Need help selecting a 7.1 amp with HDMI

canadianplayer99 · 07-06-2007, 10:24 PM

I first want to start off by saying thank you for all the info that is available here on this forum. I never before knew how complexe HT audio and video might be. Obviously, this is my first HT project and I am looking to do it right without going overboard.

I am looking to a buy an A/V receiver with the following functions:

7.1 support
HDMI switching capabilities with audio and video support
Upconverting analog signals
THX certified
auto setup (if possible)

I am having a hard time evaluating which products are good quality and which are average.

With a budget of around 500$ what should I be looking at? Pioneer? Denon? Sony? any help would be appreciated.

Secondly, how should I go about selecting speakers? should I buy a set of 5.1s? and then add on later? or should I buy individually?

Alon Goldberg · 07-07-2007, 03:31 AM

Hi Andrew, a few questions to get you started:

1. What is total budget for speakers, subwoofer, receiver, cabling?
2. What are the dimensions of your room?
3. What are your sources (e.g. HD DVD Player, Blu-Ray Player, DVD Player, Gaming Consoles, etc)

I'd recommend selecting your speakers first before the receiver.

Also, don't worry about THX Certification, at this price point this doesn't mean the receiver will sound any better, it just means the manufacturer paid for a certification process to assures a base quality level.

SethH · 07-07-2007, 06:29 AM

Two decent options:

1 - Harmon Kardon AVR-247
2 - Yamaha V661BL

And I agree with Alon that it is a waste of time to consider THX. Also remember that it's a waste of time when looking at speakers. As evidence of this, Geore Lucas uses B&W speakers in his Skywalker studio which are not THX certified.

canadianplayer99 · 07-07-2007, 09:36 AM

Alon, Seth, thanks for the reply, here are some precisions on my situation.

My budget is approx: 1500$ - 2000$ for speakers, sub, and receiver. But my plan was to buy the amp, and upgrade my speakers later when the cashflow returns again (I have a sony HTIB right now). The reason I wanted to do this is because Iwill be wall mounting my display and loved the idea of one HDMI going through the wall to the flat panel (46'' Samsung LCD).

The room is an 18' x 13' rectangle. It will not be a dedicated HT as it will be a family room and a makeshift poker lounge

My sources right now: Satelite TV HD box. Sony DVD player and a Nintendo WII (I love this gaming unit!) BUT I will be adding on as I move along, eventually either a Blu-Ray or an HD-DVD player.

Seth=L · 07-08-2007, 01:12 PM

The Yamaha RX-V661 is probably the way to go for you. It has preouts, so you can connect a multichannel or stereo amplifier to it in the future if it proves necessary.

The only receiver that has all the features you want, at the lowest price would likely be the Onkyo TX-SR805.

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canadianplayer99 · 07-09-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth=L

The Yamaha RX-V661 is probably the way to go for you. It has preouts, so you can connect a multichannel or stereo amplifier to it in the future if it proves necessary.

The only receiver that has all the features you want, at the lowest price would likely be the Onkyo TX-SR805.

I apologize for the ignorance Seth, but why would I need another amplifier stereo or other if I have this 7.1 channel receiver? this unit does not do it all?

I am in desperate need of enlightenment, I apologize

canadianplayer99 · 07-11-2007, 06:35 PM

I am about to pull the trigger on the Harman Kardon AVR-247. Does anybody have any experience with this receiver? any thing I should know about HK before I make this move? thanks

4VTHOKIES · 07-11-2007, 09:18 PM

Before buying the HK I would definately pick out your speakers first. You might find speakers that are very demanding and if so the 247 might struggle with enough power to drive them adequately. The HK is a very nice unit nonetheless.

Have you thought about going with 3.1 to start out with and when the funds come available purchasing the surrounds and back channels for 7.1? The Onkyo 805 is a great receiver at a super price point.

Also, with the size room you are using for a dedicated theater, look into a front projector. You and your friends would love it especially during poker nights.

canadianplayer99 · 07-11-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4VTHOKIES

Before buying the HK I would definately pick out your speakers first. You might find speakers that are very demanding and if so the 247 might struggle with enough power to drive them adequately. The HK is a very nice unit nonetheless.

Have you thought about going with 3.1 to start out with and when the funds come available purchasing the surrounds and back channels for 7.1? The Onkyo 805 is a great receiver at a super price point.

Also, with the size room you are using for a dedicated theater, look into a front projector. You and your friends would love it especially during poker nights.

Thanks for the input, I checked out the 805 as suggested. Looks like an awesome receiver, but its just too expensive. I have managed to get the HK at 1/3 of the price of the Onkyo, (350$) which really makes it appealing. I am thinking of pairing it with a 5.1 setup from Energy speakers. do the floor standing speakers draw more power than the bookshelf? do you have any suggestions?

4VTHOKIES · 07-12-2007, 03:04 PM

It depends on how you set them up. If you run floor standers as small and utilize a sub then no in general they do not. HK is one of the few companies out there that gives you a pretty accurate power figures.

What Energy speakers are you looking at?