Please Help me Choose a Receiver!

[Whynatte]

Seeing as though the minds on this boards have a firm grasp of everything A/V, I was hoping that I could list out the pieces of the puzzle that I'm working with, and get some advice around receivers.

My TV is a Sony XBR Bravia LCD 40" Flat Screen with full HD.

DVD player is the Sony DVP-NS575P/S Progressive Scan DVD Player.

Cable is coming in from the Comcast HD box with HDMI out.

Speakers are mid level Polk, and the sub is a Velodyne 10".

Living room is about 15' x 20', give or take a few feet, with the tv soon to be mounted on the wall about 12 feet from the sofa.

I'm hoping to spend around $500 on the receiver (less if possible), and was looking at the SONY STR-DG1000 and the Onkyo TX-SR605, but am definitely open to suggestions. I like the idea, and the simplicity, of having one HDMI run from the receiver to the TV. I can plug the cable box to the receiver via HDMI, as well as the DVD player. I would like to use the receiver as the hub for the entire system.

Picture quality is important to me, but I don't watch too many DVD's. I watch more sporting events through cable, and movies on HBO/On Demand.

Also, is there an advantage to having "sony" (or any brand for that matter) across the board? Or does it not make a difference? If so, would I be better off with a Sony receiver, even though I may be able to get a little more juice out of a different brand?

Any help you can offer is EXTREMELY appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[GlocksRock]

For the price, I think the Onkyo you mentioned would be good, also check out Yamaha receivers, they are very nice as well. I would personally not purchase Sony if I could help it.

 

[Whynatte]

So basically there isn't an advantage to using sony for the dvd/receiver/tv?

Why does everyone bash Sony? Do they make crappy receivers? I'm not asking this as a rhetorical question...Does Sony's high end stuff compete with the other brands? It does seem like most people in the know try to avoid Sony.

I'll check out the Yamaha's...what's the best model in the $500 range?

 

[GlocksRock]

I avoid Sony because for one I don't like some of their business practices, and also because I think for the money you can get a better product. But I'm sure some of their receivers are just fine, it's personal preference really, you just have to go with what receivers have the features you need/want in your price range.

As for what Yamaha receiver, the RX-V661 is about your only choice if you want/need HDMI with 1080p in that price range, and you may be able to find a new or used RX-V1600 for cheap now. That's what I have and I absolutely LOVE it, but it won't pass 1080p, besides that it will do everything you need.

Don't forget to check out the offerings from Denon as well, they make geat stuff too.

 

[Whynatte]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

Obviously, you're not alone in your distaste for Sony; Seems like many audiophiles avoid the brand. Good feedback.

I'll check out the Yamaha, and let you know what I decide to do. What am I missing out on if my receiver won't pass 1080p?

 

[GlocksRock]

You won't be missing anything if your tv doesn't support native 1080p, or if you don't have any devices that output native 1080p. Or you would just have to bypass the receiver and run HDMI right to the tv, and output the audio to the receiver, or get an HDMI splitter to run video to your tv, and audio to your receiver if you have something like a Blu-Ray player and you want to take advantage of the new HD audio formats. You can get an HDMI splitter here http://www.firefold.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HDMI-2SPLITTER

 

[Whynatte]

Thank you for your sage advice. Much appreciated. The RX-V661 looks like a great receiver for the money. I'll check out the Yamaha against the Onkyo, and see which one I think sounds best.

Anyone else have an opinion of Yamaha RX-V661 vs. Onkyo SR-605?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Welcome to the forums Whynatte! Sorry, I can't help you with a receiver, I just try and keep up with pre amp - processors (called prepros) and amplifiers. I used to have a Yammy, but I sold it.

The Yammy or the Onkyo will serve you well. I think there are more 605's around here than anything else, a popular piece.

Good Luck and Have Fun