Opinion on first 'real' HT setup...

[jbradt]

I don't know much about home theater setups and what should go with what. I have spent the last few days reading trying to figure everything out - which is why I'm here now. I recently pieced together a receiver and speaker setup to go with my TV and dvd player. I am working full time and going to school so money is a little slim. I can't afford a $2,000 receiver and $4,000 speakers.

I have a Hitachi 60" rear projection LCD (720p). I just recently got an HD-DVD player (Toshiba HD-A3) and I was running it to the TV via HDMI. I thought since I had the HD video, I should probably do something as far as audio is concerned because the speakers in the TV, while nice, aren't anything amazing. The vocal part of it tends to be pretty low and then when music plays it blows my ear drums. I've tried adjusting different things but can't really perfect it. Yesterday I got a Harmon Kardon AVR-146. To go with that I got the JBL SCS500.5 speakers. I was originally going to go with a Yamaha system that all came in one box and when discussing that with the lovely folks at Best Buy, I was informed of how important it was to make sure speakers were properly matched with the receiver. I was told the HK w/ JBL speakers would be excellent and out-perform the Yamaha by far. Now for the dilemma... I was doing a little more research this morning and am now under the impression that most HD-DVDs use Dolby Digital Plus for the audio. The problem is that the HK AVR-146 doesn't process audio through HDMI and doesn't decode DD+. Even if it did decode DD+, I understand that the HD-A3 can't output the stream over the optical digital out because the optical cable doesn't support the bandwidth needed. It would have to be done via HDMI. Now we get to the level where I start getting all confused. I think the HD-A3 player can decode the audio internally, but like I said can't transmit it over digital optical. The settings in the player allow for the optical out to be changed from PCM to Bitstream. I was reading the manual and I thought PCM was used for 2ch audio but I don't know. Would it be worth the extra money to get a receiver that can decode the DD+ over HDMI? If the HD-A3 can't output the full audio stream over the digital out, is it downscaled to something else before being sent? Is it encoded to another format then decoded again by the receiver? If so, is that still worth having a nice receiver and speakers or should I be satisfied with what I'm getting from the TV or perhaps a lesser setup? I'm also not understanding the importance of having a receiver that can decode the audio if it's done in the HD-DVD player as well. I think the HD-A30 and 35 have the option of bypassing the internal audio decoders.

I just want to be sure I haven't wasted my money on something unnecessary and that I will still have really good sound. I hope everything makes sense. It doesn't make sense to me so it's hard for me to form a logical question. Thanks for any help though. This is all going to be setup in a pretty standard sized living room. I had to order it online so I haven't used anything yet.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Hi, and welcome to the forums! I can't explain everything in your post, but I woill start by saying if it were me, I would box up the Harmon Karden receiver and promptly return it to best buy. Harmon International owns HK, JBL, Infinity, Crown, and a few other companies. Not a big deal though, just FYI.

The Onkyo 605 is VERY VERY popular around here. Taken from Onkyo's website:

Processing Today’s High-Resolution Media—Including Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD—with Effortless Efficiency
Meet the first of Onkyo’s new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The TX-SR605 7.1-channel A/V receiver embodies this new generation, with its remarkable processing capabilities courtesy of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). With the ability to keep everything in the digital domain, the TX-SR605 provides complete control of every video and audio format available today. Bringing high-definition A/V processing to Onkyo’s renowned approach to sound gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatility — such as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), satellite radio connectivity, room calibration and integrated system control — the TX-SR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater.

Special Features

HDMI V1.3 repeater (2in/1out, 1080p compatible)
HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi technology
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding

One Call.com has it for 429.99 right now, USA model. GET ONE! It will drive your JBL's just fine.

 

[cbraver]

Wow, what a smokin' deal on that Onkyo. Good find, Ric.

I'd also return those speakers, and upgrade to this JBL kit B&H put together:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/440435-REG/JBL__Home_Theater_Speaker_Package.html

That would keep your total under 1,000USD.

 

[jbradt]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.
I'll have to wait for the stuff to get delivered from Best Buy and return it before I can purchase anything else. I'll probably miss out on that $429 deal but the regular price is still do-able for me. I appreciate your recommendation. I was back in Best Buy today while I was out doing some Christmas shopping. I spoke to the same guy as before and he recommend the next level up - HK AVR-247. I don't believe it decodes anything the 147 doesn't but he said it will process the audio via HDMI. It's a step in the right direction but not exactly what I was looking for. It is also the same price as the Onkyo normally is and the Onkyo seems to decode most of the HD audio formats, correct? I can see why the receiver would be a better option but I was wondering why you feel those speakers would better suit. They are exactly the same price the SCS500.5 were - and if they're better I'd gladly make the switch.

I was doing some reading and saw another post where someone said that the HD Audio is decoded internally on the HD-A3 and output as multichannel PCM. Does the effect the quality of sound at all? This is all getting very confusing to me. If it was decoded internally, wouldn't I just need a receiver that can process audio via HDMI? I would have to buy a higher model HD-DVD model to output the raw audio from the HD-DVD to then be decoded by the receiver. The post mentioned lower sound levels than a BD player becuse the BD player output the raw audio. The options for HDMI audio out are Auto, PCM, and Downmixed PCM. Right now I have it on Downmixed PCM and just use HDMI to go from the player to the TV.