First post - seeking for suggestions

[Ooztuncer]

Dear friends,
Here is my first post and I am creating the 10,000th recommend-me-a-receiver thread.

Here are requirements (must have's):
1) Native 5.1 and 7.1 pcm process capability OR ability to convert from 5.1 PCM to 7.1
2) Bug-free 10db-LFE-boost
2) At least 2 HDMI inputs (1.1+)
5) At least 2 optical inputs
4) 7.1 analog inputs
5) Should have pre-out's for 7 channel's
7) Should be pop-free (no popping)
8) No HDMI hand-shaking issues b/w hd-a2/ps3 and panny plasma
9) Good sound quality (burr brown or cirrus logic dac's is a plus)
10) Around $400 (new or used)


Good to have's but not priority:
1) on/off up-scale capability from 480i/p to 720p
2) ability to decode truehd and dts-hd
3) USB input (for pc hook up)
4) Speaker calibration tool (hardware and/or software)
5) OSD on HDMI
6) Zone 2 capability


Yesterday, I visited my local audio dealer and had a chance to compare HK 247 to Onkyo 605.

I listened each of them only for 5 minutes (same dvd player, cables, amp, speakers, room and scene - neo's entrance to the building to save morpheus), so I might be completely wrong; however to my ears, HK was much more fuller. Onkyo was rather dry and microphonic. They connected the 605 first time so burn-in might be the reason.

Overall, I really liked the HK design and the sound. It seems like it has everything that I am asking for - please correct me if I am wrong.

I didn't do any price check yet. But, these guys are selling it for little less than $500 including 4 years warranty. In addition, within 1 year I can take it back to dealer to upgrade with the newer model by paying only the difference.

Can you please list other receivers that falls into 'must have' category - thanks in advance.

 

[Ooztuncer]

By the way, here is my cheat sheet (gathered info from other threads):

Onkyo 605
Advantages:
HDMI 1.3/DTS-MA/THD (though currently dvd player needs to decode them)
Cheaper than the HK 247
Disadv:
Might get popping
No post HDMI processing, though it can accept a 7.1 PCM signal via analog
Some 1080i to 720p downconversion issues

HK 247
Advantages:
Good HK sound reputation
HDMI post-processing up to 7.1 (stereo to 7.1)
Up scale analog input to 720p (deson't have a good scaler)
Disadv:
More expensive
HDMI 1.1 (no real disadvantage actually)
HK247 has also possilbe popping and downconverting issue.
10db LFE boost issue
Only half post HDMI processing (can take stereo to 7.1, but cannot take 5.1 to 7.1), and cannot natively take a 7.1 PCM over HDMI.

The 645 has these advantages over the 247...
Increased power
Logic 7/PLIIx over PCM 5.1
No scalar issue (because there isn't one)
USB (hook up a PC and use the receiver as an audio device)
Might be HDMI issues with the PS3 (purple hue)

Yamaha VX-661
"future proof," at least in HD DVD/Blu-ray terms.
No HDMI upconversion from an analog signal.

 

[Ooztuncer]

wow not even one reply - good start

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

Your short list has several good options.

I have had good experience with Yamaha receivers and the RX-V661 is one of the least expensive option on your list at $400. Also note that the Onkyo 6XX series does not include pre-amp outpus, one of your "must have" requirements.

If you are willing to buy a refurbished model, I have seen the Yamaha RX-V1600 for $400 on ubid. It should have more power and features than most of the receivers on your list.

 

[Ooztuncer]

thanks jcpanny.

It seems that rx-v1600 doesn't have dts: neo6 capability according to this comparison: http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=200005&compitem2=547398&compitem3=451764&CTID=5000200&VNM=LIVE&comp_items=451764&comp_items=547398&B_compare.x=16&B_compare.y=7

However, in the features section they mention that "The decoding circuitry performs Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-ES (DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1), DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24 decoding with extreme accuracy, as well as all digital sound field processing." - which info is correct?

HD-A2 sends fullrate DTS stream and my denon 785 decodes it with neo 6 processing. It sounds better than dd alone or dd + plIIx... So, i believe it is somewhat important to me.

Also, do you know if v1600 natively accepts 5.1 and 7.1 LPCM signals?

Thanks

 

[Audioholics]

The RX-V1600 has DTS:neo 6. It also accepts native LPCM signals.

 

[Ooztuncer]

Thanks Clint for the info.

Now I was doing some research on yammy 1600 and found out several issues:

1) No 1080p pass through on HDMI (not that I need it right now)
2) 'Click'ing from speakers
3) Turn off itself after some time if it was operating on high volumes (highly likely heat issue)
4) HDMI handshake issues with dish's VIP622 receiver (i have a VIP211)
5) Possible image quality degradition even without video scaling/conversion.

Do you know any other possible issues with this receiver?



Also, what exactly is changed from 1600/2600 series to 661? I know that there is ipod dock and xm radio capability with the newer 661. And if I remember correctly 661 has hdmi 1.2 (for sacd's) but lacking video upconversion. Anything else?

And one more time - thanks...

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receivers

Check the forum and you will find that HDMI issues with the cable box are common and the issue is with the cable box, not a perticular receiver. The 1600 doesn't do video scaling, but it will transcode video from analog formats to HDMI. You don't have to use this feature, you could run multiple analog and digial video connections to the display.

The new Yamaha RX-V661 is an updated version of the RX-V659 and a few steps down from the 1600/2600/1700/2700 models. If you want a brand new flagship receiver with HDMI 1.3, 1080p passthrough, etc. then expect to pay over $1k.

In your price range, the RX-V661 or refurbished RX-V1600 are good options with very few compromises. Check out the AH reviews of the Yamaha RX-V2600 and RX-V659 for more information.

 

[alexsound]

Onkyo 605
Advantages:
HDMI 1.3/DTS-MA/THD (though currently dvd player needs to decode them)
Cheaper than the HK 247
Disadv:
Might get popping
No post HDMI processing, though it can accept a 7.1 PCM signal via analog
Some 1080i to 720p downconversion issues


I just copied the above from your cheat sheet. Are you saying that the 605 doesn't decode DST-Master and Dolby Tru ?