Hey guys newbie here!

[andytk5]

Just wanted to say hey to everybody on here. I've only posted a couple of times, (just joined yesterday). You've got a great site here and I'm sure I'll learn alot! Right know I'm looking to upgrade my HT system. New TV, new amp, keeping my speakers.
Currently it consists of

Samsung DLP 6167
Denon 3805
Samsung Blu-ray
Mirage M3si Fronts
Klipsch Center
Polk Surrounds
JBL Surround backs
Custom 18"JLaudio sub setup

Looking at TVs: Pioneer Elite 60" plasma 768p pro1540hd, or Mit diamond wd-65833.
Amps: Denon 3808ci or comprable Marantz, etc... in the $1500 range not too familiar with my other amp options in this range.

Thanks guys looking forward to talking with you,
Andy

 

[Davemcc]

Glad to have you here. Now let's have a look at that custom JL audio setup. Pics?

 

[andytk5]

Glad to have you here. Now let's have a look at that custom JL audio setup. Pics?

No pics yet but it has a 500w sub amp with crossover, gain, phase, etc... built into the box. It has the recomended airspace as per JL specs and I covered the box with 1/2" foam then wrapped it all in black leather. It looks like I piece of furniture. I just had it laying around so I was mainly a fun project and money saver instead of getting a PB2+ SVS for more than a $1,000.
Andy

 

[Seth=L]

Other receivers to consider in your price range. Yamaha RX-V1800, Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, and Onkyo TX-SR805/TX-SR875 (Also Integra DTR-7.8/DTR-8.8).

If I was in your position I would go for something perhaps a little less in cost, like a lower model Marantz or Denon that retains the ability to process audio from HDMI. The Marantz SR-4002 is a nice receiver with preouts for all channels as well as audio processing for HDMI sources. Unfortunately Denon's first AVR model to feature preouts with HDMI as well is the AVR-2808CI which is far more expensive.

The reason I recommend going this route is this, getting a lower cost receiver and getting a large stereo power amplifier to power those mamoth Energy Bi-polar towers is going to give you the best bang for your buck. If you can find the Marantz SR-4002 for around $450-$550 online, saving you close to $1000 for getting a nice two channel amplifier to power those speakers.

Emotiva has a very well regarded 2 channel amplifier that received a very positive review here at Audioholics. Unfortunately it is out of stock at the moment because they can't keep up with orders (small company, really popular). You could also look at their multichannel amplifiers. They have the IPS-1 in stock for $899 plus shipping and it delivers 150 watts to 7 channels (not wimpy receiver wattage ratings, these are real solid watts).

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

 

[Guangui]

Emotiva does not know if they will get more of the current BPA-1 and RPA-1. They are working on a new version, but it will not be available until April.

 

[andytk5]

Other receivers to consider in your price range. Yamaha RX-V1800, Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, and Onkyo TX-SR805/TX-SR875 (Also Integra DTR-7.8/DTR-8.8).

If I was in your position I would go for something perhaps a little less in cost, like a lower model Marantz or Denon that retains the ability to process audio from HDMI. The Marantz SR-4002 is a nice receiver with preouts for all channels as well as audio processing for HDMI sources. Unfortunately Denon's first AVR model to feature preouts with HDMI as well is the AVR-2808CI which is far more expensive.

The reason I recommend going this route is this, getting a lower cost receiver and getting a large stereo power amplifier to power those mamoth Energy Bi-polar towers is going to give you the best bang for your buck. If you can find the Marantz SR-4002 for around $450-$550 online, saving you close to $1000 for getting a nice two channel amplifier to power those speakers.

Emotiva has a very well regarded 2 channel amplifier that received a very positive review here at Audioholics. Unfortunately it is out of stock at the moment because they can't keep up with orders (small company, really popular). You could also look at their multichannel amplifiers. They have the IPS-1 in stock for $899 plus shipping and it delivers 150 watts to 7 channels (not wimpy receiver wattage ratings, these are real solid watts).

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

Thanks for the replys! So maybe go with the Emotiva MMC-1/IPS-1 combo?
Wow, that thing looks sick! Does it have all the features of the Denon for movie audio?

I went ahead and picked up the Mitsubishi WD-65833 today. Looks great! I was really considering the Sony 60" and the Samsung 6189 61" but Sony getting out of DLP soon and the overboard colors of the sammy pushed me away from them. The pioneer plasma elite 1080p was the best picture I saw out of all my research but couldn't do the $7,000!!!

Just need to figure out this amp thing and then I'm good!
Andy

 

[Davemcc]

Thanks for the replys! So maybe go with the Emotiva MMC-1/IPS-1 combo?

Not yet. Emotiva is clearing out old stock to make way for the new. While the sale price is tempting, you may find that you'll kick yourself for settling for older HDMI 1.1 tech that doesn't have the features, bandwidth, processing options or audio codecs of HDMI 1.3a.

Keep researching and find out a little more about what you want/need before pulling the trigger. A little patience right now can pay off very well in the long run.

 

[andytk5]

Not yet. Emotiva is clearing out old stock to make way for the new. While the sale price is tempting, you may find that you'll kick yourself for settling for older HDMI 1.1 tech that doesn't have the features, bandwidth, processing options or audio codecs of HDMI 1.3a.

Keep researching and find out a little more about what you want/need before pulling the trigger. A little patience right now can pay off very well in the long run.

Wow! I didn't see that the HDMIs on the MMC-1 is 1.1! I didn't see that on the website. Just 2 in 1 out HDMI... Dirty

 

[Seth=L]

Wow! I didn't see that the HDMIs on the MMC-1 is 1.1! I didn't see that on the website. Just 2 in 1 out HDMI... Dirty

They are going to be one of very few manufacturers with HDMI 1.3 spec pre/pros this year it looks like. Integra/Onkyo seem to be the only ones that have them. Onkyo always dives for new technologies and certifications, you can count on them to have the latest and greatest on their top end models.

 

[Soundman]

They are going to be one of very few manufacturers with HDMI 1.3 spec pre/pros this year it looks like. Integra/Onkyo seem to be the only ones that have them. Onkyo always dives for new technologies and certifications, you can count on them to have the latest and greatest on their top end models.

If you don't mind your stuff running a bit hot. I've just noticed that Onkyo's are hot! I'd wait for the new Emotiva, but that's just me.

 

[Seth=L]

If you don't mind your stuff running a bit hot. I've just noticed that Onkyo's are hot! I'd wait for the new Emotiva, but that's just me.

The hotness thing doesn't bother me, and I was refering to the Integra DTC-9.8 pre/pro. You could put whatever amplifer you wanted with that pre/pro, but the thing is, it's expensive.

 

[willw]

Onkyo 805

My 2 cents on the Onkyo 805 hot issue is I don't see what's all the fuss about. We have had our receiver for over a week now and I just don't think it gets that hot. We have four inches on the sides and seven inches on the top of space and the shelf is open front and back. I did buy a fan for it which I will use to help it's longgevity not because I think it gets too hot. It's a big powerful receiver and we are totally impressed with it for the money. My decision was the new Onkyo 805 for $700. or the new Yamaha 1800 for $1200. Hey it was a no brainer for me. Secrets, have a great review on the Onkyo 805 and that was another thing that sold me.

 

[Seth=L]

My 2 cents on the Onkyo 805 hot issue is I don't see what's all the fuss about. We have had our receiver for over a week now and I just don't think it gets that hot. We have four inches on the sides and seven inches on the top of space and the shelf is open front and back. I did buy a fan for it which I will use to help it's longgevity not because I think it gets too hot. It's a big powerful receiver and we are totally impressed with it for the money. My decision was the new Onkyo 805 for $700. or the new Yamaha 1800 for $1200. Hey it was a no brainer for me. Secrets, have a great review on the Onkyo 805 and that was another thing that sold me.

I think the TX-SR805 is an excellent receiver, even at full suggested retail, they are selling them like hot-cakes.

 

[Guangui]

I would weigh what would be the advantages of having HDMI 1.3, as 1.1 has sufficient bandwith to handle anything out there or to come in the next years. Regarding AV decoders, your components probably already have them.

Research and read a lot, check what would the advantages of 1.3 be vs. 1.1 be, don't get pulled in the "future proof" lie (manufacturers will never make future proof stuff, or they will be out of business).

You might find that HDMI 1.1 works for you, and you might get a great deal going with the Emotiva offer. Or, you get more convinced that HDMI 1.3 is what you will need, and get something with 1.3.

I went thru the same dilemma, and found that HDMI 1.1 was plenty for me, by the time there is such a wide broadband that 1.3 will be necessary, probably "HDMI 1.5" will be out in the market. Saved $100's.