Receiver - Budget Recommendation

[biochemist]

I just bought a 46 Samsung LCD TV. I am currently using a Panasonic HTiB system for DVD playback on an old CRT. It does not have any surround audio inputs, just l/r inputs. It also only has composite and S-video inputs. It will output component progressive DVD video. I also have a PS2 and Wii. Currently, everything runs through the receiver to a single RCA composite video on the old TV. I would like to get the surround sound from the HDTV cable box to the speakers and I don't think I can do it with the current system. So I am in the market for a receiver. I would like one with a built in DVD player if possible, just to avoid clutter and make the wife happy. My thoughts were to connect the Wii and PS2 with component cables, the HD Cable via HDMI (if direct to TV, than surround to receiver). I have the 5.1 speakers already mounted and don't need/want new speakers. What is the best/cheapest solution, something like the Onkyo 505. It has passthrough HDMI video and you have to connect sound separately, but besides 2 cables, is that a big deal? Any help is appreciated.

 

[mazersteven]

So I am in the market for a receiver. I would like one with a built in DVD player if possible

IMO you don't want a unit like an HTIB receiver. You want to keep your components separate.

You want a DVD player like this.

OPPO DV-981HD
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv981hd/dv981hd_index.html

Receivers

Yamaha RX-V1700
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V1700_910_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater/a11224772.html

 

[biochemist]

Yeah, the Oppo DVD players are nice, but I wanted to spend around 250 total, not on just the DVD player. If necessary, I could get a 50 dvd player and a 200 receiver, whatever looks best. From what I understand, the Samsung's do real well converting 480p signals to native resolution (1080) without the need for an upconverting DVD player, but I will have to try it out and see for myself.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I suggest you slowly walk away. Your 1st post reminds me of mine, I just wanted to get something a tad better than what I had. That was a little over a year ago and now I have 3 HD TVs and several thousand dollars of HT gear. This site is too addictive and will only harm you in the end.

 

[biochemist]

I suggest you slowly walk away. Your 1st post reminds me of mine, I just wanted to get something a tad better than what I had. That was a little over a year ago and now I have 3 HD TVs and several thousand dollars of HT gear. This site is too addictive and will only harm you in the end.

Yeah... I know... My wife will keep me in line, hopefully, but thanks for the warning.

 

[mazersteven]

I suggest you slowly walk away. Your 1st post reminds me of mine, I just wanted to get something a tad better than what I had. That was a little over a year ago and now I have 3 HD TVs and several thousand dollars of HT gear. This site is too addictive and will only harm you in the end.

Come on Greg. Maybe the OP will be better controlled then you where. You were easy. It was a joy spending your cash. Ha Ha LOL

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I just hope the IRS doesnt come down on me when I write off 12k of home office expenses!

Come on Greg. Maybe the OP will be better controlled then you where. You were easy. It was a joy spending your cash. Ha Ha LOL

 

[mazersteven]

but I wanted to spend around 250 total.

OK

Marantz SR4001 $219
http://www.ubid.com/Marantz_SR4001_560W_A/V_7.1_Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225442.html

Denon DCM-290 5-Disc Cd $112
http://www.ubid.com/Denon_DCM-290_5-Disc_Cd_/_Mp3_Player_With_Warranty/a703057519.html

or

Denon DCM-280 5-Disc $82
http://www.ubid.com/Denon_DCM-280_5-Disc_Cd_Carousel_Bstk/a703057520.html

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Listen to Steven on the "seperates" advice. You dont want a DVD player built into the AVR even if you have to spend an extra 75 bucks or so.

Yeah... I know... My wife will keep me in line, hopefully, but thanks for the warning.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Parts Express has a Pioneer VSX-517 for $178 and a 1080P UC DVD player with HDMI for $99.

 

[biochemist]

Never heard of Marantz (Noob, i know). I assume they are an ok company? I am looking up the specs now, thanks in advance.

Edit: That is a serious bit of equipment (the 4001) for $219. The ubid site... is that stuff returnable/warranted?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

They also have a Sherwood 5.1 AVR for $129 and Pioneer DVD for $79.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=250-561

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=252-105

Parts Express has a Pioneer VSX-517 for $178 and a 1080P UC DVD player with HDMI for $99.

 

[mazersteven]

Never heard of Marantz (Noob, i know). I assume they are an ok company? I am looking up the specs now, thanks in advance.

Edit: That is a serious bit of equipment (the 4001) for $219. The ubid site... is that stuff returnable/warranted?

Warranty
90 day warranty through Marantz


http://www.ubid.com/help/topic39.asp

 

[biochemist]

OK, called the wife, she said $219 was out of the question just so I can have surround sound on TV shows. Something about Disney World in a few months, Christmas debt, and a $1500 TV. Being married to an accountant can be a drag. Anyway, other questions. How much money should I really spend on cables (HDMI, component sets for PS2, Wii and DVD). I know, I know, better cables make a difference, but how much, really? Will I even notice in my family room with 5 windows and a 3 year old kid running around.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Fancy cables do absolutely nothing; it is just a marketing scheme. We all use inexpensive cables and wires from either MonoPrice or BlueJeans. I have a $3 cable on my 2.5K sub, a $20 HDMI on my BR player and Home Depot speaker wire.

OK, called the wife, she said $219 was out of the question just so I can have surround sound on TV shows. Something about Disney World in a few months, Christmas debt, and a $1500 TV. Being married to an accountant can be a drag. Anyway, other questions. How much money should I really spend on cables (HDMI, component sets for PS2, Wii and DVD). I know, I know, better cables make a difference, but how much, really? Will I even notice in my family room with 5 windows and a 3 year old kid running around.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Can you get the $129 Sherwood?

 

[mazersteven]

How much money should I really spend on cables (HDMI, component sets for PS2, Wii and DVD). I know, I know, better cables make a difference, but how much, really?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I beat you to it...

 

[biochemist]

That is really good to know. We had our house pre-wired for 5.1 surround-sound and I was disappointed to find generic 16 guage wire in the boxes (aka Home Depot wire). I will definitely be getting my cables from monoprice, they are 1/10th the price of the "fancy" stuff.

Edit: Hey, maybe I can save enough money to talk my wife into a receiver... hehehe.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

When my wife starts getting onto me for spending too much on HT gear and searching this site, I remind her that I could go to a topless bar instead...