But which AVR?

[Fognozzle]

Hi all,

 

I am about to update my AVR and I would like to find one that provides me with control over the eq for at least the centre channel, but I can't find any that offer this. I've looked at a few forums and people believe that Marantz, Denon and Yamaha offer some form of parametric (or graphic) eq, but this isn't mentioned in the manuals for them. I would be willing to attach a separate graphic equaliser to the centre channel, but I'm not convinced that connections for this technique exist. Does anyone know of an AVR model that really does do it? I don't really need Atmos or 7.1, as even 3.1 would be enough in this application.

 

Foggy

[Guest]

There are AVRs which have settings which boost the center speaker dialog.  You can also manually boost the center speaker. However, the best technique is to use room correction like Dirac or Anthem Room Correction, which improves every channel and also the dialog in the centre.

 

Not sure of your budget, but here are some used options

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/7316-anthem-mrx-720-av-receiver/

 

 

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/6944-arcam-avr5-av-receiver/

 

 

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/5705-nad-electronics-t758-av-receiver/

 

 

 

Edited October 5, 2024 by Snoopy8
Typo

[dlaloum]

The Onkyo/Integra/Pioneer family of AVR's offer this capability using Dirac Live (midrange to flagship models), the Denon/Marantz family of AVR's offer it via Audyssey, and optionally via Dirac Live (at additional cost)

 

I have an Integra DRX3.4, and using Dirac Live, the frequency "target" of an individual channel or even an individual speaker can be tuned as you wish... you can set as many "target points" along your frequency range as you could possibly wish... the software starts out by measuring and showing you the current frequency response of that speaker, and can also show you an estimated frequency response after the application of the EQ.

 

For best results though, it is best to verify with something like REW, after doing a Dirac Live (or Audyssey, or similar) EQ, as the estimated final response does not always match the actual.... and the software EQ interfaces don't have a post EQ feedback loop, so that step has to be done manually.... for the OCD amongst us!!

 

Having said that, my measured REW response after Dirac Live, pretty much matched the Dirac Live estimation.

[Fognozzle]

My hunt for a suitable replacement AVR haas taken me to the important requirements which are:

* 3.1 channel capability.

* 3 HDMI inputs

* 1 HDMI output

* ARC

* Manual graphic or parametric equalisation on the centre channel

 

A nice to have would be a phono input.

 

This leads me to observe that my favoured model will come from an era when things were changing frequently, and that there were stepping stone advancements as the number of channels increased. At this moment, my preference is for Yamaha, as their owners manuals are very clear about centre channel eq, and they come within budget. My impression is that Denon & Marantz didn't include room optimisation until later, and only in the most expensive models, and their operating manuals are very vague on these "advanced" features. I have yet to find suitable Onkyo or Pioneer models, and I've never seen an Integra.

 

Am I on the right track?

 

Foggy

[Guest]

38 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

My hunt for a suitable replacement AVR haas taken me to the important requirements which are:

* 3.1 channel capability.

* 3 HDMI inputs

* 1 HDMI output

* ARC

* Manual graphic or parametric equalisation on the centre channel

All standard.  Manual is available, but I think you have under estimated how much improvement you get for music using good room correction software.

 

41 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

A nice to have would be a phono input.

Have never seen one. Use external phono stage. 

 

53 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

At this moment, my preference is for Yamaha, as their owners manuals are very clear about centre channel eq, and they come within budget. 

Then get Yamaha?  However, YPAO is not that good for room correction.

 

56 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

My impression is that Denon & Marantz didn't include room optimisation until later, 

Audyssey is standard across all models but has several levels. @betty boop can explain the details. 

 

----

You have not mentioned budget.  And suggest getting one from the Classifieds because you can often get a mid to high end one for a bargain.  

[DonGreen]

Hi Foggy. If you have any separate amplification, I have an older Marantz AV8003 Pre Processor that will give you the channels you need, and Audyssey room correction that you seek.

 

It has the HDMI inputs and ARC that is on your list.

 

Don

[betty boop]

1 hour ago, Fognozzle said:

My impression is that Denon & Marantz didn't include room optimisation until later, and only in the most expensive models

Hi denon and marantz come standard with audyssey always have.

 

the level of audyssey unless buying a base budget model is xt32 and very capable including true multi sub capability. You can buy Dirac on top of this but yes Dirac is a business so yes will need to pay for that if want. However I am running a 9.2.6 system right now on audysey xt32 and it’s producing a top result on my marantz. You can down load an app $32 if want makes all lot easier to use and very small investment for lot of use ability gains  

 

1 hour ago, Fognozzle said:

I have yet to find suitable Onkyo or Pioneer models, and I've never seen an Integra.

while have lot of respect of pioneer in past, unfortunately now a fallen angel… I believe it’s now no where the heights used to be at. Also read in another thread they were lovely clearing units and such so not sure of brands future in this product line … and they have come and gone over the years …

 

1 hour ago, Fognozzle said:

my preference is for Yamaha, as their owners manuals are very clear about centre channel eq, and they come within budget.

Like most brands you need to spend up to get best from Yamaha. We don’t know your budget. Do demo as Yamaha is not to everyone’s tastes no fifteenth to marantz each brand do have a bit of sonic signature   Yamaha ypao is probably not the best regarded In folks eyes.

[betty boop]

13 minutes ago, DonGreen said:

Hi Foggy. If you have any separate amplification, I have an older Marantz AV8003 Pre Processor that will give you the channels you need, and Audyssey room correction that you seek.

 

It has the HDMI inputs and ARC that is on your list.

 

Don

if budget is a concern 2nd hand like this is always a good option. Here will get a processor while same budget might only manage an AVR 

[DonGreen]

5 minutes ago, betty boop said:

You can down load an app $32 if want makes all lot easier to use and very small investment for lot of use ability gains  

 

Tell us more about the app Al. I've always been happy with Audyssey, but have been experimenting with REW to integrate my multiple subs. An Audyssey app with a little more functionality might be a lot easier to use, and give me advantages over REW. iOS, Windows 11 maybe?

[betty boop]

8 minutes ago, DonGreen said:

 

Tell us more about the app Al. I've always been happy with Audyssey, but have been experimenting with REW to integrate my multiple subs. An Audyssey app with a little more functionality might be a lot easier to use, and give me advantages over REW. iOS, Windows 11 maybe?

It’s in iOS App Store , makes audyssey really easy to use. Can save recall calibrations. Been very happy with multi sub capability of audyssey 

Edited October 26, 2024 by betty boop

[Kaynin]

1 hour ago, betty boop said:

It’s in iOS App Store , makes audyssey really easy to use. Can save recall calibrations. Been very happy with multi sub capability of audyssey 

 

Isn't there an option within the app that you want to switch on or off that isn't available in the normal set-up?  Mid-range compensation or something like that???

[betty boop]

3 hours ago, Kaynin said:

 

Isn't there an option within the app that you want to switch on or off that isn't available in the normal set-up?  Mid-range compensation or something like that???

There is indeed. Plus some options to customise 

[DonGreen]

Rather than hijack Froggy's thread any more, I have created another thread called "Audyssey MultiEQ and MultiEQ-X " in this AV Receivers section. Apologies if this has been covered in detail before.

[Fognozzle]

On 5/10/2024 at 12:39 PM, Snoopy8 said:

There are AVRs which have settings which boost the center speaker dialog.  You can also manually boost the center speaker. However, the best technique is to use room correction like Dirac or Anthem Room Correction, which improves every channel and also the dialog in the centre.

 

Not sure of your budget, but here are some used options

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/7316-anthem-mrx-720-av-receiver/

 

 

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/6944-arcam-avr5-av-receiver/

 

 

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/5705-nad-electronics-t758-av-receiver/

 

 

 

Thanks for the suggested models. They are all way over my budget at present. My main focus is TV sound improvement, with improved music listening as a bonus. 

Foggy

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

Thanks for the suggested models. They are all way over my budget at present. My main focus is TV sound improvement, with improved music listening as a bonus. 

Foggy

Given you still have not mentioned a budget, I am going to assume it to be $1,000 or less ???  

 

Instead of an AVR, why not get a soundbar?  It certainly improves the TV sound and can be used for music.   Note that an entry AVR is not that good for music.

 

A Sonos Beam Gen 2 should fit your budget and has enhanced dialogue. 

[betty boop]

3 hours ago, Fognozzle said:

hanks for the suggested models. They are all way over my budget at present. My main focus is TV sound improvement, with improved music listening as a bonus. 

Foggy

what is the budget.. i dont think anyone can suggest anything unless thats known... with avrs tend to get what pay for ... so if budget is basic thats all will get...not only in unit but also in eq etc... 

 

perhaps buy 2nd hand if whats being suggested is too expensive .. its a way of making best of the budget  

[Fognozzle]

Thanks Betty,

 

You are right. My budget doesn't extend to new gear for this application, but I still think that second hand prices are more suitable, especially when I'm looking for 3.1 channels and any more would be wasted. I think I will find an old model with 3.1 channels and a centre channel equaliser in my budget if I'm patient. Perhaps this forum is more audiophile than I first thought?

 

Foggy

[Fognozzle]

13 hours ago, Snoopy8 said:

Given you still have not mentioned a budget, I am going to assume it to be $1,000 or less ???  

 

Instead of an AVR, why not get a soundbar?  It certainly improves the TV sound and can be used for music.   Note that an entry AVR is not that good for music.

 

A Sonos Beam Gen 2 should fit your budget and has enhanced dialogue. 

Thanks Again. Definitely under $1000 for this job. I've experienced a number of sound bars and all of them were very disappointing, so that won't work, so I'll have to be patient.

 

Foggy

[Guest]

49 minutes ago, Fognozzle said:

Thanks Again. Definitely under $1000 for this job. I've experienced a number of sound bars and all of them were very disappointing, so that won't work, so I'll have to be patient.

Then, suggest this

It is a high end older model (which is what I recommend looking for). I prefer Denon/Marantz over Yamaha.

 

But if you want Yamaha, there are a few in the Classifieds way under $1000.

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/category/29-av-receivers-processors/

 

[Silent Screamer]

40 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

Then, suggest this

It is a high end older model (which is what I recommend looking for). I prefer Denon/Marantz over Yamaha.

 

But if you want Yamaha, there are a few in the Classifieds way under $1000.

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/category/29-av-receivers-processors/

 

 

If it was still available that looks like a great starting point for someone to build a cheap system around.

[betty boop]

1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said:

is a high end older model (which is what I recommend looking for). I prefer Denon/Marantz over Yamaha.

This would be a stunner ! 

[panther]

The Denon AVR 4520 is still available should you be interested.

[Fognozzle]

Harvey Norman are advertising the Yamaha RV 385 for $490 which makes it a serious contender with second hand units, based on price alone. For people like me who need only 5.1 channels, ARC and equalisation on the centre channel, this looks attractive. It is, however quite an old model, and the price could plummet in the near future. Any advice would assist the decision making.

 

Foggy

[Hi-Fi Whipped]

On 3/11/2024 at 6:45 AM, Fognozzle said:

Harvey Norman are advertising the Yamaha RV 385 for $490 which makes it a serious contender with second hand units, based on price alone. For people like me who need only 5.1 channels, ARC and equalisation on the centre channel, this looks attractive. It is, however quite an old model, and the price could plummet in the near future. Any advice would assist the decision making.

 

Foggy

You've already had some great advice but if you are happy with the price and the features on the one you found buy it. Just know that as soon as you get that machine home the value will be 50% at best so if for some reason you aren't happy with it you will be losing money if you needed to upgrade.

 

Me, Im a bang for buck guy and as many suggested already I typically only buy secondhand so the drop in value has mostly already occurred before I buy it. If it were me and I wanted a Yamaha for under $600 id be all over this one:

 

The quality is a big step up, the feature list is extensive and it's about 30% of the original RRP.