Do I need a receiver with HDMI inputs and outputs?

[Muttster]

I am going to be replacing my old CRT in the near future and will probably be going with a 50 inch plasma. I have an older receiver and I am going to replace it with a newer receiver in the 300-450 dollar range. I have been looking at the Onkyo SR 606 and 705 and the Marantz SR 5002. These are all good receivers but I have also seen some older top notch (mid and upper end Denon for example) used receivers at the same price point or lower. It seems that the main difference is a lack of HDMI inputs and outputs.

Since I know little about the newer receivers, my question is this - are HDMI inputs and outputs critical for home theatre? I will be using a conventional DVD players and will eventually be getting a Playstation 3 gaming system for the obvious games but also for its blue ray capabilities.

Any suggestions or advice would be most appreciated

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Muttster!

HDMI isn't critical, but here's something to consider if you're going to get into Blu-ray: HDMI can carry some higher fidelity surround sound formats (that I think are currently only on Blu-ray) that the other digital audio connections, such as Toslink optical and digital coax, can't. It comes down to how important those are to you. These days, receivers in your price range have HDMI and can handle those formats.

In addition to the models that you listed, you may also want to look at the Yamaha RX-V663. It gets good reviews around here.

 

[mfabien]

My Yamaha receiver has no HDMI inputs/output.

I get lossless audio from my HD-A1 and Samsung BD P-1400 via multichannel analog outputs. And from my Oppo, I get SACD and DVD-A multichannel sound the same way.

To connect multichannel analogs from the 3 sets above, I use a Zektor HDS4.1 multichannel switch box. And I use an HDMI 3x1 switch box for Video.

In my case, I already had the Yamaha receiver so that the investment in the Zektor switch box plus the HDMI switch box made sense. But if you are about to buy a receiver, you may as well get one with HDMI inputs/output. That is a no "brainer".

 

[rgriffin25]

I am going to be replacing my old CRT in the near future and will probably be going with a 50 inch plasma. I have an older receiver and I am going to replace it with a newer receiver in the 300-450 dollar range. I have been looking at the Onkyo SR 606 and 705 and the Marantz SR 5002. These are all good receivers but I have also seen some older top notch (mid and upper end Denon for example) used receivers at the same price point or lower. It seems that the main difference is a lack of HDMI inputs and outputs.

Since I know little about the newer receivers, my question is this - are HDMI inputs and outputs critical for home theatre? I will be using a conventional DVD players and will eventually be getting a Playstation 3 gaming system for the obvious games but also for its blue ray capabilities.

Any suggestions or advice would be most appreciated

I would definately buy a receiver with HDMI, especially since you will be using the PS3 which lacks the analog Multi-channel out. Also HDMI upconversion is nice, this allows you to use one HDMI cable from the receiver to your television for all your sources. I would also recommend the Yamaha RXV663.

 

[Mw`]

If you're willing to extend your budget a little more, be sure to read up on the Denon 1909 and Pioneer 1018 (you can also check out the Onkyo 606 and HK 254, but they're having some PS3 issues). Both can be found at or under $500. Not to take anything away from the Yamaha of course!