Choosing the Perfect High-End AV Receiver for Your Home Theatre
When it comes to investing in a high-end AV receiver for your home theatre, especially if you are using a pair of Klipsch La Scallas as your main speakers, there are several key factors to consider. In this article, we will go over the necessary features and steps to ensure you choose the right receiver for your setup, including how to evaluate your existing equipment and optimize your home theatre environment.
Switching Between 2 Channel and Home Theatre
The ideal AV receiver should allow you to switch between 2 channel and home theatre settings. This is particularly important because music is mostly a 2 channel experience. You want an AV receiver that can deliver music as you desire, with excellent sound quality. The Klipsch La Scallas, being relatively easy to drive, should not be an issue; however, the AV receiver you choose should complement the sound profile you prefer.
Evaluating Your Existing Equipment
Before purchasing a new AV receiver, it's wise to use your existing speakers and evaluate their performance. As Frank Malitz mentioned, movie content is heavily processed, leading to lost nuances. Moreover, only a few recordings are worth high-quality reproduction, which means it's best to focus on the speaker setup rather than the recordings themselves.
Room Optimization
Room optimization is crucial for any home theatre setup. Start by focusing on speaker and seating placement, as well as subwoofer placement if you use a subwoofer. According to Paul, in a rectangular room, damping can be added to soften peaks and improve the acoustics. Once your speakers are optimized, use a high-end amplifier to fine-tune the sound further. You can visit a dealer to audition different options and see if there is any perceptible improvement.
Specific Recommendations
For those looking for a quality high-end AV receiver that fits within a budget, Frank Malitz suggests the Arcam Avr5, which is priced around $2000. This model lacks internal calibration but is still quite capable. It also supports HDMI 2.1 for eARC and 4K with only HDMI 2.0 required. Additionally, the Arcam claims to deliver excellent sound quality using a minimalist approach. If the Arcam Avr5 is too expensive, other good options include Anthem, Rogue, and Marantz, especially if you do not prioritize the latest codecs.
Balancing Sound Quality and Budget
The Klipsch La Scallas are a high-quality speaker, especially considering their size. While they are sensitive, they may require more wattage than typical home theatre setups. Make sure they sound good before committing to a new AV receiver. You can use an SPL meter or a mobile app to ensure the volume is balanced across your setup. Remember, louder generally sounds "better," but it's crucial to find the sweet spot where sound quality truly shines.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when choosing a high-end AV receiver for your home theatre, consider the ability to switch between 2 channel and home theatre modes. Use your existing equipment and optimize your room first. For budget-friendly options, models like the Arcam Avr5 offer excellent value, while Anthem, Rogue, and Marantz provide reliable alternatives. Always prioritize the sound quality and ensure your speakers are well-suited to the chosen AV receiver.