AVR / Home Theater Advice needed - Looking for a low cost solution to my dilemma.

[ShokWaveRider]

My long time AVR packed up and I deemed it was not worth replacing or repairing. I have a fairly unique problem I am trying to solve as economically as possible ....... read on.

My setup is as follows, not so unique:

5 speakers in the living room, usual setup, left and right front monitors, 1 center and left and right rears.
OLED TV used as a Monitor only.
4 HDMI Devices, these were switched by the original over priced now defunked (Is that even a word?) AVR.

The TV is only Audio Source, HDMI inputs are as follows:

1 x Roku Ultra
1 x 4k TV Box (Decodes Antenna Signals)
1 x Home Theater Media Player
1 x 8 Camera home security system (Does not need complex audio)

I replaced the AVR temporarily with a 5 port HDMI switcher and we are using the all but pathetic TV built in speaker, but it is actually OK for now.

I am looking for a low cost amplifier amplifier that can drive 6 channels (The 5 Living room speakers + the whole house ambient speakers that are located in each room. I do not need or want a SubWoofer for my application so 7.1/2 for these would be overkill. The ambient speakers have independent volume controls in each room.

All the econo ones I can find would do the job adequately if it were not for the fact they use the archaic phone inputs and I need at least one HDMI input. Remember I have a 5 channel HDMI Switcher.

Here is an example of the non HDMI units that would do the amplifying job. I would like one with a Receiver integrated for Radio channels that I normally push through the ambient speakers for background listening. What I do not know is if it would split up the Audio Channels appropriately to all 5 speakers accordingly as a home theater AVR does.

Pyle 6 channel Amp.

The only solution I can find it to jump to something like the Denon 760h or 770h which is a lot more expensive and overkill for my application.

Denon 770h

Any input from the Tech gurus here would be appreciated.

 

[Qs Laptop]

What is the input source? What is connected to the HDMI 5 port switch? Phonograph? Roku device? Game console? Are you using your TV as the audio source for all devices connected to the switch?

 

[ShokWaveRider]

What is the input source? What is connected to the HDMI 5 port switch? Phonograph? Roku device? Game console? Are you using your TV as the audio source for all devices connected to the switch?

I will add this to the OP.

TV is only Audio Source

1 x Roku Ultra
1 x 4k TV Box (Decodes Antenna Signals)
1 x Home Theater Media Player
1 x 8 Camera home security system (Does not need complex audio)

 

[Qs Laptop]

OK, I think I know what you are trying to do. You want an amplifier with HDMI inputs (at least one, if you stick with the 5 port HDMI switch) and the amplifier should have at least 6 channels. You want to be able to run your Roku, TV antenna box, Media player, and home security camera system through the amp. You want the amplifier to have an FM stereo radio built in.

Yeah, I don't see any way to get that unless you go with another AVR. As you say, that Pyle unit does not have HDMI inputs, not a single one. Also, it also lacks an FM stereo radio.

By sticking with the 5 port HDMI switch you would be limiting your entire system to only 5 possible devices. You never know what you might want to add in the future. Most AVR's have at least 5 HDMI ports, some have 7 or 8. You'd also get the FM stereo radio with the AVR and you'd also get built-in music streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, etc. You'd also get the two zone system so you could power the speakers in the other rooms around the house. A remote control to switch inputs from across the room. The ability to add a subwoofer in the future, should you desire.

Also, I assume the 5 port HDMI switch does not have a remote control? So every time you want to switch inputs you have to do it manually?

Costco has a similar, newer Denon model AVR for $50 less than the one at Amazon, but it's out of stock right now. https://www.costco.com/denon-avr-x1700h-7.2ch-8k-av-receiver.product.4000279563.html

 

[MTB4me]

Take a look at a place like Crutchfield.com. Good selection of AV receivers that may give you some ideas. Perhaps like this one:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXV385/Yamaha-RX-V385.html?tp=179

Can’t say I’m a huge fan of Pyle. The quality really isn’t all that great. I think you can do better.

If it were me, I’d probably look on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, where used AV receivers are 10 cents on the dollar.

Good luck in your search.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

OK, I think I know what you are trying to do. You want an amplifier with HDMI inputs (at least one, if you stick with the 5 port HDMI switch) and the amplifier should have at least 6 channels. You want to be able to run your Roku, TV antenna box, Media player, and home security camera system through the amp. You want the amplifier to have an FM stereo radio built in.

Yeah, I don't see any way to get that unless you go with another AVR. As you say, that Pyle unit does not have HDMI inputs, not a single one. Also, it also lacks an FM stereo radio.

By sticking with the 5 port HDMI switch you would be limiting your entire system to only 5 possible devices. You never know what you might want to add in the future. Most AVR's have at least 5 HDMI ports, some have 7 or 8. You'd also get the FM stereo radio with the AVR and you'd also get built-in music streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, etc. You'd also get the two zone system so you could power the speakers in the other rooms around the house. A remote control to switch inputs from across the room. The ability to add a subwoofer in the future, should you desire.

Also, I assume the 5 port HDMI switch does not have a remote control? So every time you want to switch inputs you have to do it manually?

Costco has a similar, newer Denon model AVR for $50 less than the one at Amazon, but it's out of stock right now. https://www.costco.com/denon-avr-x1700h-7.2ch-8k-av-receiver.product.4000279563.html

Yes it does.

I use a RF universal remote (URC) that controls all devices.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

The Best deals on AVRs I have found is here on Accessories for less. There are a few 7 channel units for <$300. That is where I purchased my original AVR some 15 years ago. they are all factory refurbished, but come with full warranties.

Accessories for Less