AVR for regular TV viewing with ARC

[all4music]

I'm planning to replace my current Samsung soundbar with an AVR. It also means, AVR will get switched on along with TV just like soundbar as it'll be connected to the same 3KVA stabilizer.

Now my question is, do AVRs with ARC/eARC behave as seamlessly as soundbar. At present, Samsung wireless soundbar pairs nicely with Sony TV and volume control is through TV remote. And whenever I switch off TV with remote, soundbar enters into standby mode [along with wireless rear and sub]. I remember reading[or watching] somewhere that Denon AVRs do not enter into standby mode when TV is switched off with remote and they stay on and warm.

Does anybody use AVRs for their regular TV viewing? How is your experience? And finally, any suggestion for an entry level AVR with Atmos [5.1.2] setup?

 

[sandeepmohan]

There are no handshake issues with ARC today. Most receivers work alright.

My Denon does not switch off. It Auto Mutes when the TV is switched off. However, this is not a deal breaker for me. You can always use the remote or switch it off on the front panel. You're going to get up from the couch anyway.

Honestly, if you are content with your Samsung, stick with it. Entry level AVR's are terrible. You're also going to add a massive amount of speakers and wires to your setup. Alternatively you can buy a mid tier AVR and pair it with two good speakers to start. Expand the system in steps.

 

[all4music]

There are no handshake issues with ARC today. Most receivers work alright.

My Denon does not switch off. It Auto Mutes when the TV is switched off. However, this is not a deal breaker for me. You can always use the remote or switch it off on the front panel. You're going to get up from the couch anyway.

Honestly, if you are content with your Samsung, stick with it. Entry level AVR's are terrible. You're also going to add a massive amount of speakers and wires to your setup. Alternatively you can buy a mid tier AVR and pair it with two good speakers to start. Expand the system in steps.

Thanks Sandeep.
By Auto mute - do you mean standby mode? Samsung soundbar is good for what it is. I absolutely love how it stays in background and I've not touched its remote in few months.

I've run wires for all 5.2 speakers through wall/ceiling in the living room during construction. Though in the hindsight I would've planned it slightly differently. I wouldn't have worried about AVR if this soundbar had independent channel to power Atmos speakers [just the way they have rear wireless amp].

Ultimately I want an AVR that can be used as seamlessly as soundbar without having to worry about it getting hot when TV is in standby mode for long time.

 

[dvraghavan]

If you use eARC enabled AVR, it would mostly work nice. You can ue TV remote to control volume and configure AVR to turn on/off based on TV's power on state. only if you have other sources (say an audio streamer) you may have to touch the AVR remote. I use a Yamaha AVR for 5 years. You could choose Denon or Onkyo models which are good. Hope you have planned for speaker package as well. Enjoy!!!

 

[all4music]

If you use eARC enabled AVR, it would mostly work nice. You can ue TV remote to control volume and configure AVR to turn on/off based on TV's power on state. only if you have other sources (say an audio streamer) you may have to touch the AVR remote. I use a Yamaha AVR for 5 years. You could choose Denon or Onkyo models which are good. Hope you have planned for speaker package as well. Enjoy!!!

Thanks for confirmation! Speakers are going to be a mix of DIY and ready made stuff.