One simple question

[Mtn. Steel]

If I have a blu-Ray player with these specs-

* HDMI™ Audio

o Dolby® Digital Plus bit-stream out : Yes
o Dolby® Digital bit-stream out : Yes
o Dolby® TrueHD bit-stream out : Yes
o LPCM 2ch (192kHz/96kHz/48kHz) out : Yes/Yes/Yes
o LPCM 6ch (192kHz/96kHz/48kHz) out : Yes/Yes/Yes
o LPCM 8ch (96kHz/48kHz) out : Yes/Yes
o dts® bit-stream out : Yes
o dts®-HD High Resolution bit-stream out : Yes
o dts®-HD Master Audio bit-stream out : Yes
and if I buy a theatre system with v1.3 HDMI passthrough (Onkyo ht-s5100) will I get true HD out of the speakers?

 

[Nomo]

Not through HDMI you won't. The receiver does just what it says; passes the HDMI thru it.
If the player has analog pre-outs, such as the Panny BD55 and Sony 550, and the receiver has preamp inputs you can let the player do the decoding and receive the hi def signals.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Just say what type of Blu-ray player you have, it will make giving you advice a lot easier. If you are shopping for a new surround system, then give a budget and say what you are looking to do.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

I was given a Sony HTIB- BVD-IS1000. It was a gift and I love the functionality of the BR. The sound sucked as I have a large room so I wanted to just upgrade the audio. Unfortunately, my budget is minimal ($400.00 or so). I saw the Onkyo ht-s5100 and loved the idea of a 7.1 system

 

[Nomo]

In reality, not to insult your budget, you would be hard pressed to hear a difference between the new audio format vs the old standards with those speakers.
You could simply connect via digital coax or optical, assuming they are on the player, and not realize you're missing anything.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

Fair enough, but would I be wrong to assume that it would sound much better than the 5 Sony golf ball sized speakers and passive sub? My room is about 24 feet by 16 feet w/ 8 foot ceiling.

 

[Nomo]

My 1st surround speaker package was an Onkyo one similar to the one you're looking at (speakers only). Not bad for movies, not great for music.
Yes it would most likely sound better.

Be warned, once you get the HT fever, your credit card will never look the same.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

One more question (and thanks for your time w/a noobie) If I can scrounge a few extra bucks, would the HT-S6100 be any better?

I am almost exclusively watching Blu-Ray movies from Netflix and television through Direct tv w/ HD box.

 

[Votrax]

One more question (and thanks for your time w/a noobie) If I can scrounge a few extra bucks, would the HT-S6100 be any better?

I am almost exclusively watching Blu-Ray movies from Netflix and television through Direct tv w/ HD box.

The HT-S6100 would suit you well as it decodes DTS-HD MA.

 

[Nomo]

It appears as if the 6100 will decode the HDMI audio on it's own. HDMI repeater. So yes, it is better.
It really depends on your intentions here.
If you are looking to purchase an HTIB and stand pat with it, I'd say go with the 6100.
If your intention is to slowly build a better system over time, either go with the 5100 and build on to it, possibly with better speakers or a better receiver or start with a higher end year old receiver, one with HD decoding and get a slightly better set of fronts, possibly a center, and use you existing Sony's as surrounds.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

Unless some miracle happens with this crapola economy, I will be standing pat for several years. By the time I have money upgrade again, there will be a whole new set of technology upgrades to consider. Looks like I will save some pennies for the 6100.

 

[AVRat]

With this economy you may want to check local pawn shops and thrift stores to see what you can scrounge up. You may be surprised.

 

[murl]

I would also check your local craigslist, the good stuff is few and far between but when you find something good it is usually worth it. In the mean time if you want something to support the new formats and have 7.1 I would go with this:

http://www.advancedlamps.com/product_info.php?products_id=5235&language=en&cPath=34&utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=NexTag&utm_campaign=export_feed&m1track=nextag&osCsid=2973207c780fed28717fa386ee81083f


I also agree with many other members, you would be hard pressed to hear the difference in the audio of the new formats with what you have. I would do it a piece at a time as you can afford it, I know it may take a while, I am doing the same thing. There are good deals out there you just have to shop for them. I would stay away from the HTIB. The receiver was strictly my opinion, it does deserve some further research and thinking about what you would rather have.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

You guys definitely have me convinced now. I will be looking for the best $450.00 7.1 receiver with True HD that I can find. I will set it up as a 5.1 initially w/ the Panasonic speakers I have . Next, I will address the Sub as this is the weakest link in the system. Then I will work my way through the speakers two at a time until I have a great system. Thanks for changing my mind!!! Now, What is the best A/V receiver, 7.1 w. ture HD taht I can lay my hands on???

 

[Nomo]

I figured we could spend your money for you some how.

Among the best is the Yamaha RX-V663.
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1759/69/yamaha-rx-v663-surround-receiver

These will probably be a bit cheaper within the next couple months as the new models are coming.

 

[murl]

Denon AVR-1909
Denon AVR-789
Onkyo TX-sr606, I feel there is alot of "bang for the buck" with this one
Anything above the 606 would be better, 705,706.

I agree with the post above the Yamaha is a good receiver too.