2. home-theater
  3. 179615-957

AVR Took A Dirt Nap - Looking To Upgrade

Yesterday during a new tv install I discovered the Denon AVR would not power up. It was time for replacing, so moving on. 

I have a 5.1 set-up (center channel, Hales Design T-5 towers with a sensitivity rating around 88 or 89 db, two 15" subwoofers and two surrounds). I'm looking for all the latest software, like Dolby ATMOS etc. and an increase in watt/channel to more effectively drive my Hales Design, which are not that efficient. I'm thinking a minimum of 110W per channel. It will be used to watch movies and play music, so musicality is very important. My budget is $4 - 6K.

Initially I'm looking at Anthem, Arcam and Rotel, but I'm wide open to make & model suggestions in the above price range. It should be noted I don't want to go down the separates path.

Thank you in advance.

dawgbyte

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,015 posts
 

I'm starting to consider separates as an option. I know that's a more expensive option, but I think it will improve the resolution of the Hales and add more separation with the surrounds.

Good idea, but if music is important I’d recommend a good stereo integrated amp and an AVR to handle HT processing and powering the center/surround channels. Here are a couple ideas FWIW…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649895166-hegel-h190/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649856834-anthem-mrx-740-receiver-brand-new-just-opened-the-box/

 

soix
10,015 posts
 

This review was of Anthem’s AV Processors.  Are you now thinking of going this direction as opposed to an AVR?  Anthem has its roots in high-end audio as the HT subsidiary of what was Sonic Frontiers and as such has been a cut above the more mass market brands.  Their reliability is also among the best.  For an AVR I’d try to go for at least the MRX 740 as your Hales will appreciate the additional power, and with the 740 the output channels can be reassigned so you could bi-amp your Hales for even more power.  

soix
10,015 posts
 

With your speakers I’d definitely go Anthem all the way. 

More to discover