best AVR for $1200 or less??? help the dummy

[yupanic]

ok, after reading everything I can get, I need advice on an AVR. My system is this: pioneer pdp 4270 hd, toshiba hd-a3, direct-tv receiver, and newly ordered axiom epic grand master 500. I have ~13 yr old kenwood receiver but need to upgrade for HDMI and HD compatability. I want as good video as audio processing. Also, I do want second zone for outside speakers. My budget is not set in stone if expanding is well worth it. Thanks

 

[Seth=L]

It really doesn't get much better than the Onkyo TX-SR805 (Same as Integra DTR-7.8). Since you have the HD-A3 I don't think spending a few hundred more merits the extra scaling features found on the TX-SR875 (Same as Integra DTR-8.8). The scaling on the HD-A3 won't be as good as the the scalers found in the TX-SR875. I have a feeling the scalers in your TV are probably more comparitive to the scalers in the TX-SR875. If you save some bucks on the receiver you can afford to step up your subwoofer a bit. The TX-SR805 is a very powerful receiver, I wouldn't be concerned about running out of juice at any time.

 

[zumbo]

I like the Yamaha 1800 myself.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=558291&CTID=5000300

 

[Gasman]

1200.00 My vote would be to sell the A3, get a player with analog outs and get seperates (rather than spend 1200.00+ on a AVR).

But considering you want it now.. My vote would be to get the 875 Onkyo, the cost/performance is about the best in the business ATM.
Or save your money get the 805 for about ~750.00, as the video should be quite good with the A3 for HDM (unless you are talking about SD DVDs)
The money you saved by getting the 805, you can now await the Samsung BD-UP5000 for HD DVD and BD, as well HQV processing for the SD DVDs.

EDIT; Linky - http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/hdtvs/2568/samsungs-bluhd-combo-player-bd-up5000.html

 

[Seth=L]

I like the Yamaha 1800 myself.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=558291&CTID=5000300

Basically any receiver will do, the Axioms are pretty efficient, though they could be load fluctuant.

 

[tcarcio]

Pioneer ELITE

http://dw.com.com/redir?astid=2&destUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fcnet.pgpartner.com%2Frd.php%3Fr%3D5960%26m%3D28117117%26q%3Dn%26pg%3D%7E%7E2%26k%3D30b8f75ccf40c25719a7e261e3674327%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww%252EShopDigitalCorp%252Ecom%252Fproductdetail%252Easp%253Fproductid%253D760%2526ref%253Dpricegrabber&ltype=mlst&merId=6288991&mfgId=275200&oid=4864-6466_7-32110153&ontid=6466&pg=&pId=32110153&prc=%24719.99&sorder=&stype=&tag=lst&ttag=pgrabber&lop=online&edId=3&siteid=7&channelid=6449

 

[yupanic]

I am obviously an amatuer and do not know much about separates and have been reading as much as possible re: Emotiva, but it seems to me people are not as high on them for video as they are their audio. Any thoughts? Different company for better video?

 

[mfabien]

ok, after reading everything I can get, I need advice on an AVR. My system is this: pioneer pdp 4270 hd, toshiba hd-a3, direct-tv receiver, and newly ordered axiom epic grand master 500. I have ~13 yr old kenwood receiver but need to upgrade for HDMI and HD compatability. I want as good video as audio processing. Also, I do want second zone for outside speakers. My budget is not set in stone if expanding is well worth it. Thanks

Your PDP4270HD has 2 HDMI inputs (inputs # 5 and 6). The best solution is to connect your STB and HD DVD player directly to one of these inputs (to be used as dedicated inputs) and calibrate the TV's relevant HDMI input accordingly for each device.

However, that creates an audio limitation because your A3 does not have multichannel analogs to provide you with lossless audio. So, I would try to sell the A3 and get an HD DVD player with multichannel analogs... unless your Kenwood receiver does not have multichannel analog inputs.

If the latter case, you must update the receiver and I would select one with HDMI switching to take care of the A3. The receiver's HDMI output could connect to the dedicated Pioneer HDMI input as explained in the first paragraph above. There is little need to have a receiver with HDMI version 1.3 or lossless audio. Your Pioneer HDMI inputs are not 1.3 and your HD-A3 player decodes DD TrueHD and DTS-HD (core) which can incorporate commentaries and function button sounds (new receivers cannot combine such things with lossless audio).

 

[Seth=L]

Your PDP4270HD has 2 HDMI inputs (inputs # 5 and 6). The best solution is to connect your STB and HD DVD player directly to one of these inputs (to be used as dedicated inputs) and calibrate the TV's relevant HDMI input accordingly for each device.

However, that creates an audio limitation because your A3 does not have multichannel analogs to provide you with lossless audio. So, I would try to sell the A3 and get an HD DVD player with multichannel analogs... unless your Kenwood receiver does not have multichannel analog inputs.

If the latter case, you must update the receiver and I would select one with HDMI switching to take care of the A3. The receiver's HDMI output could connect to the dedicated Pioneer HDMI input as explained in the first paragraph above. There is little need to have a receiver with HDMI version 1.3 or lossless audio. Your Pioneer HDMI inputs are not 1.3 and your HD-A3 player decodes DD TrueHD and DTS-HD (core) which can incorporate commentaries and function button sounds (new receivers cannot combine such things with lossless audio).

What benefit is there to connect HDMI directly to the TV? From my understanding there is none, as it is a digital signal. It either gets to the TV or it doesn't, simple as that.

If selling something is an option sell the HD-A3 and get the HD-XA2 which has the Reon Scaler, HDMI 1.3, and full support of bitstream HD audio over HDMI.

 

[mfabien]

What benefit is there to connect HDMI directly to the TV? From my understanding there is none, as it is a digital signal. It either gets to the TV or it doesn't, simple as that.

The benefit is this:

Picture calibration of the TV is different for an HD DVD player vs an HD satellite or cable receiver (STB). Having a Pioneer Plasma flat panel, it makes sense to do things the proper way to get the very best picture.

 

[Seth=L]

The benefit is this:

Picture calibration of the TV is different for an HD DVD player vs an HD satellite or cable receiver (STB). Having a Pioneer Plasma flat panel, it makes sense to do things the proper way to get the very best picture.

How is direct connection more "proper" pray tell?

The video passes through the receiver, that is all it does, pass through.

 

[no. 5]

Picture calibration of the TV is different for an HD DVD player vs an HD satellite or cable receiver (STB).

How is the calibration different?

Is not HD DVD and HDTV (satellite, cable, or off air) both using the same ATSC standard?

 

[Seth=L]

How is the calibration different?

Is not HD DVD and HDTV (satellite, cable, or off air) both using the same ATSC standard?

If it was even a concern then the Satellite should be direct connected with a seperate SPDIF cable (coax/optical) run to the receiver, and the HD DVD player connected to the receiver via HDMI.

Monoprice.com recommended for HDMI cables.

 

[Gasman]

BTW, could a moderator remove the 'help the dummy'.

There are no dummies here, just people learning more everyday.


A dummy would not have even asked the question. A uninformed person would.

 

[mfabien]

How is direct connection more "proper" pray tell?

The video passes through the receiver, that is all it does, pass through.

I guess your not getting the point...

The TV*picture settings need to be different for an HD DVD player (and most DVD player for that matter) compared to HDTV. That is a fact.

Therefore, 2 HDMI inputs are better than one. Each Pioneer HDMI input will save its settings in the saved "User" selection.

 

[no. 5]

The TV*picture settings need to be different for an HD DVD player (and most DVD player for that matter) compared to HDTV.

What picture settings need to be different?

Do they need different grayscale calibrations, or what?

 

[Gasman]

What picture settings need to be different?
Do they need different grayscale calibrations, or what?

All picture settings need to be checked.
Yes they may need different grayscale calibrations per HDMI, per device.

If you are asking, say example.. I have 1 HDMI in the TV and switch between my HD DVD player and my DVD (or any other player for that matter).
Yes, there needs to be a setting for each individual player (settings should be saved per device, or as my LCDs, they save per switched device).
Is it really that much of a concern for most people, NO.
Does it make a difference, 100% absolutely yes.

Same question would apply if you had 3 HDMI ins to the TV, each one should be calibrated seperately for each input device .

Another example, since you bring up grayscale in particular.
One of my HD DVD player has a setting called Enhanced Black Level. My DVD and BD (PS3) do not have this setting, which will totally change your grayscale for that particular device (and changing grayscale, WILL change the color. So that will need to be checked, as well as sharpness, etc..)..

EDIT; this applies to EVERY input on a TV (RF, VGA, each HDMI, RGB, etc...), as each signal will have different settings coming in (some may be filtered, enhanced, etc... So yes this applies to HD DVD, BD, DVD, etc.. and yes HDTV)

Hope that clears up some of the confusion.

 

[yupanic]

thank you all for your advice. does anyone have much experience with the pioneer elites. like the VSX-92THX versus the onkyo 875.

As for my toshiba hd-a3 I can put that in my bedroom and get something else for my HT. But what do you recommend for HD and SD DVD? At the moment both of my plasmas are only 1080i so do not need 1080p device for quite a while (the speakers and AVR ensured that)

 

[Gasman]

But what do you recommend for HD and SD DVD?

1080i/p is very little difference.
And I would still recommend the 799.00 player at Amazon.com for best upscaled DVDs, as well will play HD DVD and BD with the HQV processing (and has analog outs if needed for DTS MA, but will certainly pass DD+, DTS core, and Dolby True HD through the HDMI).
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-BD-UP5000-HD-DVD-Blu-Ray-Player/dp/B000VDG0UK

It should even be an upgrade to the Onkyo 875 video scaling performance.

Please note; it is a pre-order at the moment, so you would have plenty of time to change your mind, as you would not be charged until it ships.

And then just get the Onkyo 805 for sound. It is currently at CC for 699.00 (Buckeyefan posted a link in deal section)
(doh, it just went up in price to 899.00, but may come back down = the Holidays ALWAYS will fluctuate a price)

Considering you were thinking of spending 1200.00+ for just a AVR that does good video, I would think this would fit into your plans well.

EDIT; Granted this is all an opinion, but it is one with a generally higher consesus with the fellows that keep up with HD times.
But by all means, wait for many more replies, as I would like to see other suggestions.
As well, I most certainly do not want to come off as being pushy. This is not even equipment I own, just equipment I have been keeping tabs on, and seems to be the more logical cost to performance option.
There are Yamaha and Denon players that offer very similar performance and maybe with only slight advatages but usually a much higher premium price.
Including the newest Denon player (that is not a combo HD player) it may well have excellent picture quality but at 3 times the price.

My general opinion is, cost effective performance. Not ALL OUT what is TOP of the line.

 

[Seth=L]

I guess your not getting the point...

The TV*picture settings need to be different for an HD DVD player (and most DVD player for that matter) compared to HDTV. That is a fact.

Therefore, 2 HDMI inputs are better than one. Each Pioneer HDMI input will save its settings in the saved "User" selection.

Ok, so what would be the problem with running sat. direct to one HDMI input on the TV and the Blu-ray/HD DVD through the receiver then to the TV's other HDMI input? Also, why does the OP need to use HDMI to connect the sat. to the tv, why not use component as it would likely yeild the same picture quality? Why I ask, WHY?!

I see no reason why sound should be sacrificed for NO REASON!