[ClaytonMG]

Alright, so I have decided I need a reciever with HDMI. Right now I have the Yamaha RX-V2500 and I am unable to use Dolby TrueHD (on HD-DVD) and all the PCM tracks on Blu-Ray. So I would like to get a reciever with HDMI input so I can take advantage of these audio formats. Today I ran accross a Yamaha HTR-5990 (not sure what the difference is between RX-V and HTR). The price was very, VERY tempting. But I am curious as to what people's opinions are on it. Does anyone know of other receiver around this price range that are good? Here's what I am looking for:

THX Certifed
HDMI input
7.1 sound
On-Screen Displays
Setup Mic
at least 120 watts per channel (right now I have 130 and don't want to lose to much power by downgrading)

All for around $600. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[JustinCleveland]

I have the 6090, bought it for 950 about a month ago, and absolutely love it. All the reviews I have seen say that the 6090 is the 5990 with a few minor upgrades.

I also love the sound of Yamaha receivers and doubt I would buy anything else, for what it is worth.

I am happy with the next step up, and believe you would be more than satisfied with the 5990. Now where's my commission check?

[Mike_NW]

Here are some resources on the Yamaha 5990. Place "h t t p : / /" in front of these addresses and you'll find CNET user reviews on that product (I haven't posted enough to be cleared to provide actual links).

reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_HTR_5990_AV_receiver_7_1_channel/4505-6466_7-31657340.html?tag=prod.txt.1

reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_HTR_5990_AV_receiver_7_1_channel/4852-6466_7-31657340.html?tag=uoavrg

[ClaytonMG]

Thanks for the help! Justin actually sealed the deal for me. I have the Yamaha RX-V2500 right now and absolutely positively love the sound from it. I figured my best bet would be to go with another Yamaha and people seem to really like this one. I'll be getting it on Friday and I'll let you all know what I think of it.

[ClaytonMG]

So I have the reciever, and I have to say, I am horribly horribly dissapointed. I cannot use PCM 6.1 or PCM 7.1 because the receiver doesn't detect the extra channel... Unless I am doing something wrong.

[John Brill]

No, not doing anything wrong. In fact, your RX-V2500 is all you needed. The soundtrack on Blu-Ray is probably still in 5.1, your 6.1 or 7.1 receiver "manufactures" the remaining channels through matrix processing.

I believe all HDMI 1.1 and 1.2 receivers can only accept/decode PCM in 5.1. All other information would simply be passed through (up to 8 channels I believe). However, HDMI 1.3, I believe, will enable receivers to accept/decode upto 7.1. These receivers are not on the market yet and I don't know of titles recorded in 6.1 or 7.1 needing it yet. Right now, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is more about 1080i or 1080p, respectively, than it is about sound. Hopefully that will change soon.

JB