Ok, I'm confused...

[Now Slappy]

I thought that B&K's Ref. 70 and AVR 707 were not going to have HDMI inputs/output.

Now I see they have 6 HDMI 1.3 inputs and 1 output. Could it be that they still don't support all of the currently available audio formats?

Any help with this would be appreciated. And any suggestions as to what might be comparable (or better, for less $$$) would be nice too.

Thanks in advance,
Keith

 

[AVRat]

Yes, doesn’t appear to decode the latest hi-def audio formats. But you can just let the PS3 do the decoding since the PS3 doesn’t do the hi-def bitstream anyway. The B&Ks don’t seem to have any room correction either.

The Marantz AV-8003 pre/pro may be a good option. Audyssey RC is disabled for the hi-def decoding but is enabled when a PCM signal is used.

 

[Now Slappy]

Thanks AVRat!!

That's what I thought. I'm thinking about going the pre/pro route anyway. I love my 307 but B&K's stuff is real expensive and now I have two little girls that I didn't have ten years ago when I bought it. I like what I see with the Emotiva's, and the price is right.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Marantz too, I'll check that out also.

I'm just starting to research all the new electronics and upgrades.....my wife is likely going to bury me in a shallow grave out back.

 

[AVRat]

Perhaps a good lower cost option would be receiver + 3-channel amp for the fronts with the receiver powering the surrounds. A Denon 2809 would be a good receiver option.

 

[bigred7078]

Perhaps a good lower cost option would be receiver + 3-channel amp for the fronts with the receiver powering the surrounds. A Denon 2809 would be a good receiver option.

I recently had the Denon 2809, but replaced it with a Yamaha V3900 and the whole sound field is so much better. I also recently got the Marantz SR6003 for an amazing deal ( i need the money so im selling the yammi 3900, more options than i need) and its a flat out performer IMO.

So if your looking for a dedicated processor for right now i'd say give the 8003 a shot if its in your price range.

I have been testing out numerous recevier lately and will continue to until the Emotiva XMC-1 comes out...which is looking to be next year . But the upcoming UMC-1 looks promising, although it your not on the pre-order list dont expect it anytime soon...

 

[lsiberian]

I thought that B&K's Ref. 70 and AVR 707 were not going to have HDMI inputs/output.

Now I see they have 6 HDMI 1.3 inputs and 1 output. Could it be that they still don't support all of the currently available audio formats?

Any help with this would be appreciated. And any suggestions as to what might be comparable (or better, for less $$$) would be nice too.

Thanks in advance,
Keith

Perhaps a good lower cost option would be receiver + 3-channel amp for the fronts with the receiver powering the surrounds. A Denon 2809 would be a good receiver option.

I think this is the way to go. You will get comparable power because the power supply in the receiver will have the power to drive 4 surrounds easily. The place it might struggle is up front. I know the Onkyo 705 has preouts and is an option.

 

[lsiberian]

Perhaps a good lower cost option would be receiver + 3-channel amp for the fronts with the receiver powering the surrounds. A Denon 2809 would be a good receiver option.

What are some good 3-channel amps out there these days?

I'm thinking doing this would leave more power for the surrounds? Not that they need it.

 

[bigred7078]

What are some good 3-channel amps out there these days?

I'm thinking doing this would leave more power for the surrounds? Not that they need it.

Emotiva XPA-3 ($499)

Odyssey Stratos 3-channel ($1500ish i think)

Three Outlaw 2200 monoblocks. ($1047)

and mucho mucho more

 

[lsiberian]

Emotiva XPA-3 ($499)

Odyssey Stratos 3-channel ($1500ish i think)

Three Outlaw 2200 monoblocks. ($1047)

and mucho mucho more

How does your Emotiva treat you? I am thinking when I get my towers I may take a look at one.

 

[bigred7078]

How does your Emotiva treat you? I am thinking when I get my towers I may take a look at one.

I love the XPA-3, i've had it since they released them (july?) and its been an awesome amp with gobs of power. I'm also a pretty big Emotiva supporter(spend most of my time over at Emotiva Lounge). I think they make amazing gear at incredible prices.

 

[Now Slappy]

Thanks guys!!

Now that I'm on a budget with two little ones running around, I've been looking hard at the Emotiva stuff. I was thinking about the UMC-1 and pairing it with a XPA-2 and a XPA-5, which might still be cheaper than the Marantz or the B&K.