Bare minimum

[mudrummer99]

I am looking to upgrade my receiver to something that will give me the bare minimum of what I need. The features I think I need are:

-HDMI repeating. Upscaling is useless to me since all my equipment sends out atleast a 720p signal.

-Handle audio over HDMI

-At least 3 HDMI inputs, I only need 2 at the moment, but an extra would be nice for when I talk the wife into HD cable

Features I'm not sure are necessary, but would be nice if they were there are:

-Pre-outs. My current speakers are very efficient and I'm not purchasing new ones until I buy a house.

-Able to decode HD audio formats. I'm not certain this will be any use to me since my BD player is a PS3.

What I have been looking at is the RX-V665, VSX-819, and VSX-1019. They are all within about $100 for me. I'm leaning towards the 819 since it is the least expensive of all of them and seems to have all the features I'm looking for. Are there any of you that would steer me away from this or have another suggestion around this price range? ($300-$500 retail) As always, I prefer to purchase from BBY since I'm employed there and get the best bang for my buck, but can be swayed if convinced to do so. Thanks in advance as always.

Mike

PS-"Future-proof" is not a necessity, when I buy the house I'm probably going to upgrade all my equipment shortly after that.

 

[jostenmeat]

Hm. Well, you sure don't need the decoders if you are keeping the PS3. In which case all you need is a receiver than can handle mch PCM over HDMI. The only real thing I would personally research is if any particular model can matrix mch PCM as I have a 7.1 rig, but if yours is 5.1 don't worry. Maybe you guys have one laying around somewhere, a demo, hidden in storage, dunno. Any of these will be cheaper. Oh, and the 661 will give you a better amp than the 663, which in of itself has a better amp than the 665!!!

Onkyo 604
Marantz 4001
Yamaha 661
Yamaha HTR-6060
HK 247
Panasonic XR57
Sony STR-DG810
Denon 887
Denon 1908CI
Denon 788
Denon 2308CI

*sorry, didn't research # of HDMI inputs for you. just a small reference list.

 

[Seth=L]

Enter Marantz SR 4002

Has 3 HDMI inputs, 1.1 repeating/ 1.3 switching (which means it will decode 7.1 LPCM, all that is needed to get the most from HD audio formats using your PS3. The PS3 does not bitstream the HD codecs to the receiver, it converts them to LPCM, which the receiver would do anyway if it had received a bitstream HD codec. Setting the PS3 to bitstream will only allow standard Dolby Digital, DTS, and 2 channel LPCM output.)

Has 7.1 preouts.

Does everything you need and comes with a 1 year warranty from Marantz. Note this one is refurbished. For an extra $49 you can get a brand new Marantz SR 4002 from accessories4less.com which comes with a 3 year warranty. Shipping will probably run 20-30 clams for home delivery on the new one, shipping for the refurb (home delivery) is free according the the shipping calculator.

 

[mudrummer99]

Thanks guys! I really like the looks of that Marantz, a lot actually. I think I may like it even more than the Pioneer Elites. We may actually have one of those Denons laying around and I can probably "take it off their hands" pretty cheap as well. I'm gonna keep researching and see where it goes, you guys have given me a lot of possibilities that aren't that much more than what I was looking at to begin with. Thanks again and any other suggestions are certainly welcome.

Mike

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi Mike,

Another very nice receiver is the Marantz SR5003, cost more though.

The Denons are nice too, but you'll have to look at the 2808 or higher for preouts on all channels.

Others are: Onkyo TX-SR705 refurb, Onkyo TX-SR706 refurb, Marantz SR7001 refurb, Marantz SR6001 refurb and...

Bob

P.S. By the way, that Pioneer Elite DV-48AV Universal DVD player is one of the very best ever built. It has a fantastic sound with SACDs and CDs, and it competes with players much more expensive. It is a classic, always keep it, it is a well kept secret.

 

[mudrummer99]

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I picked up a RX-V663 today on the cheap, gotta love the last one in the building. I think it will serve me well, much like my last yamaha did, for about 4 years.

Mike

 

[jamie2112]

Don't get the Sherwood J/K I couldn't resist. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54822

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I picked up a RX-V663 today on the cheap, gotta love the last one in the building. I think it will serve me well, much like my last yamaha did, for about 4 years.

Mike

Congratulations! From what I read the 663 is better build than the newer 665.

 

[fast1]

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I picked up a RX-V663 today on the cheap, gotta love the last one in the building. I think it will serve me well, much like my last yamaha did, for about 4 years.

Mike

just curious, how much did you pay for it?

 

[Lordoftherings]

just curious, how much did you pay for it?

Let me guess: $279.99

 

[Seth=L]

Don't get the Sherwood J/K I couldn't resist. http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54822

Oh hush!

 

[mudrummer99]

just curious, how much did you pay for it?

I'm an employee, so the manager gave a screaming deal on it just to get it out of there, $200 NIB.

Mike

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'm an employee, so the manager gave a screaming deal on it just to get it out of there, $200 NIB.

Mike

COOL Mike. It is a screaming deal! Did you run out on the street completely nude and yelling at everyone? If not, you should have.

By the way what NIB stands for?

Bob

 

[nibhaz]

By the way what NIB stands for?

Bob

New In Box

 

[Lordoftherings]

New In Box

TY, I'm still learning things...