The Indian customers for HT has a self imposed limit on themselves. That is sticking to AVR. People are spending lakhs on AVRs for being the latest, number of inputs which they are never going to use, reading the specs, looking at the features etc. But in terms of real cinematic experience, these AVRs fail miserably. I am sharing my journey from AVR to separates
I have used three AVRs before upgrading to separates. while shifting from one AVR to another gave me negligible or no improvement in terms sound quality, the upgradation to separates was mind blowing.
Just see the back sides of your AVR. On an average a 7 channel AVR consumes around 500 watts and they claim to deliver 130-140 watts per channel. How it's possible. My 5 channel Adcom power amp which claims to deliver 125-185 watts at 8 and 4 Ohms respectively has a maximum power consumption of over 1.6 KW.
Technically speaking:
An AVR has the following two major parts built into a single enclosure where as separates got two separate units (As the name suggests)
1. Processor: This has all inputs and and decoding like Dolby Digital, Atmos, DTS, DTS HD mstr etc. This can also takes care of the video part.
Usually a user will feel the need to upgrade this with invention of new audio formats and higher video resolution like 4K etc
2. Multichannel Power amplifier or mono blocks : This dumb (Sometimes ugly too) unit has only one task to do. Receive signal from the Processor through RCA or XLR and Send kick ass power to the speakers. Many people like me get addicted to this component and usually don't feel the need to change it for decades unless they need more power.
Solution: We should demand the local stores to sell processors. We have many talented amplifier designers here who can fulfill the demand for the power amp. This will save some money while not compromising with the cinematic experiences.
Hopping from one AVR to another will not result in any significant improvement in sound quality. Guys please audition for separates where ever you find. Be in a demo room or in any HFV members' place.