I've been hesitating about upgrading my system because it's based on a JVC DLA-56 projector that cost me nearly 8000$ in 2014.

Yet, it's becoming harder to resist 4K even if my projector upscales, it does not accomplish what the newer TV can. Also, the Projector has been acting up a bit when using the PS5 or the newer Xbox. I wish I could upgrade to the newer JVC projectors but the pricing is still a bit (a lot) crazy.

Right now, I am in 7.1 with 2 qs8 as surrounds, 2 Qs8 as Back speakers, vp180 center, M80 V2 as fronts. The M80 are connected to a Rotel RB-1070 connected to the Pre-out of an aging 1.4 hdmi Yamaha receiver.

I've asked a few people around me and a local shop in montreal but I'm not sure I am getting all the right info.
I've been told that to get all the latest like atmos etc, I would need to get a receiver that would forgo the Rotel amplifier. But not many receivers receivers support the M80 @ 4 ohms. In saying that, I'm not sure why using the pre-out on a new receiver would cancel out newer codecs.

Should I drop the Rotel amp and look at Denon that can push 4ohms ? I would welcome any suggestions or ideas on receivers.

I will not use this system for music as I have a dedicated Stereo system for that.

Thanks to all

Just need another receiver with precuts or a prepro. The receiver or preprocessor( in most cases) decodes the surround formats. If your going for ATMOS you'll also need to consider different surround speakers. The Rotel amp and the M80's are the pieces you want to keep.


As for as the DLA-56 goes you've enjoyed it for 7 years ... technology moves on.
Since I'm working on my HT I've been looking at projectors and screens ... the projector I will most likely get is the LG HU810PW ... $3000 USD ... here's a link to projector central's review

https://www.projectorcentral.com/LG-CineBeam-HU810PW-Laser-Projector-Review.htm

"I'm not sure why using the pre-outs on a new receiver would cancel out newer codecs"?

When I read this did I interpret this correctly and if I did, it is utter nonsense.

If anything, when one looks at the more recent and newer receiver models, especially those in the upper echelon of 9, 11 channels and beyond, even if one used ALL of the internal channels of amplification within the AVR itself, with few exceptions, the advertising and manual for the specific brand would state that in order to max out the number of channels, external amplification would be needed anyway for any surround codec. With some models, like the new Anthems, , extra height and other channels are only available with external amps., in these cases, one really has no choice in the matter. I have always "pre-out" my receivers to external amp(s) mainly(as you pointed out) because they solve a potential speaker impedance problem.

"rriev" is correct, keep the Rotel and build from there.

In regards to the speakers, when I first made the jump to Atmos after getting my Anthem AV60 Pre, I added 4 Axiom M3 InCeiling speakers but didn't make any changes to my other 7 speakers. The 4 Qs8s did a fine job as they always have but their "enveloping" nature being quadpolar didn't play nice in my opinion for an Atmos environment. With deep regret I swapped them out for 4 M22 Onwalls for surround duty and I truly feel it is night/day different for Atmos environment.

On the amp side my Outlaw drives the 7 speakers and Emo drives the 4 ceiling, all with the Anthem being the brains.. The Epson 5040UB is still rocking an awesome picture that you would be hard pressed believing it is not true 4K from 12-15ft back.

Enjoy whatever you decide.

SirQuack is correct on the direct speakers for an ATMOS receiver. That's why you will want to replace the QS series speakers. The new receiver can drive all the surrounds and center. The Rotel amp the M80s via the precuts. Also the center channel is worked hard in an HT ... so it's not a bad idea for this to have it's own amp too.

Note that for ATMOS you need at least two ceiling speakers (2nd and not as good are the "Atmos" add on's which bounce sound off the ceiling)

SirQuack: The epson 5040 is still an excellent projector ... its replacement the 5050 was on the top of my list before the LG bumped it from the Top position.

I have the JVC RS2000 projector. It is truly an amazing projector. Incredible image. You can most likely find a used model at a good price point, as some people just have to get the latest and greatest thing available every year. And yah, you can use your 1070 with any ATMOS processer that has pre-outs. I'm using an Anthem processor with outboard amps driving most of my speakers.

Thumbs Up!

The Denon x3700 and up allows 7.2.4 setup. It has the ability to assign the front R/L as preout and drive 4 ceiling speakers with onboard amps. You can assign amp channels in the menu.

The 1070 would drive your R/L.

The Denon would drive the rest.

Likely have to wait for a x3800h now. Stock gone.

As for the surrounds go monopole as mentioned.

As for the PJ the LG rrlev mentioned is unavailable in Canada right now unless you get lucky. Sold out.

Thank you everyone for all the input. Loving all the suggestions.

I managed to get a good deal on a Denon AVR-X8500H because they are about to refresh the model. This will be my starting point to my new system before I upgrade my projector.

What do you guys think ? Should I still connect the ROTEL 1070 in the pre-out for the M80?

If you're happy with the 1070/M80 combo, especially when playing it loud, then the answer is absolutely. If not you might want to try an amp with a higher wattage or one with more dynamic headroom (one that can put out very high wattage for a very short time). Regardless, using it is better than not. Note: I don't know what the 1070 is capable of ... so you might be fine.

The 8500 spec is 150Watts 2 channels driven. I'm pretty sure that is spec'ed with no headroom meaning that it will only run clean, with highly dynamic music, till about 4 or 5 watts continuous (1 Watt being normal listening levels and 4 being 2x as loud). Once above that you'll start clipping on the dynamics on some music. Driving all channel it will be even lower. You may not notice it till playing at concert levels, party levels, or if you compared it side by side with a higher wattage system.

The 8500 just doesn't have enough current to run all the channels cleanly at loud volumes. Thats why a separate amp is desirable. Off loading at least the front 2 or 3 channels would help quite a bit.

For reference I'm running a Denon X6700h and I am adding a separate amp. Normal listening levels are fine but when I'm running all 5 channels you notice a huge drop in performance especially at high levels. I think you would be better off running the M80s with the Rotel and you can run your remaining channels off of the Denon.