Need Reciever Guru Help

[BrianLSU]

I'm looking at the new receivers and need help with specs.

Some upscale video, others don't. Some upscale thru HDMI others only thru component. Some do HDMI switching for video only others for both audio and video. Some have HDMI 1.3 others still 1.2, although it's not that important since BLu and HD don't even have (currently) the ability to use the 1.3 effectively.

I want a receiver that can upscale thru HDMI (1080i or p) with audio, provide at least 100 watt to all seven channels and basically be a true AV hub for my Movies, TV and music. Every time I see a receiver I like, it has something that doesn't meet spec.

 

[avaserfi]

Look into the Onkyo 605. It should do everything you want, but I think it only has 90 watts per channel. I wouldn't worry about that difference watts as a whole aren't too important and you won't hear the difference between those 10 watts. It can also be found for about 400 bucks.


http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=i

 

[tcarcio]

Check out the Pioneer Elite 82txs

http://www.tvcity.tv/productview.aspx?CatID=4&ID=1746

I have the 81txs and I love it, but I think for what you want the 82txv would be a better choice. This is where I ordered mine from and I could not find better prices anywhere and I was very happy with them.

 

[alexsound]

I'm looking at the new receivers and need help with specs.

Some upscale video, others don't. Some upscale thru HDMI others only thru component. Some do HDMI switching for video only others for both audio and video. Some have HDMI 1.3 others still 1.2, although it's not that important since BLu and HD don't even have (currently) the ability to use the 1.3 effectively.

I want a receiver that can upscale thru HDMI (1080i or p) with audio, provide at least 100 watt to all seven channels and basically be a true AV hub for my Movies, TV and music. Every time I see a receiver I like, it has something that doesn't meet spec.

What's your budget, and how big is the room you'll be using ? Also, what source components will you be using and what speakers ?

 

[BrianLSU]

I was looking at the 605 or the 705. I was also looking at the 2808 or the 3808.

Is there much difference between the Denon and Onkyo's besides price?

Is the difference in upgrades only in watts per channel or are there significant offerings?


Thanks for the help. I have a new HK445, its nice and sounds great but I want some of the things listed above.

 

[BrianLSU]

Here's the setup.

Just bought 3 Speakercraft Cinema One's for the LRC. I have Boston's in the ceiling for a 7.1 setup. The room is around 700 sf.

I'm using the Sony 300 BluRay and a Scienctific Atlanta cable box.

Sorry, budget around $1000. Think that sould give me some decent choices.

 

[Adam]

If your budget is $1000, I'd suggest looking at the Onkyo 805 as it should also meet all of your requirements. It can be had for aroud $900 and has gotten some good press around here. It's one of the top contenders for my next receiver if I get one this year.

 

[alexsound]

If your budget is $1000, I'd suggest looking at the Onkyo 805 as it should also meet all of your requirements. It can be had for aroud $900 and has gotten some good press around here. It's one of the top contenders for my next receiver if I get one this year.

Gotta agree with Adam. As it stands now, at the 1k price range, this seems like the receiver to beat. It should have power in spades and the connectivity you require, or may require for future purposes.

 

[BrianLSU]

The new Pioneers look good. Just what I need, another wrinkle.

Between the Onkyo 805 or the Pioneer 92, which one?

Does Pioneer have a good record with A/V's. I have their car sterio and plasma TV. Both work flawlessly.

 

[Adam]

I'm currently using a Pioneer receiver and am quite happy with it.

 

[BrianLSU]

Well, after some research, it looks like Pioneer is playing catch up with the new models (HDMI 1.3a, HD audio processing) and are using some older tech with the video and audio chips.

 

[alexsound]

The new Pioneers look good. Just what I need, another wrinkle.

Between the Onkyo 805 or the Pioneer 92, which one?

Does Pioneer have a good record with A/V's. I have their car sterio and plasma TV. Both work flawlessly.

Yes, Pioneer makes very good AV receivers.
IF you can wait a little while longer, I bet you'll see some sort of review on
both of these somewhere. The review won't be as detailed at what
AUDIOHOLICS does, but it will give you a better idea of which of these 2 receivers to choose from. By the way, some people don't like the VERY shiny fronts that the Pioneer Elite models have......., but on paper, the 805 still seems like the better deal.

 

[alexsound]

Well, after some research, it looks like Pioneer is playing catch up with the new models (HDMI 1.3a, HD audio processing) and are using some older tech with the video and audio chips.

AND YEAH ....What BrianLSU said.

 

[yettitheman]

What is your budget? I could suggest the Onkyo TX-NR905, which does all of that and has a network jack so you can stream music to it....
Or how about the new Yamaha RX-V1800?

 

[BrianLSU]

I can spend 1-1.5k. I don't need computer conectivity. I'll use CDRW's or an Ipod.

The Yamm's are nice, but I want to focus on the 805 vs the 92.

I'm leaning towards the 805, but I have heard that the Onkyo has sharp audio vs the Pio's. I know this is subjective, I need to go hear one.

 

[yettitheman]

From what I've read and observed, HDMI in general is a problematic plauge. It's not quite mature, and it may take a while. I would suggest a separate HDMI Switcher/Upscaler, or the TX-NR1000. Yes, a bit pricy, but with the NR1000, you can upgrade via software or cards.. and if you use a separate switcher/converter, your only out a few hundred if it happens to go out of date.

 

[jimfitz]

If your budget is $1000, I'd suggest looking at the Onkyo 805 as it should also meet all of your requirements. It can be had for aroud $900 and has gotten some good press around here. It's one of the top contenders for my next receiver if I get one this year.

I have one. It's a great receiver. 130 watts per channel.

 

[christog]

yamaha 5790 vs Harmond Kardon AVR 735

what about the Harmon Kardon 745 AVR
I have a Yamaha htr 5790 and am thinking about upgrading to the HK 745 7.2
because I can get it off my friend at a good price

I currently have
2 x Studio™ L Series L820
and
4 x JBL L890
with a JBL 12 500 RMS sub
and
PolkAudio csI 5

Is it worth upgrading my reciever

Need to know :-(

Thanks

 

[BrianLSU]

Ok, research done. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Denon (3808, 4808) -

The good: Upscales properly with adjustment, uses the same chip found in the Opo DVD players. Great sound, many adjustments and toys.

The bad: Many bugs with internal programming and compatibilities.

Onkyo (805, 875) -

The good: Great sound, many adjustments and toys.

The bad: Has a great upscaler chip but you can't adjust the output, to the dismay of many 875 owners who expected this and know find out they need to buy the unavailable 905. Runs hot enough to cook hotdogs and popcorn on during movies. Also has a couple of bugs with compatibilities.

Pioneer (92, 94) -

The good: Great sound, upscaler is adjustable.

The bad: Upscaler is poor quality.

Yamaha 3800 -

Don't know enough about this model, chip set quality, advertised vs. actual performance.

For the love of all that's holy, does anyone make a receiver of good quality that can perform as a true A/V hub with the performance in video upscaling (mainly for the cable box) and future internet music connectivity.

 

[Seth=L]

What do you mean the output can't be adjusted on the TX-SR875?