New AV Receiver Advice

[Jibs]

I'm looking for a new AV Receiver to replace my old Harmon Kardon unit. I'll break down what I'm looking for and what components I plan on connecting to it and hopefully someone can offer me some direction.

I would like a receiver that I can use to connect all my audio/video components to and then run 1 hdmi cable to my tv, i've been told this is HDMI pass through and HDMI standby pass through for when the receiver is off. I don't always want to listen through the receiver so I would like to be able to just watch tv and listen through the tv speakers when the receiver is off. I like the idea of being able to connect my ipod and streaming online radio from the unit, on screen display for configuration would be nice. I'm sure I'm missing some important features that are standard on all new receivers.

I currently have an hd cable box, dvd player, ps3, media pc and a wicked sweet vcr (no hdmi on this bad boy). The receiver will power my current 5.1 audio setup of mis-matched speakers, however the next upgrade I plan on making is on some nice tower speakers and possibly stepping up to 7.1.

I have heard good things about the denon AVR-1713 and the AVR-1913. I have seen the Pioneer VSX-1022-K on sale for a reasonable price, and I have always been happy with the quality of my older Harmon Kardon receiver. I'm just not sure that when looking at these units they have the capability to do what I want them to do. Also i'm not sure if they're good reliable brands or if there is anything else out there that I'm missing.

Ideally I would like to spend no more than $400, but I would consider a bit more if that's what it took to get a quality receiver that can handle what I think I want it to do.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Actran]

I'm a Denon fan but I think the 1713 fails to meet a couple of your requests. I've not heard of a receiver that will play from sources while powered off. You can use the audio return channel via the HDMI cable which allows you to mute your receiver yet hear audio on your TV.

The 1713 does not Convert analog to HDMI - you would have to connect more than just an HDMI cable to your TV to get the VCR to work.

However, it is networked which is a big one in my book and it is ipod / i(Device) compatible including AirPlay. Also, it comes with Audessey which is great.

It's still a good receiver, but doesn't sound like it meets all of your requests. With the exception of having to run an extra set of analog cables to the TV, I belive you could make it work though.

 

[Jibs]

The more I think about it, not having a receiver convert analog to digital isn't really a big deal, i can always just switch to video 1 if i need to use the vcr, and all the other devices are digital. What does the audio return channel do? I don't think i've heard that term before. Thanks for the info

 

[PENG]

If you are prepared to spend $400, I would go with the 1912, IMO more robust than the 1713/1913. It may not do 100% you want but should come close.

 

[Actran]

Audio return channel (ARC) lets your HDMI devices communicate sound information bi directionally. Basically, if your receiver AND TV support it, you can have the sound play through your TV rather than your receiver.

HDMI :: Manufacturer :: HDMI 1.4 :: Audio Return Channel

I also think Peng is onto something. The "12" in the product name signifies that it's a model from 2012 (last year's model) and the "19" represents the feature set. Basically you're getting a "better" receiver with the 1912, but it's just a year older. I'm loving my "12" model.

With the 1912 you pick up: Analog to HDMI conversion (VCR is covered via HDMI), 7.1 instead of 5.1, and a little more power.

However, you trade MultiEQ XT for Multi EQ - I'm actually not sure how big of a loss that is though.

 

[Jibs]

Thanks for the info, especially about the Audio Return Channel, that was very helpful. I will have to check and make sure my 5 year old LG LCD TV is capable of handling that.

Now I have a seperate question about the quality of the different brands. How do brands like Denon, Pioneer, Harman Kardon and Onkyo stack up against each other in terms of quality?

Thanks

 

[Actran]

I'm in the same boat with my tv. No ARC support.

i can only talk to denon vs onkyo and denon has a better build quality from what I've read. I was choosing between those two brands when I bought my denon 2312.

 

[Actran]

Well. I have to eat my words on the standby pass through. I accidentally discovered that my denon 2312 does do it. I usually turn off my peripherals before the receiver, but last night I turned off the receiver first. The movie started playing on the TV after a brief delay with sound and everything