What new feature has inspired you to change your equipment to the latest & greatest?

3dbinCanada · Dec 13, 2024

This could be applied to all facets of the audio/HT chain but I suspect the most churn comes in the digital realm of audio, especially in HT. My wife graciously let me purchase my first HT system way back in 98/99 before the advent of HDMI. I was completely floored at the 3D sound field that 5.1 offered over 2 channel sound in movies. That one improvement spurred me on to keep relatively current. My first upgrade was the AVR, going to a Yamaha RX-V1800 so I could get 7.1 sound and handle the high def codecs even before I had a high def display and player. The TV and blu ray player followed within a couple of years ( I was on a budget) and I noticed a huge increase in display resolution and an improvement in sound over the lossless codecs. The next upgrade was to a 4K TV even though my AVR and Blu player could not do the up converting. I purchased a bluray player which could do the 4K upconverting but the video improvement wasn't really noticeable even though I had plugged it in directly to the display. Video resolution improvement greatly when I upgraded my AVR to a Yamaha RX-A 3060. It could pass along 4K and also upcovert the display to 4K . I was blown away by the video detail I was now seeing. Dolby Atmos was my latest and greatest adoption. I noticed its presence but the improvement in sound realism seemed much smaller going to 4K from 7.1 than it did from 2 channel sound to 5.1 sound.

One feature I have never used on my AVRs is the 2 subs out. I took the route of using a miniDSP to control multiple subs. I suppose I could upgrade them to get the ones with Dirac but I'm very happy with the results I have achieved with my currrent models.

That's my experience. What was your experience? Did the new feature(s) live up to your expectations? Have you noticed an improvement from your previous setup?

Mike Schramm · Dec 13, 2024

Way back when I had a Sony STR-DA1000ES that couldn't handle Dolby TrueHD or DTS-MA, but it had 7.1 RCA inputs. So when it came time to buy my first blu-ray player I went with a Sony BDP-S550 that had 7.1 RCA outputs and internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA decoding. That was a fun jump in audio quality.

Atmos came when I upgraded to an Onkyo TX-NR838 AVR. I still remember clear as day hearing the rain fall from above me while watching the original John Wick. I still get all excited when I hear active Atmos channels.

My latest upgrade was from a non-HDR 4K TV (XBR-70x850B) to my current OLED (XR-77A80J). Easily the greatest jump in video quality I have ever experienced. The things I have noticed in older movies that I never knew were there in the first place is incredible. For example, on the title screen for The Avengers, there is an circular design-type-thing behind the actual text "The Avengers". Never knew that before. Also, my buddy DJ Briggs from The Bright Side Home Theater told me to check out The Matrix because as that movie starts up and you see the green computer code on the black screen, there is actually a second code visible behind the main code. Again, I had no idea!

Always such a fun time to upgrade to the latest and greatest. It revitalizes your entire library all over again!

Sonnie Parker · Dec 13, 2024

Not all features are created equal, either. I learned Dirac Live Bass Control may be implemented differently depending on the equipment manufacturer. An example is DLBC in my StormAudio MK3 processor, which is superior to DLBC in my HTP-1, even with the same target curve and settings. It doesn't really make sense to me, but according to Gary Blouse of StormAudio, implementation is indeed manufacturer-dependent, and some do a better job than others.

However, the feature that really got me to change equipment wasn't DLBC; it was DLART (Dirac Live Active Room Treatment). When I first learned of it, StormAudio had the exclusive on it, so I had to replace my processor to get it. There was no doubt an improvement, not only with DLART but also with DLBC.

Todd Anderson · Dec 13, 2024

Sonnie Parker said:
Not all features are created equal, either. I learned Dirac Live Bass Control may be implemented differently depending on the equipment manufacturer. An example is DLBC in my StormAudio MK3 processor, which is superior to DLBC in my HTP-1, even with the same target curve and settings. It doesn't really make sense to me, but according to Gary Blouse of StormAudio, implementation is indeed manufacturer-dependent, and some do a better job than others.

However, the feature that really got me to change equipment wasn't DLBC; it was DLART (Dirac Live Active Room Treatment). When I first learned of it, StormAudio had the exclusive on it, so I had to replace my processor to get it. There was no doubt an improvement, not only with DLART but also with DLBC.

A lot of that has to do with the processing power on the Storm unit. It's capable of a vast amount of computations...

Sonnie Parker · Dec 13, 2024

Todd Anderson said:
A lot of that has to do with the processing power on the Storm unit. It's capable of a vast amount of computations...

That makes sense! You may have mentioned that previously, but I forgot about it. It's ringing a bell now. :olddude:

Asere · Dec 13, 2024

Recently for me the implementation of DLBC on my new LX805. I had Xt32 prior.
I also never had a music streamer until now, the Eversolo A6.

Tim Dawson · Dec 13, 2024

Nope. More typically, a lot of the nonsense features, incomprehensible UI, and lack of serviceability has *prevented* me from considering a lot of newer stuff.

Alan Halfhill · Dec 13, 2024

Yes. I went from a receiver with wired speakers to a Soundbar with rear speakers and a subwoofer with my video projector as the wall I project on is a walkway to the kitchen in the living room. I had to use Bluetooth for the sound connection as I did not want wires going to the soundbar. I ran into a major problem. Bluetooth drops the sound at anytime. Suddenly, the sound would disappear while watching a movie. The system would have to be repaired to get the sound back. Then I visited a friend's house who was using Apple HomePods as his sound system for his TV. To me it's sounded great and use his Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. Since I was using Apple TV pairs via Wi-Fi with the HomePods. So that is what I am using now and have had no sound drops, no wires and it sounds great. The days of complicated stereos and big speakers is over for me. Technology has made us able to have a simple small system that sounds great. Also, in my video editing studio in my house. I am now using Edifier bookshelf speakers instead of studio monitors. Again, technology has made small speakers better and Simpler. I connect to them via an OWC thunderbolt dock digitally with an optical cable.

Asere · Dec 13, 2024

Mike Schramm said:
My latest upgrade was from a non-HDR 4K TV (XBR-70x850B) to my current OLED (XR-77A80J).

Yes, the A80J is a stunner. I have the 65"

mike w · Dec 13, 2024

Sticking with the fundamentals, the only upgrade I made this year are new speakers for my 2-channel set up. The speakers are DIY. I have a build thread on diyAudio if you’re interested - https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/troels-gravesen-ekta-7741-speaker-build.408902/

Going from a commercial 2-way to a 3-way offered more clarity on the high end and more bass in the bottom end. I’ve been thinking about building something for a while and glad I did.

BTW, Sam gave me some help setting up REW for measuring them.

Todd Anderson · Dec 13, 2024

There's been a few tech moments in the last decade that have pushed me over the edge:

1) The arrival of Dolby Atmos with support for 11.2 channels internally. I reviewed the first receiver to do it - a Yamaha Aventage model - and when it came time to ship it back, I asked Yamaha if I could buy the sample. It was that big of a moment, in terms of leaps and bounds as compared to a traditional multi-channel setup.

2)On the TV front, the maturation of OLED got me to take the leap about 6 years ago. I bought an LG, replacing my Pioneer plasma. More recently, I upgraded to a Sony A95L just to take advantage of the advanced picture processing offered by Sony. I thought it was notable enough with standard 1080p content (like Direct TV Stream) to pay the price and upgrade.

3) For projectors, there's been several features that have forced my hand. I held onto my first 1080p JVC for a long time... upgraded to a 4K eshift model and instantly regretted it – at that time, JVC didn't offer onboard tone mapping and 4K HDR reproduction was real hit or miss.

When JVC launched frame adapt, I punched my ticked and bought a new 4K model. Loved it.

More recently, I sold that model and brought in a JVC with a laser light engine purely for the convenience of laser. It was an expensive upgrade, but I think the bump in performance AND the convenience of the laser have made that buy totally worth it.

4) Bass EQ is and will always be a big decider for me regarding processors and AVRs. It's invaluable to have good bass EQ.

Audio_Guy_UofW · Dec 13, 2024

Yes, upgraded from a Denon 4700 to a 6700 so I could have front wides...now 9.4.4 setup. It is an improvement in immersion, but only on some source material that has s lot of ambient or surround effects.

musty hustla · Dec 13, 2024

I had to upgraded my AVR because it was having HDCP issues with my cable box and did not support ARC or atmos.

Gerry Iaria · Dec 13, 2024

A few years back I upgraded to a Sony X800, as I wanted to use SACD, last year it decided it didn't want to play anymore, not sure i want another x800 just in case the same happens

Sonnie Parker · Dec 13, 2024

I forgot about the fact that I added wides and six ceiling speakers to try and get the full benefit of Atmos and Auro-3D. I also replaced my Emotiva Eleven (a fine amp) with a 16-channel StormAudio amp (also a fine amp) so that I could power all my speakers (other than the mains).

Sal1950 · Dec 13, 2024

Not exactly new but in 2017 I upgraded my AV pre/pro from a Marantz 7701 to a 7703 specially to gain
Atmos and the ability to use the Audyssey $20 Editor app. Very glad I did though the 7703 is now
gone due only to a lightning strike killing it and some other gear. I love Atmos immersive music presentations
done by the top engineers today.

Todd Anderson · Dec 13, 2024

Wow… a lightning strike???

Sal1950 · Dec 13, 2024

Todd Anderson said:
Wow… a lightning strike???

Yea, it took out my PC, LaserPrinter, (then expensive) long active optical HDMI cable, Marantz AV, some other stuff to the tune
of near $10k. :hissyfit:

Milobee · Dec 13, 2024

I wanted to expand my 7.2.4 system (Revel Ultima: L,R - Salon 2, C - Voice 2, Surrounds - Gem 2, Tops - C763L) to 9.4.6 by adding front wides and connecting the last two top speakers. As my Marantz 8802A (11 channels) HDMI board died I pulled the trigger and got the JBL SDP 55 (15 channels). It sounded great but I had consistent problems with bugs, humms and other intermittent noises. Checked wiring added grounds, added filters, purchased a new amplifier to no avail. Finally cut bait and got the new Marantz AV10. Oh my goodness, I can't say it sounds better, other than no unwanted noise, but I have not had one problem with the unit and it works fabulously. The sound does seem fuller with the wides and top middle speakers, as one would expect, but not a monumental difference. I'm really happy with the system.

tobtschik · Dec 13, 2024

A few years back I went from a Denon AVR-2113 to an X1500H for Dolby Atmos. I subsequently added a Sub to my 5.0.2 Setup, dialed it in with a miniDSP 2x4HD. Served me well but I never liked the panning between speakers.

This year I swapped the X1500H for a Sony TA-AN1000 (European model of the STR-AN1000) to get the really wonderful 360SSM feature. This Amp was the best thing to happen to my home theatre in years. I finally got the sound bubble everyone talks about all the time.

JStewart · Dec 13, 2024

Sal1950 said:
Yea, it took out my PC, LaserPrinter, (then expensive) long active optical HDMI cable, Marantz AV, some other stuff to the tune
of near $10k.

Living where you and I do I feel like I’ve been pretty lucky not to have that happen.

I did lose an AVR to a brownout after Irma. My fault. Shoulda known better.

My last upgrade for a feature/tech was HTP-1 for DLBC and that was 4 years ago, Nov 2020.
Before that Nad T758v3 for Atmos
Before that from a Panasonic to JVC projector and a much better picture.
I could go on but it starts to get embarrassing, quickly.

Perhaps more important is next up. Thinking the PJ will be replaced with a TV. Leaning toward OLED.

Atmos7 · Dec 13, 2024

I upgraded from Yamaha RX-A3080 to RX- A8A. The A8A had few more features like AURO 3D, but there was not much difference in the sound quality. I would not recommend this upgrade unless you are getting a real good deal. I have 5.2.4 setup so the extra 2 channels on A8A were not used.

Sonnie Parker · Dec 13, 2024

JStewart said:
Perhaps more important is next up. Thinking the PJ will be replaced with a TV. Leaning toward OLED.

I did not think going from a $15-20K JVC projector to a $10K (now $4-5K) TV would be an upgrade, but I consider it a serious upgrade for me. It powers up faster, it's quieter (no fan), and the picture is so much more crisp (detailed) and brighter, even with the lights on.

robertdiiorio · Dec 14, 2024

I have KLH model Nines powered by a Futterman H3a or Accuphase P300/C200 system—upgraded by adding a Bento streamer so i could listen to Tidal from my iMac. Love it!!!

Mike0815 · Dec 14, 2024

Hey,

biggest step forward regarding audio in my HT setup was switching to CamillaDSP for processing of all channels coming out of my Yamaha A5100. Limitless possibilities together with REW. Convolution etc. was never easier.

What new feature has inspired you to change your equipment to the latest & greatest?

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