Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Starting to oggle new gear

So with the inevitable change out of the old RPTV sometime this year (or perhaps next major holiday sales), I was thinking of turfing the old AVR first so i can get everything else i have connected, re-connected, and then all i have left to do is replace the tv at some point (simple hdmi plug and play).

I already have an external amp i plan to use in the HT (an Anthem MCA30) which will power the mains and centre channel but the new AVR will power the surrounds.
Considering that i only need the AVR as a basic prepro but with some amp usage and otherwise mainstream features (Dolby Digital 5.1 presently but eventually 7.2 (MAYBE 9.2 but improbable) and no plans to go Atmos, wireless connectivity, etc.), i don't need a massive thing like i bought so long ago and by looking at older (last year's) models, can save some cash. Here's what i'm considering:
https://www.crutchfield.ca/S-2b6dXa3OBTL/p_580RZ730/Onkyo-TX-RZ730.html
https://www.onkyo.ca/product/tx-rz730/

You may want to hold out for HDMI2.1 receivers to maximize future proofing.

I've held out now for about 5 years from being an early adopter of OLED tvs primarily for cost but also to wait for the tech to develop. I can't hold out for more future tech specs. It changes too often.
Our aged system has lasted us 15 years at this point.

For our purposes i don't see HDMI 2.1 bringing any benefit. Lots of neat articles talking about the non hype.
https://www.cnet.com/news/hdmi-2-1-what-you-need-to-know/
This one is a bit older but still fairly relevant on the concept of adopting the newest marketing fads including 4k tv:
https://www.cnet.com/news/why-ultra-hd-4k-tvs-are-still-stupid/

Incidentally, the HT room hasn't changed in anyway. We sit about 11 feet back from a space that could house a 77" screen at max with room for speakers on the sides and a centre underneath.
Sometimes people could sit as close as 4 feet but that's usually kids and its rare.
As such, 4k is the max visual requirement for which we still don't get any content yet to even display. We only have one bluray (non 4k) in the house. That will go upstairs and if necessary i'll get a 4k player for the HT room but that is unlikely.
Bell satellite doesn't have 4k content yet in our province. I would have to get a new receiver to start (which they aren't selling here yet). New tech like 10k tv and such is SO far away, i'll likely be dead before it is mainstream enough for me to care, if i care if i lived that long.

Fair enough. HDMI 2.1 doesn't do anything for pure movie-watching setups. Most of the new 2020 TV's will include it though.

An amazing price for a receiver with 9.2 amplification and up to 11.2 off-board. What is crutchfield's return policy?

60 days, free return shipping. I have to stop talking to myself.

Chess, you may also want to look at this:

Marantz Audio SR6013 9.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD Network AV Surround Receiver with HEOS Black (Renewed) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07KJVK94M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ACvfEbEKN4QA4

I wouldn't use all those features which is why i'm avoiding the higher end 11.2 units. It would be wasted for our needs. Even the 9.2 use is unlikely.

Yes a very good policy.


No comment.

I'm not seeing a lot of differences except the cost ($100 more), the condition (refurbished) and maybe the Marantz does 4k upscaling if the Onkyo does not (which i have doubts whether this is worth anything and some OLEDs do it themselves anyway; https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/televisions/xbr-a9g-series?showModelPrices=true), and apparently no backlight on the Marantz remote which is crazy for a HT use (https://h-m-entertainment.com/marantz-sr6013-review).
I like the style of the Marantz better but in a darkened room, no one is ever looking much at the gear.