Sherwood RD-6513 - Hunk-o-JUNK!

[Joeteck]

My buddy just picked up this low cost receiver because he can't afford anything better. But when we read the specs of this, it seemed to be what he needed. What blew my mind on this hunk a junk, is that the HDMI audio going into the receiver only passes through to HDMI out, and can't be reproduced with the receiver! Why does this have HDMI in the first place if it can't do that? This is a glorified HDMI switcher!

 

[markw]

No, it's performing exactly as advertised.

Read the first line of the description, right below the modem number.

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_rd6513.html

Did you do any investigation on it before buying it, or just "assume" it did everything you want?

You pay for what you get. I got my son a Sherwood AVR a few years ago knowing full well what I was buying. So far, he's happy.

 

[Joeteck]

That is just silly... What would it need to say to have HDMI audio through the receiver? I hope having optical and coaxial that the audio plays through the receiver, because thats the point of HDMI... And you're right. You get what you pay for. Which is why I own different stuff...

 

[markw]

Well, it might be nice to pass HDMI through to the TV so it can be played through the TV speakers.

It's plainly advertised as a "HDMI SWITCHING" device every place I've looked. They certainly don't try to conceal that fact.

Be glad you've got three digital inputs and a 5.1 analog direct input so you can get the hi-rez audio from blu-ray players. Odds are it's got some red/white analog inputs as well. You have a lot of options for a budget receiver.

Of course, if you want it all, you're most likely gonna have to pay more thanthis cost.

 

[Joeteck]

But when you buy an DD receiver one would think you're not going to use it for HDMI switching only and hope the audio comes through to the receiver. Its just funny, because the HDMI cable is essentially a coaxial wire inside of it. All they had to do is add the function to it. Just a shame...

 

[markw]

But when you buy an DD receiver one would think you're not going to use it for HDMI switching only and hope the audio comes through to the receiver.

...unless it's stated everywhere one looks that only provided HDMI switching in the first place.

Its just funny, because the HDMI cable is essentially a coaxial wire inside of it. All they had to do is add the function to it. Just a shame...

Ah, but that costs more. Cutting pennies is where they save $$ and keep the price down.

You don't get no bread with one meat ball!

 

[Joeteck]

...unless it's stated everywhere one looks that only provided HDMI switching in the first place.

Ah, but that costs more. Cutting pennies is where they save $$ and keep the price down.

You don't get no bread with one meat ball!

The yamaha RX-V365 is the same as that POS sherwood. Audio over HDMI starts at the 465....

 

[markw]

The yamaha RX-V365 is the same as that POS sherwood. Audio over HDMI starts at the 465....

Well, that's the one you should purchase. Return the Sherwood and get the Yammie.

What attracted you to the Sherwood over the Yammie in the first place?

 

[Joeteck]

Well, that's the one you should purchase. Return the Sherwood and get the Yammie.

What attracted you to the Sherwood over the Yammie in the first place?

Its not mine... a co-worker bought it... 5.1 attracted him to it for $199 on ebay. Since the receiver does audio over HDMI, one would never think it does not pass through to the receiver. Why support HDMI 1.3a when the TV only supports stereo? Makes no sense and is very misleading to the customer. My 665 says HDMI switching as well as audio. I guess you really need to do your homework when buying such a low end product. Again, the RX-V365 does the same thing as the Sherwood.

 

[markw]

I'm glad it's not you. It's a shame about your co-worker.

Its not mine... a co-worker bought it... 5.1 attracted him to it for $199 on ebay. Since the receiver does audio over HDMI, one would never think it does not pass through to the receiver. Why support HDMI 1.3a when the TV only supports stereo? Makes no sense and is very misleading to the customer. My 665 says HDMI switching as well as audio. I guess you really need to do your homework when buying such a low end product. Again, the RX-V365 does the same thing as the Sherwood.

Yeah, when you go for low priced units, you really have to be sure of what they are leaving out to make that low price. FWIW, that $200 is a bit high for that unit, but I don't think he needs to know that*.

Still in all, he can still get some good sound from/through that unit. If you want to be a good friend, concentrate on helping him do that, not bludgeoning him over the head with what he COULD have had*.

You can't take the blame, or blame third parties, for another's mistakes.

*unless, of course, he can still return it...

 

[Joeteck]

Yeah, when you go for low priced units, you really have to be sure of what they are leaving out to make that low price. FWIW, that $200 is a bit high for that unit, but I don't think he needs to know that*.

Still in all, he can still get some good sound from/through that unit. If you want to be a good friend, concentrate on helping him do that, not bludgeoning him over the head with what he COULD have had*.

You can't take the blame, or blame third parties, for another's mistakes.

*unless, of course, he can still return it...

I'm not the type to rub anything in anybody's face. Without realizing it, this site does that without hesitation. Since its a forum, people brag about what they just bought. Its what people do, they're excited on their new toy. I'm guilty of the same thing. You're proud on what you just bought, but not realizing your showing off what others can't afford, and then envy sets in. "Oh, I wish I can have that!" Being an Audioholic should not only be for the rich. Spending anything over $400 on a receiver is alot of money. Most of you spend that on one speaker, and over $1000 on a receiver. It would seem that having a receiver that does HDMI audio to the receiver is only for people who have money. He's a hard working man who probably makes only $10 hour, and has a baby girl. Got a 42" TV as a Xmas gift and wanted to have DD surround for his PS3 games. Finding a $200 receiver with HDMI was a home run, and seemed like a good deal, not knowing it does not do that.
I make a descent living, and buy many computer related things instead of higher-end audio equipment. Granted I bought my first Yammie in march. and I'm extremely thrilled on its features, but I'm not sure if I can dump another $500 buck on another one. (Be prepared I'm about to brag) I have 3 DD surround setup's in my house. One in my computer room. One in my den, and one in my upstairs den. Hence the three receivers in my sig. All lower end receivers. Only one does HDMI, the others are component only. I think I paid 509s was $249, the 816K was $299, and the yammie was $386, but got a good deal through audioholics store for a mess up. I originally bought the RX-V565 and got a free upgrade to the 665. - Sorry for the RANT

None the less, his playstation 3 has an optional component cable with 5 RCA wires. RGB and R&W audio. He also has optical out on the PS3, so he'll be using the RGB and optical on his receiver instead of just HDMI. Luckily for him the digital inputs are assignable so he can pick which one can be used for his PS3. Not even my RX-V665 has assignable inputs...go figure.

 

[markw]

Please don't generalize.

Some here do indeed like to brag but many (myself included) have great respect for the lower end of the scale. Few will ever down someone for purchasing inexpensive stuff. But, pointing out that it may have inherent limitations due to budgetary constraints during the design stage might be considered as such. when dealing with budget systems design, some tradeoffs must be made. If that's the case, I apologize. It's not meant as a snub, simply a statement of fact.

Unless keeping up with the latest and greatest is the main goal, this does not need to be an expensive hobby. Good deals abound if one shops wisely and good sound doean't deteriorate over time.

I'm sorry your buddy didn't seek your advice before purchasing, but he's got nobody to blame except himself. I've set up people with systems for what some people here spend on an interconnect. ...many with Sherwood, for that matter. But, consider the Sherwood HT (6300?) I bought a few years cost about $130 (on sale) and their stereo receivers (4105?) cost < $100, (also on sale)

Please note that most of my own "stuff" (click on link in sig line for full list) is more than a few years old and would be considered obsolete. ...but it works great. The newest thing I bought is a $330 Denon DVD 1940 CI universal (no blu-ray though) player for $90 (6th Ave and it's still available)

As for my HT system, I got my Denon 2802 in 2002 for half price when they released the 2803. My Athena speakers were considered bargains at the time and still please me. Source? a Toshiba DVD/VHS player. But, it sounds great. Many guests are impressed with the sound.

As for my stereo, most of it was purchased used or as demos, eccept the speakers.

And, let's not even get into my mancave/office/gym system, the heart of which consists of stuff from the early 70's!

As for your buddy, It may not be exactly what he wanted, but it's not like he's totally screwed. Coaxial/toslink connections aren't expensive and he can route the hi-rez sound from his blu-ray player through the 5.1 analog inputs. Help him out here.

 

[Adam]

HDMI is still relatively new, and getting all of the features into the lower end receivers takes a little time. Manufacturers need to make decisions about what features to include while still hitting a certain price point for their products. Audio processing of HDMI inputs has become less and less expensive to get, but it's still not available in every receiver. Give it a couple of years, and it will probably be in just about everything.

I was so shocked that the RX-V665 didn't have assignable inputs that I went and checked that myself. That's really surprising. To have more than one input set up to use a composite video input and a digital audio input seems almost worthless to me. Having four HDMI inputs is nice, though.

 

[Joeteck]

HDMI is still relatively new, and getting all of the features into the lower end receivers takes a little time. Manufacturers need to make decisions about what features to include while still hitting a certain price point for their products. Audio processing of HDMI inputs has become less and less expensive to get, but it's still not available in every receiver. Give it a couple of years, and it will probably be in just about everything.

I was so shocked that the RX-V665 didn't have assignable inputs that I went and checked that myself. That's really surprising. To have more than one input set up to use a composite video input and a digital audio input seems almost worthless to me. Having four HDMI inputs is nice, though.

Both my pioneers have assignable digital inputs. I'm not even sure when that feature becomes available on the RX series...

 

[Seth=L]

I found nothing misleading about Sherwood's advertised features. You just don't have a firm enough understanding of HDMI to make an informed decision. Don't try to blame a company that published their specifications as they are because you didn't understand them. Just because I didn't know the speed limit was 45 mph doesn't mean I get off scott free when I was going 15 mph over the limit.

 

[Joeteck]

I found nothing misleading about Sherwood's advertised features. You just don't have a firm enough understanding of HDMI to make an informed decision. Don't try to blame a company that published their specifications as they are because you didn't understand them. Just because I didn't know the speed limit was 45 mph doesn't mean I get off scott free when I was going 15 mph over the limit.

Ok, Mr Wizard.... What should it say to get audio to the receiver via HDMI??

What would not be misleading and what would be the correct nomenclature for a company to advertise such a feature???

 

[bandphan]

this thread is great My Yogo doesnt do the 140mph that the speedo goes up to and im peveed... Tell your friend to join and complain about it

 

[Seth=L]

Ok, Mr Wizard.... What should it say to get audio to the receiver via HDMI??

What would not be misleading and what would be the correct nomenclature for a company to advertise such a feature???

Sherwood's website clearly states that this receiver features "HDMI switching". HDMI switching is exactly what it sounds like it is, switching. For example, you wouldn't assume that because a receiver had composite video switching that it would upconvert composite to component, you would likely assume that it merely switches. Switches are simple, just just select which input signal is going to the output terminal.

However, HDMI repeating infers that audio or other processes occur when HDMI is connected to the receiver. The repeating architecture is not available on that Sherwood receiver, and is not advertised to have it. It is reasonable to assume that someone may have a television that doesn't have more than one or two HDMI inputs (remember we are talking budget equipment for budget minded people). So maybe that person who had a tight budget and couldn't afford the TV with 3+ HDMI inputs would like to connected additional HDMI devices and have surround sound to boot. The Sherwood RD-6513 is a cost effective solution to that kind of user's conundrum. Will the audio be supported over HDMI?, no. However, now the user can connect his/her two or three HDMI sources they where previously unable to connect simultaneously to their television or monitor with the added benefit of a surround capable receiver.

The receiver isn't a hunk o junk, and their description of features is not misleading. You may be a little upset because somehow you feel miffed because you recommended it or are just defensive of your friends. What ever the case may be you blew it out of proportion because you didn't have all the facts together. It's fine that you didn't know what all the terms meant, but it's not fine to bash something you don't understand.

Bandphan has hit it on the head. If I assumed two cars with the same horsepower would have the same max speed and the more expensive one was faster than the one I picked it wouldn't be right for me to make outrageous claims that the one I bought was crap because it didn't go as fast as the other one that cost more. Obviously I woudn't have taken into account numerous facts and technical specifications to make an informed statement regarding the speed of the car being below par for it's price. I don't know much about cars, so I don't make wild accusations about car manufacturers or particular cars being crap, or hunks o junk.

It never hurts to do more than 5 minutes of research before buying something.

 

[Joeteck]

Sherwood's website clearly states that this receiver features "HDMI switching". HDMI switching is exactly what it sounds like it is, switching. For example, you wouldn't assume that because a receiver had composite video switching that it would upconvert composite to component, you would likely assume that it merely switches. Switches are simple, just just select which input signal is going to the output terminal.

However, HDMI repeating infers that audio or other processes occur when HDMI is connected to the receiver. The repeating architecture is not available on that Sherwood receiver, and is not advertised to have it. It is reasonable to assume that someone may have a television that doesn't have more than one or two HDMI inputs (remember we are talking budget equipment for budget minded people). So maybe that person who had a tight budget and couldn't afford the TV with 3+ HDMI inputs would like to connected additional HDMI devices and have surround sound to boot. The Sherwood RD-6513 is a cost effective solution to that kind of user's conundrum. Will the audio be supported over HDMI?, no. However, now the user can connect his/her two or three HDMI sources they where previously unable to connect simultaneously to their television or monitor with the added benefit of a surround capable receiver.

The receiver isn't a hunk o junk, and their description of features is not misleading. You may be a little upset because somehow you feel miffed because you recommended it or are just defensive of your friends. What ever the case may be you blew it out of proportion because you didn't have all the facts together. It's fine that you didn't know what all the terms meant, but it's not fine to bash something you don't understand.

Bandphan has hit it on the head. If I assumed two cars with the same horsepower would have the same max speed and the more expensive one was faster than the one I picked it wouldn't be right for me to make outrageous claims that the one I bought was crap because it didn't go as fast as the other one that cost more. Obviously I woudn't have taken into account numerous facts and technical specifications to make an informed statement regarding the speed of the car being below par for it's price. I don't know much about cars, so I don't make wild accusations about car manufacturers or particular cars being crap, or hunks o junk.

It never hurts to do more than 5 minutes of research before buying something.

I guess you're missing the point. Why have this level of receiver if it does not offer HDMI audio. The the whole point of HDMI! For it to terminate boggels my mind. Most people who are buying at this level will not know the difference. Only "AUDIOHOLICS" will.

 

[Adam]

I guess you're missing the point. Why have this level of receiver if it does not offer HDMI audio. The the whole point of HDMI! For it to terminate boggels my mind. Most people who are buying at this level will not know the difference. Only "AUDIOHOLICS" will.

I can't speak to the percentage of people that understand the terminology, but there are reasons to have HDMI switching. It allows someone to choose the video and audio source (when a separate audio connection is made) through the receiver without having to switch inputs on the TV.

The terminology can be confusing, and you're not the only one to inquire about it here.