5.1 Receiver Recommendation for PS3 (Blu-ray) & HD DVR

[ericxv]

I currently have a PS3 & DirecTV HD DVR both connected to a Sony 40v5100 via HDMI.

After reading this, and other, forums I understand the PS3 will decode the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA tracks and send them out as lossless LPCM on the HDMI connection. I want to take advantage of TrueHD and DTS-HD MA via the LPCM, therefore in the interest of saving a few dollars, can someone recommend a receiver (in the $200-$500 range that would work well for a 5.1 configuration?)

I'm not overly concerned with a future-proof receiver but I would like something of decent quality, assuming that can be had in my price range. I've read positive things about Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon receivers but any recommendations of specific models would be greatly appreciated. Even an older and/or used receiver would be fine.

One concern I have is passing the HDMI signal from the PS3 to the HDTV, via the receiver. Will this in anyway degrade the video quality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Great deals on receivers in your price range.

Hi Eric, and Welcome to the Forum.

There are many A/V receivers that will work very nicely in your situation.

Here's some great ones at amazing discounts:

1. Marantz SR5002 ($350)
-> http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5002/Marantz/SR5002-receiver-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html
* Just scroll down a bit.

2. Marantz SR6001 ($350)
-> http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Note: There is no use for you to spend more than this. The 1st one is at 56% discount, while the 2nd one is at 71% discount!

These two receivers will pass the HDMI signal from your PS3 to your HDTV, and you will benefit also from your PS3 audio LPCM high res. through this HDMI connection. These are 7.1-channel surround receivers, and they are very high quality sound receivers too. They are your very best bet. The Marantz SR5002 is more recent than the SR6001.

Bob

 

[ericxv]

Will the receiver impact the video quality?

Lordoftherings,

Thank you for your prompt response.

One thing I don't understand about AVR is how they impact the quality of the video if the HDMI signal passes through them. Can you let me know what impact, if any, the AVR will play with respect to the video?

Right now, I am very happy with how the HDTV picture looks, with the HD DVR and PS3 both directly connected to my Sony 40V5100 via HDMI. I would hate for the AVR to adversely impact the video quality.



Thanks again.

 

[Davemcc]

One thing I don't understand about AVR is how they impact the quality of the video if the HDMI signal passes through them.

There should be no impact on video quality when running through the receiver. It should be a transparent pass through. Marantz is a quality brand and should perform very well.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yo Dave.

There should be no impact on video quality when running through the receiver. It should be a transparent pass through. Marantz is a quality brand and should perform very well.

+1 > Dave is absolutely right, your HDMI pass though should be transparent, no problem to report here. Do feel confident about this.

Bob

P.S. Sorry for being late on that last response, other members kept me busy.
But thanks to Dave for chiming in. That's what I call team work.
And what's even better about this, is that it solidifies the confidence and reassurance in the OP's mind.

 

[lsiberian]

I currently have a PS3 & DirecTV HD DVR both connected to a Sony 40v5100 via HDMI.

After reading this, and other, forums I understand the PS3 will decode the Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD MA tracks and send them out as lossless LPCM on the HDMI connection. I want to take advantage of TrueHD and DTS-HD MA via the LPCM, therefore in the interest of saving a few dollars, can someone recommend a receiver (in the $200-$500 range that would work well for a 5.1 configuration?)

I'm not overly concerned with a future-proof receiver but I would like something of decent quality, assuming that can be had in my price range. I've read positive things about Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon receivers but any recommendations of specific models would be greatly appreciated. Even an older and/or used receiver would be fine.

One concern I have is passing the HDMI signal from the PS3 to the HDTV, via the receiver. Will this in anyway degrade the video quality?

Thanks in advance.

I use an HK AVR 247. It cost me 205 shipped. I got it directly from Harman Audio via their ebay store using the best offer feature. The 254 has been going for insanely low prices as has the 354 in bidding. For the poor man it's the best deal going. It's sound quality and true power is on par with the Onkyo 705 in my experience. It's a little finnicky with cable boxes though. The 254 I believe is better with those. They had a lot of issues coming out but the firmware fixed a lot so now they are being sold at a highly discounted rate.

 

[ericxv]

Receiver with DTS-MA and TrueHD built-in

After reading the above suggestions, and those from other threads, I now feel that I should get a receiver with DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD built-in since I'll probably get another Blu-ray player that may or may not have built-in decoding. I'm currently using the Pioneer VSX-819H (paid $299, but plan to return it within the next few weeks unless someone can convince me it's a great receiver and price.)

Therefore, if I were to look for such a receiver, what would you recommend if I used the same budget constraints?

I've found the following deals, but I'm not sure of their quality or performance. Any feelings about these deals (or perhaps you can recommend one that I've missed.)

• $270 for Onkyo TX-SR507 @ Accessories4Less
• $319 for Onkyo TX-SR-606 @ Accessories4Less
• I looked for a Marantz model since they appear to be highly regarded, but those with built-in decoding seem to start around $550 (see Marantz SR5003 model @ Accessories4Less)
• I also looked at the HK store in eBay, but did not see any with the decoding for TrueHD or MA.

Thanks again,

Eric

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Eric,

Yes, the newer Marantz are more expensive than the older ones, duh.

Anyway, the Onkyo TX-SR606 is a good one, but I think that you can get the 607 for not much more, I can't remember exactly (I think it was around $350). Yep, it was $350 for the Onkyo TX-SR607, and I believe that it was at 6th avenue, or accessories 4 less, but then it was sold out.
Let me double check again...

Ok, I'm back. The 607 is sold out at accessories4less.
But the 606 is still available for $320 at the same place. * That's a good deal.

Also, the 607 is available at 6th avenue, where you put your offer on the Price Alert box. You can have it for $350, just put that price in the appropriate box.
The 607 has 6 HDMI inputs! That's a lot. I will get that one, if I was you, it's only $30 more than the 606, really worth it.

Here: http://www.6ave.com/Shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR607

Also there is the Marantz SR5002 and the SR6001, both $350 each,
at accessories 4 less, another two good choices.
But these Marantz don't have the internal decoders, so you need your blu-ray player to do the decoding, but it's not a big deal at all.

So, Eric, it's your call, if you want the internal decoders, go with the Onkyo TX-SR607,
from the link above. With also 6 HDMI inputs, you're good for a vast expension of HDMI sources.
You'll love the 607, guaranteed.

So here you have it buddy.

Bob

 

[ericxv]

Bob,

Thank you again for your recommendation. It sounds like the 607 is the way to go.

Just to confirm, the Onkyo 607 is superior to the $299 Pioneer VSX-819H I'm currently using - right?


Eric

 

[Lordoftherings]

Bob,

Thank you again for your recommendation. It sounds like the 607 is the way to go.

Just to confirm, the Onkyo 607 is superior to the $299 Pioneer VSX-819H I'm currently using - right?


Eric

Hi Eric,

Oh yeah, that's for sure. Quite superior, you'll love it, fully loaded with 6 HDMI inputs!, Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIz, internal decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, Audyssey EQ2, it's the latest and weights 25 pounds, quite a bit heavier than the VSX-819. More power, more juice, more everything, you'll notice. Feel confident about this choice, it's a definitive improvement.
Get the Onkyo TX-SR607 Eric, you'll thank me for it.

Bob

 

[ericxv]

Hi Eric,

Oh yeah, that's for sure. Quite superior, you'll love it, fully loaded with 6 HDMI inputs!, Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIz, internal decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, Audyssey EQ2, it's the latest and weights 25 pounds, quite a bit heavier than the VSX-819. More power, more juice, more everything, you'll notice. Feel confident about this choice, it's a definitive improvement.
Get the Onkyo TX-SR607 Eric, you'll thank me for it.

Bob

Thanks again Bob. It looks like 6th Avenue is out of stock. Hopefully, they'll get it back soon.



Eric

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks again Bob. It looks like 6th Avenue is out of stock. Hopefully, they'll get it back soon.

Eric

Sounds great Eric, they'll probably get a new stock supply soon, just be patient, and keep in touch with them, make sure that you'll be able to have it for that price ($350) when they get that new shipment. You can ask them too when they expect a new shipment, because you don't want to miss the opportunity now that could be present. You need a valve of security.
Ask them to let you know as soon they get some more units.
And meanwhile, just check around and gather more information about what you need to know.

Have a great evening,

Bob

 

[ericxv]

Sounds great Eric, they'll probably get a new stock supply soon, just be patient, and keep in touch with them, make sure that you'll be able to have it for that price ($350) when they get that new shipment. You can ask them too when they expect a new shipment, because you don't want to miss the opportunity now that could be present. You need a valve of security.
Ask them to let you know as soon they get some more units.
And meanwhile, just check around and gather more information about what you need to know.

Have a great evening,

Bob

Hi Bob,

Dumb question, but the price shows as $499. How do I go about securing the $350 price?



Thanks,

Eric

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Bob,
Dumb question, but the price shows as $499. How do I go about securing the $350 price?
Thanks,
Eric

There is a small yellow star in the bottom left that says "Price Alert", just click on that yellow star, and another screen will open, and you'll see.
1. Put the amount in the "Target Price" box ($350)
2. Put your Email address in the appropriate space.
3. And click on "Submit"

Here: http://www.6ave.com/shop/PriceAlert.aspx?id=ONKTXSR607

From this: http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR607

Quite simple. Let me know how it goes.
If everything is fine and your offer is acepted, they will let you know quite soon.
If not, they will not respond, just a message saying something like "Awaiting".
~~ Let me know soon you heard from them after your submit your offer.

Bob

 

[ericxv]

There is a small yellow star in the bottom left that says "Price Alert", just click on that yellow star, and another screen will open, and you'll see.
1. Put the amount in the "Target Price" box ($350)
2. Put your Email address in the appropriate space.
3. And click on "Submit"

Here: http://www.6ave.com/shop/PriceAlert.aspx?id=ONKTXSR607

From this: http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR607

Quite simple. Let me know how it goes.
If everything is fine and your offer is acepted, they will let you know quite soon.
If not, they will not respond, just a message saying something like "Awaiting".
~~ Let me know soon you heard from them after your submit your offer.

Bob

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Onkyo 607 from Accessories4Less. They had a refurbished model for $369.99 + shipping. I was hoping for a slightly better price, but.....

Thanks to everyone for your advice and guidance. Let's hope the purchase turns out well.



Eric

 

[lsiberian]

[*]I also looked at the HK store in eBay, but did not see any with the decoding for TrueHD or MA.

The PS3 decodes them for you bud. The HK accepts the 7.1 signal over HDMI.

606 might be a good deal these days though.

Onkyo 705 is the ultimate onkyo option IMO.

 

[Lordoftherings]

This is great news Eric!

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Onkyo 607 from Accessories4Less. They had a refurbished model for $369.99 + shipping. I was hoping for a slightly better price, but.....

Thanks to everyone for your advice and guidance. Let's hope the purchase turns out well.

Eric

Congratulations Eric! It's a very fair deal (the lowest price people paid for it was $350). So for only $20 more, don't fret it.
Plus you get a full year warranty and accessories 4 less is great to deal with.

Keep in touch and let us know your impressions. I'm convinced that you'll be totally satisfied, or my name is not LOTR.

"We're Gonna Get High".

* Check this out: http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/onkyo_tx-sr607_av_receiver/

Bob

The PS3 decodes them for you bud. The HK accepts the 7.1 signal over HDMI.

606 might be a good deal these days though.

Onkyo 705 is the ultimate onkyo option IMO.

Isiberian, the 606 and the 705 are sold out.

I really believe that Eric made the right choice. Besides the 607 with 6 HDMI inputs, high res. internal audio decoders, Digital Pro Logic IIz, Audyssey 2EQ, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, 25 pounds weight, great reviews, great power, great sound, great overall performance, great ergonomics, great remote control, great OSD, great manual, great discount for an excellent value, makes this receiver an overall winner and a no-brainer.

That's really what I think. And you?