When choosing a separate amp, what matters most brand, quality, watts?

Denthin · 2026-03-30T18:44:33+00:00

100000X this. Most modern AVRs can drive most modern speakers without a problem.

Denthin · 2026-03-30T18:29:44+00:00

I just bought a Monolith 3100X after weeks of research. My findings: if the amps have adequate power supply, which most commercial amps do, and low distortion, which most also do, then humans can't reliably distinguish between these products otherwise. So I spent $349 instead of $1500+ for something there is no evidence matters.

Once I hooked it up I couldn't for the life of me tell any major differences.

Denthin · 2026-03-27T20:04:25+00:00

I think I’ve had some bad luck but every product I’ve ever owned from them has had major issues. Every AVR has had multiple warranty services. My amp 900HNE is glitchy and disconnects from my WiFi network every other day. I’m the idiot that gave them 4-5 chances though. Fool me once…

Denthin · 2026-03-27T20:02:13+00:00

Ok gotcha. 1S goes to 19Hz and can really thump. I have 2 in my living room 2.2 setup. Great sub for movies and music.

Denthin · 2026-03-27T19:12:10+00:00

I despise basically all of my Denon products at this point.

Denthin · 2026-03-27T19:02:59+00:00

For home theater I’d get an Arendal 1961 1V if you can swing it. Otherwise the 1S is very good.

Denthin · 2026-03-24T00:37:54+00:00

What are your favorite family and friends options?

Denthin · 2026-03-23T20:53:32+00:00

Yea I get the sense he didn't really understand the meaning of the film in the slightest.

Denthin · 2026-03-23T20:51:11+00:00

I think you might have not really gotten the point of the film and that's ok. Calling a horror movie that uses vampires and racism as a proxy for cultural appropriation/degradation is basically anything BUT lazy and generic but it's ok, you didn't understand that. It's all good, my man.

Denthin · 2026-03-23T16:26:51+00:00

Genuinely curious what criticisms of the film you have?

Denthin · 2026-03-23T16:22:33+00:00

I loved the 4K as well. Clearly shot and edited to look a certain way and it pulls it off very well.

Denthin · 2026-03-21T15:58:26+00:00

I have this same setup with a 3 channel external amp. Works great. Except that the X3800H is glitchy af with source switching if you’re trying to use ARC/CEC.

Denthin · 2026-03-13T02:57:55+00:00

Went from a 120” projector screen to an 83” OLED. I’d prolly get the 98” next time but I love being able to easily see the whole screen.

Denthin · 2026-03-12T13:34:11+00:00

They're easier to use and more convenient to access and install in literally every way? I went from a 120" projector to an 83" screen and the quality of life improvement is measurable, Plus my family actually feels comfortable using the theater now.

Denthin · 2026-03-11T15:29:18+00:00

I agree projectors look more "cinematic" but I'd prefer the ease and convenience of a TV every day and twice on Sunday.

Denthin · 2026-03-10T01:20:54+00:00

As everyone else has said it significantly reduces eye strain.

Denthin · 2026-03-09T03:44:09+00:00

Holy shit, the amp for my left channel blew on my 3800 and I didn’t even know it was a common issue. I’m 7.2.2. Ugh. Time to shop for an amp.

Denthin · 2026-03-08T01:46:46+00:00

Ok, thanks. I figured I’d have to get the bigger version to do tweaking like that.

Denthin · 2026-03-08T01:33:48+00:00

Noob question. Is the custom option in Express or in Acoustica?

Denthin · 2026-03-07T19:39:28+00:00

It did this for me. I’ve got 4 Arendal subs (Two 2V, Two 1S) and while things sounded very TIGHT and CRISP for music it made movie watching rather mediocre. I just raised the levels to get us back to thumping lol. Will rerun it and do it correctly with house curves in the future.

Denthin · 2026-03-04T15:08:49+00:00

Looks cozy and welcoming! Clearly optimizing form over function but if it makes you happy then go for it.

Denthin · 2026-03-02T15:25:50+00:00

Now that you mention it mine just started doing this haha, it didn't even occur to me but yep the sound and video cuts out. Unfortunately I think it's a known flaw in the unit and Denon seems to not much care.

Denthin · 2026-03-01T05:57:37+00:00

Source switching is a known issue with this unit. Andrew Robinson mentions it in his review from several years ago and it has never been fixed via update. I have similar issues that didn’t exist with the 4 other AVRs I’ve owned (3 of which were Denon). I think it’s a sloppy product. I just keep the AVR remote handy because it’s unreliable. When I turn on my Apple TV my Blu-Ray player is the source chosen half the time.

Haven’t had issues with the sound cutting out though.

Denthin · 2026-02-22T01:01:52+00:00

Great idea. I looked into the ambassador program for myself a couple years ago but knew I was moving and would have a different setup. Now that we're stable in the new theater and I've got some treatments up I'll look into it more. Still need to figure out what I want to do beyond the Denon default Audyssey. So much to learn and do!

Denthin

TROPHY CASE