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AVR help

post #1 of 6
7/27/09 at 1:02am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking at putting together an entry level set up for my new apartment and I've finally figured out what direction I'm going to go with speakers. I'm planning on eventually ending up with a 3.1 system using 2 floorstanding, a center and probably adding the sub a little bit later. I'm planning on going with the fluance ES-1 for the floorstandings and most likely sticking with fluance for the center and sub.

I am a college student, so I do want to keep it as cheap as possible, but I dont want to waste money getting something I'll need or want to replace too quickly. I'll probably eventually want to upgrade to a full surround sound system, but for a few reason, I'm going to hold off on going that route. By the time I'm considering that, I'll probably be willing to upgrade the reciever as well. So right now, I'm really only concerned with getting something to work well with this system. I've tried reading a few reviews, but it's hard to find what will really be the best for my money and what will pair well with a set up like mine. I honestly dont know a whole lot about HT stuff, but I'm definitely trying to do my research. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated.
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post #2 of 6
7/27/09 at 8:18am
The one thing you need for future compatability is HDMI that passes LPCM, and preferrably multichannel LPCM.  Linear Pulse Code Modulation is the uncompressed format that all digital audio signals (except SACD's) have.  You decode from the compressed format (Dolby Digital, etc.) to LPCM in your disk player.

This year, many receivers have such decoding built in -- but this year's recievers have been cut in features and power.  You don't (and won't) need such onboard decoding, even for the newest HD audio formats, as long as your player can decode to LPCM and your receiver can accept LPCM over it's HDMI inputs.

Are there features you need?  Phono inputs are disappearing, as are S-video connections.  Even the number of regular analog RCA inputs is being cut.  Do you need a USB input for a thumb drive?  Do you need internet connectivity?
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post #3 of 6
7/27/09 at 8:42am

I may not be able to monitor this thread much so I'll make a couple suggestions without knowing your specific needs..

If you have $400 to spend and want a current model, I'd choose between the Yamaha RX-V795 and the Denon AVR-1910 / 790.  Remember that authorized dealers (the only kind you want to do business with) cannot advertise prices below limits set by the manufacturers.

Many older models (still new in box) are available, just Google the model number -- I don't have time to cover all your choices.  But going to the low cost end, http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php Marantz and Onkyo refurbs and closeouts are about the cheapest receivers you can find from an authorized dealer.

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post #4 of 6
7/27/09 at 10:05pm
Thread Starter 
I'm only going to be using it for TV, PS3 and xbox 360. All of which will be able to connect via HDMI so there wont be much of a need for USB, S-video, component etc.
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post #5 of 6
7/28/09 at 11:52am

Another thread here about inexpensive receivers: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/272396/looking-for-inexpensive-receiver-recommendations
although this person's needs were different from yours.
So you need a receiver with at least 3 HDMI inputs, but it does not have to be capable of decoding HBR (High Bit Rate) audio (DD+, TrueHD, DTS-HD) (the kinds used on BluRay disks)
internally -- the PS3 will decode and send MPCM over HDMI (which the receiver must be able to accept).
I'm not going to do your shopping research for you :)  But I'll help you do it . . .
First, read the AVR guide MichaelJHuman has posted on another forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=968859
Sadly, you really DO need to know this stuff to buy what you need these days.
Secondly, here's a comparison of entry-level receivers:
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/entry-level-receivers-comparison-guide
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post #6 of 6
7/29/09 at 7:27am
Two more things:

If your xbox is older and outputs over component, or if you want to connect any pre-HDMI video equipment via component, or if (even if you don't have cable/satellite right now), you want to connect a cable/sat box that has HDMI via component to avoid the common HDMI handshake issues associated with many cable boxes, AND you want to be able to just run HDMI from the receiver to your TV, you'll want a receiver that can "upconvert" (that's an incorrect word that's often used, the correct word is "transcode") component video to HDMI video.  In Yamaha's 2009 line, for example, the two least expensive models will not do this -- you have to get the RX-V565 or better to get this feature.  Of course you can always just run component video from the device directly to the TV, and analog or digital audio cable from the device to the receiver or the TV.

And you'll benefit from a receiver with room correction of some sort.  Audyssey MultEQ and MultEQ XT are widely considered the best -- look for systems that, at a minimum, do SOME correction on the subwoofer output.
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