitable for Iota processor, and make Iota suitable for Dirac, something along those lines. I can’t remember exactly what he said. Sad to here that now. Sorry I put peoples hopes up including mine☹️. However, they are always putting sound quality first and he said that their next processor will sound even better than the current AVX 17. 👍

[@drumskostas]

@@ealanosborne Not just you... It would probably become the highest selling processor and a unit would be already on the way to join my system...

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Just to be clear, we never stated that the AVX17 shares the same internals as the Tonewinner AT-300. Here's the quote from our review; "...we noticed that the boards are very similar, which leads us to believe that this is, more than likely, being manufactured by Tonewinner". Just wanted to put things into context. We also provide examples in our video as to the similarity between the general design of the power supply and analogue interface boards. It is clear that the AT-300 and the AVX17 do not share the same PCBs.

[@ealanosborne]

Oh, my bad for not quoting you correctly! Thanks for the clarification! Again, another reason to check out TwoGuysTech for their review as well, if you’re interested in purchasing the AVX17. 🤘

[@TwoGuyzTech]

@@ealanosborne Hey man no worries, stuff happens! :)

[@anoopht9588]

@@TwoGuyzTech ToneWinner is the manufacturer for both Emotiva and IOTA products, you can see the IOTA boxes in their factory tour videos in youtube itself. The pcb versions are different however the architecture is same for these three and components used are same (simliar tolerance for a few components that are different)

[@chebrubin]

All 3 x processors are OEM(d) by Jade Design which is owned by Emotiva. The benefits of the ToneWinner and the IOTA is the XLR outputs.

[@adamjj85]

Nice tip on splitting main LCR channels across an amp for better thermal distribution!

[@nonametofame]

sometimes the channel closest to the power transformer is the noisiest. I would try to avoid that channel if possible for the front LCR.

[@nonametofame]

Budget pre-pros like were sorely missing in the marketplace, and can be an excellent starter unit. If you're patient and are knowledgeable with REW, PEQ, and MiniDSP, you can get really get a lot of performance from these types of units. It's almost perfect for the DIY type of consumer. What these are all lacking is advanced room correction software: independent subwoofer inputs, phase/time alignment, proper delays, impulse response, subwoofer/speaker crossover alignment. That's really what will take most theatres to the next level, providing a far greater level of granular control over your system. And it's typically done in a 15-30 minute process. Not endless hours via PEQ. Like going from an AVR to a dedicated pre-pro, it's one of those "you don't know til you know" kind of experiences. It's hard to go back once you experience the next level.

[@TheUsmc0802]

Another great one!! One thing I think you need to always call out is the need to watch these movies with physical media. The difference between a 4K disc and it’s streaming counterpart is ridiculous. And i wouldn’t have even thought of it if it weren’t for you! Well done!

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, man! I’ll be sure to try and mention that I’m watching all this content on a 4K Blu-ray player! 🤘

[@TheUsmc0802]

@@ealanosborne My wife bought me the same one you used after I rented that physical media was better! LOL

[@totalplonker824]

If I remember rightly a IOTA amp won the outstanding award from the British audiophile himself! 😮

[@imlilchilywily]

Great Review 🙌🏼…..definitely a very budget friendly pre amp with XLR inputs, something that i would consider since this is in my budget with the ability to grow my home theater…..go GIANTS! 👊🏼

[@sdtaylor07]

Ealan, I like the new studio! Something about Buzz being in the back makes me trust these reviews more.

[@ealanosborne]

I'll take that note into consideration! "To infinity and beyond!" :)

[@2081calin]

I’ll keep my old 8805 av marantz + 2 mm 8077 power amps , until Marantz comes out with the new processor

[@andre10181]

Thanks, Elan Great vid. I am finally going to move from surround receiver to separates. You did a great job reviewing the Iota avx17. You have a new subscriber

[@ealanosborne]

Aww, thanks so much for your kind words, William. And good luck with your separates build out! 🤘

[@kevinweithers1223]

My guess is that, at their price point, both the preamp and the Outlaw amp have XLR as a convenience feature only. If that is the case, you are not getting the benefits of a balanced connection as they are not fully differential.

[@Miguel-to2ot]

The reason why you have good base in your room is because its an enclosed room. I would recomend placing your subs in the middle of the side walls or apposing corners.for example front left corner and rear right corner its not because f the pre amp in my opinion.

[@joentell]

Your videos are very entertaining. Great work! 👊😎

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, Joe! 🤘

[@chrism9976]

Mine sounded phenomenal once calibrated. Unfortunately, sub line out 1 and 2 didn't work. ARC required my tv to he on if I wanted to watch video on my projector. Had to continually reboot it as ARC audio kept dropping in and out. As they say, you get what you pay for, but this is a lot more expensive than Tonewinner.

[@pictiger]

I have been very pleased with the SA3 and PA3 I have had for a while, so I bought the AVX-17 too. I look forward to your next video about this processor, and growing my own HT. Thank you.

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, Keith! 🤘

[@josealfredfernandes]

@@ealanosborne Hey bro. Good day. Bro, 1 question. Which setup is better: 1. 9.1.4? 2. 7.1.6? Why? I'm the only user using the theatre. So, only 1 seat and 1 row.

[@ealanosborne]

@@josealfredfernandes I'm planning on testing that very scenario very soon! Stay tuned! 🤘

[@JavonDGreen]

So I’m building a house and the builders are building my first dedicated room. I was going to go with a high end Emotiva or an anthem for the room. All I care about is sound. If this can provide excellent sound and great channel separation then I’m all in. Especially for that price.

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, the AVX17 is a tiny bit more “DIY” if you really wanna get down to the nitty gritty with timing, alignment or EQ, but even just running the built in calibration software still sounds great, for what it’s worth. But there’s always room for improvement, if you’re into that sort of thing. 😄

[@JavonDGreen]

@@ealanosborne I’m better than average at DSP. I can spend hrs tweaking and making everything sound perfect. That’s right up my alley.

[@tomcavanaugh5237]

"Do you know what it means to have a plethora?" - El Guapo

[@obi1cannoli777]

Do you know why the call it a male plane?

[@merwynvincent]

I'm using a denon 8500h i never listen to songs in auro 3d or any other mode expect stereo!!! also 9.4.4 suits my rooms perfectly!! may be ill mildly miss airplay!!

[@Miguel-to2ot]

I would check out av rant podcast they talk about dual subs in enclosed rooms all the time

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Looking forward to see how EQ Flex compares to other calibration systems. Hopefully I can get one on the channel for review.

[@billybobby7607]

Auto EQ is crap. Use umik1 rew to manually enter pew filters.

[@jimhamlin6551]

No 2.1 HDMI support or Auro 3D sounds like a ToneWinner AT 300 and the on screen graphics look the same as well....oh well ...my search continues...

[@htenthusiast2897]

Great review as always. I have been waiting to upgrade my Denon 3700, which runs on the same Outlaw external amp. The AVX17 is probably not it, as I’d like a few more features, i.e. eARC, more sound modes and Dirac. It would be nice to have a 9.2 or 11.2 or even 7.2 configurations, not sure why no company has yet come up with pre/pros having lesser channels, as you once suggested, perhaps being more affordable. I like how slim it is, while having balanced ports and all the important connections. It’s 80% there. My sound upgrade this year was a set of B&Ws 700, was a great improvement over the 600s. Processor is next.

[@ealanosborne]

There's a comment somewhere below where they had a chat with IOTA who revealed that they are in the works to creating a 9 channel version with Dirac Live room correction. But it won't be released for another year at least. And a 17 channel updated version also with Dirac, but won't come out for another year and half-ish? But that's exciting! I'm ALL IN if this has Dirac.

[@htenthusiast2897]

@@ealanosborne thank you for letting me know. If a 9.2 with Dirac is coming then will just sit tight and wait. Hope they include eARC. It’s a no brainer strategy for companies to offer pre/pros that get replaced or are upgradable, without crazy cost, allowing us to keep our amps and replace the brains as tech evolves. I bought a cheap amp to experiment, and would much rather drop $5k on an amp that stays around and have a low cost pre/pro that I upgrade when new tech comes out. .

[@percybedford6266]

@@ealanosborne was pricing discussed with their upcoming Dirac units?

[@ealanosborne]

@@percybedford6266 No. I’m assuming it’ll be slightly more expensive than the current 17 channel version. And I’m gonna guess the 9 channel version will be a few hundred less? 🤷‍♂️

[@percybedford6266]

@@ealanosborne got it. It'll be a good value.

[@dragonstone6594]

I actually like this, they sell this in a package with 2 of their AVXP1 7 channel amps for 4000€ and it comes 700€ cheaper than the Marantz Cinema 30. And this package is actually real 120W into 8Ω and 170W into 4Ω with ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN. Meanwhile if you calculate how much is the Cinema 30 with all channels driven, it's 45W into 8Ω and maybe 50W into 4Ω. This is why these big AV companies lie to you about the real wattage rating, they don't want you to know this. The IOTA here is the real deal. BTW ZeroFidelity said that this company, IOTAVX, was going to be the return of the Nakamichi into the amp market. But the deal didn't go though for some reason. So think about that.

[@phillipfaulds6874]

Nice to see USB input: hope it's a decent asynchronous one. Would like to see eARC as well as ARC, as my Sony TV will deliver lossless MCH. Wouldn't buy one without seeing some objective data from the test bench, as I've been bitten before by following subjective reviews.

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, rumor has it IOTA is releasing an updated version with HDMI 2.1 and eARC sometime in 2023. And also a 9 channel version. 🤞

[@donjaun540]

Very nice unit.

[@welderfixer]

It would have been great if you could have tested the AVX17, Tonewinner AT300 and the Emotiva MC-1 in the same time frame. Since the Emotiva MC-1 doesn't have XLR connections and is the lowest price it's the one I am hoping to by able to buy someday. Thanks for your review of this unit!

[@ealanosborne]

I've asked numerous times for my Emotiva contact to hook me up with a review unit. IOTA will let me hang onto the AVX17 for a little while longer. So if I still have it when I finally get the MC-1, I'm definitely doing a head-to-head.

[@welderfixer]

@@ealanosborne I've been looking for a KZbin reviewer that has had a MC-1 for review, but I had not found one. I have only found one guy that bought it and posted his findings on his channel. Since the supply of those units is so tight I'm betting Emotiva is prioritizing customers. If I had the $$ I'd buy one and get it to a couple of my "friends" like you to do a review. But, then if I had it I might not let it go. hehe. In fact I only know of one review of the Tonewinner and I think he is from Canada. Well sir, all the very best and keep your vids coming!

[@PRVTX]

Ealan can't wait to hear review on Marantz SR7015 vs. Pre Amp processor

[@dansuess4859]

Hi Ealan, another great review! I noticed you're using the Aperion Audio Novus Slim for some of the surround speakers. What do you think of those? Have you ever played music through them by themselves to see how they sound? I can't find any reviews on them. Thanks!

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, I’m gonna review those in a few weeks! As front wides, they sure did the job. But yes, I want to test them out alone and see what they’re made of. 😁🤘

[@dansuess4859]

@@ealanosborne Awesome, looking forward to it!

[@NathanKKennedy]

Love the toys in the background

[@ealanosborne]

I thought it'd be fitting since Lightyear comes out in theaters today (in the U.S., at least)

[@eskerinola5845]

Excellent video. What capabilities do you loose by installing a processor like the Emotiva MC-1 or ToneWinner AT-300 over an AVR like the Denon 3700? Upscaling, Room calibration, DTS Pro...? and how overcome those? Thank you!

[@ealanosborne]

I plan on comparing the IOTA AVX17 and the Marantz SR7015 in preamp mode very soon!

[@eskerinola5845]

@@ealanosborne The IOTA vs Marantz 7015 are more expensive than the Emotiva/ToneWinner vs Denon 3700. If you happen to compare the last ones (or at least make a mention of them) will be appreciated.

[@GETBENT1331]

are you saying that you can choose any amp in the post amp setup you want. and you should even out the amps to distribute heat. what if i attach an external clamp fan?

[@ealanosborne]

Yes, you can use any external amp(s) you want, with respect to how much your speakers can handle. Distributing the speaker connections for better heat distribution is the easiest way to manage any heat build up, but sure, you can also use a fan if you think it’s necessary 🤷‍♂️

[@GETBENT1331]

@@ealanosborne im getting into seperates. thanks for the help

[@rockywestbury7198]

I will purchase if they had earc

[@salehkambijo1849]

Most of the contents are 5.1 can a budget system read the movie signals and turn it to atmos or even real cinema experience?? Thanks

[@anoopht9588]

Good to see your review and my exact thoughts. I use ToneWinner AT300 which I bought as part of an online forum group buy of 12 processors. It was a blind purchase based on the reviews coz' that was the first shipment to India. However its worth the gamble and it replaced my 10yr old Emotiva UMC1 processor. I dont use the default room correction, I prefer manual tuning using REW and far far better than similar or double (or even thrice) priced AVRs in the market. I use it only for movies and for music I never prefer this over a dedicated 2 channel system. I have a hybrid setup with 2 channel tube pre amp and Quad 909 power amp which is used for L & R amplification for movies via AT300. In general, once you use a processor its not possible to go back to an AVR.

[@rayking507]

Hi there, I am not sure if I should go for the iota or the Anthem Mrx 740. Which one do you think is better for movies. The iota is pretty much same as tonewinner I guess. Any suggestion?

[@anoopht9588]

@@rayking507 If you are good at manual tuning, I would prefer the AT300 or AVX17.

[@rayking507]

@@anoopht9588 Ok nice, have you listen to the Anthem or did anyone you know heard and compared the two.

[@anoopht9588]

Better you audition all and take an informed decision

[@TheGoodDrEvil]

FWIW I don't think you should interpret the PRE in preamp quite as in 'it comes BEFORE/PRE the amp' but rather as the amplifier that preamplifies the signal before (potentially) going to further amplification stages. So traditinally a preamp IS an amp that preamplifies the signal (typically to line level) after which it MAY be going to the poweramp to amplify the line level signal to a speaker level signal. Since almost all playback sources are line level these days, the term 'preamp' doesn't make that much sense anymore, unless you're connecting a passive turntable. A 'processor' is a more logical term for these devices than preamp. Just sayin'.

[@markdemariassy8685]

Hi from the UK. Any thoughts/insight as to why processors are still relatively expensive? It seems crazy to me that you can by an AVR for the same or less price than most processors when the processors don't include Amps and are so stripped back. I get that processors usually have more channels, but still. I now get why people still by AVRs even though they effectively use them as processors.

[@ealanosborne]

It honestly baffles me, too. The costs should be lower, for the very reason you’re forced to buy external amps in the first place. Are the circuit boards and internal components really all that much better than an AVR? 🤷‍♂️ Come on…

[@markdemariassy8685]

@@ealanosborne I know, right? You've got things like the 3700H which can process 11.2 channels, which is plenty for most home setups, take out the amps and the bells and whistles nobody uses, leave audissy and the UI and you've got a killer budget processor for just a few 100 £/$ surely? I just don't get why the starting point for processors is 1000 and why, if it is, they need to be quite so "budget" feeling...

[@markdemariassy8685]

It would be a cool experiment to do a side by side comparison of an AVR vs a Processor but using both as just processors. Same set up, same number of channels and subs, same amps. Does the processing in AVRs actually improve if you move up the scale, or is it just about the power of the internal amps? If your using an AVR with amps, how much do you have to spend on a processor to get a qualitative step up in audio performance? Etc. Would be a really helpful bit of research, as I'm not sure anyone's done it ..

[@ealanosborne]

@@markdemariassy8685 Soon I’ll be testing just that with the IOTA AVX17 vs Marantz SR7015 in preamp mode. 🤘

[@markdemariassy8685]

@@ealanosborne I'm here for it! 👍

[@sjsphotog]

No Auro3D is a deal breaker for me as well as no HDMI 2.1

[@rockywestbury7198]

I have a Yamaha A2A, emotiva A2A. Martin Logan 35XTI 40i 15XTI, and cieli g Speakers. I'm disappointed with the yamaha atmos and I almost purchased The IOTAVX 17. BUT NO EARC. This is a deal breaker. Netflix, Disney etc. Have different formats of surround sound, that require earc for the full effect. I am so disappointed that IOTA Doesn't support this.. Emotiva MC1 Doesn't have balanced inserts. Is there going to be upgrade that don't cost a finger and a ear.? Love your show...Rocky

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, Rocky! Well, rumor has it that IOTA are in the works with an updated AVX17 that will feature eARC as well as Dirac Live room correction, and ALSO a 9 channel version for smaller setups. Although they won’t be available until late into 2023, I believe.

[@nedywest71]

Please recommend good but un-expencive Balanced XLR cables as I got overhelmed from what out there to choose from. I never used one but having AVR and Amp with XLR I would like to try out.

[@billybobby7607]

Van Damme STARQUAD Balanced Cable.

[@nedywest71]

@@billybobby7607 Thank you!

[@tech4life884]

No wireless capabilities and less features than the emotiva BasX MC1. I'm good. The 2 channels and less features aren't worth the extra $900 after tax.

[@michaelm2803]

Hi, Did you end up creating a configuration/setup video?

[@ealanosborne]

Not yet! 😭 Been busy!

[@drumskostas]

Thank you for the review! Did you ever have the chance to listen to the Marantz processor and if you did, how does the iota compare to it?

[@ealanosborne]

No, not a Marantz preamp (like the 7706), but I will compare it to my SR7015 very soon! 🤘

[@drumskostas]

@@ealanosborne That would be great!!! You earned a new sub! I am looking forward to your comparison!

[@JackNtheXbox]

Dude! Jealous of the test'n shed. I am excited to utilize your videos when I finally get to set up my home theater!

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, man! Happy to help in any way when you decide to take that plunge, dude! :)

[@craigosterberg5045]

What is zone stand for and do? Also which plug is Dolby Amos?

[@craigosterberg5045]

I see it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos

[@ealanosborne]

@@craigosterberg5045 It does support Dolby Atmos. It doesn't support Auro 3D. And there is no "Dolby Atmos" plug. Dolby Atmos just means there are height channels that are placed above your head either on the ceiling or up high on a wall. The corresponding inputs for Atmos channels are the ones labeled "Front Top" "Rear Top" "Middle Top" etc. :)

[@craigosterberg5045]

@@ealanosborne thank you

[@joelkuznetsov2826]

What would sound better, this unit or getting the new Yamaha aventage a6a?

[@ealanosborne]

If you already have external amps to power your speakers, go with IOTA. If you need more bells and whistles (eARC, 8K support, easy multi-room music support) then go with the Yamaha. But pound for pound, a preamp powered with external amps will give you better overall sound quality. 👍

[@joelkuznetsov2826]

@@ealanosborne will be getting tone winner amp

[@Goose_Lord]

Awesome review eh!!! It's interesting to see even this entry level pre-pro seems to have beaten out your Denon X-4700 in terms of overall sound quality. Even when using external amplification. Did you get a chance to test out playing audio to zone 2? Being able to control the system from a phone and stream music throughout our home is a huge feature. It needs to be simple enough for my girlfriend and I to actually use it. Based on the ancient on-screen menus I'd guess the zone 2 is manually controlled by the ancient looking remote?

[@ealanosborne]

That’s correct! And I failed to mention the music aspect. Whoops! I did test out the Bluetooth capabilities and it worked just fine, streaming straight from my phone. Setting up Zone 2 is another story that I didn’t test out, unfortunately.

[@Goose_Lord]

@@ealanosborne That's good the Bluetooth works. Adding a high quality streaming source like a BlueSound would cover that portion. It's the control of the system from around the house and potential integration with other smart home devices that appeal to me. Might be other ways around that for creative folks. If I wasn't trying to integrate our media room with the speakers in the living room and kitchen then this unit would be a strong contender! Always be compromising!

[@Music.Movies.67]

Jord British make better sounding av receivers and stereo amps than Denon, Marantz

[@rayking507]

Hi it’s me again, how did the upmixing sound for non native atmos tracks. And also did you listen to music.

[@ealanosborne]

Hi Ray! Upmixing sounded great, too! And I did listen to music with the Bluetooth adapter. While it didn't sound as incredibly detailed as Hi-Res Lossless music (which is to be expected, since Bluetooth can't handle that much bandwidth yet), it still sounded pretty darn good! And I was able to connect easily through my phone's settings, as if I were connected to a portable bluetooth speaker. Simple as that.

[@rayking507]

@@ealanosborne Will you also do a detailed video on how to set up the room correction to get the perfect sound specially in the bass region.

[@ealanosborne]

@@rayking507 It's on the list! :)

[@ernestbruce]

i want my Auro 3D!

[@ealanosborne]

I know! 😭

[@demonreturns4336]

This supports Auro 3D tho

[@cruzgallegos5071]

Hey Ealan, this looks promising and for the price why not just add to cart?

[@obi1cannoli777]

I'm nerding out over your shirt man!!! Did you hear they're getting a reboot? Thats awesome you're going seperates!!! I'm eventually going to get there

[@ealanosborne]

A Toy Story reboot?! Oh come on now… 😄

[@obi1cannoli777]

@@ealanosborne OMG, I was thinking Futurama but, thats Panucci's Pizza lol

[@ealanosborne]

@@obi1cannoli777 Haha! Oh, I gotcha! And hell yeah they're coming back with new episodes! You better believe I'm excited for that!

[@chebrubin]

Wow no eARC? I would take a ToneWinner any day. No one needs video switching. Get a HDMI v2.1 switcher or audio extractor. Dirac is over rated.

[@billybobby7607]

It's a good AV pre for the price but the auto eq room correction isn't very good.

[@ealanosborne]

Word is their in the works with Dirac. In a little over a year from now, they’ll have a 9 channel version with Dirac Live, and a few months after that a 17 channel version also with Dirac. So wait for that if you can! 😁🤘

[@billybobby7607]

@@ealanosborne nah I'm happy with the tonewinner, not fussed about room correction

[@phreak1118]

I am looking for a good preamp that supports 5.1.2 (atmos) but I primarily will be using it for music (~80% of the time). Any suggestions? I am currently using a Denon X4500H with Emotiva A2 and A5.

[@ealanosborne]

Well, at least for now, cinema preamps only come with up to 13 channel support. Obviously you could limit your system to 5.1.2, even with the IOTA AVX17 or Emotiva MC1, and have room to expand, if you so choose in the future. But it's been rumored that IOTA are planning to release a 9 channel preamp sometime in the near future? Which would be more cost effective. 🤷‍♂

[@phreak1118]

@@ealanosborne I found a used MC-1 for $800 so I pulled the trigger. All reviews I have seen give it much praise.

[@Richie131hun]

What kind of cinemas you have around you to say that your top of the line home theatre sounds JUST as good as a commercial theater? Even my 300 dollar Logitech Z906 5.1 setup sounds better than my local theater.... Would love to go to a cinema like that someday.

[@ealanosborne]

I live in a small town, so the theater is okay. But I have experienced Dolby Cinema of IMAX before, which is quite the sonic experience.

[@StevenYoungEtc]

I really want to know if it sounds better than the Yamaha CX-A5200 preamp, which does 8k and all the stuff.

[@ealanosborne]

Me too! Yamaha tends to be stingy about lending out review products, though. So either I need to win the lottery or rob a bank in order to get questions like yours answered in a timely manner. 😄🤘

[@tech4life884]

Too bad 4 of the channels are for subwoofers. There's absolutely no need for 4 subwoofers in a home theater. The theater would have to be absolutely huge. Actual movie theaters don't even use 4 subwoofers. That means there's only 15 channels if your like most people and only use 2 subwoofers.

[@cmammen]

Still the most informative KZbinr thanks for everything you do! ***LIKED SUBBED BELL IS ON!

[@ealanosborne]

THANK YOU!!! :)

[@eskerinola5845]

As usually, excellent report!. As a summary, what would be the best quality/bang for the buck Atmos 7.2.4 pre (or AVR) + amp combo under $2-2.5k ?

[@ealanosborne]

Hmmm, I still haven’t personally witnessed the glory of the Emotiva MC-1 (yet 🤞), but on paper, the MC-1 paired with a BasX A7 and A4 will be the only way to stay under $2,500. I’d say a close 2nd is a Denon x3700h also paired with BasX A7+A4, but that’ll bring you over $2,500. 🤷‍♂️

[@eskerinola5845]

Do you mean that the MC-1 would have the same preout quality of the 3700h? If so, by buying the 3700 you could step up with time :)

[@ealanosborne]

@@eskerinola5845 Correct. Since you HAVE to also get external amps to power your speakers with the MC-1, the x3700h is the better option for growing your system gradually, since you can utilize its internal amps at first. :)

[@eskerinola5845]

@@ealanosborne To optimize even more, can you hook the processor to an existing AVR (I've got a Denon 4308) EXT IN to take advantage of the already present (7) amp channels?

[@Saturn2888]

Where did you buy this colored XLR cables?

[@ealanosborne]

Amazon! (affiliate link) 👇👇👍 amzn.to/3n5tkKa

[@keijopaskanen7370]

Its tonewinner

[@DIYDumpRat]

Mate looks good, I'm building my cinema as we speak. Looking at a 9.2.4 set up. If you get a chance have a look at the video I uploaded yesterday. You'll probably laugh. I'm currently working on another where I actually tie 4 speakers to framing pine above my seating to experience atmos with a Denon Atmos amp I just found at the dump. I'll be asking your advice when it comes to ceiling speakers where 2 rows are concerned shortly. I thought I had it pegged but after watching your videos am thinking I might have it all wrong in my head. As for your question about if I want all that gimmicky stuff or just good basic audio? Yep that's me for sure. I just want to watch movies off my htpc or maybe my blu ray. I set up two height speakers last week. Put on the race scene from 'Ready Player One' and experienced Atmos and DTS X for my first time. I was blown away. I literally had to turn it down because it scared me a few times 😅 Another good video bud, keep it up 👍

[@mikeortiz2139]

I would totally get a unit like that, IF it supported Auro-3D. I have a spare bedroom 12x10x8 LWH, and I'm looking at fitting 11 channels in there, but I want the flexibility of Atmos,DTS:X, and Auro-3D. And since the room is small, I think I'll go BasX separates later.

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, makes sense! I'm in your camp when it comes to having the Auro option available.

[@mikeortiz2139]

@@ealanosborne I do want to talk about how your heights are. Did you follow the Auro-3D specs, All for One setup or Dolby Specs?

[@ealanosborne]

@@mikeortiz2139 I went with Auro 3D specs, trying to mount my heights as close to a 30 degree angle as possible from my listening position.

[@cauebarcelosfilms]

Where can I buy it ?

[@ealanosborne]

Straight from the IOTA website. Although in Europe there might be some retailers who carry IOTA products? 🤷‍♂️👇👇👇 www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-avx17

[@tech4life884]

Movie theater bass is too weak for me personally. Even the Imax theaters aren't really good at all.

[@ealanosborne]

I’ve also experienced lackluster bass in an IMAX theater. I think they’re due for some upgrades.

[@Unknown-1709]

Is there a separate manual EQ for each Right/Left channel?

[@ealanosborne]

That’s unfortunately one of the software limitations of the AVX17 is that any EQ adjustments are made to the front left and right together, not independently. Not sure why they cut corners with that, but it is what it is. 🤷‍♂️

[@Unknown-1709]

@Ealan Osborne Just found out that it is possible to make manually individually adjustment through the automatic EQ mode instead. I got the processor 2 days ago and still learning my way in the menu system. What do you think about the pronounced sound signature in the bass? Is it just level dependant or is it some processing going on?

[@ealanosborne]

@@Unknown-1709 Oh sweet! Good to know! And one weird quirk I’ve noticed is that bass hits harder/better when I have it set to 9.2.4 versus 7.2.6. Although I got a firmware update via IOTA a few days ago that I still need to update. So maybe that’s been fixed… 🤷‍♂️😄

[@aussierob7177]

The more speakers you have the more the sound degrades . This is because the sound of each speaker goes to both ears. 17 speakers gives you 34 sound arrivals. This confuses the ear/brain mechanism. In real life you can only have 2 sound arrivals at any one time. 1 to the left ear and 1 to the right. I can achieve a true 3 dimensional soundstage with my 2 stereo speakers using cross talk cancellation.

[@demonreturns4336]

Go tell that to the movie theaters Enjoy your 2 speakers and we’ll be enjoying our surround system 👍

[@WTFBI5]

pretty expensive for a preamp

[@godbelow]

All that amp cabling nonsense for “heat distribution” and then you stack two devices on top of it anyhow.

[@halrichard1969]

Give me speakers out via Bluetooth 6 with auto connect. Otherwise forget this nonsense.