Receiver vs Component setup

[Shintsu]

Well, I have a dilemma of sorts. Currently I have a component setup (It's in my sig). A decent pre-amp and amp for the budget I had. Now, the thing is my NAD pre-amp has only composite video inputs and audio inputs (No S-Video, Optical, HDMI, etc). I know they make pre-amps that have those inputs but we're talking some ridiculously expensive equipment for that - stuff that would cost many times what I paid for my entire system.

The thing is, I am using my setup in a 2.1 configuration only. I have considered throwing in two more speakers and getting a surround system but my room is really very small for such a thing (Room dimensions are roughly 10' x 8' x 8' [L x W x H]). Here is a quickly made picture to illustrate my setup:

The L is my desk and on the right side of it there is a hutch (None on the left side). The two black squares are obviously my speakers and the thing in the middle is my TV (Although there is a TV stand it sets on which extends a little bit) and to the far right in the corner is my A/V rack (It's actually at a 45 degree angle from the corner but I was too lazy to rotate it in there and you get the point anyway), all the way to the left next to the sub is a small bookshelf and then the closet is next to that. I fear my room is too small for effective surround - and in actuality when I am watching the TV I have the back of my chair up against my desk so I'm really close to the wall (To where if I had the speakers wall mounted up a bit high they would probably be about three feet over my head). Sorry to throw this question in the mix here but would such be the case? I know I can adjust the levels - and I'd love to have surround for my games; if this makes any sense I have Logitech Z-5500 speakers for my PC and my computer monitor is directly across from my TV on the desk and my speakers are all over the place so I'd technically have two surround setups in the room. I just feel it's too cramped to do such a thing - or at least I'd have the levels turned way down.

That question relates back to my original one. Given my TV has HDMI and Optical on it and my CD player has an optical input on it and I'm looking to get a DVD player which has either HDMI or Optical I'd like to be able to utilize those things. However I want to know - is the sound quality on standard RCA jacks that much worse than sound quality via Optical/Digital Coax/HDMI? I know when possible you should use the best you can but I want to know are those things that much better than standard RCA plugs? On my local Craigslist there is a nice Denon AVR-4802 receiver for $300. Here is a link to the specs. THX certified, DTS, etc etc - a lot more stuff than I currently have and a TON more connection types including component, S-Video, optical - the only thing it is missing is HDMI and it's not a biggie for me, my TV is only 720p anyway. First, is that a good deal on that receiver? It seems like it to me, I know THX certified stuff usually doesn't come too cheap and certainly not Denon.

Just talking about this has me more interested in making a surround setup work for my room, but anyways given what I've said is it worth it to go from component back to receiver again? I always loved the ability to buy a better amp or pre-amp without messing with the other but I suppose given my room and needs that Denon would probably negate the need to upgrade anything for any reason for a long time.

Looking for some helpful advice, so please help me out guys!

 

[Lordoftherings]

Some suggestion & answers.

Hi Shintsu,

#1. Positioning a pair of surround speakers 3 feet higher than your head at the back of the room is perfect in your room situation.

#2. Your TV and CD player have a digital Optical OUTPUT, not input.

#3. HDMI connection is the best choice, digital Coaxial is the second best choice and digital Optical is also second best choice, right behind Coaxial.

#4. The Denon AVR-4802 for only $300 is a GREAT deal, an AMAZING value, even if it doesn't have HDMI connections. I will certainly go for it.

#5. With this Denon A/V Receiver, you can still add external amps in the future or now (but you don't need to in your small room, the 4802 is a power house of a receiver), because the 4802 has preouts for all it's channels.

* So, with the Denon AVR-4802, you can use the digital Coaxial or Optical for your audio connections and get excellent surround sound, with the Dolby Digital at 640kbs, and DTS at 1,500kbs from a blu-ray player.
-> For your room situation, it is more than you really need, but for only $300, the Denon AVR-4802 is a no-brainer. I highly recommend that you buy it, before it's gone. And this is if you don't mind living without HDMI connections, and use the Component connections instead. In your case, this doesn't seem to be a concern.
-> And just add a center speaker for a full 5.1-channel surround system.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Shintsu]

Thanks for the advice! I meant to say output - was typing too quick and said input instead. Anyway, I know HDMI is the best but as I realize it's primary benefit is the ability to transfer 1080p resolutions - not a real concern since my TV is 720p. I did not know about the pre-outs - but then again I have only seen small photos of the back of it and not seen it in person yet, I know that's a great feature to have but as you said I doubt I'll need any more power in this room. I'm mostly waiting on the guy with the Denon to write me back, so hopefully he does and I can pick it up!