No budget or Low Budget System

[noaudexp]

yes, I am beginning to see that.

I hooked up the optical out (had to run to walmart for one) between the WDHDTV and the Sammy. I thought it was my ironman that was not playing audio.. it was Transformers 1080p. When I select audio sources (using WD Menu) it says Audio Channel 1 (Digital) but produces no sound either utilizing HDMI (as you already ascertained) or the toslink. This does not mean it will not transmit digital over toslink just that there is no decoding.

I should have stuck with my original plan which was to buy a PS3. I had no idea about digital audio DTS-HD Master Audio TrueHD and PCM. Now I'm into the WDHDTV which is clearly less than adequate. It's not much but the wife will.. well if you have one you know what wives do.

So in the end I have pretty much non-digital audio coming out of the WDHDTV going out to an HDTV with stereo speakers.

I guess if I want versatility I'd get a PS3 and a receiver that does 5.1 or 7.1 but doesn't necessarily need to decode PCM, TrueHD or DTS-HD. Then I'd need to get involved with some speakers.

Way out of my price range. My wife can get a new PS3 through her corp perks for $311 I think she said for the 80gb. That pretty much blows the allowance right there. I wish I was buying this back when the TX-SR606 was available as a dirtcheap refurb, but you can't rush the gov't and we're only buying this because of our Tax returns.

 

[lsiberian]

yes, I am beginning to see that.

I hooked up the optical out (had to run to walmart for one) between the WDHDTV and the Sammy. I thought it was my ironman that was not playing audio.. it was Transformers 1080p. When I select audio sources (using WD Menu) it says Audio Channel 1 (Digital) but produces no sound either utilizing HDMI (as you already ascertained) or the toslink. This does not mean it will not transmit digital over toslink just that there is no decoding.

I should have stuck with my original plan which was to buy a PS3. I had no idea about digital audio DTS-HD Master Audio TrueHD and PCM. Now I'm into the WDHDTV which is clearly less than adequate. It's not much but the wife will.. well if you have one you know what wives do.

So in the end I have pretty much non-digital audio coming out of the WDHDTV going out to an HDTV with stereo speakers.

I guess if I want versatility I'd get a PS3 and a receiver that does 5.1 or 7.1 but doesn't necessarily need to decode PCM, TrueHD or DTS-HD. Then I'd need to get involved with some speakers.

Way out of my price range. My wife can get a new PS3 through her corp perks for $311 I think she said for the 80gb. That pretty much blows the allowance right there. I wish I was buying this back when the TX-SR606 was available as a dirtcheap refurb, but you can't rush the gov't and we're only buying this because of our Tax returns.

You know there is plenty of good speakers out there for a bargain. It's just a matter of deciding what you can do without. If you aren't an audiophile then you can probably do fine with almost anything. My parents have this very small sony system that they replaced superior speakers with. They don't know it's sounds worse. But hey they are happy. If you are going HTIB do go with the Onkyo's they have very nice systems for all in ones.

FYI the 705 is still on clearance and is superior to the 606.

 

[Drako60]

The PS3 would have been the better choice in this case as it will decode the Dolby-HD and DTS-HD then sends it i believe as 5.1 channel PCM via optical, personally i would sell the WD and get the PS3.

Check out Craigslist, or Gamestop, EBGames (Electronics Boutique), you might be able to pick up a used 40GB PS3 for somewhere around 200-250, only you wouldn't have the hardware for playing PS2 games if you care about that

the Onkyo TX-SR606 and 705 are running about the same price on ebay between $400-475.

If you aren't worried about the Dolby-HD and DTS-HD you could look at the Harman Kardon AVR 247 which has HDMI but no Dolby-HD or DTS-HD, for about $270 shipped on ebay.

BTW, if you can swing the cost, I would go with the Onkyo over the Harman Kardon, but if you are looking to break in with a receiver that has HDMI with video and audio I don't think you'll find one for less

for speakers as was mentioned you can find good deals, tSc (thespeakercompany.com) has really good prices and i've had no reason so far to dislike the sound.
craigslist and ebay have some good deals on speakers as well.

Those are some options you can look at, and perhaps some additional information, I know Harman Kardon doesn't seem to be mentioned much here but Audioholics have reviewed some of their receivers.

 

[noaudexp]

My wife and I are in a holding pattern right now with this equipment. She heard a rumor the PS3 was going to drop in price by about $100 due to wii and xbox sales increasing over ps3. If this happens and she gets another corp perk we might be in for big savings. This would help us in other areas of this HD adventure.

I've looked all over and up and down. I have 6 places linked for receiver deals. I've also looked on craigslist & ebay. The trick will be saving the money for the good deal before the money is all gone.

Maybe it's finally time to look into selling my Star Wars #1 misprint issue.

Not sure if I've thanked everyone yet, so let me take the time to do that now.

Thank you for all your expert advice.. I'll try to update this as I get more info. I'll also post any superdeals I find in my quest for hometheater tastiness.

Steve

 

[lsiberian]

The PS3 would have been the better choice in this case as it will decode the Dolby-HD and DTS-HD then sends it i believe as 5.1 channel PCM via optical, personally i would sell the WD and get the PS3.

Check out Craigslist, or Gamestop, EBGames (Electronics Boutique), you might be able to pick up a used 40GB PS3 for somewhere around 200-250, only you wouldn't have the hardware for playing PS2 games if you care about that

the Onkyo TX-SR606 and 705 are running about the same price on ebay between $400-475.

If you aren't worried about the Dolby-HD and DTS-HD you could look at the Harman Kardon AVR 247 which has HDMI but no Dolby-HD or DTS-HD, for about $270 shipped on ebay.

BTW, if you can swing the cost, I would go with the Onkyo over the Harman Kardon, but if you are looking to break in with a receiver that has HDMI with video and audio I don't think you'll find one for less

for speakers as was mentioned you can find good deals, tSc (thespeakercompany.com) has really good prices and i've had no reason so far to dislike the sound.
craigslist and ebay have some good deals on speakers as well.

Those are some options you can look at, and perhaps some additional information, I know Harman Kardon doesn't seem to be mentioned much here but Audioholics have reviewed some of their receivers.

The PS3 can't bitstrem 5.1 channel LPCM over toslink optical connections.

So you will want an HDMI repeating receiver at the very least. But I would suggest you get one that can decode the formats.

1. They are going to be a higher quality receiver overall.
2. They will be more future proof.

The 705 is an example of a receiver with everything you want in a receiver. There is no reason to step up. You can easily add an external amp to it if you ever need one. And it has enough formats for everything.

the 805 is large and heavy too much for most people IMO.

 

[noaudexp]

The TX-SR705 is way out of my price range at $800 from amazon.
Even the refurb 706 from shoponkyo is too much

 

[Davemcc]

If I am reading this thread correctly, the only feature you need in a receiver is toslink audio. There are very many older receivers that have this function and would serve your purpose. Hit the local pawn shops and look at the back of the receivers for the toslink input. Buy some speakers while you're there as well.

Any HDMI connection that you have will go straight to the TV and any audio signal goes to the receiver. All you have to do is select the reciever input to match the TV input and you are good to go.

 

[alexwakelin]

I'm not familiar with the Panasonic HE100. When I google it, the only result I get is for an $8000 camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=547567&is=REG&A=details&Q=

 

[noaudexp]

Ok so we pulled the trigger on
2pair http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-9085
1 http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-9080
1 http://www.parts-express.com//pe/pshowdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-635

To go:
1 PS3
1 Receiver

I should post a pic of my living room. It's a funny setup.
I have a fireplace on the southern wall above which will go the HDTV when the bracket comes tomorrow- according to UPS. The sub will go in the fireplace the center will go under the TV. I just hope there's enough room under the TV for the center speaker. I also hope the TV is not going to be too high for viewing pleasure.

There's 4 entrances into the living room 2 on the south of equal distance from the side walls and 2 on the north wall that do not quite match the other 2 doors but are symetrically placed about 7.5 ft apart from one another.

The room is rectangular and not in a good way for the TV but there's no fixing this issue as there's windows smack center on east and west facing walls.

oh and I've decided to rely on the PS3 for my video pleasure rather than the WDHDTV. That I think I shall sell.

One last note: the only cable I'm running from WD to my Sony CRT is the HDMI cable. The TV is stereo but it runs audio from the WD. I'm not sure how that works, maybe it runs stereo over the HDMI. Who knows? Whichever way it does it I am getting analog audio through the HDMI cable.

 

[alexwakelin]

It looks like you are putting together a good system. The MCM speakers got a good review on this site, and for the price it sounds like they can't be beat. Dayton subs are a great value as well. Putting together a new system is exciting and a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy it.

 

[noaudexp]

Thanks Alex, through your help and others I've been receiving a good deal of solid info.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to keep my sub from my kids I'm all ears. The living room is also the playroom unfortunately. It was easiest to childproof and they are curious little devils.

I have a 3rd old with the manual dexterity of a safecracking catburgler and a set of twin girls 1yr old who watch and mimic everything their older brother shows them. I had an iron screen in front of the fireplace but they kept pulling it on themselves.. it is not that heavy. On top of that my boy jumps over it anyway. He's the real danger.

I should probably take the installation of this system to another category in the forums.

I am currently waiting for a sweet deal on the TX-SR606.

these guys HAD it for dirt cheap, I've called them just to double check it's out of stock.

http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=41351501&navid=155441519

 

[lsiberian]

The TX-SR705 is way out of my price range at $800 from amazon.
Even the refurb 706 from shoponkyo is too much

you have poor connections then.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR705S/Onkyo/TX-SR705-THX-100w-x-7ch-Theater-Receiver-SILVER/1.html

only 420.

They are the best place to get Onkyo receivers. The only place that comes close is shop onkyo

I got mine for 400. They have the 606s for 300 when they get them in. But that receiver is very popular so they never seem to have them.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks Alex, through your help and others I've been receiving a good deal of solid info.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to keep my sub from my kids I'm all ears. The living room is also the playroom unfortunately. It was easiest to childproof and they are curious little devils.

I have a 3rd old with the manual dexterity of a safecracking catburgler and a set of twin girls 1yr old who watch and mimic everything their older brother shows them. I had an iron screen in front of the fireplace but they kept pulling it on themselves.. it is not that heavy. On top of that my boy jumps over it anyway. He's the real danger.

I should probably take the installation of this system to another category in the forums.

I am currently waiting for a sweet deal on the TX-SR606.

these guys HAD it for dirt cheap, I've called them just to double check it's out of stock.

http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=41351501&navid=155441519

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/eCost

fyi there are a lot of scam stores out there.

read that. I wouldn't send my money to them. That is unreasonably low for a 606. Its too good to be true and I don't want you to be out 2250 bucks. I don't know if they are an authorized dealer either. So the warranty could be invalid. A4less is an authorized dealer with a great rating and great customer service. I wouldn't risk 250 bucks on that deal.

If you are planning to get a PS3 you could get a Marantz 4001

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4001/Marantz/SR4001-receiver-80w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround-CLOSEOUT-/1.html

the PS3 will decode the hd formats for you. So you don't need the hd formats on a receiver. the 4001 will do repeating of 7.1 lpcm. 230, 25lbs probably good enough for your needs. plus that leaves you extra cash for a PS3

 

[noaudexp]

Thanks for the headsup Isiberian! I will not do business with eCost.

I wanted a full decoding receiver for HD cable. I've been trying to think of other things that will plug into my receiver.. all that I have is the PS3 and the cable, which is fine. I got the Comcast HD box for $5/mo more than the regular cable receiver.. it's a Scientific Atlanta 8500HD.

The question is, is it worth the extra receiver money to buy into decoding cable TV or if the box does not broadcast HD audio have I reached the end of road with the PS3 anyhow? Well if that's the case then the PS3 does all I need and it would silly to pay for decoding with nothing needing said decoding.

I'll research this cable issue and see if it requires decoding.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the headsup Isiberian! I will not do business with eCost.

I wanted a full decoding receiver for HD cable. I've been trying to think of other things that will plug into my receiver.. all that I have is the PS3 and the cable, which is fine. I got the Comcast HD box for $5/mo more than the regular cable receiver.. it's a Scientific Atlanta 8500HD.

The question is, is it worth the extra receiver money to buy into decoding cable TV or if the box does not broadcast HD audio have I reached the end of road with the PS3 anyhow? Well if that's the case then the PS3 does all I need and it would silly to pay for decoding with nothing needing said decoding.

I'll research this cable issue and see if it requires decoding.

I don't use cable. I have netflix and an HD tuner box. Saves me about 100 a month for audio video upgrades.

But I bet it is worth the upgrade. You probably get HD quality signals passed from the box to the tv. Make sure you get a DVR with cable though. It's worth every penny.

You really don't need hd decoding in the receiver if you have a PS3, but the receivers that have it do tend to be higher quality than those that don't.

But if your money is tight 230 now is 200 less than a good hd decoding receiver. And in theory when the PS3 dies you will probably be able to get HD decoding for that 200 dollars.

This talk is making me think of selling my Onkyo and stepping down to a non hd decoding receiver. I gotta pay the IRS so looking for cost cutting.

 

[noaudexp]

Comments like that begger the question.. how much for your Onk??

 

[lsiberian]

Comments like that begger the question.. how much for your Onk??

400 + shipping

 

[noaudexp]

Yah, sorry. Wish I could. It sounds like a good deal but my budget is significantly smaller than that these days.

 

[Drako60]

to my knowledge none of the cable companies are broadcasting any of the Dolby or DTS audio formats, so you wouldn't need the HDMI processing for cable.

admittedly i would suggest going with an HDMI processing receiver for future upgrades, but if you don't see any more upgrades coming in the near future, then drop to the HDMI repeating or no HDMI and just use the toslink cable.

 

[Davemcc]

I think we may need to clear up some definitions to avoid some confusion. HD audio formats are Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-MA. You need BluRay to get these. You won't get them over cable. You can get Dolby Digital over cable (and maybe DTS, I don't know, there's so many cable companies out there) but these are not HD audio. You don't need a special receiver to decode DD. Any receiver with optical or coaxial digital will decode that as long as you see the DD symbol on it.

The PS3 will decode HD formats (TrueHD and HD-MA) but it will only send the signal as LPCM. The optical or digital coaxial imput will play that LPCM signal. That is why you don't need a receiver that decodes HD formats when using a PS3. The PS3 does it for you. The only time you need a receiver to decode HD formats is when you want to bitstream the signal in it's raw form to the receiver and have the receiver decode it.

In the present case, there is no HD audio available over cable and the PS3 will decode any HD formats the user requires. Toslink will serve both. Further, there is no defined need for HDMI processing in the receiver. Therefore, even a receiver as old as a Denon 686 would provide the OP the capability he really needs without sacrificing anything. That can probably be found for $100 or less. JMHO.