Help!! First-time stepping up to a decent receiver

[jenjen]

Hi, I'm new here and was hoping to get some input from some of you audiophiles on what would be good receivers for me to consider.

First, price range - I am looking to spend around $1000-1500. I have the following:
HDTV - 42"
Cable box with Component Video
DVD Player with Component
VCR with s-video
TIVO with Component
Cheap speakers (will need to upgrade after getting a good receiver)

I would like a receiver which does the component upconversion (for my VCR)
I need one Component video output but at least 3 component video inputs

I looked at the reviews on the front page and the Denon 3805 looks like a good choice, are there others you would suggest? Should I be looking for something with THX?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mort Corey]

Should I be looking for something with THX?

Only if you like the cool logo It's more marketing than performance.

Mort

 

[mfabien]

You are putting a lot of emphasis on Component cabling via the receiver...

You have not specified what cable box you are using but all the new ones, and those incorporating a DVR, have a DVI or HDMI digital to digital output. As such, when Broadcasters start flagging their broadcasts, if your cable box is equipped with DVI or HDMI, the QAM demod may encrypt the data if it gets a directive to use an HDCP compliant connection and it's not there.

On the other hand, if your TV does not have a DVI or HDMI input, it would be prudent to keep an old cable box not equipped with DVI as the FCC states this old equipment will remain able to receive HD data from broadcasters.

If your cable box has DVI as well as your TV, connect Video from the cable box to the TV via DVI. For other equipment such as DVD, you can use Component switching either via receiver or switch box.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Yamaha RX-V2500 is under review right now and offers everything you may be looking for. Good audio, 3 component ins, 7.1 surround (+2 presence), video upconversion, plus a lot of other goodies Yamaha likes throwing into the box... A biggie for me is the multi-zone capability of the unit.