Am I making a receiver mistake?

[Havelcek]

Let me describe my situation here and maybe you guys can help me out a bit.

I am building out my HT setup and I have the following components in boxes waiting to be assembled:

Pioneer 5070HD Plasma
Pioneer Elite VSX84-TSXi
Ascend Acoustics 5.0 speaker set
SVS PB12-NSD sub
existing JVC progressive scan DVD player
SA8300 HD-DVR from Cablevision

So I'm putting up 5.1 surround in the room, and I will likely never have 7.1 unless we move to a bigger house or I kill my wife.

I am connecting the cable box directly to the TV via HDMI and to the receiver via digital coax. I'm connecting the DVD player straight to the TV via component and to the receiver via digital coax. My plan here is to basically let the TV do all the video manipulation and let the receiver drive the sound (unless you all think this is wrong).

I will eventually buy an HD-DVD player, but not until they settle the format wars. I am not a console gamer so forget that.

Am I going the wrong direction with the receiver? Should I take those 1500 bucks and put them towards a better receiver with less bells and whistles that I wouldn't be using anyways? I know there are all these other companies like NAD and whatnot but they don't get much mention on this forum.

Again, price is not really an issue here...I'd spend up to 2K for a receiver if it was going to rock my world. My wife and I mainly watch sports and movies.

Thanks for any thoughts that anyone might have....

 

[jcPanny]

New HT

You have assembled a great list of components for your new HT. The Pioneer should have more than enough power for your Ascend speakers. Hook it up and enjoy.

In the $2k price range, we might see HDMI 1.3 receivers out next year, but there is no since in letting your gear waste away in boxes.
If you have a little money left, you should consider upgrading to an Oppo Digital DVD player to hold you over until HD-DVD and BluRay are worked out and reasonably priced.

 

[billy p]

My guess

is having the money to spend is a good thing. Most AVR's will do the JOB as far as power output is concerned. The main issue should be what features do you need to set up your components. The receiver(vsx-84) you've picked up, is highly regarded by all on this forum and would serve you well. That been said, if you spent less you would get less bells & whistles!

 

[Havelcek]

Thanks guys, that makes me feel a little better.

 

[topspin]

Havelcek

Hi Havelcek,
I was wondering where you bought the Pioneer 5070? May I ask how much you paid?
The reason I ask is that I am looking into getting the same Plasma HDTV. So far the best price I have come across is around $2400.
Thanks,
Topspin

 

[Havelcek]

Topspin, I don't know what the policy on this forum is for posting pricing so I'll PM you.