5.1 A/V with features as today's 7.1 + n/w

[bmninada]

Hello - after much deliberations I found my apart not really suited for 7.1 home theater experience - too small. I believe a 5.1 will suit my needs perfectly. Problem is as it's now 7.1 era I find 5.1 systems to be severely handicapped in terms of HDMI in/outs, up or down conversions and type modes - like Dolby, TrueHD, etc., etc. As I priority was looking at 3 HDMI inputs, pre-processor outputs, multi-zone and full upconversion from component/composite to HD. At the very least should be 90W full bandwidth capable as I wish to connect it to my Paradigm Cinema 70 speaker system. Any help - much appreciated.

 

[Adam]

Hi. Don't limit yourself to 5.1-only systems. I'd say get a 7.1 receiver and just turn the surround back channels off. The 7.1 receivers are designed to operate with up to 7.1, but you don't have to use all of them. I've been using 7.1 receivers with my 5.1 speaker set-up since 2005 (with the surround back channels turned off), and it works great.

If you are looking at entire systems (like a home theater in a box), you might still be able to do that same thing. Just check the manual for the receiver portion of the system. I'll be happy to look into some if you have some in mind.

 

[bmninada]

I fully agree but I already spent a lot on my Paradigm speaker set. I believe a lot depends on the speakers, in fact more than 50% - so was not wanting to spend too much on A/V receivers. The 5.1 come at a bargain these days and as I most probably won't run the full 7.1 I can might as well shave off a few bucks and get a better 5.1 system than I would get for the same price a 7.1. It's like 720p and 1080p HD TVs. Below 55" it's very difficult to detect any difference but people want 1080p even at 40".

 

[Adam]

Given the other features that you have as a priority, I think that you're looking at 7.1 systems already. Those are the mainstream, now. You're not going to get pre-amp outputs and/or full upconversion from composite to HDMI in lower end receivers - at least, not that I've seen.

 

[bmninada]

I know, alas ... sigh .... just wishing. Then how would you rate my Paradigm Cinema 70 with Onkyo 707 ? Any other receivers?

 

[Adam]

I can look into that combo in a bit, but I'm heading off to take the pooch for a drive. To help us out, what is your budget for a receiver? There are a number of good options out there.

I have a Pioneer VSX-23. I've seen it for as low as $700 at Best Buy (when they didn't have any in stock around here), and as low as $570 online (no factory warranty, but sold third-party through Amazon, so some buyer protection). My friend bought a VSX-21 from a third party via Amazon for about $500, and it arrived in brand new condition as listed. Both of those receivers would meet your needs, I believe.

 

[bmninada]

I don't want to spend more than $500 to $550 for a AV receiver. It must have at least 3 HDMI inputs, at least 100W full bandwidth, zone-2 output (As I also have A500 Behringer which I want to add to the receiver for my 2nd. room) and pre-processor outputs (as I might plug the A500 to power the sub-woofer instead), FANTASTIC upconversion features and as low THD as possible. I might be stretching it - but great if it had n/w connectivity for streaming music from my PC. The Burr-Brown in 707 Onkyo look great.

 

[AVRat]

The Onkyo 707 is the first one that comes to mind. If your sub is powered, you can't power it with the A500.