Need a receiver....lost in the woods! (newb)

[SoCal_RT]

Okie...I'm a total amateur at A/V and Home Theater, but I'm coming around.

I'm ready for a new receiver, but I'm totally lost at what to look for. Maybe laying out all the components will give you guys an idea of what to advise.

Toshiba 43H71 43" Rear Projection HDTV (component, S-video, and coax. No DVI0
Motorola HDTV Cable Box (S-video, fiber optic digital audio, DVI, component)
TiVo (S-video, RCA)
Sony PS2 (component, fiber optic digital audio)
Toshiba single disc DVD - (component, S-video, fiber optic digital audiok, RCA)
Kenwood 5.1 DTS Decoding Receiver (no RCA speaker outputs)

I just recently bought some 900mHz wirelss speakers that need to hook up to RCA outputs. My receiver doesn't support this, so I had to hook them up to the rear channel output of the DVD player. Now for 5.1, I have to watch everything in Dolby Digital. DTS is worthless until I get a reciever with RCA outputs.

I have a total of 3 fiber audio connectors now (Cable Box, PS2, DVD Player). Prior to the HDTV Cable Box upgrade, I was using a fiber switch box for the PS2 and DVD player. P.I.T.A.

Anyway, I've never run any video signals through a reciever before, but I know many support that. Any recommendations for something to work with all my connection needs? Would like 6.1 or 7.1 this time around, but probably won't spend more than $300-$400. Not big on watts per channel. Living room is very small in our townhome.

I did some searching already and read the newb threads. It's still very Greek to me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[sdy284]

Onkyo TX-SR573S
currently on sale @ circuit city for $379

It's got 3 component inputs & 3 optical inputs as well
Now we'll just see if the other members agree with me

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha

I purchased the Yamaha HTR-5860 in your price range. It is a great receiver and includes all the latest formats and 4 optical inputs. I set of A/V inputs is on the front of the receiver for easy connection to a game console. It also has the pre-amp (RCA) outputs you need and auto setup and calibration.

 

[SoCal_RT]

I like the Yamaha option. The Onkyo is nice, but I really want to keep the DTS decoding. I honestly think the surround is a little nicer in DTS than DDII.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[sdy284]

I like the Yamaha option. The Onkyo is nice, but I really want to keep the DTS decoding. I honestly think the surround is a little nicer in DTS than DDII.

Thanks for the feedback!

...
the onkyo HAS dts decoding
CLICK ME

 

[SoCal_RT]

...
the onkyo HAS dts decoding
CLICK ME

I see it...missed that the first time.
Seems like it doesn't have the pre outs I need for my wireless rear surround speakers though. I've been doing some digging and coming up with some good options. Just need to decide how much I want to drop this time around.

Another good question maybe you guys can provide some insight on...does it help to run the Video inputs to a reciever first? Any benefit other than keeping things clean? Right now, I split Audio off to the receiver and run video straight to the HDTV.
I run component from the PS2 and DVD. S-video from the cable box to the Tivo to the HDTV.

 

[WndrBr3d]

I think an excellent option for you would be the new Harman/Kardon AVR240. You can get it at OneCall for $399.

This unit supports all major audio codecs (DD, DPLIIx, DTS) and also has the Pre-Amp outputs you are looking for (RCA output). Also a modest 50 watts x 7 channels, so you'd have a fully functional 7.1 receiver.

The Benefit of running all your Audio and Video to the receiver is having a single source. This way, you switch inputs on JUST the receiver when switching sources, not switching inputs on your receiver for audio, then on your TV for video.

UNFORTUNATLY, unless the receiver you purchase 'scales' non-HD signals (S-Video, RCA) to HD (480p), you WILL have to change inputs on the TV even though you may be running everything through the receiver.

My suggestion is getting a remote you can setup macros through. I use the Harmony line of remotes from Logitech, and honestly, I think it kept my wife from leaving me

Instead of having five different remotes, you now have one remote with simple buttons. For example, on my system the button "Watch TV" does the following:

- Turns everything on
- Sets the receiver to Video 1
- Sets the switch box to Cable
- Sets the TV to Component Input

This way, my wife didnt need to try and manage five remotes.

Hope I didn't overload you with information!

Cheers!

 

[SoCal_RT]

I think an excellent option for you would be the new Harman/Kardon AVR240. You can get it at OneCall for $399.

This unit supports all major audio codecs (DD, DPLIIx, DTS) and also has the Pre-Amp outputs you are looking for (RCA output). Also a modest 50 watts x 7 channels, so you'd have a fully functional 7.1 receiver.

The Benefit of running all your Audio and Video to the receiver is having a single source. This way, you switch inputs on JUST the receiver when switching sources, not switching inputs on your receiver for audio, then on your TV for video.

UNFORTUNATLY, unless the receiver you purchase 'scales' non-HD signals (S-Video, RCA) to HD (480p), you WILL have to change inputs on the TV even though you may be running everything through the receiver.

My suggestion is getting a remote you can setup macros through. I use the Harmony line of remotes from Logitech, and honestly, I think it kept my wife from leaving me

Instead of having five different remotes, you now have one remote with simple buttons. For example, on my system the button "Watch TV" does the following:

- Turns everything on
- Sets the receiver to Video 1
- Sets the switch box to Cable
- Sets the TV to Component Input

This way, my wife didnt need to try and manage five remotes.

Hope I didn't overload you with information!

Cheers!

Great info. I forgot to mention, OF COURSE I have a Harmony remote!

Anyway, I will look into that scaling as well.

One of my next major purchases is definitely going to be a new HDTV with 1080p Native Resolution. They're just hitting the floors. I want to be able to hook up my PC to the HDTV, but my current 1080i doesn't provide me with the realestate I would like for gaming.