Yamaha RX-V663 vs Harmon Kardon AVR-247

[mrmazoku]

I'm new to the A/V world (and these forums), I have done quite a bit of searching on the forums and apologize if I missed a post where my questions have been answered.

I picked up a Harman Kardon AVR-147 from Best Buy under the assumption that it would allow me to connect all of my consoles to my projector via a single HDMI connection so I wouldn't have to manually switch component cables/HDMI cables. After I set the receiver up I found out that it required a separate audio input for the HDMI, could not display the OSD via HDMI and I still had to run component and s-video cables along the HDMI connection up the wall to my projector.

Basically I'm looking for the ability to connect 2+ HDMI sources with audio over HDMI (xbox 360, PC video), a few component sources (Wii, DVD player), while having the ability to output all of the video sources through HDMI to my projector (Panasonic PT AE9000U.)

Initially I was going to go with the Harmon Kardon AVR-247, but after reading these forums it seems that the Yamaha RX-V663 has more features for the money.

Can someone confirm that A. Its possible to do what I want (multiple inputs to a single HDMI output). and B. That these receivers will do this/if not which ones can.

 

[GlocksRock]

The 663 will do all that you want, and not need an audio connection separate from HDMI, but I don't think you will be able to have your OSD via HDMI, I'm not aware of any receiver that will do that due to HDCP issues.

 

[mrmazoku]

Thanks for the confirmation GlocksRock.

The OSD via HDMI isn't a large problem, as long as it isn't required for day to day operation. I can run s-video/composite video for the initial setup.

 

[GlocksRock]

You can do all the setup menu options via OSD with HDMI, you just won't be able to have the volume and things like that be displayed via HDMI.

 

[ChunkyDark]

You can run the 663 OSD by hdmi. This is how I'm currently running mine.

 

[Seth=L]

Yamaha RX-V663 hands down over the Harman Kardon AVR-247. The Yamaha is superior in nearly every way. I am not aware of any feature or specification that is superior on the H/K.

 

[mrmazoku]

Before I go pick up the new receiver. Is there any features I'm missing that would be worth spending a bit more money on?

I'm in a pretty small apartment, the receiver will be running to Klipsch Quintet III speakers and a 12" Klipsch sub. I'm pretty sure it will put out more than enough power to have the police summoned by my neighbors and to my newbie eye it does not appear to be missing anything that I may need... but I don't pretend to be an expert.

 

[CAVU]

I don't think you will be able to have your OSD via HDMI

This is wrong. Certainly the Yamaha displays its OSD setup info over HDMI.

What it does not do is superimpose the OSD over program video over HDMI. It is one or the other - when OSD is selected, the program is automatically blanked.

I do not know if it superimposes OSD over program video via analog outputs or not - never tried them.

The $549 MSRP Yamaha RX-V663 is an excellent AVR ... best bang for the buck I've seen in a long time ... $349 delivered.

 

[GlocksRock]

This is wrong. Certainly the Yamaha displays its OSD setup info over HDMI.

What it does not do is superimpose the OSD over program video over HDMI. It is one or the other - when OSD is selected, the program is automatically blanked.

I do not know if it superimposes OSD over program video via analog outputs or not - never tried them.

The $549 MSRP Yamaha RX-V663 is an excellent AVR ... best bang for the buck I've seen in a long time ... $349 delivered.

Yes, I corrected myself in my following post, and where did you find it for $349 shipped, and is it from an authorized dealer?

 

[rnatalli]

The 663 over the HK. Or if you can wait till next month, the Pioneer 1018 should offer excellent bang-for-buck as well.

 

[speakerman39]

The 663 over the HK. Or if you can wait till next month, the Pioneer 1018 should offer excellent bang-for-buck as well.

Well, I currently own the 663 BUT to be honest I am still looking at the 1018. However, I have been very impressed with the 663 thus far. I am sure that many of us are considering either getting the 663 now OR waiting for the 1018 to become available.