Home Theater Upgrade Path

Ice32 · Mar 14, 2024

Over the next few months I want to upgrade my home theater system. I know what components I want, I'm just not sure where to start. I currently have a 5.2 system and will be upgrading to 7.2.4. I'll have to buy a processor, amp, surround speakers, and I want to replace my center speaker. I have to buy each component one at a time but I can't use the avr without the amp, etc... Where should I start? I'm thinking with the most expensive component which would be the avr. I would sell my current integrated avr to help cover the cost but it would leave me without a home theater system.

chrapladm · Mar 14, 2024

Depends what budget you have. You mention AVR and also mention processor and amp. SO, do you want all separates or AVR with built in power is fine?

Ice32 · Mar 14, 2024

All separates. Currently I have an MRX 540 and want to upgrade to an AVM 70.

Sonnie Parker · Mar 14, 2024

That will be a tough conversion if you can't afford to get the amps with the AVM. I believe I'd wait until I could get both because you need the AVM and amp for the extra speakers to do you any good.

I had a NAD 2200 back in the day... great amp! Noticed you have a couple of them.

Ice32 · Mar 14, 2024

Sonnie said:
That will be a tough conversion if you can't afford to get the amps with the AVM. I believe I'd wait until I could get both because you need the AVM and amp for the extra speakers to do you any good.

I had a NAD 2200 back in the day... great amp! Noticed you have a couple of them.

Thanks, the NAD's I have are upgraded and refurbished by Peter Williams at quirkaudio.com. I highly recommend his work.

Todd Anderson · Mar 15, 2024

If I were you, and buying things in one lump purchase doesn't work (financially), I'd buy the amps first, use them with what I have... then save for the AVM 70, and once I was getting close to having the funds, I'd sell the MRX 540 and make the purchase. That way, downtime would be minimized.

Speakers would be the last on the list.

You're going to love the upgrade from 5.2 to 7.2.4. That's a big leap forward in perceived performance! Hope you start a system build-out thread so we can follow along on your journey!

Ice32 · Mar 16, 2024

Thanks, that makes sense. I could use the preouts on the 540 and use the amp. Honestly, I didn't even think of that. I'll definitely start a build-out thread but updates are going to go slowly. I'll start with a picture of my system as it is now. I'm beginning by upgrading my sub and adding a 2nd. I hope to have the 2nd in about a month or 2. I'll start the thread sometime next week.

JStewart · Mar 16, 2024

Ice32 said:
I'll have to buy a processor, amp, surround speakers, and I want to replace my center speaker.

If the center speaker is a significant upgrade or solves a problem you might start there. Most movie sound in a mix is from the center.

Home Theater Upgrade Path

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