Cheap Receiver

[kieff3175]

I am looking for a cheap 5.1 receiver that supports DTS-HD Master audio. I have a PS3 and Tivo HD and tired of the sound cutting out. I would prefer a 5.1 but a 7.1 would be fine if it is compatible of out putting 5.1 (cant run the wires behind my couch). I am buying my speakers based on the receiver but if there are any HTiB I would be interested. Thanks for your help.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

By "cheap", what kind of budget are you talking about? If you want to process audio over HDMI (which you need in order for the receiver to handle that codec), you are currently looking at receivers in the $350 (maybe higher) and up range. Some nice units are the Yamaha RX-V663, the Pioneer VSX-1018AH, and the Onkyo TX-SR606.

If you can wait about four months, the next crop of Pioneers and Onkyos will hit the street (I'm not sure when Yamaha's new models come out)...HDMI audio processing might find it's way into the lower-priced models like it has every year.

 

[Highbar]

It depends on what you are considering cheap? Since DTS-HD Master and other HD audio formats are still new they aren't in low end receivers. The Yamaha 663, Denon 1909, and Onkyo 606 are probably the best "cheap" solutions for the new audio formats. Of the three the Yamaha is the only one with Pre-amp outputs so you could add a bigger amp later if you needed. There are no 5.1 receivers that I know of that do the new audio formats but all 7.1 ones will do 5.1 without a problem.

Now when it comes to speakers there is no reason to buy speakers depending on what receiver you get. You want to get speakers that sound good to you as that will have the most impact on the sound, not the electronics behind them. You'll also want to plan on spending more money on speakers than the receiver. A lot of people here start with a figure of 2x the money on speakers. For an average system with one of those receivers you are looking at spending around $2000 give or take. Of course you can get less expensive speakers but again that will be degrading the sound you are trying to get.

Good luck in your search and start listening

T

Well Adam beat me to it... And for some reason I always leave out the PIO

 

[gwhiz]

I agree about the receivers but I disagree about the speakers and their costs.
SVS makes great speakers for a reasonable cost. Add a PB12-NSD sub for $600. Great package for $1200.


SBS-01 Pair - Black $225
SCS-01 Center - Black $185
5.0 Channel Set - Black* $599

 

[jamie2112]

IMO you should get your speakers first and THEN decide on what AVR to buy. There are alot of variables with speakers and that should be your first purchase..How much do you want to spend on the total system?

 

[Adam]

And for some reason I always leave out the PIO

And I the Denon. Someday I'll remember.

 

[Highbar]

I agree about the receivers but I disagree about the speakers and their costs.
SVS makes great speakers for a reasonable cost. Add a PB12-NSD sub for $600. Great package for $1200.


SBS-01 Pair - Black $225
SCS-01 Center - Black $185
5.0 Channel Set - Black* $599

I meant receiver included not just the speakers. Now of course there are always sales going on, but that's not really taking any into consideration.

 

[Shock]

As Adam suggested

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51437

The new pioneer receivers are looking to be amazing budget to mid-range amps. I know I'll definetly be picking up one of these beauties when they hit the street.

 

[jostenmeat]

I am looking for a cheap 5.1 receiver that supports DTS-HD Master audio. I have a PS3 . . .

First of all, if trying to squeeze every penny, you do not need a receiver that "supports DTS-HD Master Audio". Since you have a PS3, you couldn't bitstream even if you wanted to, therefore, all you need is a receiver that can handle multichannel PCM. By getting such a receiver without decoders (and most likely a superceded model), you will save money. Here's a partial list I've posted, but make sure with anything that you really like:

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

. . . and Tivo HD and tired of the sound cutting out. I would prefer a 5.1 but a 7.1 would be fine if it is compatible of out putting 5.1 (cant run the wires behind my couch). I am buying my speakers based on the receiver but if there are any HTiB I would be interested. Thanks for your help.

They're pretty much all 7.1. No worries. Just tell receiver rears are not hooked up, then these channels are rerouted to proper speakers, and your amp section will be happy for having less speakers to drive.

As for sound cutting out, I rather doubt that it's the fault of the receiver. Can't say for sure, but . . .

 

[blued888]

Welcome to the forum!

By "cheap", what kind of budget are you talking about? If you want to process audio over HDMI (which you need in order for the receiver to handle that codec), you are currently looking at receivers in the $350 (maybe higher) and up range. Some nice units are the Yamaha RX-V663, the Pioneer VSX-1018AH, and the Onkyo TX-SR606.

If you can wait about four months, the next crop of Pioneers and Onkyos will hit the street (I'm not sure when Yamaha's new models come out)...HDMI audio processing might find it's way into the lower-priced models like it has every year.

+1. I would look at those 3 and check which feature set you like better. The Yamaha has A LOT of DSP stuff, not sure with the Pioneer and Onkyo.