Need help choosing equipment

[jjjlda]

I am just beginning to setup a system in my home and looking for some advice as I am new to this. My main focus, is to purchase a receiver on a budget ($300-$400), but I am not sure what features are most important to look for. I did a little research and I would like to be able to have only one HDMI cable running to my television. I think that means I want something that can do HDMI switching? I would also like one that can do upscaling/upconverting of lower resolution inputs to 1080p. The equipment I currently have and plan to hook up:

Sony 40VKDL2500 LCD TV
Comcast HD DVR Cable Box (HDMI output)
Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player (Component Output)
Nintendo Wii
Old Xbox

I also have some old speakers and a subwoofer which I plan to use for now. Those are a Sony SA-WMS230 subwoofer, a Sony SS-CN230 Center channel, and 4 Sony SS-V230 speakers. I know they are pretty old and not very good, but that's what I have for now. I will be purchasing a Bluray player about the same time as the receiver, so that would require another HDMI input port.

Does anyone have any advice, and possibly some suggestions of receivers to look for that would meet my needs, provide for a little bit of future growth, and work well for someone is new to the a/v world? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[jjjlda]

One more thing

I probably should have added that I'd like to connect my MacBook Pro (DVI) and an iPod to the receiver if possible.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

The only receiver that comes to mind, that will have the features and quality at this price point is the Onkyo TX-SR606--which I think can be had for around $350. It will do everything you asked in terms of HDMI switching (it has 4 in and 1 out) and will power your speakers without an issue. However, from your second post no current model AVR will have DVI in--you are going to have to get an HDMI adapter for that. And the SR606 is iPod ready where you can purchase a dock from Onkyo to pair it with the receiver--not sure how well this works---or simply get the standard cable to do so...

This will be your best bet for $350....

 

[jjjlda]

Other thoughts?

I read some posts online saying that the Onkyo has some issues when upconverting and makes an annoying clicking sound when doing HDMI switching. Anyone ever experience this?

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I read what seem to be some good reviews about the Pioneer 1018. I know it's a bit beyond my budget, but if it, or other receivers really offer a lot more, it would probably be worth spending a bit more cash.

 

[zumbo]

Better jump.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=91987

 

[zumbo]

Less at 6th ave.
http://www.6ave.com/shop/SearchResults.aspx?kwd=pioneer 1018

Shipping may make a difference.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Thats a great deal on that and I would choose it over the Onkyo for sure...

 

[jjjlda]

A little cheaper...

In case anyone else is interested, I found it at NewEgg for cheaper, $419. I can't post URLs yet, too new to the forums. But it is the cheapest price I have found.

Free shipping too!