Joe Cortez

Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

So after six long years I'm finally ready to breakdown and buy a new receiver with one small caveat.

Obviously, I'm looking for something that has atleast two HDMI inputs, can pass through 1080p video and decode all the latest digital audio formats BUT also has an analog Phono input for a turntable. As I'm still unwilling to give up my vinyl collection due to what I feel is superior audio quality, this is a pretty big deal to me and would like to avoid passing this audio through an auxiliary input via a pre-amp.

Any suggestions on a receiver that can handle my needs?

Dan Driscoll

Re: Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

Good luck, I'm not aware of any current full featured A/V receivers or processors that have phono inputs. IIRC, Yamaha was the last major manufacturer to offer a phono input on most of their A/V receivers.

I have to admit, I'm curious. If you're that hard core a vinyl enthusiast, why would you want to run your TT ouputs into what would be a second rate built-in phone pre-amp? I would think you would want an external phono stage, it would almost certainly be better than just about any built-in circuit.

Dan

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin

Joe Cortez

Re: Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

Well, I guess I should have clarified that I was looking for an all in one solution to my problem, although I may look into the alternative if no other solution presents itself.

gene c

Re: Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

It looks like the Onkyo 805 has a phono input. Not sure about the 605.

Dan Driscoll

Re: Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

I'll be damned, the 805 and 705 both have phono input.
However, I would still recommend going with an expternal phono stage. Even an inexpensive model like the Bellari VP129 (<$200 on sale) will blow the phono input of any mass market receiver. Even a NAD PP-2 (<$100) will be better.

Dan

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin

Joe Cortez

Re: Digital/Analog: Receivers that offer best of both worlds

Thanks for the recommendations folks. I was eyeing the 805 last year but can't remember why I passed, may have been the lip sync issue I've read about. Still an impressive machine with or without a phono input.

Dan, I wasn't aware of the Bellari VP129 but if it can deliver the quality promised for the price. (it's closer to $250 online, still a good deal) then I'll have to look into it.