Network Recever Worth it? Denon or Yamaha?

[gcarroll]

I was all set to by the Denon AVR-889, as it met all my criteria:

4 HDMI inputs (for my HDDVR, X360, PS3, and one future proof slot)
Strong output (90 per channel or better)
Full 1080p upres capabilites
Audyssey EQ
iPod compatible
Ideally < $1,000

Then I realized its not Wi-Fi certified or Network ready, so started looking at the Yamaha RX-2700.

I have my laptop in front of my home theatre system at all time so was hoping to play my PC MP3s directly to my Receiver. Also like the idea of the ethernet radio stations. But wireless is not an audiofile friendly format, and in the past i've just plugged my latop directly into the receiver via headphone jack anyway.

Is Network Capable worth all the fuss, and if so, which models should I be looking at that still fit my criteria above? Thx.

 

[Woofer]

I looked at the RX-V2700 myself since it's an older model and discounted heavily when you can find it. It does have an RJ-45 jack (way cool) BUT... it runs HDMI 1.2a, not 1.3a. I quickly shied away from all other Network AVRs due to price. Seems that feature is on the cusp of becoming mainstream, so if you can wait till the next general product revision cycle you should be able to find the current crop of Network AVRs at bargain prices.

 

[gcarroll]

Down to Yamaha or Denon

Thanks, yeah, I noticed the same today, so I'm looking at a different Yamaha:

RX-V1900 (has Bluetooth support)

Am I thinking about this the wrong way? Could I just run an ethernet cable between my PC and my HD-DVR, and run the audio to my receiver, instead?.

I don't think the Denon has any kind of wireless compatibility so the source has to be from somewhere else. I could use my X360 but that thing's fan is so loud it kind of defeats the purpose.

It does look like Network receivers are around the corner but I'm in need now, and the extra $600-$1000 it seems you have to pay to get into a Networked Receiver just doesn't seem worth it right now.

 

[Woofer]

Thanks, yeah, I noticed the same today, so I'm looking at a different Yamaha:

RX-V1900 (has Bluetooth support)

I've no firsthand experience, but streaming audio wirelessly would seem a sonic compromise. Does BT even have the bandwidth?

Am I thinking about this the wrong way? Could I just run an ethernet cable between my PC and my HD-DVR, and run the audio to my receiver, instead?.

I think that depends upon your Cable Co. My cable box has numerous ports but all are disabled at this point in time.

It does look like Network receivers are around the corner but I'm in need now, and the extra $600-$1000 it seems you have to pay to get into a Networked Receiver just doesn't seem worth it right now.

Welcome to my boat - grab an oar, we'll get there twice as fast