Receiver: HDMI, THX, 700'sq??

[Kazz]

Inputs:
DirectTV (not yet HDTV but will be soon)
Game Consoles
DVD Player
PC

Output:
59" Sony Projection

I want quality and I want THX. I want HDMI for the future. I'll build in pieces with the receiver first and build up the speakers next.

What seem to be my best options and how much will I have to spend? Sure I'd like budget, but HDMI and THX don't seem to come in "budget" receivers.

Thanks for helping me focus my search. This is all a bit new to me but I'm ready to jump in.

Thanks!

 

[MDS]

Onkyo TX-SR804 is THX Select 2 certified and includes HDMI switching plus transcoding from all analog video formats to HDMI. The older TX-SR703 is also THX certified but lacks HDMI - there may be a replacement for it soon unless Onkyo has decided to abandon the 7xxx series.

MSRP is $800 but you can usually find them online for less.

Pioneer also has some relatively inexpensive THX receivers but the knock on them is that they don't support audio over HDMI.

 

[Seth=L]

Yamaha HTR-5990 or RX-V1700, they are the same receiver for the most part, but they are very good in my opinion. The have THX, HDMI, and solid construction. I don't know where the cheapest ones are but you can get them for around $500 online. I believe another member found the 1700 for $430 somewhere, it was likely a refurb.

 

[jcPanny]

THX on receivers

I would drop THX from your must have feature list. The mid-fi Yamaha and Deonon receivers are very capable and great options but they do not have the THX logo. Last years Yamahas had THX and this year they do not. They have the same or better pre-amp and amp stages.

 

[Seth=L]

I would drop THX from your must have feature list. The mid-fi Yamaha and Deonon receivers are very capable and great options but they do not have the THX logo. Last years Yamahas had THX and this year they do not. They have the same or better pre-amp and amp stages.

I believe most all of the Yamaha receivers that have HDMI also have THX cert. Denon would however be another excellent choice, even without the THX. Pioneer Elite is another. Any of the mentioned models and brands will do the job.

 

[Kazz]

Thanks, all. I appreciate you taking the time.

I'm no expert, but THX has been marketed pretty hard for years and I'd I've always thought I was missing something by never being able to hear it decoded other than in theaters.

You've all given me some starting points - thanks!

 

[jonnythan]

THX is just a performance certification that the receiver company paid to obtain. You don't hear anything "extra." It's not like there's some THX audio on your DVD that you're missing out on by not using a THX receiver.

The THX logo means that the receiver has, at the manufacturer's expense, passed a set of performance and/or design specifications.

 

[MichaelJHuman]

Very few Yamaha's are THX certified. In fact the 2700 isn't even though I believe the 2600 or 2500 was. Seems to be a cost savings measure...from what I have read, passing THX requires a fair amount of work and more than one pass at it.

The 2700 has very similar circuitry to the 2600 which I think was THX certified. Which means the 1700 does as well, having an almost identical amp. And the HTR 6090 appears to be very similar to the 1700.