Am I Missing Features If I Purchase a AVR-X6700H?

[AetherDrive]

It seems to have everything I could want for an AVR with great performance to boot. I’m planning on building out a 7.2.6 setup and there’s no AVR that can handle hdmi input past 4K/120hz. At $1.9k from Accessories4Less.

Only thing I can think of is the latest Dirac but I’m pretty sure I can purchase a license for the software on my PC. Would I be missing out on anything?

 

[Power Pop 23]

I am not certain the standalone PC app for Dirac Live supports 7.2.6

Dirac Live Room Correction Suite – Dirac

DIRAC LIVE Room Correction Suite The power of Dirac Live – running on your computer. Get your license Dirac Live Room Correction Suite features patented...

www.dirac.com

 

[kyuu]

If you use the $20 app to get rid of the midrange dip and limit the correction, Audyssey XT32 is pretty dang good. I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker.

 

[EWL5]

If you use the $20 app to get rid of the midrange dip and limit the correction, Audyssey XT32 is pretty dang good. I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker.

You could probably also run Acoustica.

 

[Dovydas]

I own this specific AVR but will consider replacing it with x6800h or even A10h when Dirac ART becomes available and if it will meet expectations in tests. I don't think Dirac alone is a deal breaker, especially when you can use free OCA's tools like Acoustica or Express. I have both mobile Audyssey app and MultEQ-X and still using Acoustica at the moment.

 

[GalZohar]

You can't really use Dirac on a PC when using a receiver, plus windows is limited to 7.1 and the whole bass management will probably be messy/tricky if at all working properly. If you have dual subs you probably want Dirac with DLBC (600$ license for Denon).

 

[AetherDrive]

First thank you everyone for the responses so far!

I am not certain the standalone PC app for Dirac Live supports 7.2.6

Dirac Live Room Correction Suite – Dirac

DIRAC LIVE Room Correction Suite The power of Dirac Live – running on your computer. Get your license Dirac Live Room Correction Suite features patented...

www.dirac.com

You can't really use Dirac on a PC when using a receiver, plus windows is limited to 7.1 and the whole bass management will probably be messy/tricky if at all working properly. If you have dual subs you probably want Dirac with DLBC (600$ license for Denon).

Understood, after doing some more research it would seem that in order to output 7.2.6 from a PC I'll need to set the audio mode to exclusive and through Dolby Access, which would mean that I can't inject another tool in front of it, if I wanted to take advantage of the height channels, which I do.

This would also suggest that other software probably won't work.

If you use the $20 app to get rid of the midrange dip and limit the correction, Audyssey XT32 is pretty dang good. I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker.

As the 6700h is limited to Audyssey XT32, how's the bass management for this and can I use it explicitly for bass managment? I'm not super familiar with the different flavors of room correction, I'm upgrading from a much older AVR and have done most of my corrections for my LR via minidsp as they are DIY active towers. Perhaps a better question is can I pick and choose which channels are having the corrections applied to it?

Am I understanding this all correctly?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Other members have more recent familiarity with Audyssey than I.....

The '6700' is compatible with two paid apps to enhance control over the sound profile

Amir was generally impressed with Audyssey XT32 when he reviewed and recommended the $20 paid companion app, MultEQ Editor - available at Google Play and the App Store:

'Audyssey Room EQ Review'

Apr 21, 2020

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audyssey Room Equalization. Audyssey is standard technology in a number of Audio/Video Receivers such as the Denon AVR-X3600H I recently reviewed. The standard version in the AVR is mostly all or nothing so I downloaded the Marantz/Denon Android App that for $20 lets you customize some critical aspects of it as you will see later.

My setup is my main music system which I would show you a picture of but it got so torn up with cables going everywhere to wire up the AVR which I am ashamed to show you. So see this picture from...

• amirm
• Replies: 1,056
• Forum: Room Acoustics and General Speaker Discussions

• 

Audyssey offers a more expensive MultEQ-X app for PC. I believe select members can advise on its value.

Audyssey Laboratories - A leader in research-based audio technologies

Audyssey’s science-based approach to improving audio performance helps manufacturers overcome acoustical challenges to deliver a superior listening experience in a growing number of market segments, including home theater, television, movie theater, automotive, and mobile audio.

audyssey.com

 

[GalZohar]

First thank you everyone for the responses so far!


Understood, after doing some more research it would seem that in order to output 7.2.6 from a PC I'll need to set the audio mode to exclusive and through Dolby Access, which would mean that I can't inject another tool in front of it, if I wanted to take advantage of the height channels, which I do.

This would also suggest that other software probably won't work.

As the 6700h is limited to Audyssey XT32, how's the bass management for this and can I use it explicitly for bass managment? I'm not super familiar with the different flavors of room correction, I'm upgrading from a much older AVR and have done most of my corrections for my LR via minidsp as they are DIY active towers. Perhaps a better question is can I pick and choose which channels are having the corrections applied to it?

Am I understanding this all correctly?

Audyssey doesn't have its own bass management, it uses the Denon bass management, which can be enabled/disabled independently of Audyssey. Audyssey will try set crossovers but normally you will want to maually raise those, usually to 80Hz.

DLBC is supposed to be a big step up in the bass management, especially with multiple subwoofers. Audyssey multi sub integration is super basic.

With the apps Audyssey gives more control, with the PC app you can probably just delete measurements of speakers you do not wish to eq. Although Audyssey may do better than your minidsp if you set the target curve well.

 

[Open Mind Audio]

Are you into Roon? The 6700 is listed as Roon Tested while several of the later-model Denons are Roon Ready, which is the higher and better designation. I'm about to get a Denon AVR for my HT/multi-channel set up and that difference is important to me - but only relevant if you're into Roon and plan to use the AVR for that.

 

[AetherDrive]

Other members have more recent familiarity with Audyssey than I.....

The '6700' is compatible with two paid apps to enhance control over the sound profile

Amir was generally impressed with Audyssey XT32 when he reviewed and recommended the $20 paid companion app, MultEQ Editor - available at Google Play and the App Store:

'Audyssey Room EQ Review'

Apr 21, 2020

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audyssey Room Equalization. Audyssey is standard technology in a number of Audio/Video Receivers such as the Denon AVR-X3600H I recently reviewed. The standard version in the AVR is mostly all or nothing so I downloaded the Marantz/Denon Android App that for $20 lets you customize some critical aspects of it as you will see later.

My setup is my main music system which I would show you a picture of but it got so torn up with cables going everywhere to wire up the AVR which I am ashamed to show you. So see this picture from...

• amirm
• Replies: 1,056
• Forum: Room Acoustics and General Speaker Discussions

• 

Audyssey offers a more expensive MultEQ-X app for PC. I believe select members can advise on its value.

Audyssey Laboratories - A leader in research-based audio technologies

Audyssey’s science-based approach to improving audio performance helps manufacturers overcome acoustical challenges to deliver a superior listening experience in a growing number of market segments, including home theater, television, movie theater, automotive, and mobile audio.

audyssey.com

Audyssey doesn't have its own bass management, it uses the Denon bass management, which can be enabled/disabled independently of Audyssey. Audyssey will try set crossovers but normally you will want to maually raise those, usually to 80Hz.

DLBC is supposed to be a big step up in the bass management, especially with multiple subwoofers. Audyssey multi sub integration is super basic.

With the apps Audyssey gives more control, with the PC app you can probably just delete measurements of speakers you do not wish to eq. Although Audyssey may do better than your minidsp if you set the target curve well.

Alright, so the PC application seems to be the best route for a power user like myself. That being said I likely would prefer a more competent bass management tool than anything else. With that being said, in your opinion, is the DLBC available (once it becomes available) on the X6800H worth the tradeoff of the less performant DAC compared to the X6700H?

Are you into Roon? The 6700 is listed as Roon Tested while several of the later-model Denons are Roon Ready, which is the higher and better designation. I'm about to get a Denon AVR for my HT/multi-channel set up and that difference is important to me - but only relevant if you're into Roon and plan to use the AVR for that.

I only have a passing familiarity with Roon, isn't its processing limited through its music service? Any changes I would make wouldn't be reflected playing any other media which feels pretty limited for my use case as this is going to be a multi-media affair (Music, Movies, TV and Video Games).

 

[EWL5]

@AetherDrive, if you're serious about running more than 1 sub, then I highly suggest getting the newer 6800 and go all the way to DLBC and possibly ART when that comes out.

The way things are going, ART might arrive just in time for the holidays!

 

[EWL5]

With that being said, in your opinion, is the DLBC available (once it becomes available) on the X6800H worth the tradeoff of the less performant DAC compared to the X6700H?

DLBC is already available to purchase on the 3800, 4800, 6800, etc.

Some of us are only waiting for Dirac ART to complete the "Dirac trilogy" of licenses.

 

[AetherDrive]

DLBC is already available to purchase on the 3800, 4800, 6800, etc.

Some of us are only waiting for Dirac ART to complete the "Dirac trilogy" of licenses.

Ah seems I've misunderstood which Dirac feature we are waiting on. Are all three Dirac tools separate of each other and work concurrently together or does using one disable the others? Apologies again, active room treatment is outside my wheelhouse. I did work as a home theater designer for a time, but we were required to use, primarily, proprietary smart home solutions (Savant) and the AVRs at that time were Sony ES AVRs which has their own in-house room treatment.

 

[EWL5]

Ah seems I've misunderstood which Dirac feature we are waiting on. Are all three Dirac tools separate of each other and work concurrently together or does using one disable the others? Apologies again, active room treatment is outside my wheelhouse. I did work as a home theater designer for a time, but we were required to use, primarily, proprietary smart home solutions (Savant) and the AVRs at that time were Sony ES AVRs which has their own in-house room treatment.

For all the models listed in my prior email, the licenses must be purchased in the following order and are designed to work together (all optional for Denon/Marantz):

1) DL basic license (can be partial or full bandwidth) - $259/$349
2) DLBC - $299 (you can skip this and go straight to ART if you don't have any SWs, which doesn't apply for you)
3) Dirac ART - "coming soon" and is expected to cost ~$299

The above is normal retail price. You can get discounted pricing around the holidays starting w/Black Friday and certainly if you choose to bundle. My suggestion is to wait for the holidays for deals, especially if going up the Dirac tech tree is something you may consider!

 

[Chromatischism]

@AetherDrive, if you're serious about running more than 1 sub, then I highly suggest getting the newer 6800 and go all the way to DLBC and possibly ART when that comes out.

The way things are going, ART might arrive just in time for the holidays!

I don't understand how ART can avoid completely messing up phase relationships for listeners outside the one area designated for perfection. As soon as you move a foot or two, all of those complex corrections you did are null and void. And for what? It's exceptionally rare that multiple speakers in my surround sound system will be putting out the same bass note at the same time, most of that being reserved for my subwoofers, which are already merged and working perfectly together. Thoughts?

 

[ban25]

It seems to have everything I could want for an AVR with great performance to boot. I’m planning on building out a 7.2.6 setup and there’s no AVR that can handle hdmi input past 4K/120hz. At $1.9k from Accessories4Less.

Only thing I can think of is the latest Dirac but I’m pretty sure I can purchase a license for the software on my PC. Would I be missing out on anything?

Don't forget the X6700H only has a single HDMI 2.1 input, so if you wish to have more than one 4K120 source connected, you will need to do so through the TV (also a problem if it's a Sony since they only have 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and one is consumed by the eARC connection to the AVR itself) or via a switchbox. Later models like the X6800H offer a full bank of HDMI 2.1 ports.

 

[AetherDrive]

I don't understand how ART can avoid completely messing up phase relationships for listeners outside the one area designated for perfection. As soon as you move a foot or two, all of those complex corrections you did are null and void. And for what? It's exceptionally rare that multiple speakers in my surround sound system will be putting out the same bass note at the same time, most of that being reserved for my subwoofers, which are already merged and working perfectly together. Thoughts?

I'm also quite interested to know this, my previous engagements with these types of tools have been.... lackluster, though its mostly from much older implementations so my experience probably doesn't equate to modern techniques.

Don't forget the X6700H only has a single HDMI 2.1 input, so if you wish to have more than one 4K120 source connected, you will need to do so through the TV (also a problem if it's a Sony since they only have 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and one is consumed by the eARC connection to the AVR itself) or via a switchbox. Later models like the X6800H offer a full bank of HDMI 2.1 ports.

That is something to think about for sure, it's my intention to wait till the next line of LG tandem oleds come out to pick from their model line or to go with the Panasonic Z95B if the LG panels don't outperform the Panasonic. My sources are a PC, PS5 and Nvidia Shield, its my intent to run the PC and PS5 directly into the TV and utilize eARC for the audio on all three sources so I don't have to worry about hdmi limitations.

To provide some context for this entire project:
-My budget is $12k spent over 6 months. I can spend somewhat over if I "need" to.
-My room is fairly small with a high ceiling, 10x10x12ft. Listening position will likely be 6 feet away from the TV.
-I already have my LCR set, an older TV and receiver that can be used and then sold off as I replace them.
-First Purchase will be the media cabinet, tbd, but it needs to be able to mount a 77' TV as wall mounting isn't an option in this space.
-Second Purchase will likely be the heights and surrounds which will be covered by the HTM-200SE2, my hope is to utilize the MTM configuration to better control reflections. I may purchase different speakers for the side channels as they'll be pretty close to the listening position, don't want to deal with potential combing issues. As well as the mounting hardware and such that'll go with it.
-Third Purchase will be the subs, aiming to get 2 Rhythmik Audio L12.
-Fourth Purchase will be the AVR.
-Fifth will be the TV, as mentioned, I'm gonna wait till next years line-up comes out, I have an older E7 65' that will do just fine in the meantime.
-And then after all that comes the room treatment and dedicated furniture.

I might be forgetting something but that pretty much sums it up. Hopefully didn’t digress too much

 

[EWL5]

I don't understand how ART can avoid completely messing up phase relationships for listeners outside the one area designated for perfection. As soon as you move a foot or two, all of those complex corrections you did are null and void. And for what? It's exceptionally rare that multiple speakers in my surround sound system will be putting out the same bass note at the same time, most of that being reserved for my subwoofers, which are already merged and working perfectly together. Thoughts?

I can't speak for ART but even the basic Dirac license is calculating average responses over x number of mic readings. Phase won't be perfect other than at MLP but there's no consumer-level room correction that dynamically adjusts phase to listener position either!

All I know is that everyone who's ever had ART swears by it. ART won't perform miracles but I would imagine the less ideal your room, the more you need ART!

 

[Chromatischism]

I can't speak for ART but even the basic Dirac license is calculating average responses over x number of mic readings. Phase won't be perfect other than at MLP but there's no consumer-level room correction that dynamically adjusts phase to listener position either!

I mean the whole premise is to fire opposing speakers simultaneously in phase so that they sum rather than cancel, so that will by physics only work in one spot in the room. In the seat next to you it will actually end up worse than not having ART at all due to that same correction causing a cancellation instead of summation.