Thanks, Mark @Daddyjt. this is making more sense, every time we share information.
In my man cave AV - I'm kind of delaying things..., I might move (which really changes things) but if I stay here for 3-5 years, I want to replace the Denon. It's 20+ years old, and the "configuration" menus are about the worst UI experience - not to mention just suck - even when using their microphone auto-set-up. Everyone I've talked to with 10+ year old Denon receivers say the same thing. Now that they both (Denon and Marantz) are owned by Harmon group - I'm thinking some of that improvement for setup would get shared - but I haven't checked. I'll jus never buy another Denon component again (Turntables, yes, I like them, but no audio..., it's just too frustrating to try to work through the manuals, menu, and remote control commands - and their 2nd and 3rd zone configs oh, jeez, they have never worked for me (I gave up, added a y cable to the main channel outs, to get to second and third zones manually controlling via separate amps on/off/volume).
For my man cave, If I had a more modern AV receiver (likely a new Marantz) that supported Atmos - I can easily put 4 speakers overhead in my ceiling. It's a drop panel ceiling which when I put it in, everyone said "you should put drywall on your ceiling"..., I've been up in that ceiling so many times, it has been a godsend not to have to rip-out, repair, paint etc., just to fish wires (let alone address a plumbing issue on the floor above! LoL. Anyone putting in a finished basement - I truly recommend a drop panel ceiling - you'll thank me later - not to mention the money you'll save on drywall repair.
Now, I'm thinking I better get on this project! but until a new receiver, it's 7.2 for me. (I forgot I have TWO subs).
