Advice on a New Receiver (TrueHD, DTS-HD) - Page 2

Jari K · 05-22-2008, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

Just ordered the Onkyo SR805.

Please read also this thread:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...s-ma-bomb.html

You could ask (from the seller), that can you update the firmware *before* setting it up at home. Then again, since you don´t have HD-player yet, you don´t really have any issues with this "bomb". But in the future you might.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

I'll plan on adding a cooling fan..

Note, that it probably makes some "noise" on its own. Try it out first without any additional fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

..I know it's not a strong performer in video scaling..

Not sure what chip the 805 is using (not Reon, I believe), but at least TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 uses Reon-VX HQV-chip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

..but I'll probably let my projector handle this task.

Yes, like Dave already said, with many A/V-receivers the receiver doesn´t upscale via HDMI (only via component, etc), so basically the DVD/HD-player or TV/projector does the upscaling. So IMO the upscaling via receiver is not *that* important after all, if you´ve some other quality products in the chain. It´s very nice to have of course, but there are other options.

Just remember, that don´t spend any money to expensive "upscaling DVD-players". If you need to get that new player, make sure it´s Blu-ray (which then plays your DVDs also and other formats - and is profile 2.0 - like PS3, Panasonic DMP-BD50 and new Sony).

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

I was also looking at the 875, but didn't think the Ethernet port, extra 10 WPC, and HQV upscaling were worth the extra $$ for my situation.

Like I said earlier, 875 probably indeed have "better" upscaling, but it´s hard to say for sure (I mean you should compare the two receivers in the controlled environment, which is probably rarely possible). But at least "in paper".

But yes, I did the similar decision with Yamaha v1800 vs v3800 (there was that 400$ - or so, difference) recently. In this case, both have the e.g. same upscaling chip (ABT1010) and same "basic features"/channels/HDMI inputs. Both are HDMI 1.3, etc.

V3800 has slightly more (max) power (from the **press** specs: v1800 - 7 x 180W vs. v3800 7 x 200w) - not a deal-breaker for me and also USB, Internet radio and Ethernet - which are not worth of 400$ for me. Other additions (like "cinema dsp 3d", not sure what´s that), additional S-video in, etc is not something that I need. v3800 comes with two remotes, though.

The thing also is, that I have Macbook laptop and "AirPort Express" (wireless networking) and I have now "AirPort Express" also hooked up to my Yamaha v1800. I can play music wirelessly from my Macbook and have the audio coming from my receiver/speakers. I can also play internet-radio via my laptop. So, I don´t really need to spend extra 400$ for something that I can already do now (which I also did my old, non-HDMI receiver, btw).

Now perhaps I´m missing something (since "AirPort Express" only uses analog/optical digital audio stereo mini-jack), but the music from my laptop is mainly MP3s, so the quality for that purpose sounds just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Dirk

I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm a little nervous about the reliablilty, but it's more than likely the result of reading too many non-professional reviews.

Like I said earlier, take all the forum-talk with that "grain of salt". Even the "pro reviewers" can make mistakes or focus too much on the things that doesn´t really concern you. They might rave about the quality of "upscaling" (or the lack of it), but it´s good to remember that "audio" is quite important also..

If you buy that quality Blu-ray-player later on, use that for upscaling. Pretty much "problem solved" (if you´re not happy with receiver´s upscaling).

Jari K · 05-22-2008, 01:30 PM

Btw. Recent (June 2008, it says) "Home Theater" magazine (their home page here: Home Theater: Home Page - you can also find some of their reviews/info from there) has A/V-receiver comparison, which solely focuses on the "video" processing. It´s pretty good and informative (perhaps still slightly too brief for my taste etc) article.

While it doesn´t want to put these receivers in a strict order - or praise some and mock the other (wise move, IMO), you can see some interesting results.

E.g. Onkyo TX-SR875 "passes" almost every test (digital/analog) and the upscaling is "excellent" (it upscales also via HDMI, it seems). For this (around 1000$, I believe) price range, it does very good job with "video". It uses "Reon" chip (from "Silicon Optix") for upscaling ("flagship" chip seems to be "Realta" from "Silicon Optix", so "Reon" is one step down from that).

In any case, there were some differences with these receivers.

Of course it´s best to read the whole article (and then other reviews and such) to make that final decision (there´s e.g. no word on the "heat-issues" with these receivers). And: This test was for the "video" ONLY.

No word for the "audio"-side of these receivers, which probably should be the main thing when buying receiver. IMO, at least.

Man-Fai Wong · 05-22-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Moritz

One possibility that I have thought about if I to purchased the 805 is that I would possible add a power amp later on.

I wonder if the 805 would be noticeably better than say the cheap Yamaha RX-V663 as a preamp. Of course, the Yamaha doesn't come w/ Audessy setup -- but has Yamaha's own proprietary setup -- and only offers 2 HDMI inputs. But then, you'll have a bit more $$$ left to play w/ for the power amp though. And if you're on a tight budget, maybe you could even buy that power amp used right here on HTF. I see a couple good 5-channel units up for sale right now, ie. Parasound and Rotel. If I don't already have an (albeit aging) B&K 5-channel amp myself, I would probably spring for one of those two right now to go w/ the Yamaha -- well, I suppose I might've already bought the 805 by now, if I don't already have my old B&K.

_Man_

Jari K · 05-22-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong

Of course, the Yamaha doesn't come w/ Audessy setup -- but has Yamaha's own proprietary setup..

This shouldn´t be any problem. I actually read one recent article where they tested 3 set-up systems (YPAO - Yamaha/MCACC - Pioneer/Audyssey - Onkyo) and YPAO got the best results. Of course, one test and one article (you can hardly drew any huge conclusions), but my point is, that not always the "bigger is better" etc.

I´m sure they all do a decent job, IF the environment (room size/shape, acoustics, etc) is good.

Like I also said earlier, not all "set-up"-systems are the same and equal with different models, so cheaper models might have "cheaper set-up" system. So e.g. "YPAO" in some (more) cheaper Yamaha-model is not the "same YPAO" as in the higher end Yamaha-models.

Man-Fai Wong · 05-22-2008, 02:45 PM

Well, if anyone wants the Onkyo 805, the new price slash down to ~$600 offered by Vanns (and matched by Amazon) should be very enticing now. I wonder if this is a signal that pricing of the 805 will start reflecting model-year-end discounts in anticipation of a new replacement model -- afterall, Onkyo did already start coming out w/ something new for the lower model(s).

Hmmm...

_Man_

Jari K · 05-22-2008, 02:52 PM

"New models" are basically coming all the time. It´s just a matter of time with every brand. So basically you can "always wait" for something "better" (perhaps better, you´ll never truly know beforehand, of course). Welcome to the world of A/V.

Dave Moritz · 05-22-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

I wonder if the 805 would be noticeably better than say the cheap Yamaha RX-V663 as a preamp. Of course, the Yamaha doesn't come w/ Audessy setup -- but has Yamaha's own proprietary setup -- and only offers 2 HDMI inputs. But then, you'll have a bit more $$$ left to play w/ for the power amp though. And if you're on a tight budget, maybe you could even buy that power amp used right here on HTF. I see a couple good 5-channel units up for sale right now, ie. Parasound and Rotel. If I don't already have an (albeit aging) B&K 5-channel amp myself, I would probably spring for one of those two right now to go w/ the Yamaha -- well, I suppose I might've already bought the 805 by now, if I don't already have my old B&K.

Hello Man-Fai Wong,

I think at this particular time I would much rather have the 805 over the 663. I want more than 2 HDMI and 3 is my minimum requirement. It also does not meet my power requirements of 100 watts minum per channel. The 663 advertised rating is 95 watts per channel and it is more likely putting out 80 watts per channel. I also have a feeling that the comonent video may not be 100MHz rated, but I can not say for sure. And I agree with the statement that the surround features for YAPO will most likely not be the same as a higher end Yamaha. So I would be stuck with low power and so so performance for awhile, until I could afford to buy a nice power amp for it. I am willing to bet that my current 995 would run rings around the 663 with no problems. It is just a model to far down the line and I want to make sure that my next receiver is an upgrade. It is a good way to save money but it lacks in features and performance. Also an a side note that is a small thing actually, I hate the way that group of Yamaha's look with a pasion. And I am not sure what those Scene buttons are really there for but the entire face looks cheap and ugly, that's just my onest opion.

Vin_G · 05-22-2008, 05:40 PM

Back to the Marantz suggestion. When I previously spoke about doing a demo for the Paradigm Monitor 11's and Focal 726 speakers with the Denon 3808, and the fact that they had no bass at all and sounded tin-can like, until they were hooked up to another receiver. The other receiver was a Marantz, but I had never heard of it before so I never gave it a second look. It sounded much better for music, but again there could have been something set up seriously wrong in the 3808.

My only concern with the Marantz is that it reports only 125W RMS/channel and it is quite expensive. Other receivers report 140W RMS/channel and are cheaper.