Shopping for a new receiver and want to find something that integrates (local integration preferred of course!) w/HE, at least for power on/volume, and input selection.
Don't need audiophile-level stuff, mid-range sufficient, w/support for 5.1 audio. This is for TV primarily, plus some occassional streaming of music. For music I prefer using Google Cast. If not available built in on the receiver I will connect a Google Cast device to one of the receiver's inputs, but would prefer built-in.
Big change is I need support for wireless speakers to avoid climbing/crawling around in the attic to run speaker wire. Not interested in those adventures any more.
-- I am either going to have to move my current 5.1 speakers setup from current room to the new room, or buy all new speakers for the new room. Prefer the option to use my existing speakers (RBH) in the new location, but they are all traditional wired models. Any recommendations (assuming this exists) for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules I can connect to each wired speaker to allow them to stream their respective channels (center, woofer, etc.) from the new receiver.
what's your budget for the receiver?, 4k or 1080P on the video?
I don't think you're going to find a receiver that supports 5.1 over Bluetooth to wired speakers, as that would require a Bluetooth receiver and amplifier for all 6 channels.
You could fetch a pre-pro avr (no amps), then go the BT route, but honestly that's such a hack in the long run.
If you want to use your existing speakers you're going to be running cable.
How many input devices do you have today for your TV? I personally have a single input coming from my Denon AVR and then all the streaming devices connected to the AVR. Then AVR is responsible for changing inputs which makes life a lot easier running less wires to TV.
Aieeee...was doing some reading and starting to think/realize the same. Bummer, the attic is just incredibly tight to get around in after some HVAC updates, whole house fan, and huge skylight in the room.
Budget is probably around $300 or so...but no idea what that buys these days.
Yeah, my comment above was in reference to the AVR, connect everything to it, and have the option to control the AVR power, volume, and inputs. Or am I misunderstanding your comment?
Well its more about the number of devices you have because a $1k receiver is going to have more inputs than a $300 one.
I have used Denon equipment for a few decades. In fact the one I bought over 20 years ago is still working great but the reason I decommissioned it was because it didn't have a lot of HDMI inputs and outputs. Food for thought on how much you plan to invest in it because this purchase should last a long time!
I've always been a big fan of Yamaha. I've been using them since the 80's. They have units across the price range, although I don't have any real knowledge of their current lineup or what integrations are out there.
Ah, OK, wasn't getting what you were referring to.
Iinputs are lately reduced, I've paired things down, removing a FireTV input that my wife thought she wanted but never used, as well as an old Sony 200 CD carousel that failed a while back.
Going forward:
ShieldTV
Google Cast device
Blueray DVD - Used infrequently, but like to keep it around
VCR - Until I get some old family movies converted. Connecting directly to TV is fine as we only use it at the holidays. This uses a component connection.
Roku - Used very infrequently - one of my sons prefers it so I've left it connected for him. If running out of AVR inputs this is the first to go.
So I don't need a big amount of inputs
Loved Onkyo, had a Amp/Tuner matched set that I got in the late 70's that I had for decades until it sadly died on me. That was a bad day.
No way I'm going to spend up at the level of the Marantz...love their stuff, but just a lot more/better than I need. Also like Denon and Yamaha. My grandfather (first guy on his street w/a stereo that he built himself) had a Yamaha receiver that he loved, and I had to admit is was a slick receiver.
As much as I like Hubitat I cannot imagine using it to control my AVR. How do people use this? Get Zigbee buttons to make their own remotes? Or is it more for automating things coming on when you switch on lights/enter the room? (I am still using my stash of Harmony remotes.)
Anyway around the $300 mark probably all name brands are about the same in terms of overall quality. I'd just look for the right set of features and not worry about the brand name as long as it's something recognizable.
I tell Alexa to turn on Zone 2, and a rule turns on my Denon's Zone 2, sets the input to an Echo dot I have connected and sets volume to a certain level. From there I can tell Alexa to play whatever but the nice thing with this automation is I don't have to fiddle with the AVR remote to turn on Zone 2 and set the input.
I also monitor the state of the main AVR to automate lights turning on and off in our family room. I often go to bed before my teenage daughter so my night routine won't turn off the family room lights if the AVR is on.
I have a rule to turn it off (make sure it is off) during away mode.
My daughter likes to listen to music in the family room using Amazon Music app on the Apple TV. By default the surround and dynamic volume settings are geared towards watching TV or movies. Using a virtual switch controlled by a Lutron Pico button, she can push a button to change the surround sound settings to make it sound better and then we can push same button to turn that off when watching a movie.
Oh and it is very nice being able to see the volume level and control it if my kids have it too loud when I am working or sleeping.
Onkyo no longer produces equipment, The entry level Denon units don't have an ethernet connection for remote control, Pioneer seems to only have car audio these days, Sony and Rotel are out of your price range.
Honestly in my opinion the Marantz is your best bet for new, you would have spent more than the $300 extra bucks for that unit than purchasing new speakers or dinking around trying to convert your existing speakers to wireless.
Other than that you shouldn't have any issue finding a used Onkyo out there that's 1080P HDMI 5.1 capable.
