What are important features to look for?

[ivseenbetter]

I have pretty much decided I will be getting something from Emo to run whichever speakers I purchase. But I haven't figured out what to look for regarding the pre/pro solution.

Video Quality
Is it really important to have a good scaling ability? Doesn't the screen do that anyway in order to match its native resolution?

Does HDMI make much of a difference over component?

Reon/Realta/others...what is the best?

Sound Quality
With the PS3 and the new bluray players, don't they do all the audio decoding internally? If so, what does the receiver need to handle the signal properly? It seems like it shouldn't need anything special if it is already decoded.

 

[ivseenbetter]

I know these are very basic questions but I'm tired and can't seem to put together my thoughts right. I just wanted to start a thread so that I have something to build off of tomorrow.

 

[jliedeka]

Ultimately, your setup will determine which features you need.

I'd want HDMI support, the best available. HDMI is a crap standard but it's the only game in town for HD audio other than analog. I'd look for, at minimum, something that can handle LPCM over HDMI. Bonus points for handling Dolby True HD and DTS HD-MA. Blue Ray discs with picture in picture won't benefit from decoding in a pre/pro or receiver. The source needs to do the decoding so you can get the right audio track.

I don't think scaling is important in a receiver or pre/pro but your situation may be different. If you have an older HDTV and your source(s) don't do an especially good job, it might be nice to have the option to handle it with a pre/pro. Some scaling issues to consider, output resolution versus display resolution. Things like 2:3 pulldown and /or 1080/60 versus 1080/24.

Some chip sets are better than others but it also comes down to implementation. Faroudja is sort of old news but my Oppo uses it and looks good to me. The Silicon Optics chips are well thought of.

Jim

 

[ivseenbetter]

Thanks Jim,

I know my post was void of any real details that are needed to understand my situation. I really appreciate the info you put into the post though. The fact of the matter is that I don’t really know what I need. I have been surfing around and trying to keep up with all the new technology that goes into these receiver or pre/pro units and I haven’t done a good job of really ingesting it.

Well, let me provide a little bit of detail on what equipment I have (or plan to get):

Video – Mitsubishi HC1500; PS3 (eventually had to crack on this); Cox HD cable box

Speakers – Not sure yet. I know you should pick these out first, but I need to get an idea on how much I will be spending on a pre/pro or receiver so I know how much I have left to buy speakers. I would like a 7.2 setup but may start out with a 5.2 for now.

Subs – Haven’t totally decided. Probably something pretty ridiculous…maybe 2 sonotube setups.

Amp – Emotiva XPA-5 (I figure this is beefy enough to handle most anything I would want to hook up to it)

Pre/Pro – Not sure. Might go receiver…might go Pre/pro

Things I think I need:
HDMI switching (I assume everything pretty much has this now)
Upconversion to HDMI (again, pretty standard these days)
Able to handle LPCM (will it still need to handle Dolby True HD and DTS HD-MA if it handles LPCM?)

I don’t know if I need scaling. Maybe a standalone scaler would be beter?

I’m going to be using this setup for 80% Home Theater and 20% Video Games. Throw in a couple of Pay-per-View UFC fights and that covers the use for this setup.

I have read awesome things about the Integra 9.8 but I have to wonder if I would be paying for more capability than I need. When I think about it, I wonder if the Yammy 663 in my living room might cover my needs for the most part…

 

[Midcow2]

How much do you want to spend ?

How much do you want to spend?

Are you pretty much going to replace everything? If I understand corretly your MITSUBISHI HC1500 DLP Projector is only 720P so that is one limitation. Are you considering replacement anytime soon?

Most new devices are HDMI 1.3 but component still has the same PQ. However, some AVRs will not display HDMI from component input; check your specifc AVR equip.

You mentioned Cox HD cable box; if there is anyway you can go to satellite ( DishNetwork or DirecTV) or fiber ( AT&T uVerse) the PQ is so so much better.

There are really good AVRs now in the near-high end range ( ~$1,500-$2000) that are excellent. : Depending on you brand preference thaere are some very good choices: Marantz, Onkyo, Yamaha. If you want componets , yes the XPA-5 is excellent! especailly with a MX120 or MX136 Pre/pro.

Speakers: The are excellent choices but it is based on your sound preference and how much you want to spend? Depens on whether you want Def Tec 7000 towers or full blown Wilson Audio. Spend most of your budget on Front Towers and Center Channel and the sub: the 2 sonotube setup if that is your preference over SVS PB13-Ultra or Hsu VTF-3 HO with turbocharger or the JB Audio FATHOM f113.

If you are getting newer devices then a scaler is not important. Really only important if you are intergrating older equipment into newer AVR and Video display. PS3 has HDMI 1.3 and component interface; HMDI is a little more robust. The frequent software upgrades and processing speed make it on of the better Blu Ray players.

 

[Pyrrho]

I have pretty much decided I will be getting something from Emo to run whichever speakers I purchase. But I haven't figured out what to look for regarding the pre/pro solution.

Video Quality
Is it really important to have a good scaling ability? Doesn't the screen do that anyway in order to match its native resolution?

Yes, the TV does it, but most TVs do not do it as well as possible. Of course, most receivers/preamps/processors are also less than ideal at this. How important it is to have good scaling in a separate unit depends upon how well your source scales (if at all), how well your TV does this, and how picky you are about defects in the picture.

Does HDMI make much of a difference over component?

Assuming both are implemented properly, and assuming all sources have the same capabilities with both (which most do not these days), there should be little or no noticeable difference in picture quality. However, most sources these days do not have the same processing applied to both types of outputs, and the trend is going toward HDMI for better performance. Unless I were extremely poor, I would not even consider a preamp/processor/receiver that did not have HDMI.

Also, HDMI is capable of carrying audio as well as video, so you may want it for this as well.

Reon/Realta/others...what is the best?

As jliedeka states, the implementation of the chip is at least as important as the chip itself. There are DVD players that use the exact same upconverting/processing chip, but perform quite differently due to poor implementation in one and good implementation in another. So, look for professional reviews where actual tests are done, and don't just buy based upon what chip is in the unit.

Sound Quality
With the PS3 and the new bluray players, don't they do all the audio decoding internally? If so, what does the receiver need to handle the signal properly? It seems like it shouldn't need anything special if it is already decoded.

No, they do NOT all do the decoding internally. Some do, and some do not. IF you are using a player with a built in decoder, your preamp/processor/receiver needs HDMI that is capable of dealing with multichannel PCM OR you need to use multichannel analog connection from the source to your preamp/processor/receiver. Obviously, if your source does not have a built in decoder, then you need an HDMI connection and the decoding capability in your preamp/processor/receiver. It will certainly not hurt anything to have this capability in your preamp/processor/receiver, and all of the really good and recent receivers have this.


Before you buy, you may want to read:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/understanding-difference-hdmi-versions/

Whatever you do, do not assume that something with an HDMI connector can do everything that HDMI is capable of doing. Make sure the unit you are planning on buying is capable of everything you want it to do before you part with your money.

 

[jcPanny]

Video features.

I have pretty much decided I will be getting something from Emo to run whichever speakers I purchase. But I haven't figured out what to look for regarding the pre/pro solution.

Video Quality
Is it really important to have a good scaling ability? Doesn't the screen do that anyway in order to match its native resolution?

Does HDMI make much of a difference over component?

Reon/Realta/others...what is the best?

Sound Quality
With the PS3 and the new bluray players, don't they do all the audio decoding internally? If so, what does the receiver need to handle the signal properly? It seems like it shouldn't need anything special if it is already decoded.

IMHO video scaling and several HDMI inputs are nice features but are not critical for most users. The scaling feature in most receivers <$1k is not that great and your money would be better spent on a better source (HD satelite package, upscalling DVD, or BluRay). Also, HDMI audio processing is only necessary for a BluRay souce and other devices can use a digital optical or coax audio connection to the receiver. There is no difference in decocing on the receiver vs. on the BluRay player and the PS3 only offers internal decoding.

A $4-500 receiver with pre-amp outputs like the Yamaha RX-V663 is a great option for use as a pre-pro. If you are not in a hurry, the new Emotiva pre-pro will be out in the fall for about $700 and will include plenty of HDMI inputs and video features.

 

[ivseenbetter]

How much do you want to spend?

Are you pretty much going to replace everything? If I understand corretly your MITSUBISHI HC1500 DLP Projector is only 720P so that is one limitation. Are you considering replacement anytime soon?

Most new devices are HDMI 1.3 but component still has the same PQ. However, some AVRs will not display HDMI from component input; check your specifc AVR equip.

You mentioned Cox HD cable box; if there is anyway you can go to satellite ( DishNetwork or DirecTV) or fiber ( AT&T uVerse) the PQ is so so much better.

There are really good AVRs now in the near-high end range ( ~$1,500-$2000) that are excellent. : Depending on you brand preference thaere are some very good choices: Marantz, Onkyo, Yamaha. If you want componets , yes the XPA-5 is excellent! especailly with a MX120 or MX136 Pre/pro.

Speakers: The are excellent choices but it is based on your sound preference and how much you want to spend? Depens on whether you want Def Tec 7000 towers or full blown Wilson Audio. Spend most of your budget on Front Towers and Center Channel and the sub: the 2 sonotube setup if that is your preference over SVS PB13-Ultra or Hsu VTF-3 HO with turbocharger or the JB Audio FATHOM f113.

If you are getting newer devices then a scaler is not important. Really only important if you are intergrating older equipment into newer AVR and Video display. PS3 has HDMI 1.3 and component interface; HMDI is a little more robust. The frequent software upgrades and processing speed make it on of the better Blu Ray players.

I’m not replacing anything. I just bought the Mitsubishi last week. I felt it was the best bang for the buck. I don’t feel 1080P is that important of a factor. I am projecting it onto 120” screen and I don’t see any SDE at 13’ back…that is with component connections so that is why I ask if the picture will be different with HDMI. I was going to purchase a 1080P projector and kept finding that unless I spend a ton of money (well over 3K) I would be sacrificing some performance in one form or another. Since that was the case I decided to save some cash (a lot of cash). I expect this to hold me over for about 2 years and then I will jump on board for the 1080P stuff.

I currently have Dish HD. While I am happy with the picture…my wife is not happy with the signal fade we sometimes experience during bad weather. I really want to go with the FIOS TV but I think it will be another year before it becomes available where I am at. In the meantime I figure I will save some money and go with Cable temporarily, to satisfy the wife’s concerns, and to allow myself an easy escape when FIOS becomes available.

As far as price is concerned I really don’t want to spend more than what I can get an Integra 9.8 for (I think it is around 1600 but not too sure). I don’t seem to have a brand preference but I do enjoy the way my 663 sounds driving my Swan Diva’s in the living room. I do want to go demo some different speakers but it will be hard since I have a newborn I need to help out with. The one thing I am sure of…is that I want to feel the bass in my chest…it is paramount. I pretty much plan to check out each of the options you listed. I just keep hearing great things about the sonotube solutions.

Good info. Thanks for the reply.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Before you buy, you may want to read:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/understanding-difference-hdmi-versions/

Whatever you do, do not assume that something with an HDMI connector can do everything that HDMI is capable of doing. Make sure the unit you are planning on buying is capable of everything you want it to do before you part with your money.

Thanks Pyrrho! I will take a read at this. I'm sure it will help me out. I'm pretty sure anything I get will have HDMI. Just didn't know if it was worth buying the cable to connect it.

 

[ivseenbetter]

IMHO video scaling and several HDMI inputs are nice features but are not critical for most users. The scaling feature in most receivers <$1k is not that great and your money would be better spent on a better source (HD satelite package, upscalling DVD, or BluRay). Also, HDMI audio processing is only necessary for a BluRay souce and other devices can use a digital optical or coax audio connection to the receiver. There is no difference in decocing on the receiver vs. on the BluRay player and the PS3 only offers internal decoding.

A $4-500 receiver with pre-amp outputs like the Yamaha RX-V663 is a great option for use as a pre-pro. If you are not in a hurry, the new Emotiva pre-pro will be out in the fall for about $700 and will include plenty of HDMI inputs and video features.

It really seems like the 663 does everything I need. I might not need to shop for a pre/pro and just steal this from my living room. I need to look at this more closely though.

 

[Midcow2]

Thanks for clarification

I’m not replacing anything. I just bought the Mitsubishi last week. I felt it was the best bang for the buck. I don’t feel 1080P is that important of a factor. I am projecting it onto 120” screen and I don’t see any SDE at 13’ back…that is with component connections so that is why I ask if the picture will be different with HDMI. I was going to purchase a 1080P projector and kept finding that unless I spend a ton of money (well over 3K) I would be sacrificing some performance in one form or another. Since that was the case I decided to save some cash (a lot of cash). I expect this to hold me over for about 2 years and then I will jump on board for the 1080P stuff.

I currently have Dish HD. While I am happy with the picture…my wife is not happy with the signal fade we sometimes experience during bad weather. I really want to go with the FIOS TV but I think it will be another year before it becomes available where I am at. In the meantime I figure I will save some money and go with Cable temporarily, to satisfy the wife’s concerns, and to allow myself an easy escape when FIOS becomes available.

As far as price is concerned I really don’t want to spend more than what I can get an Integra 9.8 for (I think it is around 1600 but not too sure). I don’t seem to have a brand preference but I do enjoy the way my 663 sounds driving my Swan Diva’s in the living room. I do want to go demo some different speakers but it will be hard since I have a newborn I need to help out with. The one thing I am sure of…is that I want to feel the bass in my chest…it is paramount. I pretty much plan to check out each of the options you listed. I just keep hearing great things about the sonotube solutions.

Good info. Thanks for the reply.

Okay Mitsubishi will be great! good plan on price/perfromance.

Understand about dishh fade; we have it but not ofter. cable PQ will go down but some, but you are rigth it will give you flexibility to quickly change to FIOS. Hopefully Verizon has its act together better than AT&T; the uVerse early adopters had and still do have some glitches. I think the DishNetwork penalty is $240 prorated over 2 yrs. I upgrade to 722 in February and it seems to have better PQ than the 622 did.

Intregra 9.8 for $1600 is great; excellent choice! Bought a Marantz SR8002 through pricegrabber for $1299 and it is excellent: very please with it!

I am not that familiar with sonotube, maybe it is very good; all I have heard of is DIY sonotube. I know the SVS and Hsu subs are excellent! and you will be able to fell the Bass in your chest. Just my speakers and you will probably want something different, but I actually have 4 subwoofers. The main one is very small (and old), Def Tech ProSub100 and my next upgrade will be to replace with probably an SVS PB13-Ultra. I also have built in powered subs int the front 7002 tower and also the center CLR3000 has a sub. The net-net is that I have pretty good chest pounding bass or as I like to call it the Jurassic Park T-Rex bass

My best upgrade so far is the "golden" upgrade ( see my Avitar )

 

[Pyrrho]

Thanks Pyrrho! I will take a read at this. I'm sure it will help me out. I'm pretty sure anything I get will have HDMI. Just didn't know if it was worth buying the cable to connect it.

Buy an inexpensive HDMI 1.3 certified cable from either www.partsexpress.com or www.monoprice.com and make sure you avoid the more expensive cables and you will find that it isn't too expensive to use HDMI. I have the cheapest HDMI 1.3 certified cables from www.partsexpress.com, and they work fine.

Also, when buying a preamp/processor/receiver with HDMI, don't just look for the level of certification (HDMI 1.1, 1.2 or whatever); make sure you read the product information for what the manufacturer claims it can actually do.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Buy an inexpensive HDMI 1.3 certified cable from either www.partsexpress.com or www.monoprice.com and make sure you avoid the more expensive cables and you will find that it isn't too expensive to use HDMI. I have the cheapest HDMI 1.3 certified cables from www.partsexpress.com, and they work fine.

Also, when buying a preamp/processor/receiver with HDMI, don't just look for the level of certification (HDMI 1.1, 1.2 or whatever); make sure you read the product information for what the manufacturer claims it can actually do.

I'm worried that I might need to actually get a better cable. The run will be about 25' - 30' long. My understanding is that is about where the quality of the cable starts to make a difference. I may need a more expensive cable because of that. I'm still reading up on that though.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Okay Mitsubishi will be great! good plan on price/perfromance.

My best upgrade so far is the "golden" upgrade ( see my Avitar )

I have two goldens. They definitely fit in with the family life very well. They like to help me with all my projects!