Need a new receiver!! Help please

[dhark]

Guys I am new to the latest technology and need some help on a receiver. I did my homework on plasma and bought a Pioneer 425CMX with Key Digital Card (stunning BTW) and has 4 HDMI inputs and some other connections but would prefer just 1 HDMI cable or at least just use the 4 HDMIs. I am using an old 5 speaker Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble 2 with a powered amp, which I am sure will need upgrading too, but does the job for now. I am running an old Sony STR D1011 which is about 12 yrs old and desparately need to upgrade this first. I plan on getting an HD DVD player as well probally the Toshiba A1 A2 or X A1. (any advice on these feel free to add). So I need a receiver that is compatable with this system and is somewhat futureproof in the $500-$750 range. I dont think I need a unit with upconversion as the PLasma does a great job with that and so will the DVD player I believe, correct me if I am wrong. Probablly need some HDMI inputs and something that will enhance the HD DVD audio well. I have read that using multi channel analogs for audio for HD DVD is a supperior connection than optical or digital coax? I dont know really what all that means so help me out

 

[markw]

Where will you be doing your video selection? Through the TV or the receiver?

If you choose the former, your options are greater. By having your TV do the video selection, you just need a receiver to handle your audio functions and they are pretty easy to find.

 

[dhark]

Ideally I would like to connect everything to the receiver and have 1 HDMI to the TV. But I am not sure if that is the best way to go about it? I dont want double scaling/upconverting before it gets to the TV. I was thinking about the Yamaha 2700 but it may be more than I need and its a little out of my price range. Again I am new so I dont know all the in and outs of this stuff

 

[Davemcc]

May I humbly suggest the Denon AVR-887. It has 100wpc x 7, 2 HDMI inputs, conversion to HDMI from analog sources and 8 channel inputs and outputs, etc. These are the features you are looking for, correct? It's basically the box store version of the AVR-2307CI, but $100 cheaper. At $699 retail, it falls well within the budget.

 

[zumbo]

Best deal I know of at the moment.
envgeo(forum member) found a better deal @ onecall.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=29695

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538999334

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200015&CTID=5000400

 

[dhark]

Thanks fellas. Both look to fit the needs and budget. Would you recomend one over the other? I know both are great brands and cant go wrong with either. I noticed they both have only 2 HDMI inputs. If I wanted more am I looking at more $$$$? I guess 2 will do for now seeing I will only have the Comcast HD DVR and a DVD player going to it but 1 or 2 more would be nice but if its gonna put me up into the $1000s I may have to suffice with 2. I noticed the Denon is Ipod compatible, the Yamaha isnt? Is one more user freindly than the other??

 

[Seth=L]

I don't particularly like Denon's user interface. I really don't find Yamaha to be a problem with their higher models. The remotes are pretty easy to figure out, but the lower models suck!

Here is a link to etronics with the Denon-
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?dp=E2F2C20262E632525393C363B3B357F373637303130313&stk_code=denavr887&svbname=403

My personal choice, the Yamaha HTR-5990.

 

[MDS]

I noticed the Denon is Ipod compatible, the Yamaha isnt? Is one more user freindly than the other??

All receivers are iPod compatible, meaning you can connect an iPod and hear the sounds. Receivers that advertise 'iPod compatibility' simply offer additional features like the ability to see the song info on the receiver display and control the iPod with the receiver remote. Those features usually require a separate dock and one receiver's dock won't work with a different receiver.

 

[mdrew]

You may want to consider one of these B-stock Denon's. I think the 2807 is one of the best bargains to be found for HD/BR HDMI playback. They have full 7.1 LPCM support. The 2807 is $750.

http://www.dakmart.com/items/173/20/next/2/

 

[Seth=L]

You may want to consider one of these B-stock Denon's. I think the 2807 is one of the best bargains to be found for HD/BR HDMI playback. They have full 7.1 LPCM support. The 2807 is $750.

http://www.dakmart.com/items/173/20/next/2/

Yes, but the Yamaha HTR-5990 does this for $550. There is no one on earth I would spend $200 more to get a Denon that does virtually the same thing.

 

[Davemcc]

I see the dakmart site has the Denon AVR-887 for $494.98. I like that the Yamaha has fully 120w x 7 vs. the 887's 100w x7. The good news is that the budget is dropping fast.

 

[dhark]

I have read this Yamaha runs very hot??? Is this an issue??? Anymore votes for one or the other

 

[dhark]

Anyone else have anything to add? Maybe something else??

 

[mdrew]

Yes, but the Yamaha HTR-5990 does this for $550. There is no one on earth I would spend $200 more to get a Denon that does virtually the same thing.

To each their own....

Claiming to something and actually doing it are two very different things. LPCM is the most debated function there is right now while the industry transfers from SD to HD and HDMI 1.3 rolls out. LPCM via HDMI is a workaround to give consumers a taste of uncompressed HD audio before 1.3 receivers decode DD/HD and DTS/M. Not all models of receivers claiming to process LPCM do it, or do it well.

Also, Denon's typically have a more accurate wattage rating than Yamaha as they have high current amps similar to HK, Rotel, Nad, etc....

 

[Seth=L]

To each their own....

Claiming to something and actually doing it are two very different things. LPCM is the most debated function there is right now while the industry transfers from SD to HD and HDMI 1.3 rolls out. LPCM via HDMI is a workaround to give consumers a taste of uncompressed HD audio before 1.3 receivers decode DD/HD and DTS/M. Not all models of receivers claiming to process LPCM do it, or do it well.

Also, Denon's typically have a more accurate wattage rating than Yamaha as they have high current amps similar to HK, Rotel, Nad, etc....

Even if Denon rates their receiver wattage more accurately that really isn't relevant. What is the difference between 100 watts and 80 watts? Well I will tell you, it is about 1 decibel. What is a high current amp anyway? An amp is an amp. It's power is determined by the sum of it's parts. The amplifiers in the Yamaha HTR-5990 are quite capable. They have a large power supply, plentiful capacitance and a hefty output stage. I have no doubt the amplifier in the Yamaha is just as good as the one in the Denon or any comparitive receivers that you listed.

The argument for 1.3 and all that stuff is a dead horse. LPCM should be just as good as DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD, the only difference that it makes is that it is decoded inside the dedicated player instead of a receiver.

Lastly, If a reputable receiver manufacturer states the receiver processes 7.1 LPCM you better bet you buttons it will process 7.1 LPCM. As for the processing capabilities compared between the Denon and Yamaha, they should be almost the same, probably not audibly different.

 

[mdrew]

Even if Denon rates their receiver wattage more accurately that really isn't relevant. What is the difference between 100 watts and 80 watts? Well I will tell you, it is about 1 decibel. What is a high current amp anyway? An amp is an amp. It's power is determined by the sum of it's parts. The amplifiers in the Yamaha HTR-5990 are quite capable. They have a large power supply, plentiful capacitance and a hefty output stage. I have no doubt the amplifier in the Yamaha is just as good as the one in the Denon or any comparitive receivers that you listed.

The argument for 1.3 and all that stuff is a dead horse. LPCM should be just as good as DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD, the only difference that it makes is that it is decoded inside the dedicated player instead of a receiver.

Lastly, If a reputable receiver manufacturer states the receiver processes 7.1 LPCM you better bet you buttons it will process 7.1 LPCM. As for the processing capabilities compared between the Denon and Yamaha, they should be almost the same, probably not audibly different.

I’ll take that bet and up you a paycheck.

I was going to discuss with you the remainder of your reply and the statements you made, but why bother? It’s abundantly clear to me by your tone that you have more interest in inciting arguments, then to communicate like an adult. It is people like you who prevent people like me from participating in these forums.

To the OP, be careful what / who you take advice from and do your homework. Contrary to what Seth believes, not all receivers will do what they are supposed to do. I’ve sent back three so far in the past twelve months that did not do what they were supposed to do. And they were from “reputable manufacturers”.

Good luck……

 

[dhark]

here are my finalists
yamaha 5990
denon 887
onkyo 604
panasonic xr57
My main concern is home theater audio and not so much for music. I want something that wont have any isues with HDMI, meaning it will pass all audio with no problems if possible? I was leaning towards the Panny cause its alot cheaper and has had some rave reviews, but it seems like it might be more suited for music listening? I was leaning this way to hold me over till the HDMI thing gets all sorted out and prices keep coming down. Whatcha all think?? If yo guys can think of any others that fit they bill LMK

 

[Seth=L]

I’ll take that bet and up you a paycheck.

I was going to discuss with you the remainder of your reply and the statements you made, but why bother? It’s abundantly clear to me by your tone that you have more interest in inciting arguments, then to communicate like an adult. It is people like you who prevent people like me from participating in these forums.

To the OP, be careful what / who you take advice from and do your homework. Contrary to what Seth believes, not all receivers will do what they are supposed to do. I’ve sent back three so far in the past twelve months that did not do what they were supposed to do. And they were from “reputable manufacturers”.

Good luck……

HDMI errors are common with early versions. They can be fixed via firmware upgrades in most cases. If that is the only reason for wanting 1.3, then that is silly, I am sorry that you feel that way.

 

[zumbo]

I was going to discuss with you the remainder of your reply and the statements you made, but why bother? It’s abundantly clear to me by your tone that you have more interest in inciting arguments, then to communicate like an adult. It is people like you who prevent people like me from participating in these forums.

Actually, you look like the one being an @$$. Where do you get this "Denon rates their bla bla, and Yamaha rates their bla bla." You are the one who is coming in here with a bunch of (r@p. It is people like you who who we will not miss on your way out. We don't need to act like adults, we are adults. Give the OP the respect they deserve before you run them off. If you like Denon, fine. I like them too. No need to start a bunch of (r@p with bogus statements that are B$

 

[dhark]

alrighty lets put the gloves away I keep going back to the 5990 but someting tells me to just get the xr57 to hold me over till the HDMI thing gets sorted out? I mean they all should be way better than my 12 yr old Sony str 1011 right? I mean its only pro-logic and doesnt have any digital inputs And any thoughts on my speakers? I havent read to much about Cambridge Soundworks on any of the boards? These were a big deal when I got them 10 yrs ago are they any good?