Need a new 7.1.2 receiver

[jcs913]

Just upgraded my tv to an OLED and have the OPPO 203. I currently have a 7.1 NHT setup and want to add on the 2 NHT mini Atmos speakers. This also means I need a new receiver, as my old Pioneer Elite 92txh does not do DTS x/Atmos. I am a little confused with choices now, as I see posts in the back for a 7.1 setup, then I see posts for the 2 height channels. I only need 1 set of height channels, but I have a feeling that I need a 9 channel receiver? Or am I missing something? I have had good luck with Pioneer Elite for many many years and would like to stay with them. I also want something with the latest hdmi to pass the 4K HDR/Dolby Vision signal and DTS X ready. I want to keep the price between $600-1100. Also curious if it turns off the 2 height channels when there is not an Atmos track and goes back to 7.1. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Bodyslide]

Look at the Pioneer VSXLX101 7.2 Channel , it's 350.00 on Amazon. Good Luck

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSXLX...dp/B01DMW90SA/

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Bodyslide

Look at the Pioneer VSXLX101 7.2 Channel , it's 350.00 on Amazon. Good Luck

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSXLX...dp/B01DMW90SA/

I did look at that, but it doesn't have the height channels on it to make it 7.1.2
Looks like it will only do 5.1.2, correct?
Looks like the 501/301 may do it? I get the impression though that I need a 9 channel receiver, not a 7.2, am I correct?

This is the quote from the Pioneer webpage:
The SC-LX501 is compatible with 5.1.2ch/5.2.2ch configurations for the latest home theater sound format,
Even though it looks like it will work with a 7.1 and then add on the 2 height channels, it does not say it in that quote. I am still confused.

The quote below is for the 701 9 channel receiver:
The SC-LX701 is compatible with 7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch configuration of the latest theater immersive sound platform, Dolby Atmos.
I do not use 2 subs, so it will be a 7.1.2 setup. This is why I think, regardless of brand (or is someone offering something out there I am missing) I need a 9.2 channel receiver, correct?

[Bodyslide]

I was thinking about the 5.1.2 setup. My mistake.

[ivanlee13]

That price-range might be tough to find something that can power up the full 9 channels for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. I know you mentioned you wanted to stay with Pioneer Elite, but maybe give the Yamaha RX-A2060 a try, there might be some sales soon once the RX-A2070 comes out. Should do all that you ask, and an update is rolling out soon (supposedly) that should pass through Dolby Vision once the firmware update is installed.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by ivanlee13

That price-range might be tough to find something that can power up the full 9 channels for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. I know you mentioned you wanted to stay with Pioneer Elite, but maybe give the Yamaha RX-A2060 a try, there might be some sales soon once the RX-A2070 comes out. Should do all that you ask, and an update is rolling out soon (supposedly) that should pass through Dolby Vision once the firmware update is installed.

Yeah, I was under the impression that I could use a 7.2 channel receiver and it would have height channels on it, but I was mistaken. To do 7.1.2, I need a 9.2 channel receiver and they seem to be $1500-$2000 range, just like my old 92txh Elite. I am curious if hdmi 2.1 will be available in the 2017-18 models coming out within the next 6 months. I know that 2070 just came out, but it is the same as the 2060, which is unfortunate, as Yamaha was my second choice. Frankly, I am not happy that Onkyo has a big influence on the Elite receivers now, as I was never a fan of their equipment. I still think the class D power in the Elite is leaps and bounds above other manufacturers in the same price range, but with Onkyo influence, I have become skeptical. I may just have to be patient for 4-6 months until some newer models come out, as I would like to have this receiver for 10 years if I can, like I am just about to get out of my Elite.

[kansashoops]

I'd recommend getting a refurbished receiver from Accessories4Less. There are several 9.2 receivers in your price range. I got a refurbished RX-A3050 from them last year, and have been very happy with it.

Assuming you have a 7.x.2 setup, you would probably want to watch Atmos movies in Straight mode (in Yamaha terminology), and 5.1/7.1 tracks with either Neural X or Dolby Surround. Those two modes will simulate Atmos/DTS:X, and bring the height/presence speakers into play.

http://www.accessories4less.com/?typ...sc&store_price[]=0-1106

[gbstare]

There are 2 7.1 receivers that can be upgraded to 7.1.2 with an external (low-cost) amp.

Those would be the Denon AVR-X4200W and the Marantz SR6010. Neither of them are necessarily cheap, but they're both significantly cheaper than any 9.1 Atmos receiver.

So simply add an external amp and you'll be running Atmos in 7.1.2 format.

Those are the only 2 I've found (and believe me, I've looked around as I was the same as you, expecting to be able to run 7.1.2 from my high-end Yamaha receiver.

[lamont360]

Actually the Denon AVR-X4300 is currently $800 online and can do 7.1.2 out of the box and a full 7.1.4 with external amplification