I guess I didn't do my homework

[02ViperTodd]

I need some advise here.

I just purchased my newest system around November. (see sig.) I didn't realize that the HK 445 didn't do anything with the audio of the HDMI connection. (It even had problems switching the BD-30 signal so I run the BD-30 direct to the TV with no problems). Which in turn means it doesn't do any of the HD audio conversions that at the time I didn't realize I'd want.

I was looking at the Yamaha 663 but everyone who had it is sold out so now I"m on the hunt for the Yamaha 863. Is this a good move? I'd like to put a preorder in so I can get it when they come in but I don't want to find out I made another ~ $500-$900 mistake.

Are there any other units compatable in this price range? Is the sound that drastic of a difference with the HD formats to even make another purchase?

Thanks for your input.

Todd

 

[penpitt]

If you don't need the HD audio formats you might want to consider the RX-v1700.It has 130w/channel, 2 HDMI in/1 out and can be had from an authorized online dealer for under $550. I just upgraded my RX-V659 to the 1700. Here is a link to the dealer.

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=YAMRXV1700B

 

[Seth=L]

The RX-V1700 can still utilize the HD audio if you get a Blu-ray player that can decode them internally and send them out as lossless multichannel PCM (not compressed) through HDMI to the receiver. You will essentially get the same quality of playback. The RX-V1700 looks much nicer and has a better amplifier and feature set than the RX-V663 or RX-V863. The RX-V863 does not add much to the RX-V663 other than HD radio, one additional HDMI input and a couple extra coaxial digital inputs. They use the same amplifier and general connnection scheme.

 

[02ViperTodd]

That unit does basically the same thing the HK does...Thanks for your reply, but I'm looking to see if the HD audio formats are worth the investment.

Todd

 

[Seth=L]

That unit does basically the same thing the HK does...Thanks for your reply, but I'm looking to see if the HD audio formats are worth the investment.

Todd

I wasn't aware the Panasonic could not process these codecs internally. You would do well to wait for the RX-V663 to become available. The RX-V863 is a big leap in price for not many more features or connectivity, and most certainly no additional power seeing how they have the same exact amplifier in them.

The RX-V1700 does process audio over HDMI, but it requires that the Blu-ray player be able to decode the format internally (which apparently the Panasonic does not do). The Harman Kardon AVR-445 does not process audio over HDMI at all, it is switching only (or pass-thru). But you are correct, neither fits the application.

 

[Nomo]

IMHO, the 863 is not worth the extra money over the 663.

Before considering the 863 I'd suggest looking at Yamaha's RX-V1800.
I believe it can still be had at the AH store for less than a thousand bucks.

But realistically, if you don't mind the looks of the 663 and can wait for a bit, till they come back into stock, that seems to be your best option.
I really can't see the "out of stock" situation to go on for very long.

 

[02ViperTodd]

The BD-30 does NOT decode these...THere is my problem...Buy the latest and get the few months old...actually a year old receiver without the decoding functions....uuummm..comparrison HD Master, HD DTS HD...what say you?

THanks Again,
Todd

BTW...Is the 963 available through this sites store? and are they willing to offer another's site with a 3 year warranty?

 

[Seth=L]

There is not a RX-V963.

 

[02ViperTodd]

Sorry, did I say V963? I meant V863

 

[Seth=L]

Sorry, did I say V963? I meant V863

I still say you should wait for the RX-V663 to be available. You have a very good receiver at the moment, it's just not able to do what you want it to do exactly. The RX-V863 doesn't offer enough over the RX-V663 to warrant the $400 price increase, it really doesn't. They both offer the same decoding abilities, amplifier, preouts, similar connection schemes. Sorry, but one extra HDMI, two extra Coaxial, and a HD radio aren't worth $400. They aren't worth $200, they might be worth $100.

 

[02ViperTodd]

but....what about my HD radio actually..I don't know anything about HD radio)...However, I do think in 6 months time, (given my track record) no other AM or FM station will be brodcasting in the current format. We'll all have to change our home / car radios for only HD content...and then I'm right back in the state I'm in..I'm missing something...., actually..does anyone pick up a HD station? If not it's 663 for ME!!

Todd

 

[Seth=L]

I don't believe you are correct about analog radio broadcasting. The switch to "digital" broadcasting you have been hearing about is for Television and Cell Phones only at this time. Digital radio might be a thing of the future, but I don't believe it will be in the near future. Such a switch would take several years to implement.

 

[Biggiesized]

HD Radio is junk. HD isn't even an acronymn for anything (it doesn't stand for hybrid digital).

We would have been much better off going with DAB+ as the successor to AM/FM.

 

[autoboy]

Get some digital audio or toslink cables and use the HDMI to the TV and audio to the receiver. Wait a few years and you will be happy you did. I don't find the upgrade to HD audio to be $600-$900 better than high bitrate DD or DTS. Remember, all the HD discs use the highest available bitrates for the standard sound formats so it is still better than what we had on most DVDs.

 

[02ViperTodd]

Thank you all for your inputs, especially autoboy.

Can anyone that has had the "regular" audio codecs compare that to the HD versions? I'm not asking for people who are splitting hairs here..I don't care about the older formats and how "great" your system sounds. I'm really looking for someone with "real life" experience to tell me that they can definitatly tell the difference between the HD-Master and TRUE-HD and all the other formats available as opposed to the DD PX2 and all the other.

THanks
Todd

 

[Seth=L]

Thank you all for your inputs, especially autoboy.

Can anyone that has had the "regular" audio codecs compare that to the HD versions? I'm not asking for people who are splitting hairs here..I don't care about the older formats and how "great" your system sounds. I'm really looking for someone with "real life" experience to tell me that they can definitatly tell the difference between the HD-Master and TRUE-HD and all the other formats available as opposed to the DD PX2 and all the other.

THanks
Todd

Standard Dolby Digital is very compressed, the Yamaha's offer fantastic flexibility and expandability (preouts for more power).

I don't agree with Autoboy on this matter other than it is cheaper to get a receiver without HDMI repeating. What's cheaper still is that you keep your present receiver. I find it frustrating and a waste of time that you started a thread asking for a receiver that featured what you where asking for, then posted such a response. It sounds like you got what you wanted to hear, that it wouldn't be much different. So naturally, to you, it won't make a difference if you never have the HD audio. If you genuinely didn't know you could connect via optical or coaxial to get standard 5.1 surround sound that's one thing. I don't appreciate being run around.

Perhaps it's just my mood and this is all innocent, but I detect ulterior motive. I apologize if I am wrong about you.

 

[02ViperTodd]

Dude...chill...

My original thread addrsed several things...and certain ones were answered and others were not..what's your....never mind...

 

[02ViperTodd]

I just noticed the "ulterior motive",,,,what? cuz I ask about the sound difference?..Somehow I'm very confused..or you are...

 

[Seth=L]

I just noticed the "ulterior motive",,,,what? cuz I ask about the sound difference?..Somehow I'm very confused..or you are...

Just keep what you have and be happy if it makes you happy. Simple enough?

 

[02ViperTodd]

Seth,,you need to chill...I spend more in one month on golf that I could possibly spend on a receiver in this price range.

If there is newer technology out there..that's what I want!

Seth, you give good advise to people, however, you act like everyone is in your price range. All I asked was if the HD AUDIO formats were worth the investment. I'M NOT CONCERENED ABOUT PRICE!! like you obviously are!!

Can you tell me, in your listening enviroment, that YOU have heard the difference? You've put different receivers in the same room and can definitivly tell me it sounds different. If not..STFU!!

I really don't want to wait a couple years..hell I'm 43..I want it all...and I want it now!!

I hope you don't get your panties in a wad..I appreciate your input..but don't jab me!!

Anyone else than can answer the HD audio vs Dolby PLXIIX and all the others, could you please chime in.

THanks,
Todd