HTPC and home theater AV receiver
Sound is an essential component of a home cinema setup. Its new surround formats, such as Atmos or Auro-3D, decidedly add to the overall home cinema experience.
In an earlier post I discussed the cheapest and simplest way to add different surround sound formats, including the new ones (i.e., Dolby Atmos), in a home cinema setup. This is based on the use of a soundbar with or without satellite speakers and subwoofer.
In this post I describe the expensive and more complicated way to add surround sound formats in a home cinema setup. This route goes through a home cinema AV receiver and a set of speakers (from 5 to over 13) and one or two subwoofers.
The HDMI port of the HTPC graphics card
The HDMI 2.1 port of the HTPC graphic card is connected to the HDMI input of the AV receiver with an HDMI 2.1 cable. All other audio/video equipment, such as Apple TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo, streamers, etc, also connect to the HDMI input ports of the AV receiver.
The HDMI out ports of the receiver are connected to the TV and/or projector with HDMI 2.1 cables.
This way the video is output to the TV/projector and the sound is output from the set of speakers/subwoofers. The later is a combination of the surround speaker set (main, central and surround speakers, subwoofers) and specialized Atmos speakers.
Selecting speakers
One has first to select the number and type of speakers to use, i.e., bookshelf or floor speakers, as well as the number of subwoofers. There are many brands of speaker/subwoofers sets to select. Their price ranges from about few hundreds euros/dollars to several thousands, even hundred of thousands, euros/dollars.
The reader can find a speaker set that fits its sound and price requirements through an extensive search on the internet.
Selecting AV receiver
Consequently, the reader must select the appropriate AV receiver. There are many brands of home theater receivers (e.g., Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Sony, NAD) and their prices range from several hundreds to several thousands of euros/dollars. Important points to consider when selecting an AV receiver are:
- Number of input HDMI ports (especially HDMI 2.1)
- 4k and/or 8k support
- Number of HDMI output ports (minimum two are required if we have a TV and a projector)
- Number of speakers supported (i.e., an effective Atmos system has 13 channels)
- Future HDR compatibility
- Auro 3D support
- Calibrating software.
All receivers have a system for calibrating the speakers to the specific room size and shape. I am a fan of receivers adopting the Audyssey system (e.g., Denon, Marantz).
Speaker placement and calibration
The placement of speakers and their calibration is of paramount importance for the overall experience. This can be done by an expert, and costs a lot. Yet, the owner can also do this. In fact, placement of speakers and their calibration is part of the pleasure of the hobby.
Two of the best AV receivers are the Denon flagship AVR-X8500HA (13.2 channels), around 3000 euros/dollars, and the cheaper AVR-X4800H (9.4 channels), around 2000 euros/dollars.
The reader will find all the appropriate information (i.e., articles, posts, videos) on speaker placement and calibration on the internet.
HTPC score card
Peace-of-mind 5
Immersive experience 5
Installation 4.4
Cost 4
Average 4.6
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