Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsSimply Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2022
I waited a year and a half to review this home theater receiver. It is my first Atmos receiver, and first multi-zone receiver. Both aspects work great.
A 5.1.4 setup using mostly Klipsch speakers was built, along with an existing center channel and front pair of speakers. If I watch an Atmos track, it truly feels like I am in it. That helicopter? It is right above me. Compliments of the gold speaker posts and low THD, I utilized gold plated banana plugs and have absolutely zero speaker hiss. None. Never had that in my home theater career.
The multi-zone works great, my primary rational for getting it was for the HEOS and SiriusXM that I can use outside by the firepit. This requires the HEOS app which works fine. I found the Zone 2 HDMI out only works for HDMI sources, while everything else (including HEOS) needs the Zone 2 RCA outputs. After checking with support, the process is cumbersome to enable, including enabling Zone 2, setting to All Channel audio, changing it back, then ensuring Zone 2 input is HEOS. After that it works great but was an annoyance considering the price paid. On the plus side, full Atmos is available on Zone 1.
The HDMI audio sync works perfectly (compared to other receivers I have owned), and the onscreen display for adjusting individual speakers is great. Use the automatic setup it is a great help. I also suggest high quality speaker wire, I'm using 12 gauge OFC, and gold plated banana plugs.
It was between this and the 3700X, opted for the 4500X since it had a 2 line display which alone was worth it. How long will you have a home theater receiver? Hopefully awhile so go bigger than you think you'll need. Haven't used Zone 3 yet, but perhaps I'll run some wires towards the pool.
To note: It does run hot. I placed twin fans on the top that connect via USB, which power on with the unit and shut off after. Make sure there's plenty of ventilation.
