4 vs 6 Atmos Speakers (1 Viewer)

[George LL]

I’m deliberating between installing 4 or 6 Atmos speakers in my dedicated 13x18 theater room. The bigger picture here is, this decision will also help me decide whether to purchase a Denon 6700 (13 channels) or the $800 cheaper 4700 (11 channels). Does anyone know if there’s an appreciable benefit to having the extra Atmos speakers? Is the 6700 worth the extra coin?

 

[JohnRice]

As a quick answer, in a room that size, I would generally say that 4 Atmos speakers is plenty. Just not enough room to benefit from 6. Are you using in-ceiling or on-ceiling speakers for Atmos? that's the best way to go.

 

[George LL]

As a quick answer, in a room that size, I would generally say that 4 Atmos speakers is plenty. Just not enough room to benefit from 6. Are you using in-ceiling or on-ceiling speakers for Atmos? that's the best way to go.

Yes. I’m installing the Atmos speakers in the ceiling. That’s another reason I’m doin my best to make a solid choice... once I cut those holes... I don’t have the skill to patch them up If I decide to go with 4 Atmos.

Also, the price disparity between the 4700 and 6700 is quite a lot at $800. I’ll spend it if it makes a big enough difference but saving money is alw good

 

[JohnRice]

Keep in mind that, if I recall correctly, you need an additional amplifier to get those receivers to that many channels. Again, as I recall, the 4700 will process 11 channels, but only drives 9 and the 6700 processes 13, but only drives 11.

 

[George LL]

That’s part of the reason I was looking at the 6700. My setup is 7.1.4 or 7.1.6 depending on which way I go. The 6700 would power up to 4 Atmos speakers. The more I think about it, the more I think the 6700 is overkill for my purposes.

 

[JohnRice]

I just come across a lot of people who seem afraid to use an external amp, and the 4700 requires one to run a 7.x.4 system, where the 6700 doesn't. So I just figured I'd point that out. Something like an Emotiva A-300 is a good option to drive the L&R speakers and get the 4700 to 11 channels. At $400 it's only half the price difference between the receivers.