Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Upgrade a 7.1 base level Axiom Set to 11.2

I bought my Axiom 7.1 speaker set about 10 or 11 years ago, and we were blown away at the quality of the sound and how good our home theater sounds.

We're moving the home theater out of the basement and into a new great room we've built. It's a much larger room 23' by 16' with vaulted ceiling that goes 14' high at the center peak.

I have about $7000 put aside to upgrade the theater system, but that includes buying a new receiver and new 75" TV.

Our current speaker setup is:
Subwoofer EP350 v2
Center: VP100 v2
Towers: M50 v2
Surrounds: QS4 v2 (4)

Yes, it's mostly the base level Axiom speakers, but really does still sound absolutely great even after 10 years.

So, for this upgrade I was thinking an additional:

4 Ceiling Speakers: M3 $996
Subwoofer: EP350 $890
Receiver: Denon AVRX6300H 11.2 Channel: $2200
TV: Samsung UN75JU6500 75-Inch: $2300

Total of that is around $6400.

That leaves me around $600.. so a new center maybe?

I"m curious what advice or thoughts all of you might have on pulling off this 7.1 to 11.2 upgrade for a budget of around $7000. Are these the decisions you'd make on this budget?

I've read some reviews on Amazon that the Denon 11.2 receiver might have feedback on more sensitive speakers. Our old Denon 7.1 worked great for 11+ years, so I like Denon, but I'd also consider a different brand if that's truly the case.

If you do upgrade the center, go with a VP160. Depending on how listeners are seated, it's a tough decision though between a new center or a bigger sub.

Not bigger sub MoJo thinking just upgrade from v2 to a v4.

If were me Don I'd go all in on a EP500 instead of the EP350.

But, I def would be upgrading to a VP160. It would be higher on the list than upgrading from a EP350v2 to a EP350v4

Keep your existing sub and add another EP350. Add a VP 160 and your good to go. If you can stretch the budget go for some QS10s you will be glad u did.

I'd keep the M50's and upgrade the rest.
I would totaly stay with atmos m3's and get a big sub.
Even if the M50's don't go into this system.
I'd like a pair for the family room.

Hi TroyD,

Interesting idea. Would an EP500 v4 be balanced with my older EP350 in a 7.2.4 setup? Wouldn't I need two EP500s?

I'm strongly considering the VP160 center, but for a couple hundred more I could get the VP180. Would my M50 towers be totally outclassed by the VP180 center? Most of movie and TV action and dialog is on the center anyway, so it makes sense to me that it should be the highest priority for an upgrade.

I agree, upgrading the QS4 surrounds to QS10's is really tempting. As it is, I need to run the QS4's with +12 dB amplification to be somewhat matched with the rest of the system so they can be heard properly. Though my feeling the QS4's are undersized could be my 10 year old Denon receiver on my current system. The new receiver might resolve this.

I have a feeling I'm going to break into savings a bit more and head toward adding:

4 M3's in the ceiling $996
Subwoofer (EP350), $890
Center: VP180
4 surrounds: QS10HP - $1698

That's $4550 in speakers for this 7.1 to 11.2 upgrade. That will blow past my budget point a bit, though I'm leaning toward thinking it's not worth getting a 75" TV right now. The price/area of TV's takes a huge leap past 65" or 70" right now. I'm struggling to see where it's worth spending twice as much on a 75" TV versus 65".

Good speakers can easily last a lifetime. TV's are good for at best 5 to 10 years.

Go with the 160.
Watch the refurb store. There have been some amazing deals in there. A pair of EP500's slid through last year.
Murphys law, I'm always broke when I see a deal I've been waiting for.
Trade up.
Thats a big room. Need woofage.
My $0.02 CAD. Lol.

I would just be repeating a lot of what was said already, but I went from a VP150 to a VP180 and absolutely love its performance with my M60 fronts.

That being said, the VP160 wasn't even announced when I pre-ordered the VP180, and while my current theater was still under construction, I didn't want to miss out on the deal price. Had I know that the VP160 was coming out, I would have jumped on that and saved a few bucks, plus had a (arguably) better center channel design in the VP160.

I would get the better center first before any other speakers. More subs in multiple locations in the room is going to yield better subwoofer performance throughout the room vs. one newer or a bigger sub and having peaks and nulls throughout.

Plus what everyone else said....

I went from 50" to 60" and now a 70" and am now paying down the visa so i can get a PJ. AH dreams they keep me goin to work

Many thanks everyone for the very friendly and helpful responses. I'm really thankful for that.

It's interesting the feedback is the VP160 center is a better choice than the VP180. Any particular reason why, other than it's a newer design?

The 180 disobeys some common held loudspeaker design "rules." I think the 160 is a more traditional and theoretically more behaved layout. It's definitely widely adopted, so all else is distrusted.

People question the 180 because this design contradicts what is "supposed" to be optimal with regards to lobing and comb filter effects. Many designers are on record saying a layout such as the 160 is the least compromise for a horizontal center. Theoretically, of course. I honestly think the 180 was born that way was to sneak another tweeter onboard to increase power handling, while keeping them seperated enough that comb filtering frequencies would be out of their passband.

Your cables and matched lifters are what will truly decide of course!
(kidding, totally kidding .)

Buy the 160 and report back! It is cheaper.

That's a big room for a 350. I'd be looking at dual 500's. But it depends on room. Maybe get away dual 350's. Only one way to find out....try it. If you are planning Atmos go direct firing...no qs8 or 10. You'll save some money there. Big rooms = big money to make sound equal to small room. Keep in mind the vp180 needs 4 ohm amps. More $$$. I'll have a 160 soon and I'll see if it's worth the jump from the 150

Your absolutely correct Newf, i would blame my answer on drinking if i drank lol. Dolby specifies direct firing speakers when using ATMOS and i totally blew it when i read the original post,my apologies to the OP. I would try it with the QS4's but some on wall M5hp's would be the cats meow.

I'm definitely going to an ATMOS receiver.

Oddly enough you can't buy on wall M5HP's in the factory direct page, so they end up significantly more expensive than the on wall M22's.

What about on wall M22's as side and rear surrounds?

the rear 2 speakers though would need to be mounted horizontally, as I need to mount them 7' high because of a large archway behind the couches. I'd figure out a bracket to angle them downwards about 20 degrees.

Don, i think the M22's would work fine. I am a traditionalist and the M5's check all my box's. Ian has always tried to differentiate his products from others by thinking outside the box and his speakers sound great. I digress i own M80's and they are not traditional either and i think they are fantastic. I realize we all have to live within our budgets as well. You were thinking 4 QS10's and the HP5's are cheaper.

QS10's 1698
HP5's 1680

Many thanks Socketman,

I think I see a complete picture now on this upgrade from 7.1 to 11.2.

The system will be: (with factory direct pricing)

1 Center: VP160 ($666)
2 front towers: M50's (from my previous system)
2 Subwoofers: EP350 x2, (1 old, and purchasing 1 for $801)
4 Surrounds on wall: M22s ($1152)
4 In-Ceiling: M3's ($896)

Receiver will be Denon EVRX6300H 11.2 ($2199)

Total for all that is $5714. Add a $2000 TV and I'm about $700 over budget.

So it's possible to pull off this 7.1 to 11.2 upgrade for about $7700. I can live with that.


Many thanks for all your help!

I've had the VP180 and now the VP160
personally, my room is 11.5 x 15.5 and I prefer the VP160

Actually I think the differences in performance and sound is moot. I think I like the 160 a tad better.

Also, and I am pretty sure NickBoul would agree
I would seriously look into the Anthem MRX720 over the Denon
I think you'd be ok with the EP350v2 and EP350v4.
Hell, I can help you out with that EP350v4 I got one I am selling
It was purchased Nov25, 2016 $625 CDN plus shipping if your in Canada I think it is around $75

Don , thats sounds great and it will sound great. That will be over the top. How bout some pics so we can see what your working with.

Hi Troy,

Just had a look at the Anthem MRX720. Interesting. It seems to be an 11.2, but only 7 channels amplified? I'd need to add a 4 channel amp for the ceiling speakers?

I'd need to read up on it some more. What makes you like the Anthem system compared to the Denon?

Anthems room correction is second only to Dirac and apparently much better than Audyssey from what i have read if RC is something thats important to you. There are 2 camps and many opinions about RC and its benefits . I dont think anyone will argue that treating the room and proper location of your subs and speakers should be handled before introducing room correction.

Also if your from the USA you dollar can take you much further when buying our quality canadian gear. Just a 4 channel Emotiva Bassx amp you dont need much power to run the overhead surrounds.

You can pick up a second hand 4 ch amp and as socketman says, you do not need much power for Atmos.
I will be using my Anthem MCA5 for Atmos, but that is over kill really but it is already what I have.

I had Denon for years last one was a 4806. I tried a couple others and found a MRX500. ARC is a awesome strong program. Even better with the new x20 series.
I find clarity, detail so much clearer. Great bottom end also, without subs. Reality is not sure if it is the M22's or the Pre/Pro but I really don't believe I need a centre speaker, imaging , sound stage presence is the best. ARC also gives you alot more flexibility. You can even set parameters, if I am not mistaken. This if Nickboul comes on can explain way more in detail, he has a 1120 and speaks really highly of it. I'm looking at upgrading to the MRX720 or go all out on the AVM60.

Seriously, if you can find a retailer for Anthem, I would take a look before I spent a dollar on something else.
Also, on the EP350 note. yeh you have a big room, def dual 350s. I am currently upgrading to a 500 from my 350. Find need just a bit more and I want a bit tighter.
DUal 350's most likely would of did it for me, but, listening to music more and it is a bit too, I don't ( fat sounding ) just a bit much BOOompht lol
Looks like I will end up trading in this 350 on a second 500 though.
Too bad, I have the 350 now and recently put a EP500 on layaway from the deals site $961. Once that is paid I will get a second one same way. Probably use the 350 and M22 upstairs in living room after.I am upgrading to the M5HP also

Actually, if I can remember correctly Randy ( SirQuack ) recently did some upgrades and he too went from Denon to Anthem MRX
He might give you a better review than I can on Anthem.


Found it .... https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php/topics/421941/My_Atmos_thread#Post421941

Me again just re read your first post thats a big room, I would def, get the EP500
also, I would without a double get a Anthem MRX720 and still have enough to get a 4 channel amp at the same cost of the Denon.

Actually I would hold onto the Sub money and keep an eye on the Deals and you can nab a EP500 for the same price if not maybe a couple hundred more. I got mine for $965

No, stay away from the deals section....its all mine!

all your bass are belong to us

If it wasn't Valentine's Day, I would make a more detailed post, but oh my gosh yes! Anthem's ARC is light years better than Audyssey (and I liked Audyssey). Some people say that it is right on par with Dirac, some say that ARC is marginally better, and other say that Dirac has a tiny advantage. It is THAT good.

All room correction is vastly improved with acoustical treatments in the room. Fix that major problems with acoustical treatments so that the system never has to "fake it" or "compromise" something to fix a spike or dip in frequencies in the room.

Thanks guys, my speakers are ordered at this point. I'll post pictures once I get them mounted in several weeks.

I'm still trying to sort through the receiver choice now:

Denon EVRX6300H 11.2 can be had from Amazon for $2,199 US dollars.


The Anthem MRX720 can be ordered from Crutchfield for $2,499. So they're somewhat comparable price though I'd need to also order a 4-channel amp.

If I read the reviews on the Denon on Amazon, I find a couple reviews complaining about this: (quoting the review)




Honestly that review has had me a bit spooked on the Denon, maybe I'll be fine, but there's no proof I see that the issue has been resolved. That same issue was reported in several reviews of this Denon model suggesting it might be a systematic problem in a number of units. You'd expect higher build quality in this unit, but Denon is made in China now as of 2009, not Japan like the last time I bought a Denon receiver. I'm more than a little worried about long term build quality of the unit.

My issue with the Anthem MRX720 is it's still a bit of an unknown to me. There's not a lot out there in terms of customer reviews on the internet. It's going to end up $300 more plus the price of a 4-channel amp.

On the plus side Anthem is made in Canada, and I'd sure trust the build quality out of Canada far more than China.

My whole audio system might as well come from Canada, aye?

Would anyone have a recommendation for a 4-channel amp for Atmos M3 speakers?

Thanks again

I have the AVR60 so I ended up getting 11 channels worth of amps. (well actually 13 as I have LFRs.

Hands down I would recommend the MRX720 over ANY Denon regardless of price.

If you are looking for reviews, you can take a look at any of the Anthem product reviews as Anthem doesn't really make a bad unit. The sound you get from the MRX720 will be about the same as from the MRX1120 as the logic boards inside them are identical. With the 1120 you are getting a bigger toroidal power supply and more amplified channels. But the processor board is the exact same.

As for an amplifier for the remaining for channels. Go used! bought two Amp1a for $120 for both. The Atmos channels you'd be hard pressed to pull 10watts of power from those speakers. Likely it would be closer to the 2-3watts. Any amp can handle them.

As an owner of two denon's x series amps, although not the one you have your eye on. No hum, and I use dynamic volume on medium. Their interfaces and network capabilities are hard to beat. I've never used Anthem, they seem over priced imho. But, the lesson I've learned, get the cheapest receiver with pre outs on it that has the features you need and no more. Then get power amps. In two years time, you'll want 8k or whatever else is new, just replace the cheap receiver. If you have any speakers that require 4ohm capability or large wattage this becomes even more important.

Actually that $2500 seems quite high?
Well actually it is close I got a quote $2400cdn at Peak Audio Halifax?
Are you in the US or Canada ? USA would be less

I wish I could see it working out that it was cost effective to get a pre-amp 11.2 processor that I change out frequently, and then get an 11 channel amp.

Problem is there seems to be absolutely no price break between receivers and pre-amp processors, or if there is it's so small I can't see much difference.

Glad to hear your Denon unit worked out okay, the complaints I'm reading seem to be only with this particular model.

I'm in the US. Cheapest I've found so far is $2499 from Crutchfield. Would you know of a place that ships to the US that would be less expensive?

Found it for $2099 on E-bay, but yikes 3 weeks shipping and no returns.

I'm in Canada .... so no not sure. But I see you asked Randy about his Anthem . He's in Iowa he would be the man to ask. Nickbuol is another however, he got real lucky and got his from Canada before they caught on that company was cross border shipping. I asked Peak Audio here and they said no cannot ship. They could sell to me and I would have to ship it. But, then if it ever required warranty then it needs to buy shipped back here then there and back etc

I was also just looking into the pre-amp and separates route to replace my aging all in one Pioneer. I came to the same conclusion that you've got to pay to play in that camp. Would love to invest in the Axiom ADA's but just can't afford/justify it when an all in one HT receiver is basically the same price as the processor/pre-amp. Supply and demand I guess?

If the people are getting hum, it generally is caused by the ground loop feedback. I will admit that some houses are far more susceptible to the issue than others. I have had some equipment that just won't work in my house. I could not get Marantz to work here. I had an issue with an Anthem MCA5 amp and my Axiom DSP. Both top end equipment but just they didn't want to play nice with each other in my house.



The new Anthem amp is pretty stripped down when it comes to all the bells and crap with streaming. They don't have Apple Airplay or a media server control built in. Anthem does do DTS Play-Fi, but I just turned that off. They don't have very good remote software for Ipad of Android. But what they do have is great sound.

The advice of get a Receiver that has pre-outs was what I followed for quite a few years. I never really got the sound that I was looking for, and wasted more money and time trying different pieces only to say that didn't improve anything and I know this should sound better. I wasted time trying to plug in different amps into a receiver and just didn't get any better sound. Then I got the Anthem and it was like turing on a light in a dark room. Suddenly it was all possible.

I have not tried all the possible makes models out there. Take a look at who owns Denon, and then every other brand they own. They are all basically the same box and you pay for the name on the front. I like Anthem as they are themselves. (Funded by Paradigm)

Have you tried the Anthem web site to find a local dealer?

OK, I'm confused.
I was just looking on the Anthem website. Can someone explain why the AVM 60 (pre-amp/processor only) lists at $3299 while the MRX-720 (pre-amp/processor + 7 channels of amplification) lists at $2599 when they seem to have the exact same processing features?
The only appreciable difference I see is the pre-amp balanced XLR outputs on the AVM 60 vs RCA only pre-amp outputs on the MRX. Why would I pay more for less? Are XLR outputs worth so much more than amplification?
I must be missing something.

AVM 60

MRX-720

Don't forget the Toroidal Transformer. Not sure If that and XLR are worth that much extra.

Thats why I was going with the MRX720. Use my MCA5 for Atmos and find a MCA30 or get a new MCA325 for the Front three. The MCA30 and MCA325 have Two Toroidal Transfomers. One for L/R and One for the Centre.

Your paying for enhanced design, higher quality components. I went from a Denon reciever to a pre/pro and it was worth every penny. I am sorry i wasted my hard earned on a receiver at all though it works well enough for the bedroom. When i went seperates it was like a veil was lifted, i know that sounds cliche but it is what it is. Like has already been said, ya gotta pay to play. My next purchase is a PJ and it wont be a 1500 unit , got spend 5g to get there.

Oh I will agree that proper separates are in another league. I still have a Carver Pre/Pro powering my bar....the sound is unmatched by any Yamaha/Denon etc receiver I've ever owned.

One thing I haven't tried is going with Yamaha or Crown pro audio rack mountable amps for HT. Much much cheaper than hifi gear, crazy wattage for little money. Some don't even have fans running until needed, but the hum and buzz is my worry.

I have read good things about those pro amps and some others as well but my mind wont let me go there other than for subwoofage.

I know that you have gotten a lot of info since your post that I am quoting, but just FYI that the reason why you don't see the big reviews on the Anthem 720 is because most of the professional reviews are about the top end 1120, which has won many, MANY awards over the past year.

I think it's mostly making a highly specialized piece of electronics for a very limited audience and then pricing for what the market will bear. The market for pre-amp processors is smaller, and mostly composed of very high end individuals willing to sink upwards of $20,000 into their setup. They're willing to spend $3500 for what they perceive to be a high end pre-amp and they're willing to pay to play.

The market for receivers is larger and more fragmented with more competition, so prices are lower, especially at the mid end.

You can pick up a mid-end receiver for 7.2 surround sound for $400 to $500. Soon as you go to ATMOS it doubles, and then doubles again to add the 4 overhead speakers.

It's not much different when buying higher end computers. That computer that cost $3000 two years ago is $600 now. The top end of the electronics market is willing to spend a lot more to get the latest computers and phones.

It just depends where on that price vs. time curve you want to play. Typically with computers and phones I buy into the second generation. I'm jumping the gun a bit on 11.2 systems, they're still first generation, but I'm having a weak moment. I'm not having a weak enough moment to contemplate going for pre-amp processor and amps though.

A lot of what you say is true and we all have financial limits. Myself i opted for Emotiva, since there is an upgrade path and the entry fee was quite reasonable at the time since our Canuck dollar wasnt sucking so hard. Emotiva is releasing a HDMI upgrade as well as ATMOS upgrade which doesnt require a wholesale processor change ,plus the HDMI upgrade can be done at home. A receiver requires being replaced everytime a new standard comes out for HDMI,whereas a board replacement is cheap by comparison. Emotiva gets you into highend for a decent price.

Capability to upgrade is an interesting point Socketman. My limited research on Emotiva suggests it costs about $2400 to get a system capable of 7.2, without yet paying for the eventual upgrades for ATMOS and 11.2 or paying for the amps.

A 7.2 receiver without ATMOS is $500 at most these days. My thoughts were I could buy 5 different receivers over time to stay upgraded before even reaching the base initial cost of the Emotiva with the same capability.

Stick with your plan Don. The Denon 6300 is one of the Japan units. It is widely adopted and should be fine. Decent power onboard and extremely flexible when it comes to tuning later.

A couple of the guys on here with the Anthem setups have advanced experience and are in treated rooms. I would get to their level of setup first before you go all out on a separates system. You wont get a full return on your investment until your setup and room are in order.

Just go with your original plan and don't get too hung up on overthinking. It will be great. And totally fun! Share pics!

Also don't forget that's a price drop from it's previous model the AVM50v that was $6500.

I wouldn't worry about it because that puts you way above your budget point. I think this AVM60 only came an issue because, I mentioned Randy just bought Anthem thinking it was the MRXxxx line. I mentioned the MRX720 which is priced in the same ballpark as the Denon.
A few years back I bought a Denon 4313, that was my upgrade from a Pioneer Elite32. I picked up a Anthem MRX500 some guy had a pallet on Canuck Audio Mart , I never asked how or why but, I bought one for $600 they were going for $1300 new. He said, bankruptcy sale he got them. A friend of mine also bought one he had Denon 38xx series, he bought my Pioneer to replace that. When my Anthem arrived I set it up. That Denon made it to the box, never came out and I returned it the next week. I took my Anthem to Halifax with, went over to a my friends place. We set it up and before I left he got on line, bought the Anthem also and listed the Pioneer on Canuck Audio. He, has upgraded to the MRX720. His room is a bit bigger than mine I think he is 19ft long. He's not going ATMOS right away. Uses it for 5.2 setup, but he plans on seeing where this ATMOS goes, theres not alot of ATMOS content. But, his plan like mine is to get the system in place over time.
But, I would seriously check out the MRX720 over the Denon. Specially if only a matter of a few hundred bucks.
You can also, buy try it out and if it is not what you expect, return it and get the Denon

The other reason would be as you suggest, it's something
you can build on gradually. get the reciever and have 7.2, then get the speakers and install and then pick up an amp. I'd just go used

Don i realize you are doing a huge upgrade all at once so funds have to be used accordingly.I wasnt trying to upsell you merely adding my unsolicited 2 cents with hope of helping you reach the nirvana we all seek . My upgrade path was much more gradual but ultimately more expensive since i was never happy with what i was hearing,as if i would say to myself is this what everyone is raging about. I went from HTIB to a sony reciever and axiom speakers. To better speakers and better reciever and then another receiver and seperate LCR amp then better surrounds and THEN. I got another 5 channel emotiva amp and the XMC-1 and i now no longer have the feeling like im missing something, its all there just as it should be. Dont get me wrong it was an interesting journey for sure and i wont deny you your journey just though i might save you a few steps is all. Im sure the Denon will do what its suppose to do so go for it and enjoy.

There must be some nasty scratches and or dents but still...a $1000 discount...grab that EP800 in the refurb store. I know I would if I could.

Ah Socketman, many thanks for your perspective and all the help.

Truthfully I'm still debating the receiver. I have a little time to decide that. the room we're building just finished dry wall.

Meanwhile I'm keeping my eye on E-bay pricing for the Anthem MRX 720 and the Denon EVRX6300H.

The Denon is readily available from reputable sellers for $1750. The Anthem, not so much.

If I have to pay full retail of $2499 for the Anthem, plus need another $400 amp, the real cost difference between the two is $2899 versus $1750.

I totally believe the automated room correction for the Anthem is a huge selling feature, it's just the practical difference of $1150 seems like a lot.

When ever something is expensive up here we says it because of the freight (even a haircut) Honestly i think its hard for the small companies to compete because of economies of scale. But i do believe you get a better quality component at the end of the day. GL on your search. BTW many times you can do much better if you walk into a BM and strike a deal.

hey check this out
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/6...images/1457647/

$1200 cdn that be like $900 USD

It's too bad you need to rush. Because, I know it looks like a lot and it is, but if you could get the receiver and use 7.2 for now.
then put a few bucks away here and there and pick up a second hand amp this summer.
That is a lot of difference, I am not 100% sure it is worth a $1100 difference. However, having owned Denon for years and now Anthem to me, I'd take the Anthem.
Man I can't believe it is that much in the US. That's what it costs here CDN. Usually there are a few hundred less and in USD in the US.

Maybe that's how they making the extra dollars

Wow thats an insane price. I always wonder what motivates people to do something like this. Is it that they didnt like them or just financial issues. Someone is sellling 2 sleds up here that havent even been broken in yet and 5 grand less than new. Feel bad for them

Sadly, without even know what state you are in, we can't even refer you to dealers that might sell for less. Right now we can surmise you live in the USA. I am pretty sure there are better dealers that will sell for less.

Ultimately, you are the one that needs to decide what is the most important aspects of your home theater. When I started watching movies at home, the move to DVD and just getting dolby digital with a true 5.1 sound was mind blowing.

I have since taken the stand that if I am going in a direction, it makes more sense to move slowly with measurable improvements but still considering a progress forward. By that I mean it makes little sense to me to put in lower end pieces that I know full well will not meet my needs and be throw away in the forseen future when there is something better that can last me much longer. Its a balance act I guess.

I would ask if getting 11 speakers now will give you that much better sound and enjoyment than 7 better sounding speakers will?

I have wired my room for effectively 20+ speakers knowing full well that I probably will never need them. But they are there. I have 5 hooked up right now and sound increadible. I have the next 2 rear speakers ready to get installed when the summer comes and I get some free time. Might hook up the spare 4 energy take5 bookshelf as height speakers at the same time.

Authorized resellers WILL give you a discount over MSRP, but you will need to ask, in person or over the phone, a random email will make someone look like they are just "kicking tires" and not serious. I would be leery of eBay for a lot of this stuff. So many things sold by people with good solid feedback ratings, but that aren't authorized resellers so people get zero warranty. Not saying that is always the case, but that is the situation a majority of the time.

See SirQuack's post (#423441) from yesterday in his 'My Atmos thread'

He fired up his Anthem and was blown away (my interpretation) of how much better things sounded. That is what you are getting for the difference in price between the two brands...