HI-END HOME THEATER - Processors & Amps EXPLAINED | Emotiva | McIntosh | Arcam | Marantz

[@htenthusiast2897]

I researched several amps and found the best cost benefit being the Outlaw with 7x130W at all channels driven into 8 ohms. It makes a great difference in sound, the power is incredible bringing speakers to its full potential. The build of these amps is rock solid. Love the quality and you can’t go wrong, all $1k plus scream quality. Soon will upgrade the receiver again, done it every 4 years.

[@ealanosborne]

Agreed. I think Emotiva is putting forth a worthy effort on that front, but Outlaw having more power, built solidly, and having XLR outputs takes the cake, for sure. 🤘

[@htenthusiast2897]

@@ealanosborne dead on. I couldn’t believe how well it’s built for the price. My room is large and tall, the walls will rumble if too loud and it’s not only because of the subwoofers anymore. 💪🏻

[@ViciousXUSMC]

One small correction. XLR or TRS have Positive and Negative pins sending inverted signal so it can remove any noise on the receiving side. Its not the ground pin doing that, RCA also has ground but no inverted data line to "balance" the signal. If you ever do a follow up, some things I think could be helpful to users. AVR's do have pre-outs so they can be used as a separate processor, XLR will not be "better" than RCA IF you have RCA not picking up noise, something like dual shielded co-ax RCA is amazing at rejecting noise, especially the short runs you would expect from a processor to an amp. An external amp wont be magic and make your sound better either, unless you are hitting the limits of your internal amps. Even something like 50w can easily drive an efficient speaker to reference levels depending on the speaker and space. When this video was made I do not think that some of the REALLY GOOD room correction was out yet in AVR, but now you can pick up some cheap models like the RZ-50, NR7100, DRX 3.4, etc that have DIRAC Live as room correction. Like you most likely setting a goal for separates one day, but the cost is much higher "just because" it's tailored to a different crowd so they know they can charge a premium. The smarter shopper will probably get an AVR will all the features they need, and if needed use some of the pre-outs to run an external amp for the front sound stage and let the internal amps run the other speakers. And that is only if needed, I have the RZ-50 and it can drive my 5.4.4 system to reference and higher with no external amplification or clipping/distortion.

[@mivanp2185]

This is also my understanding from my research . But one thing that seems to get missed is the size of the room and how big of a effect that will have on the equipment you have and how it performs on a larger scale

[@avgeek8810]

Got my first separates at 22 years old and I'm never going back ;) Now I'm using NAD T187 V3 with Dirac and atmos. Paired with Emotiva XPA and Parasound amps.

[@ealanosborne]

Daaaaamn! That’s a NOICE setup! I’m jealous! 😄🙌

[@avgeek8810]

@@ealanosborne Thank you! Looking forward to more of your videos 🙏🏼

[@johnthecarguy2414]

Just got my emotiva BASx A7 hooked up to my marantz sr6012. It powers my 7 ear level speakers and the marantz powers the 4 atmos to I get the A4 next month. Absolutely love it!

[@ealanosborne]

That’s awesome!!!

[@clintstuckey]

Congrats. Yeah, I just caved and bought an 11 channel monolith, my SR 7010 now isn’t driving anything at all… now I just have to save for that Pre-Pro down the road… so my wife doesn’t kill me for doing it all at once. It absolutely made a difference in the sound.

[@ealanosborne]

@@clintstuckey That’s the way to do it! Amps can last forever, so making that investment now is perfect! And not making the wife angry is a smart move. 😄👍

[@josealfredfernandes]

@@ealanosborne Hey. Brother. PLEASE REPLY BACK! IS INVESTING IN EMOTIVA RCM1 WORTH IT? DOES IT REALLY OFFER 28 CHANNELS? OR IS A MYTH? BECAUSE, I CAN SEE INPUT MODULES ONLY AS OF NOW! IS EVOTIMA XCM-2 OPPORTUNITY COST OR IS IT XCM1L?

[@AexoeroV]

So you love the BasX? Does it make a difference in sound quality if i only power my front stage?

[@derreckfricke926]

At the beginning of the year, I purchased an Emotiva XMC-2 and XPA-7. Really enjoying them so far, with the exception of a few bugs that hopefully will be corrected through software updates.

[@ealanosborne]

Jealous!!! 😀 Just curious, what kind of bugs have you experienced so far?

[@steveross2261]

Solid video. I just want to warn you against risking Emotiva for a processor (the amps are an amazing deal). I am a longtime fan of the company, enjoying a 7ch amp with a Denon AVR. Since I updated to an XMC1, my sound has improved, but my family has been FRUSTRATED. The HDMI switching is atrocious. Sometimes I have no video, sometimes audio disappears. "HDMI switching is finicky" and "try the last 4 HDMI inputs instead" are not an acceptable response at this price point. Nor is blaming my high end cables. I found long threads online trying to diagnose the problem with customer service. I finally got them to send a new HDMI board and the swap out helped with some issues, created others. The XMC2 has the same board, and similar documented problems. The amount they offered as a refund wasn't acceptable so I'm just saving up for a Marantz pre-pro and hoping whoever buys this from me doesn't demand a refund.

[@ealanosborne]

True. Since posting this video last year, I’ve also read about these bugs with their processors. Hope they can make some improvements in the very near future, but yes - their amps are such a solid deal. 🤘

[@Broman7157]

Emotiva will be my first choice to enhance my Pioneer Elite Setup..

[@mtache12]

I went with an Arcam SR250. Seems like a cool amplifier with HDMI inputs and only 2 channel.

[@billybassman21]

I have an NEC Pro-Logic decoder from 1987. It sounds better than any that are built into a receiver. The cost in 1987 was $950. I still use it because it has a digital delay up to 95 ms and can have some cool effects.

[@victorokita8171]

Your presentation is striking. Appreciate the Creativity and excitement

[@jasonpritchett7145]

I have the XPA-3 and XPA-5 both Gen 2, both provide 200 watts RMS @ 8 ohms. I’m powering 6 Polk audio TSx550T’s and 1 TSx250C. They sounded amazing, my home theatre was the envy of all my friends. Fast forward 8-9 years and 5 of the 7 tweeters in my system has expired lol, along with 2 mid drivers in one of my towers. So I purchased a set of Emotivas T3+ and a C3+, not sure how much of a difference it’ll make but those speakers are 4 ohm, which the Emotiva amps that I have output 330 watts RMS @ 4 ohms. So not only will I be adding an additional 2 8” woofers in this upgrade, I’ll also be outputting an extra 390 watts over my front stage (at max output). The Emotiva Centre alone has 4 6.5” woofers, 2 5.25” mods and a 32mm ribbon tweeter, replacing the 2 6.5” mids and 1” dome tweeter of my Polk, if you couldn’t tell, I’m excited

[@ealanosborne]

Whoooaaaaaa! (In Keanu Reeve’s voice) 🤘

[@jasonpritchett7145]

Is that a bill & Ted kinda woah? I appreciate your info on the Balanced and RCA cables, now I’m wondering if my Emotiva RCAs suffer from the same issues as the Amazon ones

[@ealanosborne]

@@jasonpritchett7145 Of course Bill and Ted… 😄

[@omarzarate8674]

I just bought the external amplifier ATI 3007 ,I’m just shopping around for an upgrade from my Yamaha avr , I kinda like marantz 8805 with the xlr hook ups.

[@Nandao_Vs]

Amazing how you can explain things in a humorous way.... Impossible not to understand the subject... Thanx for sharing this valuable video!

[@ealanosborne]

I appreciate your kind words. Thanks!!! 😁

[@tamilselvanp2163]

Hai sir am using Marantz SR 8012 AVR with Bic America PL980 tower PL 66 surround PL 28ii center channel which power amplifier to suitable my system, Marantz MM7055 or emotiva basX 7 which one suitable power amplifier sir pls guide me thank you

[@saintseiya1981]

Is a preamp and a processor the same?

[@ealanosborne]

Pretty much. They both process audio while lacking any internal amps. Just depends on the brand if they call or a preamp or a processor. Whereas an AVR is all-in-one: preamp/processor with amps inside it.

[@saintseiya1981]

​@@ealanosborne thank you

[@LimbovitschHaim4Mir]

The "Emotiva"- is made in ..?

[@Gioxtream]

The biggest secret in home theater is: NO SOFTWARE CAN REPLACE YOUR EARS. THE QUESTION IS......ARE YOU BLESSED WITH THOSE EARS? JUST A FEW PEOPLE CAN PROPERLY SET UP BY EAR. NO SOFTWARE OR A.I CAN DO IT BETTER. WE ARE A LIVING AND NOT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. WHEN A HOME THEATER IS PROPERLY SET UP....THEN YOU CAN FEEL THOSE CRACKING BONES IN YOUR CHEST. NO EVEN A REAL THEATER CAN GIVE YOU THAT EXPERIENCE OF ROOM PRESSURE. MY 2 CENTS HERE.

[@frankeezee]

It's just cool to listen to your channel for shit I already know. Someone will benefit from it. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@MemeScreen]

They need to make some cheap pre/pro’s it doesn’t make sense to buy if it is cheaper to buy an AV with preouts.

[@oliivioljy9700]

True. 90 percent of American readers/home theater users think just like the refined market wants. Americans buy heavy power amplifiers to connect to their xlr connectors. But we, the smartest users in the Nordic countries, already use active loudspeakers in xlr connectors. The power is also enough if you buy quality and not crap.

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

Just ordered my 1st separate!! Emotiva Basx 4, we'll see if it helps!!

[@ealanosborne]

Whoa! Congrats! 😭😄🙌

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

@@ealanosborne well to be fair I'm pairing it with a yamaha TSR 700.... 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

Yeah dog, super budget is super necessary round here.... 🤣😂

[@scottwrezenski2356]

I've been trying to find the right processor for my 9.2 DTS setup still waiting for Yamaha to make a new version of their processor. Right now I'm running 7 channel outlaw power amplifier 110 Watts on channel to everything except for my presence channels. Which those are about 150. I been saving for new processor like anthem 70 but I've heard there's so many bugs with them. I love the video keep up the good work 🙂

[@deanlabov8260]

Great review. Could you do video on affordable preamp processors? All my high end equipment got stolen (fenced out of my storage units). I look forward to your answers or your videos. Will like.

[@ealanosborne]

Honestly, at least brand new, you won’t get any more affordable than the Emotiva XMC-2 for $3,000. Unless you find a bargain on a used preamp. As soon as you go from AVR to preamp with XLR outputs on the back, prices go sky high. 😭 An AVR with pre-outs that should be coming out any day now is the Onkyo TX-RZ50 for $1,099. That’s as bargain you’ll get still being able to power your speakers with external amps. 👍

[@Billfish57]

You can use an OPPO 7.1 blu ray player, it has built in DAC second to none, the processing in the 95 (blu Ray) or the 205 (4K) is outstanding and those decks can be found on E Bay at very decent prices, I have both and the 205 has slightly better sound, but that 95 is just fine, You'll get your XLR outs, run that deck straight into your power amps, I have the MC-602 and the MC 205 Mac Poser amps that gives me a super nice 2 X 600W for the front mains and 5 X 200W for the center and surrounds and use the remote on the OPPO for a processor volume control, it's cleanest sound you can get, but put serious money into your power amps, again, find them used, McIntosh if possible, boomers are dying off and leaving Mac gear behind and nothing sounds better, The less electronic crap you have in the signal path, the cleaner the sound so when you play a CD or Blu ray on that OPPO straight into your power amp, you'll have the cleanest sound you can buy, that's a fact, ask anyone that knows that OPPO deck, they make 2 channel and 7 channel so make sure you get the 7 ch if you need it for the processor, they are not produced anymore so used is the only way, but processors don't ware out, so you're in luck if you find one. Get the 205 if you can find one because it will play 4K and sound a touch better. For streaming, like I do most of the time with Tidal, I run a Wire World USB out of my I Mac into the OPPO for 2 ch heaven, CD quality sound (almost) all day long. Incredible DAC in that OPPO, NO distortion with the McIntosh amps, I can listen all day with zero fatigue, get good speakers and you are set for years. Unless you are looking to drill holes in you ceiling for Atmos, this will be all you need. 2 ch and 7.1 is all I need. Good luck.

[@MrPuciek]

What amp or avr would you recommend for B&W 702 s2, htm71 s2, 706 s and subowoofer? I have a Marantz sr7010 and I don't like it, it sound too bright to me.

[@ealanosborne]

Whoa…your towers can handle up to 300 watts, so that’s amazing. You could get a beefy integrated stereo amp for those, then maybe something like an Outlaw Audio 7000x or Emotiva BasX A7 for the rest? I just did a review on the Peachtree Nova300, which could go well with your towers. Not sure what your budget is, though…

[@aniketnraut]

Would you give a shot to those Monos from Fossi? they seems to be promising clean 100W at fraction of price of other amps and offer XLR inputs.

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah, maybe. I don’t have much experience with their products, but I have heard a small desktop integrated amp from Fosi before and it was pretty good! 🤷‍♂️

[@190546350]

hey Ealan , love your videos and all the great stuff and info you bring for us :) i want to buy a Klipsch R-26FA Dolby Atmos Floorstanding Speakers , which RECEIVER should i get with them ? i mean what will getme the best sound ? my living room isn't that big so its not a big space . i am not looking for a very high noise , but still want to hear very well with high quality if i turn it up sometimes :) ... do u recommend me to add a the emotiva u talked about and buy just a simple RECEIVER with PRE out ? thanks a lot :)

[@ealanosborne]

First of all, thanks for the compliments!!! Now, how many channels are you needing? That will help determine the receiver that will fit your needs...

[@190546350]

@@ealanosborne i think 7 will be enough if i will add a sub or other speakers ....i dont want to spend 2000$+ on it ( the R-26FA are already killed my wallet :()

[@ealanosborne]

@@190546350 Just curious, do you have a Costco where you are?

[@190546350]

@@ealanosborne no :( not in israel lol ... but i can try to order and ship it (depends on the shipment and customs$$)

[@ealanosborne]

@@190546350 Yeah, it’s okay. Just curious. 😁 As far as a receiver, maybe the Yamaha RX-A1080, which has pre outs, if you want to add external amps later. But it has a lot of power on its own, so you might not even need external amps! A more budget version of that receiver is the Yamaha RX-V6A which is still great. It even has 2 pre outs for just the front left and right speaker (so your Klipsch R-26FA speakers) if you decide to get a 2-channel external amp for them in the future. That’s a couple options for you! 👍

[@NordicDan]

I've been trying to find a processor that would be a good match for my Krell KAV-1500 and I keep getting drawn to the Emotiva XMC-2. Three grand is more than reasonable for a high quality processor, especially given their room calibration software and that the bugs that've been reported have since been corrected in the most recent firmware release.

[@dennisimpallomeni5599]

Is there a sound quality difference between Shielded RCA and XLR cables ?

[@ealanosborne]

Stay tuned in the next couple months! I want that very question answered myself, so I'm gonna put it to the test hopefully sooner than later! :)

[@bunk-bn9eo]

Emotiva gives you the best bang for the buck.

[@Turkey_Bluff_Farms]

@Ealan Osborne have you considered Outlaw Audio amplifiers? I find them to be priced very reasonably.

[@ealanosborne]

I have! I do appreciate how they have both RCA and XLR outouts and more power per channel than its Emotiva counterpart. Although I have yet to be able to get in contact with Outlaw, unfortunately. Emotiva I’ve already reviewed product for, so that’s been nice.

[@gamecock2465]

I’m moving to separates with an Anthem AVM70. Should be a fun and expensive learning experience. Cool video BTW!

[@ealanosborne]

Awesome! Can’t wait until I can upgrade to separates. 👍

[@Turtleback8024]

AVM70 is said to have a lot of bugging right now. Seems like it rolled out of the oven prematurely. Emotiva for me.

[@pierrecastanets1974]

I would love to try Dirac but the extended set up process compared to Audyssey is intimidating

[@ealanosborne]

True. But…worth it? 😄👍

[@2kdesignstudios72]

Of course they are.

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for this entertaining & informative video. This is a little off topic but I have a question about my Outlaw Audio 976 7 channel home theater preamp/processor & my Parasound Halo a52+ 5 amplifier Parasound Halo A52+ amplifier. I will be unboxing & connectimg my Parasound amp to the speakers & pre/pro this weekend with help from a friend. The frequency response measurements are the same and are considered conservative. However, Their Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) specs are quite different... The amps THD is just 0.04 The pre/pro's THD is 0.7 Will this difference in matter in the overall performance of my system? I am also curious to know what you & your viewer's think about the pairing of these 2 components. Thanks So Much!

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks for your kind words! Truly appreciated. As far as your setup, definitely make sure to use XLR cables to connect the 976 to your A52+ to eliminate any hum or buzz that may present itself when using RCA cables. It's actually good that the A52+ has a much better THD rating than the 976, since it's the last component in the audio chain before reaching the speakers. Using XLR cables makes sure that the signal is grounded, thus eliminating any possible unwanted hum or buzzing. I made the mistake of blaming my Outlaw Model 7000x for causing a buzz in my system with RCA cables. Turns out it was the preamp that was causing it, and the Outlaw amp was merely amplifying the buzz. But connecting a copper wire from the Model 7000x to the preamp's chassis eliminated the buzz while still using RCA cables. But the buzz also went away simply be using XLR cables. :) Although I will say down the road, you'd definitely want to invest in an updated preamp, since I'd put Parasound on a higher tier than Outlaw Audio in general. But I get it...at this stage, anything you get that truly matches your Parasound amp will cost a LOT of money. But SO worth it in the end. 😁

[@davidstein9129]

@@ealanosborne You are most welcome. Thank You for responding to my question so quickly. Yes, I have Audioquest Red River XLR connecting my pre/pro to my amplifier. I also use Audioquest Rocket 33 speaker cables. I am quite sure my Outlaw Audio pre/pro will sound fine with my new Parasound Amp & not drag down it's overall performance. For 'Down the road', what pre/pro or preamp & processor do you think will be a significant upgrade to the Outlaw Audio? The thing is, I watch 1 or 2 movies a week, so investing in a more expensive processor does not make financial sense. Maybe I can daisy chain a new ( 2 channel) preamplifier somehow & just use the Outlaw Audio pre/ pro's processor only.

[@ealanosborne]

@@davidstein9129 Huh...yeah, I think that'd be best, to have all speakers powered externally by daisy chaining an additional 2 channel amp. Because you're right...the Outlaw 976 is probably best for your current situation.

[@noemontalvo2305]

Hi Ealan, I just watched your video from 3 years ago. Curious, what prepro did you get?

[@ealanosborne]

I ended up reaching out to IOTA who were kind enough to send out an AVX17, which has been a staple in my theater ever since. Although there is a chance I might get an even more powerful processor somewhat soon, that will be able to handle a 9.4.6 configuration, which maxes out my theater for some killer testing. Fingers crossed!

[@noemontalvo2305]

@@ealanosborne ... I have the emotiva first was the RMC1L, after one or 2 years, It started having issues, emotiva gave me great customer service replacing the RMC1L, twice and still was giving me issues so emotiva upgrade me to the RMC 1. I don't know what is going on with there processor, I also had to send the RMC 1 back for another on because it was not turning on my amps. Other than thought issues it sounds great. I don't do know if any other processor would give any problems. I first had the Anthem avm70, which I wasn't happy with it. Thank the Almighty God, the dealer took it back and gave me a full refund. Thank You for your reply and videos.

[@ealanosborne]

@@noemontalvo2305 Emotiva is great when it comes to their hardware - but yes, even I have had software issues with some of their products. Software is tough, man. That's why Apple products tend to be more expensive than its equivalent because they spend a LOT of time making sure their hardware is just as good as their software, and having everything in the Apple ecosystem seamlessly work well together. I've heard lots of people swear by the Anthem AVM70, so that's interesting to hear that you didn't like it. 🤔

[@robhaddick1717]

HI Ealan, just came across your channel and enjoying it very much!! Wanna throw out a scenario of my setup and a few questions. I have a great Denon AVR-X4700H which i find awesome for home theatre but lacking when i want to listen to vinyl on my turntable. Just not enough, lets call it grunt, loudness and punch in the gut bass. I have Jamo C97 II floor standings, plus centre, and SUR, Atmos etc.... also have 2 decent Jamo C subs. Question(s) i have. How can i get more loudness (head room) for when i want to listen to just music with my 2 Fronts (C97 II) and 2 Subs. Will i hear a benefit if i add a seperate AMP connected to mey preouts off the Denon X4700H? Can you get a seperate 2-ch Amp that also has 2 intendant Subwoofer outputs? I’m upgrading my turntable to a ProJect X2 and getting a phono preamp (Stage) Pro-ject Tube DS2 and hoping that gives me a bit better result than using the phono input on the Denon AVR??? (We’ll see). Any other ways i can do what i want to achieve? That’s not going to break the bank?.

[@ealanosborne]

Welcome! And thanks for watching, first and foremost. Well, Denon’s internal components are definitely geared and tuned for home theater. Marantz, for example, is tuned for excellent music reproduction, whether that be listening to music, or watching a musical like The Greatest Showman, for that matter. That might an eventual upgrade for you down the road. But in the immediate future, I would definitely get an external amp. That would be a cost-effective way to get the most out of what you already have. I would suggest a 3 channel amp to power your front left, center and front right speakers, since you don’t want your fronts to overpower your center speaker when watching movies and TV. Emotiva just launched Gen 2 of their BasX amps, and I would snag their new A3 3-channel amp. You literally won’t find a cheaper value (and quality) when needing to power 3 channels. Powering those front 3 speakers externally puts less strain on your Denon, too, so it’s able to worry about processing more. I think you’ll enjoy the difference it will make! 🙌

[@robhaddick1717]

@@ealanosborne Thanks heaps for your recommendation, I’ll definitely look into those. I assume i just plug the 3 Ch amp into the pre-outs of the Denon receiver? Is there anything i can do to boost the 2 subs? Ps: after watching a few of your videos, you deserve over 100K subscribers. Cheers fro Downunder

[@ealanosborne]

@@robhaddick1717 Oh right! The subs. Yeah, really the only thing that improves the LFE response is to get a better receiver, or processor. Not very cost-effective, haha! There are passive subs out there that need to be powered by a bass amp, but those are generally really expensive. And/or you could get a calibration mic (like the Umik-1), download the free software called REW and really dial in on any EQ corrections you could make to improve your sub's presence in the room. As far as a 3 channel amp for your front sound stage, yes - you just connect RCA cables from the Denon's pre-outs to the amp itself, and then connect a 3.5mm mono audio cable from the "trigger" port on the Denon to the trigger on the amp. I am talks with a company to hopefully send me out an X3700H soon, so I'll def have videos on how to hook all this up in the near future. :) Thanks for the compliments!

[@robhaddick1717]

@@ealanosborne Disappointed!! Firstly had to buy a power cord adapter as it was USA plug not Australia. Power everything up for LCR, so my Denon AVR-X4700H Doesn't have to the heavy lifting, only to find when i turn volume up to about 85% the Emotiva BasX 3 shuts down. It’s not even running hot, slight warm to touch. At 85% volume from my Denon AVX4700H i get (for 2-CH stereo) about 103dBA, with the Emotiva i lose 10dBA and only get 93dBA, and if i click it up just one more the auto cut-off kicks in. How Can this be, when the Specs of the Emotiva BasX3 (150W x 2 Ch driven into 8 ohm) is better than that of the Denon AVR-X4700H. (130W x 2 Ch driven into 8 ohm) ???? Please explain Emotiva!!!! Try to post a bad review on their website and it wont post it, what only good reviews allowed Emotiva? Can even send you an email……..

[@ealanosborne]

@@robhaddick1717 Wow. Yeah I honestly have no idea why this would happen. It’s hard to troubleshoot or diagnose such a problem over the internet. Maybe get in touch with a home theater installation company in town? I’m sure someone on staff has run across such a problem if all they do is install home theater systems. Hope it works out! Sorry this happened!

[@W4YN0T]

Great vid! Very informative and entertaining 😁

[@timfaulks745]

You just snagged me with your content !!! Amazing...

[@davidgunther1282]

First question: are “Processors” and “preamps” the same thing? Second question: Techno Dad thinks the Emotiva’s XPA-9’s 4 stereo modules might not be powerful enough (65 watts for the heights vs 200 for the ear levels) to make it a balanced setup. What are your thoughts on this vs. getting like a BasX A4 for the heights with a XPA-5 for the ear levels?

[@ealanosborne]

Correct. Processors and preamps are typically describing the same thing. And I agree with Techno Dad. Having THAT much power for ear levels, but not nearly as much for heights might make for an unbalanced overall soundstage. Yes, height effects are more subtle by design, but you still want the power going to those heights channels to be relatively similar to ear level. But a lot of times speakers that are designated as “height” speakers generally can’t handle a lot of power to begin with. 🤷‍♂️

[@davidgunther1282]

@@ealanosborne thanks for your time answering my questions. I appreciate it. My heights are HSU Research HIW-1s who's recommended power amp is 10-250w. I'm leaning towards an Outlaw 7000x to power the hights and the rear surronds and then getting an Emotiva XPA-3 for the front stage. That should be about right.

[@ealanosborne]

@@davidgunther1282 Nice! I agree with your assessment! :)

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

My Pioneer Elite receiver is 140x7, 20-20,000, 0.09% THD @ 8-Ohms. It weighs 41 lbs.

[@omermalik4993]

Well done Bro... Great presentation!

[@goldenearaudioreview4904]

Very entertaining! Thanks for tackling that topic.

[@keeloraz9452]

Wait .. ok my question is with separates I have to get another amp for sub .. doesn’t sub use it’s own power ? I’m confused now

[@ealanosborne]

Only certain high end subs require their own amp, because they’re passive. Like the Klipsch KW-120-THX. Otherwise, most subs are powered by their own amp. But it usually does translate to buying the higher end subs, since processors have XLR outputs, not RCA. Like only the SVS 4000 and 16-Ultra series have XLR inputs, for example, but they have their own internal amps. 👍

[@keeloraz9452]

@@ealanosborne okay I follow now.. thanks for response. Subscribed

[@deankim6687]

I hate how expensive processors are when they become dated in about 2 years. Better to use a receiver as a processor, with pre outs for external amplifier. The XMC 2 doesn’t even have eARC.

[@htenthusiast2897]

I absolutely agree in terms. Prepros just take it to the next level in terms of detail, fidelity and separation. They can be expensive for its limited life of 4 to 5 years from the technological standpoint. Let’s hope Denon/Marantz next gen receivers gets us there, allowing to place the cherry on top of the cake with external amp, without the pre amp cost. Maybe Emotiva does the technological jump by including the bells and whistles without breaking the bank. It’s definitely an available market niche.

[@6jsalva]

Hello Ealan I currently have a bose 5.1 surround sound and I want to add two more bose cube and two extra on the ceiling to make it 7.2.2 dolby atmos which receiver do you recommend and if I will need a amplifier as well

[@ealanosborne]

What’s the model number of your Bose 5.1 system?

[@6jsalva]

@@ealanosborne I have a old 28 lifestyle system

[@6jsalva]

And I have a few more Bose cube from a v35 lifestyle I’m trying to reuse ♻️ those speakers and make a 7.2.2 atmos 🙃 if you don’t think the speaker will be good it’s fine I can go different way i’m just trying to reuse them because they sound so good

[@ealanosborne]

@@6jsalva Whew! Okay. Found this article. Looks like it’s not a good idea to use Bose speakers with non-Bose amps. Bose is very unique with the tech that’s inside their electronics, so Bose needs to stick with Bose. Here’s the article, though… www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/can-a-new-receiver-sub-bass-module-get-along-w-bose-lifestyle-cube-speakers.301448/

[@6jsalva]

@@ealanosborne Thanks for Taking your time and do the research and respond back to me I believe you you are one of the best And I will always follow you I’m going to get Klipsch the one from Costco With 2 sub

[@theoracleprodigy]

Do I wish I could buy separates, yes. Can I see the justification for a stand alone processor costing more than av equipment, no... I bought an open box arcam 30 and very happy with it.

[@ealanosborne]

Oh man, an Arcam AVR30 is on my bucket list, believe it or not. One of the few in it's class that can support up to a 9.1.6 configuration, and it supports Auro 3D. Jealous! :)

[@theoracleprodigy]

@@ealanosborne I got lucky finding an open box but there are things not so great with it. Well one thing that bugs me. You can only do direct sound with analog. Other than that I don't see a way to get stereo without some sound mode. It's the only thing really bugging me about it to be honest.

[@ealanosborne]

@@theoracleprodigy huh…didn’t know that. Good to know! 👍

[@Antibackgroundnoise]

Considering I do not have the room for separates do I go with the new YAMAHA RXA6A 9-Channel receiver with the Emotiva 3-channel power amp (for front stage) or up the game and go with a toroidal transformer on the ARCAM AVR20 with its ARCAM PA410 4-channel power amp (for heights) decisions decisions decisions ??? Any pointers would be appreciated!

[@ealanosborne]

Oh jeez, if you can afford an Arcam, go with that, for sure. Although I would still power your front stage with an external amp, even if it’s a 4 channel amp. You’ll get more out of it that way than powering your heights with it, since height effects are so subtle and not happening all the time. Yes I would eventually power all your speakers with external amps, but just to start? Go for your front stage. 👍

[@Antibackgroundnoise]

@@ealanosborne the thing is if I go down the arcam route and I want the full 4 Atmos channels, for some reason or other I've got to integrate the pa410 4-channel Poweramp for the full 4 height channels and I really can't afford another £1,300 for the arcam pa720 7-channel Poweramp but what I'm thinking I only have a very small 13 × 11.5 ft room. So I'm hoping that the 90 Watts per channel arcam avr20 receiver will be good enough for my 2-channel as well as my front stage but what's given me reservations is that 80% of my listening content is 2-channel! So I'm thinking will the avr20 do a good enough job or do I get the Yamaha with 3-channel emotiva power amp? click on the red dragon hit the Dolby Atmos video you can view the tiny little space I have to work with! Thanks for your considerations 👍

[@ealanosborne]

@@Antibackgroundnoise Huh…we’ll then yeah, if 80% is 2-channel (listening to music, I assume?), the Arcam on its own is awesome. Although even in a small room, I’d still have the goal of powering all your speakers with external amps at SOME point, but not all at once. I understand that level of home theater is expensive! But it’s not just about the power. Externally powering a home theater system fully, and allowing your Arcam to just be a processor makes a world of difference in the separation of audio, everything having its own specific place in the mix, more precision, more detail. It’s not just about how loud it can get. 😀🙌

[@Antibackgroundnoise]

@@ealanosborne I'll take advice where I can get it, especially good advice! So thank you.

[@UltimateGattai]

I've got the Yamie RX A6A on pre-order (supposedly I'll get mine in either October/November, should have pre-ordered earlier and I might have got it in August), I'm planning to get the basX A300 to power my front LCR when they come in stock and I have the money saved for it (going for that 11 channel setup). Idk if I'll get a the four channel basX for the surrounds in the future, I just want to see how much of an improvement I'll get with the LCR when I add the Atmos in.

[@ferrisburgh802]

This was a really good informative video...

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you very much!

[@tomascano3824]

Very good explaining

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you very much!

[@tech4life884]

If 150w per channel is not true on a stereo reciever, what makes a dedicated amplifiers same rating of 150w or 200w per channel true?. There both rated the same. Honestly, unless the reciever or amplifier is tested for output, there both have false ratings.

[@ealanosborne]

Almost all external amps (that I can think of) will be up front about their power ratings. They’ll tell you the rating into 8 ohms and 4 ohms, as well as powering two channels vs powering ALL channels simultaneously. This is true if you look up the specs on Emotiva BasX amps, Outlaw Audio amps, Monoprice Monolith amps, etc.

[@workernori]

Well after watching this review and "Spec of Tech" reviews on the Emotiva and the Anthem and watching "Youthmans" reviews of equipment, I'm at a complete Loss, Complete Data over load😵‍💫. I'm in the Middle of doing my theater reno and I'm looking for a Cinema Processor or a Amp or a ???? lol What do i buy?? Equipment I have ,PS5, Samsung Premeire LST7, Silver screen 120" acoustic screen, Polk Audio inwall speakers, Vanishing series, Onkyo Nr5100, probably get rid of the Onkyo if i can figure out what to get. I Just need Direction on what amp or receiver's i need to run a 7.2.4 Also something that is capable of the HDMI 2.1 for the Play station 5, Big time gamer and Movie watcher during the winter months. I did order the Emotiva Bas-x A7 then realized after watching one of your reviews that the preamp you were talking about was for the speakers and not just a preamp.so I cancelled that. There is so much information out there that when a guy is looking to do a upgrade and could easily get confused on what each equipment has for pros and cons. Uggg!!!! Need Help.

[@ealanosborne]

Hmmm…given that you want a 7.2.4 system, I’d probably go for the Sony AZ5000ES with your propensity to game a lot on top of watching lots of movies. The 5000ES supports a 7.2.4 system without the need for an external amp, yet still has a full set of pre outs if and when you decide to invest in external amps/get better, more power hungry speakers down the road. It has all the latest bells and whistles and features you need, including HDMI 2.1 and next-gen gaming features (since it’s Sony). 🤷‍♂️ That my 2 cents on your current situation. 🎉

[@workernori]

@@ealanosborne thank you very Much for that, I was almost clueless after binge watching reviews on the latest and greatest. Maybe I should of taken a look at a few before trying to decide all in one day on what to order. Really appreciate your input as you guys are full of knowledge.

[@MW-wp5fb]

Great info...

[@mannyg35]

Good video

[@hillre14]

I have pioneer elite avr and outlaw 7000x

[@koprcord5338]

How was dealing with outlaw? Curious how you like it and what your impression of their customer service is. Have heard their service is lacking, but performance is great. Some have had issues right out of the box and then you have to pay to have it shipped back. Thank you.

[@hillre14]

@@koprcord5338 my outlaw has been bulletproof. It sounds great never gets hot feels like it has way more power than stated. There is one caveat tho I don't leave it plugged in. Mainly because it used 30 watts per hour when left in standby. I also can't speak to customer service as I haven't had to contact them at all. Let me know if you wanna know anything else.

[@deankim6687]

The intro 🤣🤣🤣

[@jimdogg1013]

Fuck yes!!!

[@winch43]

Your hair is amplified Ealan