Audioholic gurus, please help

[krishSA]

I am thinking of buying Marantz 8500. However I am slightly hesitant because it doesn't have the HDMI and i-link features. My tv tuner has HDMI inputs and I presume I'll not need in receiver. How important is having i-link (especially in view of future developments like HDDVD etc). Also, as it is going to be in the family room, will it be difficult to set up without auto euilizer function (like the newer receivers). Will the sound quality compensate for not having these features?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am thinking of buying Marantz 8500. However I am slightly hesitant because it doesn't have the HDMI and i-link features. My tv tuner has HDMI inputs and I presume I'll not need in receiver. How important is having i-link (especially in view of future developments like HDDVD etc). Also, as it is going to be in the family room, will it be difficult to set up without auto euilizer function (like the newer receivers). Will the sound quality compensate for not having these features?

No, you don't need HDMI if you only have one source, or the source or TV will upscale the video.

The new HD format is coming and then you won't need upscaling.

An EQ helps. Sound quality doesn't compensate an EQ, period.

 

[jcPanny]

HD-DVD connections

Initially, HD-DVD and BluRay players will decode the new audio formats and use the multi-channel analog inputs on the receiver. In a year or two when we get HDMI v1.3 and receivers with the new codecs, the receiver will be able to receive a digital signal and do the decoding and bass management.

Any receiver with iLink/firewire would require a firmware update to support the decoding of the new audio formats.