A/V Receiver Recommendation

[baudilus]

Hi Everyone:

My first post, though I've been lurking for quite some time. I'm building a new house and I'm going to start putting together my first A/V system (and not just a DVD player plugged into a TV). Can anyone recommend a receiver that does HDMI switching and upconversion? I'm mostly interested in this aspect (not audio) because of the single cable to the TV (as well as futureproofing).

This will a casual environment with the equipment mounted in a closet on the other side of a wall, which is why I'd like to minimize cabling to the TV.

Also, I won't have any surround speakers (that will be reserved for the movie theatre in the basement), so power ratings etc. are unimportant. FYI I'm looking into the JVC RX-D402B.

So my questions are:

1) Which receiver would be good for my scenario? Does anyone have any experience with the JVC 402 or 702?
2) Would having no speakers connected to it cause any problems?

Thanks!

 

[jcsprankle]

Take a look at Denon

I am a big fan of Denon, even though I don't own one (yet). I would take a look at the 3806, which includes HDMI switching (it has two HDMI inputs and one output).

But, what exactly do you mean by "upconversion". If you mean using S-Video or component for input and going to HDMI for output, then the 3806 does that too. However, if you mean scaling or de-interlacing (like going from 480i input to a 480p or above output) then you may want to look at the Yamaha 2600.

Honestly, I'm currently evaluating between the Denon 3806 and the Yamaha 2600 and they seem very much in line with each other...it just depends on the specifics you are looking for. AH has a review of the 2600 and one of the 3805 (the predecessor to the 3806) that might help:

Denon 3805 Review
Yamaha 2600 Review

 

[Bigsilvs]

I think many people are over-looking the Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVI. I have had it for about a week and love it. I was sick of waiting for the Audioholics Review (hint hint) so I just went ahead with my own instincts and purchased it. I was able to buy it online for $1000.00 around the same price as the Yamaha and Denon, maybe alittle cheaper. It does have 2 HDMI in and 1 out with video upscaling and conversion. It also has Windows Media 9 with a USB out for your computer. Ahh...it feels good not to have so many cables hooked up to my receiver!!

I personally would stay away from JVC receivers. I had the RX-8030VBK and it started to have major audio problems after 2 years. My father-in-law had the RX-7030VBK and his has the same problems too. The Audio would cut out no matter how you had your components hooked up. The volume would also sometimes turn down to 1 by itself. They are the same product line and problems started right after the 2 year warranty.

 

[rupertoooo]

What is your budget? I assume this is not going to be your main H/T.

 

[ironlung]

Why would anybody buy an HDMI 1.1 reciever? Either wait till HDMI 1.3(at least) units are available or buy a yam 2500 or denon 3805 and save at least 1/3 the loot.

Have you read the threads with people having problems with cable boxes and HDMI recievers?

 

[baudilus]

Budget

As far as my budget goes, I was not looking to spend more than around $800 for a receiver, as this will not be my "main" HT receiver, just something to facilitate easy switching of sources and give me an alternate audio output to my whole-house system. I am willing to wait for the HDCP compatibility - I don't mind having component connections from a cable box to the receiver, as long as it can route the signal through the HDMI output. Conversion (480i to 480p or 720p, etc.) would be a plus, but not a necessity. Perhaps I have my terminology wrong, but I hope you can understand.

I was looking at the Yammy, though it seems like overkill for what I need.

As far as the HDCP goes, I hear the problem is not with the receivers etc. but with the cable boxes themselves (cable companies didn't implement the standard properly).

Do you think I should just wait, deal with the cables for now, and then see later what better options are available?

 

[The Numenorian]

Why would anybody buy an HDMI 1.1 reciever? Either wait till HDMI 1.3(at least) units are available or buy a yam 2500 or denon 3805 and save at least 1/3 the loot.

Have you read the threads with people having problems with cable boxes and HDMI recievers?

I concur with ironlung's opinion.

I am prone to finding a product that pleases my tastes, and then immediately purchasing it, only to realize later that its functionality is limited. I HIGHLY recommend that you look into purchasing a receiver that will take care of the basics for the present, and then when all the TV formats have at least settled down into some sort of consistency, purchase a more modern receiver that will handle formats for years to come...your budget (and eyes and ears) will be happy, although you don't have to wait if you don't want to (and if your wallet can take the hit). I highly recommend the pre-processor/amplifier solution for taking care of your situation; your receiver can be a fitting intermediate and the amplifier could be transferred over to your future receiver. Also, more time equals better budgeting and distribution of funds over time.

HDMI is a tricky subject...and the new display technologies coming out in 2006-7 will be sure to create alterations in both hardware and software that may take years to resolve into a consumer-friendly, standard product. Therefore, it may not be entirely prudent to wait for very long...because it may be a loooong wait.

 

[Snarl]

I like Denon and Yamaha based purely on my own ownership experience, both deliver excellent sound quality and features as to which is better you'll have to make your own decision based on personal preference. I currently have a Denon 3805 and was very pleased with it's performance/sound.

 

[krabby5]

I concur with ironlung's opinion.

I am prone to finding a product that pleases my tastes, and then immediately purchasing it, only to realize later that its functionality is limited. I HIGHLY recommend that you look into purchasing a receiver that will take care of the basics for the present, and then when all the TV formats have at least settled down into some sort of consistency, purchase a more modern receiver that will handle formats for years to come...your budget (and eyes and ears) will be happy, although you don't have to wait if you don't want to (and if your wallet can take the hit). I highly recommend the pre-processor/amplifier solution for taking care of your situation; your receiver can be a fitting intermediate and the amplifier could be transferred over to your future receiver. Also, more time equals better budgeting and distribution of funds over time.

HDMI is a tricky subject...and the new display technologies coming out in 2006-7 will be sure to create alterations in both hardware and software that may take years to resolve into a consumer-friendly, standard product. Therefore, it may not be entirely prudent to wait for very long...because it may be a loooong wait.

if that were the case, you'd never get a receiver that was perfect...electronics change so much that if you wait for this or that, there will always be more after this or that