HDMI surround receiver under $500

[davetroy]

Thanks for clarifying.

Just wondering: I noticed on one of the Yamaha forums that the RV-661 doesn't provide on-screen display through HDMI. This seems to be common with the lower-priced receivers (like the Onkyo in similar price range, but I'm wondering, why? Also, is this much of an issue (in other words, is the on-screen display really used that often after initial setup)?

 

[jonnythan]

My receiver does not have an OSD, and I certainly don't miss it. Everything is easy enough to do with the screen on the receiver.

 

[Seth=L]

My receiver does not have an OSD, and I certainly don't miss it. Everything is easy enough to do with the screen on the receiver.

Yes, OSD is not a deciding factor in my purchases.

 

[darien87]

Thanks for clarifying.

Just wondering: I noticed on one of the Yamaha forums that the RV-661 doesn't provide on-screen display through HDMI. This seems to be common with the lower-priced receivers (like the Onkyo in similar price range, but I'm wondering, why? Also, is this much of an issue (in other words, is the on-screen display really used that often after initial setup)?

OSD is nice, but I noticed that I only really used it when I was first setting up the receiver. Now that I know where the functions are, I just use the display on the receiver. It's a cool feature to have, but it shouldn't stop you from buying what is a great receiver. I was just about to buy a 661, but according to someone I spoke to at Yamaha, it doesn't have multiple crossover points.

 

[Seth=L]

OSD is nice, but I noticed that I only really used it when I was first setting up the receiver. Now that I know where the functions are, I just use the display on the receiver. It's a cool feature to have, but it shouldn't stop you from buying what is a great receiver. I was just about to buy a 661, but according to someone I spoke to at Yamaha, it doesn't have multiple crossover points.

The guys at Yamaha also said the Yamaha RX-V661 won't handle 8 channel LPCM, but that was incorrect. You can't be sure with those guys, I am not sure if they are trying to deceive people or if they are just ignorant about their products.

 

[Frugal]

The Pioneer VSX-917 pales in comparison the the RX-V661's performance. If Dave intends to upgrade to an HD Disc format in the future it would be in his best interest to get the RX-V661.

The Pioneer only passes HDMI, nothing else. The Yamaha will upconvert over HDMI, do 8 channel LPCM (for HD-DVD and Blu-ray), DSD (for SACD).

The Pioneer has the same amplifier that the 816 has, which isn't much in comparison to the Yamaha RX-V661.

The Pioneer doesn't have preouts for all channels, the Yamaha does.

The Yamaha has more advanced setup features and flexibility.

Lastly, the Yamaha has more connectivity.

This is the Pioneer.

The reason I am pushing the Yamaha so hard is because I think Dave will be really happy with this unit, and it should satisfy his needs now and in the near future. I am not trying to break anyones glass, just trying to suggest the best possible solution for Dave.

Good luck Dave.

Points taken! Love the graphics!

 

[Seth=L]

Points taken! Love the graphics!

Just trying to get Dave the best value.

 

[davetroy]

How about the Onkyo TX-SR605

I've done a little more research and discovered the following:

Onkyo TX-SR605 ($600, May 2007)
7.1 A/V receiver, 90 watts per channel
2 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI conversion of analog video
Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
Audyssey 2EQ auto speaker calibration
XM- and Sirius-ready

The pre-order price at JR.com is $399 plus $26 shipping, which puts it in about the same price category as the Yamaha RX-V661. Is this, in anybody's opinion, a better deal? Is the 605 a significant set-up from the 604?

 

[Seth=L]

I've done a little more research and discovered the following:

Onkyo TX-SR605 ($600, May 2007)
7.1 A/V receiver, 90 watts per channel
2 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI conversion of analog video
Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Faroudja DCDi video processing
Audyssey 2EQ auto speaker calibration
XM- and Sirius-ready

The pre-order price at JR.com is $399 plus $26 shipping, which puts it in about the same price category as the Yamaha RX-V661. Is this, in anybody's opinion, a better deal? Is the 605 a significant set-up from the 604?

If you can wait, is is possible. The only thing it lacks is the preouts for all channels, so no possible power upgrades.

 

[davetroy]

I actually can wait a little while.

The Yamaha has a pre-outs?

 

[Seth=L]

I actually can wait a little while.

The Yamaha has a pre-outs?

Yes, it does have preouts.

 

[davetroy]

Thanks for all your help, Seth. It's appreciated. So, in your opinion, would you say the Yamaha is still the better value? Or would you wait for the Onkyo?

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks for all your help, Seth. It's appreciated. So, in your opinion, would you say the Yamaha is still the better value? Or would you wait for the Onkyo?

Couldn't say, as the Onkyo is not available yet. It could come out and be a complete flop or a great success. If you would like the guarantee you are getting the newest, and most compatible receiver the Onkyo will probably work best. If you get the Onkyo you will be certain it will handle the next gen formats.

However, if you don't wish to wait the Yamaha is a tempting unit.

 

[davetroy]

Just to update: I decided to buy the Onkyo 605, which isn't out yet. Got it for $399 plus $26 shipping from JR (JR.com doesn't have it; I had to order over the phone). It's scheduled to ship in late May, early June, and JR has a 30-day return policy with no re-stocking fee, so I figured I didn't have much to lose. So, hopefully, this will work out.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Seth, you were very helpful.

 

[Seth=L]

Just to update: I decided to buy the Onkyo 605, which isn't out yet. Got it for $399 plus $26 shipping from JR (JR.com doesn't have it; I had to order over the phone). It's scheduled to ship in late May, early June, and JR has a 30-day return policy with no re-stocking fee, so I figured I didn't have much to lose. So, hopefully, this will work out.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Seth, you were very helpful.

I think you will be pleased with the Onkyo, it has enough power for most home theaters, should be very easy to operate, and has a ton of features. You will have to do a short review for the Onkyo once you get it set-up.

Thank you for you kind works Dave.