Separate Amp for AV receiver

I’ve had at least ten receivers over the years, and find very modest to minimal gains from ‘upgrading’ or changing receivers themselves (WRT SQ, changing for features understandable). I did however get more noticeable improvements adding an outboard amp - more some than others, dependent both upon the receiver and amp in question. But of course it can’t fix all the AVR’s problems.

I like AVRs with room correction.  I would check out Anthem or NAD, which uses Dirac.  RC can really make a difference with mid priced gear.
  I didn’t pay anywhere near $3K for that Denon—more like a Grand, and that was new

The easiest way to correct a room with an AVR is to remove the AVR from the room. Massive improvement!

I have been using receivers as PrePro’s since the 80’s. I have a stack of OutlawAudio M200 mono’s that power my system, the “7” in my systems 7.1.4 description

i’ve owned a X4300 since it was released in 2016, extremely happy with its HT performance. I rreally like the Audyssey room correction, theres a real nice app that you can use to improve control over it via WiFi. I use (4) channels of the Denon for my (4) Atmos speakers.

Is it a Krell or DonSachs, of course not, nor does anyone claim anywhere it was, but for HT it does just fine. On the other hand if i ran the movie Transformers through my 2ch rig i would be very disappointed to say the least with the absence of 6000watts and (4) 15” sealed subs, That said, music and HT are two very different things, if Music is what you are looking for then a separate system may suit your needs.
While there are evil forces at work here on the forums with critical thinking and hard driving negative points of view, kinder advice is a much more neighborly jesture. Lets continue to look closer at some solutions for you friend :0)

@millercarbon.  “The easiest way to correct a room with an AVR is to remove the AVR from the room. Massive improvement!”


I am afraid he is absolutely correct.