9 Channel AVR + Amplifier vs 11 Channel AVR (1 Viewer)

[NTLKnight]

I plan on setting up 11 channels of audio (LCR, SL/SR, RSL/RSR, Height 1/2, Height 3/4) in our home theater. My question is: What makes more sense, buying a 9 channel AVR with 11 channels of processing (like the Pioneer VSX-LX505)...and purchasing an additional amp to power the remaining 2 channels (and hopefully be able to assign 4 height speakers); or to buy an 11 channel AVR and run all 11 speakers from a single AVR?

If buying a separate amp for additional power, would it be best to get at least a 3 or 4 channel amp to power the LCR speakers separate from the AVR...and power the remaining channels with the AVR?

Thank you,
Nathan

 

[JohnRice]

In general, what I recommend is getting an AVR with 11 channels of processing, but 9 channels of amplification, and using an external three channel amp to power the front LCR speakers. I do definitely recommend powering all three front channels with an external amp, rather than only two of them (L/R)

 

[NTLKnight]

Thank you, much appreciated. In that case I'm leaning towards the Pioneer VSX-LX505. With AVRs that have 9 channels + 2 extra processing channels...is it possible to configure the extra 2 channels to be whatever you need them to be?--(in my case the 3rd and 4th height (Atmos) speakers?)

(Could be in my head, but since I posted a few hours ago my interest in the Pioneer LX505, the 'open box' unit I was looking at jumped in price by $300, heh. Maybe the seller heard me.)

 

[JohnRice]

You should be able to configure all the channels to be powered however you want.