Would this make any real sense?

[fox]

OK, I have a SONY receiver that has served me well for the last 5 years. Trouble free and continues to work well. It is an ES unit if it matters. Now, even though I know I don't need to do this. I wonder if it would be adviseable to consider a replacement. I'm running a power amp for my mains and the sub is powered. It is an HT setup for both music and films. I would not see the need for an overly expensive unit, probably around $500 or less if possible with pre outs. It would have to be able to accomodate 6 audio pieces in the rack.
That should do it for the moment. Thank you now for any advice etc.

Regards all..

 

[Adam]

fox, is there any reason in particular that you are thinking of upgrading? If you're still happy with the Sony, I'd say keep it for now. Features on receivers keep getting cheaper every year.

 

[fox]

Adam, actually not, I know there have been upgrades in video in these last years, but I gather not so much in audio. It is kind of funny what has happened. A couple of times now, I was told by the store I bought it from and another on-line outlet that they saw little justification for making a change and even though they might like to sell me something new again, why? That struck a cord with me. I guess there are times when one still thinks about what might be gained, if even that much. Just thought I'd get some input.

 

[fox]

Adam, actually not, I know there have been upgrades in video in these last years, but I gather not so much in audio. It is kind of funny what has happened. A couple of times now, I was told by the store I bought it from and another on-line outlet that they saw little justification for making a change and even though they might like to sell me something new again, why? That struck a cord with me. I guess there are times when one still thinks about what might be gained, if even that much. Just thought I'd get some input.

In other words "Why do it" coming from the sales rep..

 

[Adam]

Oh, I hear ya. I like thinking about what's out there and if it's worth stepping up to it.

Audio-wise, there are the new surround sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Unless you have a source that can play those, though, such as Blu-Ray or HD-DVD - then you don't need to worry about that right now.

 

[fox]

At the moment, that is not a factor. At some point, I expect I'll be looking for a blue ray player, but that can wait awhile. From what I've heard, prices on BR players will likely come down in time, another reason to say no, at least for now. Thanks..

 

[gus6464]

The only reasons I can see for getting a new receiver would be for HDMI support for TrueHD, Uncompressed PCM, DTS-HD/MA, and SACD over HDMI. Unless you want to upgrade to Blu-ray right now I say just stick with your Sony unless it breaks.

 

[fox]

That is what I am thinking too. The Sony continues to do well. It's always nice to get some other's thoughts though. Thanks

 

[PENG]

Depends on which ES model you have, they may have one or two sets of 7.1 analog inputs. So even if you are ready for a BD player you could still enjoy the HD codecs as long as you stick with one that offers analog outs that can output the internally decoded HD sound formats. Quite a few offer those multi channel analog outputs but not all of them would output the HD codecs via the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs.

 

[fox]

That will be something to consider when I go Blu Ray looking someday. For now, I will likely keep things as is. And that is fine too. Thank you again.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Guys, there is NO RHYME or REASON whatsoever once you become an audioholic.

You just upgrade and spend your money just because you feel like it.

 

[renegade87]

Fox,

I was in the same conundrum. I had(still have) a 9 year old Sony STR-DB930 receiver. It still worked great. But as I have a new Playstation 3 for Blu-ray and DVD viewing, it (the Sony) would not support HDMI or the latest codecs.

You could do the cost/benefit analysis. Or, as AcuDefTechGuy has sugested, you could just say "look it's been x years. I want a new receiver dammit!"

I bought a new Onkyo TX-NR905 in June (and saved about $600 off full retail). I'm very happy with my Onkyo. No it did not blow up. It does run warm, but will not defrost frozen chicken! LOL

If you're considering a new receiver <$500, look at Yamaha and Onkyo. Denon's are great, but you'll probably have to spend hundreds more $ to get the same feature set as the lower priced competition.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Look no further and think no more!

Buy this Onkyo 805 for $490 before it runs out of stock:
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805S+REF/40950300.aspx

 

[Adam]

Look no further and think no more!

Buy this Onkyo 805 for $490 before it runs out of stock:
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805S+REF/40950300.aspx

In the spirit of only buying something new because we're audioholics, what true audioholic buys last year's receiver technology?

[Okay...me, for starters. I might be an addict, but I'm also cheap!]

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

In the spirit of only buying something new because we're audioholics, what true audioholic buys last year's receiver technology?

[Okay...me, for starters. I might be an addict, but I'm also cheap!]

I consider myself cheap too.

But I don't consider the SR-805 out of date or anything. It has HDMI 1.3, HD & XM Radio, Dolby TrueHD, DD Plus, DTS-HD HR & MA, and Burr-Brown PCM 1796 DACs. So what's new this year that the SR805 is lacking?

 

[Adam]

So what's new this year that the SR805 is lacking?

Ummm, the "6" at the end of the name?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Ummm, the "6" at the end of the name?

I can live without that.

 

[fredk]

Hey fox. If it makes you feel any better, I just bought last years model (refurb) for $70 because I don't need this years features yet, not even at $450.

Save your money, rent more movies, buy more/better beer...

 

[jamie2112]

I would keep the Sony .If its working and not giving you problems,then why get rid of it?

 

[fox]

Well guys, this ended up bringing about more posts then I had expected. The Sony really has served me well and I think for now anyway, just hang on to it. The one thing that concerns me is that if and when I go for a Blu-Ray player, I may not have a choice but to upgrade the receiver too, just like anyone else. More $ out the window. Otherwise, I gather one would not be able to get the full benefit of the soundtrack. But we'll deal with that idea another time. Thanks all..

Regards