bizzibee

Have a look at this diagram for the online manual for the Denon AVR-X3600. See: http://manuals.denon.com/AVRX3600H/NA/EN/DRDZSYuqfktfgx.php I think you could get Atmos to work using Front Left & Right Height Speakers as shown in the diagram in above, rather than Atmos ceiling speakers. https://www.svsound.com/blogs/svs/what-is-a-height-effects-speaker https://www.svsound.com/blogs/svs/75358787-intro-to-dolby-atmos The Front Left & Right Height Speakers would have to be mounted on adjustable tilt and swivel speaker wall brackets fo correct placement. You could have used adjustable tilt and swivel speaker wall brackets for your Surround Speakers rather than mounting them in the ceiling. https://www.selby.com.au/tv-brackets-stands/speaker-brackets.html Using that mounting option, you could have had back & side surround speakers. The Denon AVR-X3600 supports 7.2.4 with its 9 channels of integrated amplification, plus the addition of an additional 2 channel amplifier.

The Denon AVR-X2600 might suit your needs. Can be found for approx. $1,437. See: https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/denon-avr-x2600h-7-2-channel-home-theatre-av-receiver-with-smart-voice-control.html If you don't mind a superceded model, the Denon AVR-X3500 is another good option at $2,049 https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/denon-avr-x3500h-7-2-channel-atmos-av-receiver-alexa-airplay-2.html Both these are 7.2 channel. The Denon AVR-X3600 is another good option at $2,358 for 9.2 channels. https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/denon-avr-x3600h-9-2-channel-home-theatre-av-receiver.html Denon AVR-X3600 Vs Denon AVR-X3500 https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/denon-avr-x3600h/usa/denon-avr-x3500h/usa/ Depends if you want 7.2 or 9.2 I guess.

OK, sorry mate, I missed that vital detail.

It certainly can! That would help for sure.

With all due respect to what others have said, if you have a problem with dialogue and the centre speaker, it is more than likely that your Yamaha Centre speaker isn't very good, is faulty or something has gone wrong in your speaker setup process. Also disable any digital sound processing (DSP) modes. Some of these can completely stuff up dialogue in a movie depening on what is being used. Disable the room correction and manually adjust the speaker size, distance and sound levels. It is not that hard to do. Years ago, everyone had to do this as there was no automatic setup available. You will need a decibel meter. If you don't have one, there are several decibel meter apps available for both Android and iOS devices,. While generally not as accurate as a dedicated decibel meter, they’ll get the job done. Have a read of this guide: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/home-theater-calibration-guide-manual-speaker-setup/ Then play a movie and listen to the dialogue. If it still isn't easy to understand amongst the other sound, go back to the speaker setup and increase the centre channel level until it is. If you are stuck at home, you have more than enough time to sort this out before you buy a new Receiver. Buy a new Receiver by all means (as your existing Yamaha RX-V661 is 13 years), but get to the bottom of the dialogue issue because I don't beleive it is a problem with the Receiver itself.

My thoughts as well. The value of side surrounds speakers should not be discounted when considering the whole "Surround Sound Experience". Perhaps O/P should also have a read of this: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/ultimate-surround-sound-guide-different-formats-explained/ No more than any other AV Receiver. Don't always believe what you're told. Let your own ears decide. The Onkyo TX-RZ740 9.2 channel will allow you to do either 7.1.2 or 5.1.4. See: https://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-rz740/index.html Look at the manual here on page 19 onward: https://www.intl.onkyo.com/downloads/manuals/pdf/tx-rz740_manual_en.pdf Checkout the product info & manual for the Onyko TX-RZ730 9.2 here: https://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-rz730/index.html https://www.intl.onkyo.com/downloads/manuals/pdf/tx-rz730_manual_en.pdf Here is a Onyko TX-RZ740 to Onyko TX-RZ730 features comparison: https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/onkyo-tx-rz740/australia-and-asia/onkyo-tx-rz730/australia-and-asia/ Here is a Onyko TX-RZ740 to Onkyo TX-NR696 features comparison: https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/onkyo-tx-rz740/australia-and-asia/onkyo-tx-nr696/australia-and-asia/ Here is a Onyko TX-RZ730 to Onkyo TX-NR696 features comparison: https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/onkyo-tx-rz730/australia-and-asia/onkyo-tx-nr696/australia-and-asia/ Also checkout the product info & manual for the Onkyo TX-NR696 7.2 here: https://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-nr696/index.html https://www.intl.onkyo.com/downloads/manuals/pdf/tx-nr696_manual_en.pdf

While the Marantz AV8801 is not HDCP 2.2-compliant, and therefore will not support copy-protected 4K video content because it has HDMI version 1.4a. Purchasing a HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps (which would route Video to 4K Display and Audio to the Marantz Pr/Pro), would overcome the 4K limitations of Marantz AV8801 Pre/Pro. See: https://www.ezyhd.com.au/shop/hdfure-avrkey/ The HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps was built specifically for this situation. See: https://www.hdfury.com/product/avr-key/ If any potential buyers need support for multiple 4K sources, they could purchased say a HDMI Switcher that supported 4k@60Hz + HDR such as this one: https://www.ezyhd.com.au/shop/hdmi-switcher-4k60-hz-hdr/ Then plug all sources into the HDMI Switcher, with the Switcher output going to the supplied HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps (which would route Video to 4K Display and Audio to the Marantz Pre/Pro). You would have a very workable solution for using multiple 4K sources . This is a great opportunity for someone to get a quality Marantz Pre/Pro for little money if they don't need Atmos / DTS-X audio. The 4K HDCP 2.2-compliant UHD issue is covered with the HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps. If more than one 4K UHD input is required, then a 4K UHD HDR HDMI Switcher will cover this as well. Anyway GLWS.

You have a number of options in that price range. I will limit my suggestions to new Yamaha as that is what you currently own and will provide you the best value for money. You could look at used second hand equipment as well. You could simply buy a RX-V685 to replace your RX-V661. See: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v685/index.html You can get one for $795. see: https://www.audiotrends.com.au/yamaha-rx-v685.html You could also look at the high grade models in the 85 Series such as the RX-V1085 & RX-V2085. https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/85/index.html You can get a RX-V2085 for $1849. See: https://www.customht.com.au/products/rx-v2085b RX-V1085 for $1399.00. See: Also available at many other retailers such as: https://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/av-amplification.htm https://www.audiotrends.com.au/home-theatre-tv/home-theatre-components/home-theatre-receivers.html?manufacturer=50&q=home-theatre-tv%2Fhome-theatre-components%2Fhome-theatre-receivers.html You could also look at the AVENTAGE Series 9 such as RX-A780, RX-A880, RX-A1080 or RX-A2080. See: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/aventage/index.html https://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/av-amplification.htm https://www.audiotrends.com.au/home-theatre-tv/home-theatre-components/home-theatre-receivers.html?manufacturer=50&q=home-theatre-tv%2Fhome-theatre-components%2Fhome-theatre-receivers.html Excel HiFi sell Yamaha authorised Refurbished Yamaha Receivers on their Web Site and eBay store. Here is what is currently listed on their eBay store: https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=av-comp&hash=item1ce4ed2ce7%3Ag%3ATccAAOSwfkxeWJOY&item=124099833063&_osacat=14981&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Yamaha&_sacat=14981 They seem to be only using eBay at the momement as the Web site doesn't show what is available on their eBay store. See: https://www.excelhifi.com.au/audio-visual-receivers/ Anyway you get the idea. You have many options available to you. If you want to use a Receiver as a Pre/Pro, you will need one that has Pre-out so you can connect these to the inputs on a Power Amp. You will also need to purchased a Power Amp.

Yes Yamaha have MusicCast which is supported on both the Yamaha RX-V2085 9.2 channel & Yamaha RX-V1085 7.2 channel See: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/contents/audio_visual/musiccast/index.html# https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v2085/features.html#product-tabs https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v1085/features.html#product-tabs With MusicCast 50 or MusicCast 20 wireless streaming speakers you can create a home theatre with wireless rear speakers. See: https://download.yamaha.com/files/tcm:39-1245988 Here is some product info on MusicCast 50 and MusicCast 20 wireless streaming speakers: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/multi-room_audio/musiccast_20/index.html https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/multi-room_audio/musiccast_50/index.html There is also the MusicCast SUB 100. https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/speakers/musiccast_sub_100/index.html For more detailed information regarding the use of MusicCast with the Yamaha RX-V2085 9.2 channel & Yamaha RX-V1085 7.2 channel Receivers, download manual and search manual for word MusicCast. See: Download RX-V2085 manual here: https://au.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1206424/web_AV17-0235_RX-V3085_2085_om_A_En_D0.pdf Download RX-V1085 manual here. https://au.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/0/1206420/web_AV17-0218_RX-V1085_om_C_En_D0.pdf

Hi Andre28, I don't want to get into a this Receiver is a better than that receiver discussion because frankly it is pointless, is very subjective and any opinions given are just that, opinions and nothing more. A lot of variables need to considered and take into account before advice is given. Having said that, the Denon 3500 is OK value at $1450 because it is discounted, but personally I'd take the RX-V2085. See this link for a comparison of features between both these Receivers so you can draw your own conclusions : https://www.zkelectronics.com/compare/yamaha-rx-v2085/australia/denon-avr-x3500h/usa/ What I will say is that in my opinion Australia is being ripped off by the Australian Denon & Marantz distributor. See: https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html?brand_f[]=DENON&brand_f[]=MARANTZ Now look at the price of the Yamaha Receivers: https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html?brand_f[]=YAMAHA The Yamaha prices are comparable to the prices we pay in Australia for new and Refurb units. Yes I know there aren't any Reburb Denon or Marantz units offered in Australia. But look at the List/RRP of the new units in the US compared to prices for new units in Australia. I purchased a Yamaha RX-A3080 from Excel HiFI and you wouldn't know it was a Refurb except there were no batteries for the Remote, and I'm very happy with it. The Refurb Yamaha RX-V2085 9.2 channel is $1,449.00 on the Excel HiFi Web site. See: https://www.excelhifi.com.au/yamaha-rx-v2085-refurbished.html But they say they don't have any on their site but they are on their eBay store for $1,549.00. So go figure. What is a Refurb: https://www.excelhifi.com.au/what-is-refurbished-en.html Warranty on Refurb: https://www.excelhifi.com.au/warranty.html NB: You will get 12 months warranty not 24 months warranty on Refurb units.

You could pickup a Refurb Yamaha RX-V1085 7.2-channel for $1,179.00. See: https://www.excelhifi.com.au/yamaha-rx-v1083-refurbished.html They also have it on their eBay store here, at $1199.00: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YAMAHA-RX-V1085-AV-Receiver-Aus-Warranty/124099833063 Selby have new units on their eBay store for $1,348.99. See: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-RX-V1085-7-2-Channel-AV-Receiver-RXV1085B/333260354269 I think this model would well and truely meet you needs. Have a look at the features here: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v1085/index.html#product-tabs Download the manual here and have a read on pages 17-21 here. https://au.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/0/1206420/web_AV17-0218_RX-V1085_om_C_En_D0.pdf The unit has 7 built-in amplifiers. You can connect 2 to 9 speakers and up to 2 subwoofers for either 7.1 or 5.1.2 or 5.1 or 2.1 Radio Parts also have it on their eBay store for $1,503.00. See: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RX-V1085-YAMAHA-7-2Ch-Atmos-Mc-AV-Receiver-4K-Ultra-HD-Hdcp2-2-Compliant-Dolby/192620943343 The Yamaha RX-V2085 9.2 channel could also meet your needs. Excel HiFi have the Refurb units on their eBay store for $1,549.00. See: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YAMAHA-RX-V2085-AV-Receiver-Aus-Warranty/124066647443 There are also new Yamaha RX-V2085 YAMAHA 9.2 Channel units on eBay as well. See: $1,903.00 https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RX-V2085-YAMAHA-9-2Ch-AV-Receiver-W-3D-Sound-Field-and-Surround-Ai-Musiccast/192684763061 $1,894.99 https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-RX-V2085-9-2-Channel-AV-Receiver-RXV2085B/333260354267 Checkout the features here: https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v2085/features.html#product-tabs Download and read manual here: https://au.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1206424/web_AV17-0235_RX-V3085_2085_om_A_En_D0.pdf

Gee, I'm suprised someone has jumped on this Integra Pre/Pro especially with the free HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps.

If you don't need Atmos / DTS-X audio, this is a good opportunity. Purchasing a HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps (which would route Video to 4K Display and Audio to this Yamaha Pr/Pro), for $275 would overcome the 4K limitations of this Pre/Pro. See: https://www.ezyhd.com.au/shop/hdfure-avrkey/ The HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps was built specifically for this situation. See: https://www.hdfury.com/product/avr-key/ If you need support for multiple 4K sources, you could purchased say a HDMI Switcher that supported 4k@60Hz + HDR such as this one for $69.50: https://www.ezyhd.com.au/shop/hdmi-switcher-4k60-hz-hdr/ Then plug all sources into the HDMI Switcher, with the Switcher output going to the supplied HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps (which would route Video to 4K Display and Audio to the Yamaha Pre/Pro You would have a very workable solution for using multiple 4K sources . Anyway GLWS.

You're more that welcome. This is a great opportunity for someone to get a quality Marantz Pre/Pro for little money if they don't need Atmos / DTS-X audio. The 4K UHD issue is covered with the HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps. If more than one 4K UHD input is required, then a 4K UHD HDR HDMI Switcher will cover this as well.

You're welcome. It is a great opportunity for someone to get a quality Integra Pre/Pro. The combination of the HDFury AVR Key 18Gbps with a 4K HDR Switcher overcomes any limitations. As I said, a great opportunity for someone.