Please Help Pick!!!!

[ddcobb]

I need SERIOUS help regarding what receiver to purchase. I recently purchased a Samsung 4695 LCD and an OPPO DV-981HD 1080P High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI. I have 2 Klipsch KLF-20s up front, a KLF C-7 center channel, and a definitive technologies sub. I do not have any rear/side speakers at the moment but will add them in the future. I currently have Comcast HD/Digital cable which is being run through components but I have HDMI cables (I just havent hooked it up yet).

My question is this.....What receiver should I purchase?

I would like to keep the price under $400 as I will likely upgrade in 18 months or so. I dont think I need a receiver that does upconverting as the OPPO 981has the Faroudja DCDI chip.

The Sony AVR I currently have is close to 9 years old and is WAY below my current setup in terms of performance/technology.

Any/All suggestions are welcome and I would greatly appreciate reasons for your recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AVRat]

Pioneer VSX-1016

 

[ddcobb]

Pioneer VSX-1016

Thanks! I actually thought about the 1016, however I need a receiver that will pass audio through HDMI.

I also considered the Onkyo 604 however several ppl seem to have issues with HDMI switching, bass mgmt etc.

Any other help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED as Id like to get something in the next 2 weeks.

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

In your budget, I would concentrate on the AUDIO features of the receiver and would recommend the Yamaha RX-V659. Connect your HDMI video sources directly to the display and use digital coax or optical to the receiver for Audio. Purchase an HDMI switch from monoprice if necessary.

If you must have HDMI audio and video on the receiver, keep an eye out for a refurbished Yamaha RX-V1600 on ubid.

 

[ddcobb]

In your budget, I would concentrate on the AUDIO features of the receiver and would recommend the Yamaha RX-V659. Connect your HDMI video sources directly to the display and use digital coax or optical to the receiver for Audio. Purchase an HDMI switch from monoprice if necessary.

If you must have HDMI audio and video on the receiver, keep an eye out for a refurbished Yamaha RX-V1600 on ubid.

Will the Yamaha 1600 output audio (using HMDI) via 5.1 or just through 2 channel? I have seen where some people have had this problem but Im not sure it is found in Yamaha 1600.

 

[moverton]

Need similar advice

In your budget, I would concentrate on the AUDIO features of the receiver and would recommend the Yamaha RX-V659. Connect your HDMI video sources directly to the display and use digital coax or optical to the receiver for Audio. Purchase an HDMI switch from monoprice if necessary.

I'm also looking in this direction. I have an older marantz that lost each digital audio input one after the other.
Background facts:

• I have a high quality/high power 2 channel amp for the fronts that i run off the preamp outs. So I don't think I need a super powered receiver for good musical output.
• I have a Panasonic Plasma with configurable inputs. I can run hdmi/dvi/component/ whatever I want in whatever combination needed.
• The receiver/dvd/amp/comcast dvr is in another room and run via r/c programmable remote. So I don't need to have the receiver switch the video source. I have the remote coordinate that.
• I have very good front speakers and put a lot of emphasis on great 2 channel reproduction. Right now the system sounds excellent.

My take on the current state of under $1500 a/v receivers is that they are close but not completely there yet for switching/upconverting video. The reviews usually show some issue in upconverting/scaling quality or compatibility with the latest standard, etc. My panasonic plasma does a very good job of taking standard def and any high def 1080i or lower and displaying it. I don't want to degrade the video just for the convenience of having the receiver switch it. The standards are also still in flux. 1080p is just getting here. DVD-Audio and SACD are still being implemented in the HDMI standards.
In general I think it is probably smarter right now to ignore the video processing in the receiver completely and focus on the sound. DACs, preamp, bass management, setup flexibility.

So, if we skip the video parts of the receiver models, what is the best audio processor out there under $1000 street. Even better, what's the most bang for the buck used or new? I'm looking at the Yammy 2500 used/recon($500), the Denon 3802/3803 used ($300), Denon 2805 new ($700), Yamaha RX-V659 ($400). If I keep this reasonable then I can justify buying a full blown receiver later when the video settles down. Any other ideas?

 

[jcPanny]

Reeiver options

Moverton,
I think you are on the right track. You could get a brand new receiver with all the wiz bang HDMI 1.2 for $1500 or a refurbished or used one with comparable audio performance for <$500. Use the money you saved for a quality upscaling DVD player like an Oppo Digital or maybe even HD-DVD.

On your used list, you might consider the newer Denon 3805 which is newer and more comparable in processing features to the Yamaha RX-V2500.

 

[ddcobb]

Moverton,
I think you are on the right track. You could get a brand new receiver with all the wiz bang HDMI 1.2 for $1500 or a refurbished or used one with comparable audio performance for <$500. Use the money you saved for a quality upscaling DVD player like an Oppo Digital or maybe even HD-DVD.

On your used list, you might consider the newer Denon 3805 which is newer and more comparable in processing features to the Yamaha RX-V2500.

Any reason you would choose the Yamaha 659 over the Pioneer 1016 or the Onkyo 604?

Just curious how they compare with each other in your opinion (positives/negatives)

 

[moverton]

Any reason you would choose the Yamaha 659 over the Pioneer 1016 or the Onkyo 604?

No. Thats actually why I posted the list. I am looking for more alternatives. I picked up those mainly from this board. It seems like there is a clear focus only on Yamaha and Denon for the mid-level receiver market.
I also would love to know any opinions on the Sony options.

Again, I don't need super power in the receiver nor video processing stuff, just decent power for back channel and audio decoding/preamp.