Buying a 2018/19 HT amp in 2020

Have been out of the Home Theater space for a while and thinking of getting a new amp/receiver.

Wondering if now the time to buy a 2018 or 2019 amp or is new tech coming?

I understand the latest tech you need in an amp is the following:

  • decoding ATMOS and DTS:X
  • minimum 7.2 but up to 11.2 channels (for ATMOS ceiling speakers)
  • HDMI 2.2 for upto 8k pass through
  • Dolby Vision and HDR10+ pass through

And therefore a bargain that meets most of this is this deal:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/525819

However, is there something new coming to consider a more expensive 2020 or 2021 amp?

Comments

  • In a similar boat looking for audio upgrade. There seems to be plenty soundbar and standablone subwoofer updates coming but not much announced in terms of AV receivers/amplifiers.

    I presume there'll be a large push of new models closer to the end of the year with the updated TVs (with HDMI 2.1 etc) and new next-gen consoles launching.

    ATMOS depends if you want it and happy to stump up tons of extra cash on higher grade units and speakers or not I suppose. If not a big deal then can save money considerably. Or just pay it once and 'future-proof' for a while… Decisions.

    I'm biased towards Sony & Onkyo brands but certainly better value for money with Pioneer & Yamahas.

    Sony STR-DN1080 seems like the perfect unit if it's ever on offer again.

    • Wow looks like a great deal on that sony1080 but might be a once off only.

      Although it says it has "Phantom 2ch" whats that, a matrix channel and not true back channels?

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