yamaha 663 vs 863 vs 1800: HDMI audio

[row310]

New poster so I apologize if this question has been discussed in the past but I could not find it.

I'll be purchasing a receiver in the near future and have read about the yamaha --3 series with great anticipation. However, there is one aspect I am still confused on between the 3 models listed above. I know the 663 does not support audio from an HDMI input so a separate coax or optical cable is required which bothers me. However, is this the case with the 863 or does this upgrade take away this issue. If not, I assume the RX-V1800 supports HDMI audio as it is the first model to support HD surround, etc (please correct me if I'm wrong!).

Do any other companies make a model priced closer to the 663 that will support audio input through an HDMI cable?

 

[bandphan]

why is the spdif a problem?

 

[row310]

I'm hoping to avoid extra cables and want to take advantage of the HDMI audio (at least if it's not too prohibitively expensive to do so)

 

[mudrummer99]

I know the 663 does not support audio from an HDMI input so a separate coax or optical cable is required which bothers me.

This is completely untrue. The 663 is HDMI 1.3 compliant meaning not only does it carry audio through the HDMI but it also decodes the latest audio codecs from next gen disc players such as BD and HD DVD within the unit. Furthermore you cannot get these advanced codecs to the receiver through any other means besides HDMI. I hope this clears up this issue for you and helps you decide on a shiny new receiver

Mike

Edit: I misspoke a bit, you can get the next gen audio codecs without using an HDMI cable but you need a bluray player that is capable of decoding the formats internally and then transporting them out multi-channel audio outputs.

 

[bandphan]

I'm hoping to avoid extra cables and want to take advantage of the HDMI audio (at least if it's not too prohibitively expensive to do so)

when you say hdmi audio, are you running a hd or a bluray player or an sacd player? If so which models? A 6' optical cable from monoprice is under 6 bucks. Give us some back round on your setup thoughts

 

[row310]

Initially I'm planning on the following components:

1) 1080p plasma
2) PS3 as bluray and game player
3) definitive pro cinema 1000 speakers/sub
4) cable or satellite w/ dvr input

I'll be starting with a 5.1 set up but want a 7.1 receiver for future upgrades.

Sorry for my confusion but I had read somewhere that with the 663, you need to use a separate optical cable for each input for audio since it won't accept the audio via HDMI. Was this bad information?

If I can have the following components and only need HDMI cables to hook everything up, that'd be great.

 

[bandphan]

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v663/ toms review on the 663. The unit is one of the best bang for the buck units and will do all you need. How big is the room? power wise the monitor 1000 are 88db and the 663 will drive them. With the ability to add an external amp for the future, its a nice deal. Save the 400 bucks difference and put it towards a better sub. note, i mentioned monoprice.com, them or bluejeans cable will have the cables you need at the right price.

 

[row310]

thanks for all the info! a couple weeks ago i didnt know what any of this stuff meant and its been a big learning curve made much easier by sites like this.

 

[row310]

my room will be ~25 x 15' with high celings (living area open to 2nd level). i cant center the HT system however so itll be more like a 15 x 15' room with 2 story ceiling.

as far as subwoofers, anything in the 400-500 range you would suggest instead of the definitive?

 

[jostenmeat]

Hey mudrummer & bandphan, I was trying to help in an AVS thread earlier today, and this dude was saying something about the 663 not passing "FULL" range hdmi? Do you guys know wthell he's talking about, or is he just smoking crack? thanks.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1018601

 

[bandphan]

Hey mudrummer & bandphan, I was trying to help in an AVS thread earlier today, and this dude was saying something about the 663 not passing "FULL" range hdmi? Do you guys know wthell he's talking about, or is he just smoking crack? thanks.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1018601

what does he mean "doesnt pass full range", pass it to what?


"as far as subwoofers, anything in the 400-500 range you would suggest instead of the definitive?"

for a hundred more.....look at svs, some like hsu also

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=178&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

 

[row310]

thanks for all your help bedphan.

to make sure i have this correct, the 663 HDMI inputs are not just pass through-- it supports/decodes all the current audio formats which is why i can connect my satellite box and PS3 to the receiver with only a HDMI cable which will handle both the audio and video components.

thanks again for your help!

 

[bandphan]

you are good to go sir

 

[Nomo]

Hey mudrummer & bandphan, I was trying to help in an AVS thread earlier today, and this dude was saying something about the 663 not passing "FULL" range hdmi? Do you guys know wthell he's talking about, or is he just smoking crack? thanks.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1018601

I believe this is in reference to the new Yamahas inability to pass all the full spectrum of a HDMI video signal. Apparently they will not pass Whiter than White (WTW) and Blacker that Black (BTB)
I can't claim to fully understand the issue.

The model in question are:
RX-V3800
RX-V1800
RX-V863 and 663.

 

[GlocksRock]

Aren't those yamaha models HDMI 1.3a, and support the deep color space? I can't imagine it being deep color compliant, and not being able to pass whiter than white, and/or blacker than black. Either way, I own both the RX-V1800 and the RX-V663, and I like both very much.

 

[mudrummer99]

The only "issue" as far as passing HDMI signal I was aware of is that the 663 doesn't upscale incoming video sources to 1080p, it only passes them out HDMI but other than 480 going to 480p, the signals remain untouched. That's the only thing I can think of he would referring to. Although I will be the first to admit I'm not always the fastest one to learn about issues with different equipment, so maybe it is a real issue. The question is do you think the issue is one that will prevent you from purchasing the unit? Hope this helps a little.

Mike

 

[row310]

one more dumb question

monoprice HDMI cables look great. i'll be getting free speaker wire with my purchase. however, i want to avoid spending $20+ on a subwoofer cable at BB. any suggestions from monoprice for this last cable (i'm looking for ~15 footer).

 

[bandphan]

one more dumb question

monoprice HDMI cables look great. i'll be getting free speaker wire with my purchase. however, i want to avoid spending $20+ on a subwoofer cable at BB. any suggestions from monoprice for this last cable (i'm looking for ~15 footer).

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023601&p_id=620&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023601&p_id=621&seq=1&format=2

glad to see its comming together

 

[row310]

thanks!!

im assuming there is no appreciable difference b/w the cables you sent me links to and specific "subwoofer cables" i see on other sites?? these all start at $25-30 so under $10 is looking great!

 

[bandphan]

thanks!!

im assuming there is no appreciable difference b/w the cables you sent me links to and specific "subwoofer cables" i see on other sites?? these all start at $25-30 so under $10 is looking great!

cables that are rg59 or rg6 75 ohm, with sheilded tips, will work as a signal transport. There is no such thing as a "subwoofer cable". These cables work for subwoofer, didital audio, analog audio, video, ect. You can always make your own, but monoprice is still cheaper unless you do it alot(for a living)