Looking for a 9-channel receiver capable of 7.1.4 at a price lower than $1,000

[LNordum]

My setup consists of a Sony 790 receiver, Sony speakers + sub for the original 5.1 layout (all Core Series), an extra Polk T15 for the surround backs, and Polk OWM3s for the heights. I had extra speakers in case I wanted a 7.1 layout or a 5.1.2 layout. I'm looking to utilize all the speakers I have now plus two more Polk OWM3s but that's for another day.

I'm now looking to purchase a new receiver. I recently purchased an AIYIMA A07 so I could power the last two heights to get an 11-channel layout. What receiver can you recommend me that's reliable and at a good deal? I was looking at the Denons (3600-3800, 4700-4800) but they're out of my price range. I'm looking at the Onkyo RZ50 and the Integra 5.4 but I'm hearing issues on here about their reliability. And it seems I should I avoid the Pioneers at all cost.

Should I just wait for the Denon to be affordable or get the above alternatives?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @LNordum! Welcome to ASR.

There's currently a used X3600H for sale on eBay for $600, and a refurbished X3800H for sale from Denon directly for $975 (with code EXTRA25OFF).

Both support 7.1.4 playback, but only with an additional stereo amp for one speaker pair, as there are just 9 amplifier channels built-in.

Shouldn't be an issue, since you already own an A07 that could drive your FL/FR for example.

 

[Timcognito]

The latest Onkyo with Dirac room correction is $999. There is thread on ASR and the issues were previous models?

Amazon.com

 

[LNordum]

Hi @LNordum! Welcome to ASR.

There's currently a used X3600H for sale on eBay for $600, and a refurbished X3800H for sale from Denon directly for $975 (with code EXTRA25OFF).

Both support 7.1.4 playback, but only with an additional stereo amp for one speaker pair, as there are just 9 amplifier channels built-in.

Shouldn't be an issue, since you already own an A07 that could drive your FL/FR for example.

Thanks for the welcome.

The 3600H only has HDMI 2.0. I know 2.1 is more useful for gamers. I'm both a gamer and a cinephile so I wanna know if I'm truly missing out if I splurge on the 3600H.

The latest Onkyo with Dirac room correction is $999. There is thread on ASR and the issues were previous models?

Amazon.com

I'll go check the thread but you think the current version is more reliable?

 

[staticV3]

The 3600H only has HDMI 2.0. I know 2.1 is more useful for gamers. I'm both a gamer and a cinephile so I wanna know if I'm truly missing out if I splurge on the 3600H.

Potentially relevant HDMI 2.1 features for gamers:
-4K at >60 FPS
-VRR
-ALLM

eARC may also be worth spending extra on.

 

[Megaken]

Marantz SR8012 11.2-Channel Home Theater - No Remote Control 699927241551 | eBay

Works great. Just updated to latest firmware via wifi and also reset to factory settings.

www.ebay.com

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Save up.

 

[masterhw]

Wait for the Denon X3800H or Onkyo RZ50 to break $1000, iirc both have on sales before. Otherwise you’re asking a lot, HDMI 2.1 with 11 channel processing for under 1 grand. doable if patient, or cough up a little more like others have said.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Accessories4Less dot com is currently selling new samples of the Onkyo RZ50 for $999 and refurbished samples with a 1 year Onkyo warranty for $799. They are also selling refurbished samples of the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 AVR with a 1 year Pioneer warranty for $799. In Amir's review of the Pioneer '505', he recommends it only if used as a preamplifier.

ONKYO NEW TX-RZ50 Dirac 9.2-Ch x 120w THX 8K A/V Receiver

New

www.accessories4less.com

 

[Oddball]

Was not following the RZ50 story so can't recommend - also only one independent sub output is feature that many don't really like. RZ30 would have 2 independent subs but only 9 channels otherwise.

3800H is known to dip below $1K so if that is a hard stop patience is the key word. Would not really go into the whole Dirac/Audy argument. 3800H has more features and was know to have less issues, but yes Dirac comes at extra cost. Audy has $20 D&M app that is a must with Audy, but than costs less than a couple of (soft) drinks with friends in the bar.

 

[Timcognito]

Same platform as RZ50 with Dirac now $569 they will go fast

https://www.adorama.com/indrx34.html?sdtid=18194536&emailprice=t&sterm=UnSV7tTnRxyKT8dyNP0bLWXeUks3jK3F2U6pRU0&utm_source=rflaid62905&utm_medium=affiliate

 

[staticV3]

Same platform as RZ50 with Dirac now $569 they will go fast

https://www.adorama.com/indrx34.html?sdtid=18194536&emailprice=t&sterm=UnSV7tTnRxyKT8dyNP0bLWXeUks3jK3F2U6pRU0&utm_source=rflaid62905&utm_medium=affiliate

Incapable of 7.1.4 though.

Maximum 5.1.4/7.1.2

 

[DVDdoug]

I'm now looking to purchase a new receiver. I recently purchased an AIYIMA A07 so I could power the last two heights to get an 11-channel layout.

You'd need an 11 channel decoder, not simply 2 more channels of power.

 

[Timcognito]

Incapable of 7.1.4 though.

Maximum 5.1.4/7.1.2

It has 9.2-ch multichannel pre-outs so could the two main Front L&R could run on another 2 ch amp? Not an expert.

 

[staticV3]

It has 9.2-ch multichannel pre-outs so could the two main Front L&R could run on another 2 ch amp? Not an expert.

No mention of that in the manual so I'm assuming no.

 

[LNordum]

No mention of that in the manual so I'm assuming no.

I've read it's not possible for Front L&C but it should be doable for surround backs or for Atmos speakers, especially what I'm planning on using.

I'm reading a lot of interesting tibits here. I only have one sub and I feel, where I have the set up, at my living room, one seems enough. But should I splurge on 2 to take advantage of multi sub outputs some receivers have?

I want to thank you all for the replies. I know I'm asking a lot here.

 

[Oddball]

Single sub output is often a source or regret. 2 or more subs are really what is "generally" recommended. AVR's with single sub output can still be tuned with outside DSP like Mini DSP HD, but then there is the cost of the unit and UMIK-1 that will take to calibrate it. UMIK-1 will also be needed for the D&M Dirac setup as well.

As far as the outputs - you do need to read the manual and fully understand it.

 

[MLaranjeiras]

My setup consists of a Sony 790 receiver, Sony speakers + sub for the original 5.1 layout (all Core Series), an extra Polk T15 for the surround backs, and Polk OWM3s for the heights. I had extra speakers in case I wanted a 7.1 layout or a 5.1.2 layout. I'm looking to utilize all the speakers I have now plus two more Polk OWM3s but that's for another day.

I'm now looking to purchase a new receiver. I recently purchased an AIYIMA A07 so I could power the last two heights to get an 11-channel layout. What receiver can you recommend me that's reliable and at a good deal? I was looking at the Denons (3600-3800, 4700-4800) but they're out of my price range. I'm looking at the Onkyo RZ50 and the Integra 5.4 but I'm hearing issues on here about their reliability. And it seems I should I avoid the Pioneers at all cost.

Should I just wait for the Denon to be affordable or get the above alternatives?

I have a Pioneer VSX LX 503 since 2019 + Fosi amplifier. They work fine on a 7.1.4 layout in an up 20 square meters room

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Many of these deals are unauthorized dealers with no warranty. Sweetwater has their own 2 year warranty and perform the repairs. I'd rather pay more. I don't buy appliances from big box stores. Under warranty will wait 1-2 weeks without fridge. My local appliance store repairs usually next day with own repairmen.

 

[MLaranjeiras]

Many of these deals are unauthorized dealers with no warranty. Sweetwater has their own 2 year warranty and perform the repairs. I'd rather pay more. I don't buy appliances from big box stores. Under warranty will wait 1-2 weeks without fridge. My local appliance store repairs usually next day with own repairmen.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pioneer-elite-vsx-lx505-9-2-channel-network-av-receiver-with-bluetooth-black/6405451.p?skuId=6405451&intl=nosplash