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Another RZ50 or Integrated Amp for bedroom?

TopShelf99

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Joined
Dec 29, 2024
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Hello all,

Been lurking for a couple of years, but this time I require some direct help to make a decision. I am replacing the old AVR in my bedroom and torn between buying another RZ50 (which I have in my living room) or going with an integrated amp or multiple devices (integrated + streamer).

What I am looking for
- Budget is under $2000
- We watch TV and movies in the bedroom, but I can live with 2.1 sound. I will never have surround sound.
- I'd like to optimize for 2 channel listening.
- I would like the ability to perform some sort of room correction / EQ as the bass can get boomy. I don't have the measurements off hand, but it's a good-sized room without being considered large.
- Volume of sound system must be controllable with LG remote when watching TV. This likely means that ARC/eARC is a hard requirement.


Current setup
- B&W 683 S1 floor standing speakers (likely will replace with KEF R11 Metas in the future). I am eyeing a $4k budget for a speaker upgrade.
- Fluance Turntable w/Mani phono preamp
- Newer LG OLED that supports eARC
- I have a single speaker in the adjacent master bathroom that I'd also like to power. I'd be willing to treat this as a separate project and buy an amplified music streamer for it.

What I've found in my research
  • If I go with another RZ50, I could always add a separate AMP for 2-channel.
  • There are several integrated AMPs that offer eArc (e.g., Cambridge Audio EXA100). Going this route might mean that I get a better amplifier section with my purchase and a device that looks a lot better than an AVR. However, it's hit or miss on which ones would offer me EQ ability for room correction.
  • I am willing to add a miniDSP to the setup.
I won't go into every scenario I've thought of because I am primarily looking for the opinions of others. My goal is to have the best music listening experience in the bedroom because it's the only place in the house I can listen to music without kids interrupting.

Thanks in advance.
 
Hello all,

Been lurking for a couple of years, but this time I require some direct help to make a decision. I am replacing the old AVR in my bedroom and torn between buying another RZ50 (which I have in my living room) or going with an integrated amp or multiple devices (integrated + streamer).

What I am looking for
- Budget is under $2000
- We watch TV and movies in the bedroom, but I can live with 2.1 sound. I will never have surround sound.
- I'd like to optimize for 2 channel listening.
- I would like the ability to perform some sort of room correction / EQ as the bass can get boomy. I don't have the measurements off hand, but it's a good-sized room without being considered large.
- Volume of sound system must be controllable with LG remote when watching TV. This likely means that ARC/eARC is a hard requirement.


Current setup
- B&W 683 S1 floor standing speakers (likely will replace with KEF R11 Metas in the future). I am eyeing a $4k budget for a speaker upgrade.
- Fluance Turntable w/Mani phono preamp
- Newer LG OLED that supports eARC
- I have a single speaker in the adjacent master bathroom that I'd also like to power. I'd be willing to treat this as a separate project and buy an amplified music streamer for it.

What I've found in my research
  • If I go with another RZ50, I could always add a separate AMP for 2-channel.
  • There are several integrated AMPs that offer eArc (e.g., Cambridge Audio EXA100). Going this route might mean that I get a better amplifier section with my purchase and a device that looks a lot better than an AVR. However, it's hit or miss on which ones would offer me EQ ability for room correction.
  • I am willing to add a miniDSP to the setup.
I won't go into every scenario I've thought of because I am primarily looking for the opinions of others. My goal is to have the best music listening experience in the bedroom because it's the only place in the house I can listen to music without kids interrupting.

Thanks in advance.

I like the option of going with another Onkyo RZ50. I think having access to the paid Dirac Live license with the RZ50 will go a long way helping you optimize 2 channel listening. It won't hurt that you are already familiar with this AVR.
 
Hello all,

Been lurking for a couple of years, but this time I require some direct help to make a decision. I am replacing the old AVR in my bedroom and torn between buying another RZ50 (which I have in my living room) or going with an integrated amp or multiple devices (integrated + streamer).

What I am looking for
- Budget is under $2000
- We watch TV and movies in the bedroom, but I can live with 2.1 sound. I will never have surround sound.
- I'd like to optimize for 2 channel listening.
- I would like the ability to perform some sort of room correction / EQ as the bass can get boomy. I don't have the measurements off hand, but it's a good-sized room without being considered large.
- Volume of sound system must be controllable with LG remote when watching TV. This likely means that ARC/eARC is a hard requirement.


Current setup
- B&W 683 S1 floor standing speakers (likely will replace with KEF R11 Metas in the future). I am eyeing a $4k budget for a speaker upgrade.
- Fluance Turntable w/Mani phono preamp
- Newer LG OLED that supports eARC
- I have a single speaker in the adjacent master bathroom that I'd also like to power. I'd be willing to treat this as a separate project and buy an amplified music streamer for it.

What I've found in my research
  • If I go with another RZ50, I could always add a separate AMP for 2-channel.
  • There are several integrated AMPs that offer eArc (e.g., Cambridge Audio EXA100). Going this route might mean that I get a better amplifier section with my purchase and a device that looks a lot better than an AVR. However, it's hit or miss on which ones would offer me EQ ability for room correction.
  • I am willing to add a miniDSP to the setup.
I won't go into every scenario I've thought of because I am primarily looking for the opinions of others. My goal is to have the best music listening experience in the bedroom because it's the only place in the house I can listen to music without kids interrupting.

Thanks in advance.
I would go with a Sonos AMP or NAD M2 or C700
 
I would go with a Sonos AMP or NAD M2 or C700
People seem to like this Amp. I’ll check it out.

I like the option of going with another Onkyo RZ50. I think having access to the paid Dirac Live license with the RZ50 will go a long way helping you optimize 2 channel listening. It won't hurt that you are already familiar with this AVR.

^ This was my initial decision as well. I was thinking of getting go another one and use the pre-outs for a higher quality 2-channel AMP.
 
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