What's the best receiver to start on 2.0 and work my way up to 5.1 or 5.2?

[cat]

I don’t necessarily want to set up my ‘perfect’ home theater until I have a home of my own. So, I'll start with a 5-channel AVR instead of a 7-channel one, and with the money saved, I'll be able invest in better speakers.

My budget right now is around 60k for an AVR and two speakers. I want something that will last long and be future proof cuz I plan on gradually adding speakers and subwoofer later on when my budget allows.

My main priority is to have that deep, chest-thumping bass, so I don't mind waiting a couple of years to save up for a powerful subwoofer.

 

[cat]

I had considered skipping AVR and instead getting an amp + speakers for a 2.1 setup so I could add a subwoofer sooner. but now I realize that a 5.1 setup is essential for a HT, so I'm leaning towards getting an AVR even though it will use up my entire budget.

Right now, I just want to get the AVR and front L/R speakers within my budget to get my setup started. Once that's done, and as my budget allows, I'll add a center speaker and a subwoofer.

 

[Nitin K]

https://www.hifivision.com/threads/with-cc-emi-option-yamaha-100-watts-channel-avr-with-jamo-5-0-speaker-package-lr-floor-standing-center-and-2-surround.95981/

You can consider the speakers in case if you dont want the avr. It will fit easily in your budget. Pls check the condition and logistics with the FM.

 

[dr_rocket]

go for preowned route in that budget

 

[cat]

https://www.hifivision.com/threads/with-cc-emi-option-yamaha-100-watts-channel-avr-with-jamo-5-0-speaker-package-lr-floor-standing-center-and-2-surround.95981/

You can consider the speakers in case if you dont want the avr. It will fit easily in your budget. Pls check the condition and logistics with the FM.

I was doing some research and came across a few things that made me reconsider.

Apparently, some folks on Reddit have been having issues with this receiver, like distortion and random power failures. I also saw some forum posts where people were asking for help with the HTR-3066. Since its already 6 years old, there's a chance of encountering problems or it potentially failing down the line.

 

[cat]

go for preowned route in that budget

Any suggestions?

 

[Nitin K]

I was doing some research and came across a few things that made me reconsider.

Apparently, some folks on Reddit have been having issues with this receiver, like distortion and random power failures. I also saw some forum posts where people were asking for help with the HTR-3066. Since its already 6 years old, there's a chance of encountering problems or it potentially failing down the line.

Hence suggested to consider only the speakers if the avr is not required.
If they are in good condition, then the deal looks good. Consider packaging and logistics costs too

 

[cat]

Hence suggested to consider only the speakers if the avr is not required.
If they are in good condition, then the deal looks good. Consider packaging and logistics costs too

Can you suggest an AVR to pair the speakers with?

 

[Nitin K]

Can you suggest an AVR to pair the speakers with?

I am using an old Marantz avr SR 7011. If budget is an issue then pls look at the Hfv classifieds from time to time and something could pop up. Preowned in Hfv classifieds in good condition is also a good route.
For movies only Denon, Onkyo and Pioneer will also do the job.

 

[rwnano]

Can you suggest an AVR to pair the speakers with?

Old Harman kardon AVR amplifier please

 

[dafreaking]

Old Harman kardon AVR amplifier please

You keep recommending this.. But where does one get it?

 

[rwnano]

Olx

You keep recommending this.. But where does one get it?

They have a good number of them

 

[cat]

go for preowned route in that budget

Old Harman kardon AVR amplifier please

I am using an old Marantz avr SR 7011. If budget is an issue then pls look at the Hfv classifieds from time to time and something could pop up. Preowned in Hfv classifieds in good condition is also a good route.
For movies only Denon, Onkyo and Pioneer will also do the job.

Is it worth it to go for a 7 channel receiver instead of a 5 channel one? I only use my TV as my audio source, so I connect it through optical, RCA, HDMI, or Bluetooth. And do we even have enough media content to make it worth upgrading to a 5.x.2 setup?

Our FM @Spinekar said adding atmos channels was a very minor improvement as they weren't very noticeable and there aren't many movies that really make use of them.

 

[Nitin K]

Is it worth it to go for a 7 channel receiver instead of a 5 channel one? I only use my TV as my audio source, so I connect it through optical, RCA, HDMI, or Bluetooth. And do we even have enough media content to make it worth upgrading to a 5.x.2 setup?

Our FM @Spinekar said adding atmos channels was a very minor improvement as they weren't very noticeable and there aren't many movies that really make use of them.

I am using HT in 5.1 mode in a 14ft X 11 ft room for many years which is fine for my needs. At the most I would have upgraded to 5.1.2 and don't see myself going any further given the room size.
Going for a 7 channel avr may be future proof depending on your room size, needs and whether it is a dedicated room.

 

[rwnano]

I have two old Harman kardon AVR amplifiers. AVR 240 and AVR 3550. Both are 65 watts stereo. Former is 7.1 and latter is 5.1.

 

[cat]

I have two old Harman kardon AVR amplifiers. AVR 240 and AVR 3550. Both are 65 watts stereo. Former is 7.1 and latter is 5.1.

Do you think Atmos is worth it?

 

[rwnano]

Don't know as I use stereo mode usually.

 

[ajuvignesh]

Do you think Atmos is worth it?

I think atmos is worth it, especially .4 channels if set up as per the recommendation. between 7.1 and 5.1, I would choose 5.1 as most movies are upmixed to 7.1 from 5.1.

 

[cat]

Hence suggested to consider only the speakers if the avr is not required.
If they are in good condition, then the deal looks good. Consider packaging and logistics costs too

Hey, so he is offering me his used Yamaha HTR-3066 & Jamo S426 5.0 speakers for 40k. He's been using them for 6 years already, which makes me a bit skeptical about the price. The avr doesn't really hold much value, especially since its already too old and some have mentioned having issues with it so there might be some problems down the line and I might end up needing to replace it soon so I think 28-30k is a more reasonable price for the whole package. What do you think?

 

[Nitin K]

Hey, so he is offering me his used Yamaha HTR-3066 & Jamo S426 5.0 speakers for 40k. He's been using them for 6 years already, which makes me a bit skeptical about the price. The avr doesn't really hold much value, especially since its already too old and some have mentioned having issues with it so there might be some problems down the line and I might end up needing to replace it soon so I think 28-30k is a more reasonable price for the whole package. What do you think?

You can skip the avr and consider the speakers if they are in good condition and has no repair or reconing history.
If the speakers are well maintained then it would still be a good proposition.
My speakers are also completing 6 years and they are in great condition. Basically how they are maintained is very important.
Regarding the price, it is something that you both need to arrive at a point where both are happy.