AV Receiver took a dump

[SN95GT50]

My set-up
Panasonic TH-50PX60U 50" Plasma TV
Samsung BD-P2500
Pioneer D514 AVR
MediaCom HD Cable
Yamaha Speakers (not sure model, not the greatest)
Wii (Component Video)

Like I said my Pioneer took a dump and needs to be replaced. Here is what I want from the receiver...

HDMI (Vidoe & Analog)
I would like to only run HDMI to the TV from the Receiver
I currently have 5.1, would rather go to 7.1 for future upgrade
I would have 2 HDMI inputs and 1 Component input (sure would be nice to have a spare HSMI)

What else should I be looking for? Would like to be able to handle the all (most) of the differnet formats that are out there.

The unit I am looking at is the Onkyo 606, but that is on the outer edges of my wife killing me. What other units should I look at and where should I be looking for best prices?

Thanks, trying to learn what I don't know...
SN95GT50

 

[santeini]

Most current AVR in the market is fully capable of handling your request.Take your wife out for a nice dinner and get the Onkyo.

 

[tomd51]

If you're looking at an Onkyo TX-SR606, consider the previous version 605 that is very close in specs and functionality. Even better, consider the 705, that way you can make sure if you ever decide to add an amp, you can use it as a pre/pro. Even better still, consider a refurb of any of these models and you'll get it even cheaper. I've had very good experiences with refurbs (obviously depending upon the source of equipment), but there is a bit of risk with a limited warranty and some folks just need the warm and fuzzies of brand spankin' new.

The x05 Onkyo models are very similar to the newer x06 models, so unless you feel you need to have the latest off the assembly line, the x05 models will give you just as much functionality at a lower price point.

I'd also consider one of the previous gen Yamahas that support HDMI audio (RX-V663, in particular), now that Yamaha just released their new line of receivers. An even better bang for the buck than the Onkyos, IMO... -TD

 

[SN95GT50]

Does the 605 support the Component video to HDMI that the 606 does? I'm pretty sure the 663 does not.

SN95GT50

 

[hillbill]

I vote for DENON.

 

[GlocksRock]

Does the 605 support the Component video to HDMI that the 606 does? I'm pretty sure the 663 does not.

SN95GT50

The RX-V663 will upconvert all inputs to HDMI, but it does not upscale to higher resolutions.

 

[tomd51]

Here are the main differences I was able to track down between the 605 and 606:

606 extras over 605:
- 4 HDMI inputs
- An extra component video input
- Video scaler, capable of 720p/1080i output
- Audyssey Dynamics EQ*
- 10W more power all round
- New remote
- HDMI CEC system now compatible with Panasonic's Viera Link, Toshiba's Regza Link and Sharp's Aquos Link, allowing the receiver to give one-button control of suitable TVs from those brands

* Audyssey Dynamics EQ works in conjunction with the Audyssey 2EQ system to adjust the balance of the sound to compensate for changing volume levels, giving a more consistent sound when listening at low volumes.

If these are worth the price difference, then the 606 would likely be the better choice. If not, you might be able to save some coin and have most of the options available on both.

I do believe component can be displayed over HDMI on either of these Onkyo models. As for the Yamaha RX-V663 being able to, I would assume so, but I'd check Yamaha's site to verify this.

Denon would definitely be a great option, however for a similar feature set as the Onkyo and Yamaha models discussed above, Denon prices themselves way out of reach. I've owned (and still own one) many a Denon receiver and do appreciate their build quality, but when it comes to price for performance, current model Denon AVRs are just way too pricey... -TD

EDIT: yeah, what Glocks said...

 

[lsiberian]

Here are the main differences I was able to track down between the 605 and 606:

606 extras over 605:
- 4 HDMI inputs
- An extra component video input
- Video scaler, capable of 720p/1080i output
- Audyssey Dynamics EQ*
- 10W more power all round
- New remote
- HDMI CEC system now compatible with Panasonic's Viera Link, Toshiba's Regza Link and Sharp's Aquos Link, allowing the receiver to give one-button control of suitable TVs from those brands

* Audyssey Dynamics EQ works in conjunction with the Audyssey 2EQ system to adjust the balance of the sound to compensate for changing volume levels, giving a more consistent sound when listening at low volumes.

If these are worth the price difference, then the 606 would likely be the better choice. If not, you might be able to save some coin and have most of the options available on both.

I do believe component can be displayed over HDMI on either of these Onkyo models. As for the Yamaha RX-V663 being able to, I would assume so, but I'd check Yamaha's site to verify this.

Denon would definitely be a great option, however for a similar feature set as the Onkyo and Yamaha models discussed above, Denon prices themselves way out of reach. I've owned (and still own one) many a Denon receiver and do appreciate their build quality, but when it comes to price for performance, current model Denon AVRs are just way too pricey... -TD

EDIT: yeah, what Glocks said...

If you go Onkyo go 705. It's got everything you need and plenty of power to boot. My taxes were just completed and that's the reason I've gotta step down. I hate it, but that's life.