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[Draft]

Just two HDMI inputs? That might be acceptable for HT users (satellite/cable box, blu-ray player), but gamers will probably need an additional HDMI switcher.

Is there any reason you wouldn't want to use an HDMI switcher? I was looking at that 663, and was also concerned about the "lack" of HDMI inputs. I priced out a switcher at Monoprice, and the thing was like $30. Is there signal degradation or anything else funky that comes from using a switcher?

And is hooking everything up via HDMI preferred? I currently have my Xbox and PS3 hooked up to the HDTV via HDMI for audio and video. I would prefer to not have to buy any more cords, and just plug the Xbox/PS3 into the receiver, and then the receiver into the TV. That works, right? You get sound pumped through the receiver into whatever speakers you hook up, and then the video signal gets passed along the receiver into the TV?

 

[Robobandit]

I've done so much research at that forum, and it seems there is almost little to no complaints when reading through the Pioneer, Yamaha, or Denon discussions. One of those cases where you can't really choose wrong, and the little differences become major differences for the sake of comparison.

If you have any questions about the receiver that you want answered, feel free to shoot me a PM.. I've had it almost 2 months now and I'm still figuring out features on this thing.

 

[WickedCobra03]

Honestly, unless you need HDMI switching (if you have more than one display, or more HDMI devices than inputs on your TV) then I'd hold off. It takes a bare minimum of $600 to get an HDMI receiver that supports TrueHD and DTSHD-MA.

We have a $30k system at home, and we're using a Denon 3808CI, along with B&W 802D speakers. It's a fantastic receiver, and the functionality of it is great. Seriously though, the audible difference between DD/DTS and TrueHD/DTSMA is very negligeable. Not worth the extra expense in my mind.

If you do want to spend the cash, then I'd recommend the Denon AVR-789 or Denon AVR-1909 (they're both essentially the same receiver...one is sold in consumer stores, one is sold in high end stores...the latter comes with an extra remote for a second zone). It retails for $730 (though I'm sure you can get it for $600 or less). It decodes all that you want, has 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, and has the Faroudja DCDi video processor, so upscaled analog signals should look good. I have not heard the unit myself, but we've used several Denon receivers and players here, and their stuff really is fantastic. Try it out.

Avoid the Onkyo 606. It has heat issues, lip synching issues (may have been fixed with newer firmware...not sure) and only upconverts to 1080i (not 1080p).

I would go with Denon as well. I have had nothing except for bliss with their receivers. Easy to use, beautiful, most say pretty cool, packed with features to the gills.

Anyways, as far as the DTS-MasterAudio, I have heard it and I am not impressed. I would imagine that the TrueHD DolbyDigital is nothing mind blowing either but can't say for myself since I have not personally experienced...

 

[Brandon F]

If you have any questions about the receiver that you want answered, feel free to shoot me a PM.. I've had it almost 2 months now and I'm still figuring out features on this thing.

Absolutely. PS3 settings alone confuse the crap out of me. Bitstream? Linear PCM? 24hz? Super White mode? No wonder they didn't ship it with an HDMI cable...even Sony is like, "you know what, just stick the yellow wire in the yellow hole! It's easier that way!"

I'll have eveything this weekend, expect many PM's.

 

[DKo5]

Denon 2308

 

[darscot]

Just two HDMI inputs? That might be acceptable for HT users (satellite/cable box, blu-ray player), but gamers will probably need an additional HDMI switcher.

I have it running with all three systems and HD Sat, PS3 and 360 HDMI, Sat and Wii on Component. Component in does go out through HDMI so it all works perfectly. As long as your sat or cable box has component your golden. They are only 1080i anyway component gets the job done.

 

[darscot]

I would imagine that the DTS-MasterAudio is nothing mind blowing either but can't say for myself since I have not personally experienced...

Your wrong on that one, 7.1 DTS Master Audio is unbelievable. TrueHD Dolby Digital didn't really impress me either. Uncompressed PCM sounds awesome as well much better then TrueHD but DST Master Audio is the King. That with my very laymans ears.

 

[Westonian]

Anyways, as far as the TrueHD DolbyDigital, I have heard it and I am not impressed. I would imagine that the DTS-MasterAudio is nothing mind blowing either but can't say for myself since I have not personally experienced...

I think once you hear a true A/B comparison of TrueHD versus Dolby Digital the differences are quite discernible. There is less dynamic range compression, which accounts for people saying that TrueHD tracks sound quieter than DD. Also, details in the high range frequencies have much more detail with a TrueHD encode. The differences are probably less dramatic when you're already getting the absolute best possible sound from DD (i.e. the guy with B&W speakers), but there is a genuine improvement. And that's to say nothing of true 7.1 discrete channels vs the 6.1 matrixed DD-EX and DTS-ES.

 

[LiK]

oh snap, we're getting technical here

 

[TheExodu5]

To the poster looking to spend $1500, like everyone would recommend, go to AVSForum.

I recommend you stay away from Polk, they're leaning a bit towards Bose in terms of quality. Paradigm is a much better make that has some decent stuff for cheaper.

Generally, if you want good sound, you need size. You'll probably be looking into sets of bookshelf speakers (roughly 2 feet high, 1 foot wide, 1 foot deep). There was a highly recommended set of bookshelf that were discontinued a year back or so, so I'm not sure what the general concensus as far as a $1500 system goes. Either way, you'll probably be looking to spend maybe $300 on a basic receiver, and $1200 on speakers. If you want a more fully features receiver, you'll be looking at $500-700, so you'll have to cut back on your speaker budget.

Better speakers >>>> the move from DTS to DTS-MA

 

[bill0527]

Onkyo 606.

I've got the 605 and the only difference is that the 606 had 3 HDMI inputs vs. only 2 inputs on the 605.

You'll spend around $400 for it which is well within you budget.

Get your HDMI cables from monoprice.com if you don't have them already. I bought 3 10-foot cables from them for like 20 bucks shipped.

I have my PS3 and HD-DVR hooked up via HDMI on my 605. My Xbox 360 is plugged into component and optical for the sound because my 360 was a launch unit and doesn't have HDMI... and that's perfectly alright with me since I'm out of HDMI inputs on my receiver.

 

[Westonian]

Better speakers >>>> the move from DTS to DTS-MA

Now this I actually agree with. (Versus HD audio not being worth anything.) TrueHD and DST-HD MA won't make much difference if your speakers suck donkey balls. I also agree that Paradigm wipes the floor with Polk when it comes to price to performance. Polk are in the same tier as Klipsch: over priced and underwhelming.

Paradigm are very nice, but my highest recommendation goes to Axiom. Axiom speakers are dollar for dollar the best speakers on the planet in the under $2K market.

As for subs on a budget, ED subs are highly praised by the blokes over at AVS. I haven't heard one myself, but praise that universal is not a fluke.

 

[TheExodu5]

Now this I actually agree with. (Versus HD audio not being worth anything.) TrueHD and DST-HD MA won't make much difference if your speakers suck donkey balls. I also agree that Paradigm wipes the floor with Polk when it comes to price to performance. Polk are in the same tier as Klipsch: over priced and underwhelming.

Paradigm are very nice, but my highest recommendation goes to Axiom. Axiom speakers are dollar for dollar the best speakers on the planet in the under $2K market.

As for subs on a budget, ED subs are highly praised by the blokes over at AVS. I haven't heard one myself, but praise that universal is not a fluke.

Axiom is the name I was looking for! Yeah, I've heard great things about their bookshelfs.

As for subs, if you don't have the cash right away, don't be afraid to wait on a sub. A decent set of speakers will have a good amount more bass than you're used to anyways. If you do have the cash, by all means go for it, but don't skimp on the rest of the system. Oh, and especially don't skimp on the center channel, it's the most important for movies (voice). If you can't afford rears, then just start off with 2 or 3 front speakers (left, right, center). Upgrade as time goes.

Order of importance:

Left and right speakrs ---> Receiver ---> Center speaker ---> Rear speakers ---> Subwoofer

Oh, and please make sure you don't have a shitty DVD/CD player. Your system will only be as good as your source. If you have a PS3, it's a very good DVD and CD player (only if audio is sent through HDMI/optical).

 

[beat]

Onkyo 606.

I've got the 605 and the only difference is that the 606 had 3 HDMI inputs vs. only 2 inputs on the 605.

The 606 actually has four HDMI inputs! =) The posters above are right that you can certainly go HD with component inputs as well, though, which I temporarily forgot. (My old XB and PS2 are already taking up both component inputs on my AVR, actually.) And sure, if switchers are cheap, then go crazy. Last I looked, I just didn't want to spend the extra money (they were more like $90 then) and lose another power outlet as well. Also, the remote controls on those switchers are ultra cheap quality, as far as I can tell; I think they expect anyone who buys them will either rely on the auto-switching or have a programmable universal remote.

 

[TheExodu5]

The 606 actually has four HDMI inputs! =) The posters above are right that you can certainly go HD with component inputs as well, though, which I temporarily forgot. (My old XB and PS2 are already taking up both component inputs on my AVR, actually.) And sure, if switchers are cheap, then go crazy. Last I looked, I just didn't want to spend the extra money (they were more like $90 then) and lose another power outlet as well. Also, the remote controls on those switchers are ultra cheap quality, as far as I can tell; I think they expect anyone who buys them will either rely on the auto-switching or have a programmable universal remote.

If he has a 1080p TV, the Onkio sucks. He might not be able to pass through a 1080p signal.

Can someone verify whether or not the Onkio will pass through a 1080p signal? We know it won't upconvert to it, but it would be nice to know if 1080p can actually go through.

 

[Cold-Steel]

Yamaha or Pioneer Elite.

Onkyo makes very high quality stuff but I don't think they are in the same category as the top two.

Denon makes good budget receivers but they completely pale in comparison to the above three. Not a fan.

Currently running a Yamaha HTR-6090

 

[Lion Heart]

Alright let me rephrase.

Is it possible that a higher quality receiver will sound worse (to a noob atleast) compared to a HTiB receiver if the speakers are shit?

 

[dralla]

If he has a 1080p TV, the Onkio sucks. He might not be able to pass through a 1080p signal.

Can someone verify whether or not the Onkio will pass through a 1080p signal? We know it won't upconvert to it, but it would be nice to know if 1080p can actually go through.

huh? The 606 passes 1080p and it upconverts to 1080i

lolz. stealth edit

 

[LiK]

I recommend you stay away from Polk, they're leaning a bit towards Bose in terms of quality. Paradigm is a much better make that has some decent stuff for cheaper.

sure, Polks are the lower end of the speaker scale but i have a polk center and tower L/Rs and they work fine for the price. after spending so much on my receiver, they're good temps until i upgrade to better brands. a lot of guys on AVS have moved their Polks to rear surrounds and i'll probably do that when i upgrade.

but like i said, they work fine and sound great.

 

[J-Rzez]

I'm a firm promoter of Denon products, simply great products all around from power supplies, to audio functionality, to audio clarity. And some models are rather cheap now too. Make sure to find something that specifically states it can do 7.1LPCM/Uncompressed Audio.

Now, I must admit though, I bought an Onkyo to hold me over back then until Denon got their new models out, and I still use my Onkyo. It was cheap and very effective. Great power, nice clarity, and some nice features.

I was never really impresed by Sony, Yamaha, nor Pioneer products as much as Denon and even Onkyo (bang for the buck wise especially) though.

 

[TheExodu5]

Yamaha or Pioneer Elite.

Onkyo makes very high quality stuff but I don't think they are in the same category as the top two.

Denon makes good budget receivers but they completely pale in comparison to the above three. Not a fan.

Currently running a Yamaha HTR-6090

Denon makes good budget receivers!?!? They have some of the best high-end receivers out there man! The AVR-2808 is amazing for the money.

I can't personally vouch for Pioneer, but I've had a Yamaha receiver about 3 years ago (can't remember the model, but it retailed for around $1300) and it was great. I did like it better than the Denon at the time. However, nowadays Denon has matured a lot, and the usability of their receiver is fantastic (which was my main complaint before).

I'm not sure whether or not Yamaha's usability improved, but I can at least comment on the sound differences. While both the Denon and Yamahas 3 years ago sounded great, the Yamaha produced a colder sound, while the Denon was warmer in comparison. We prefered the colder Yamaha. I think Denon has gotten much better, as our current AVR-3808 is much more neutral (though it does need a few tweaks in the low end on the center channel).

 

[LiK]

Denon makes good budget receivers!?!? They have some of the best high-end receivers out there man! The AVR-2808 is amazing for the money.

yep, i use a AVR-3808 and once again, i recommend it if you can afford it.

i also have to defend Yamaha cuz i had a Yamaha receiver for years and it worked great. i actually think the sound is a bit warmer on a Yamaha compared to a Denon. the only neg is that Yamahas aren't as good a value since they offer less features compared to a Denon in the same price range.

 

[scissorfight]

Yamaha or Pioneer Elite.

Onkyo makes very high quality stuff but I don't think they are in the same category as the top two.

Denon makes good budget receivers but they completely pale in comparison to the above three. Not a fan.

Currently running a Yamaha HTR-6090

my denon 3808ci blows pioneer elites away IMO. couldn't be happier with my upgrade.

 

[LiK]

my denon 3808ci blows pioneer elites away IMO. couldn't be happier with my upgrade.

fuck yea

 

[Brandon F]

Wait, the Denon doesn't have a blue-light to signify HD audio output? Instant Fail!