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4K Upgrades

Discussion in 'Playback Devices' started by WillG, Jun 7, 2017.

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  1. 1 Jun 7, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    Hello All,

    Finally made the 4K display purchase. So was looking for some advice on a Ultra BD Player and a HDR capable receiver (I currently have a Yamaha that apparently does have 4K pass-through, but wouldn't be HDR capable and since I have had it for several years probably not software updatable).

    Costco seems to have a pretty good temp price (which won't last long) on the Samsung UBD--KM85C for $199. That seems like a steal, but I do preferably prefer to have a SACD capable player, which I guess limits me to Sony or Oppo. I suppose it's not total essential though since I have a PS3 and PS4 which are SACD capable, but I like to future proof as much as I can.

    For the receiver I was looking at the Onkyo TX-NR656 for about $400. I like the Onkyos because they have a ridiculous amount of HDMI inputs and a dedicated Phono input. It seems to have DTS:X and Atmos capability. Also, support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision (via an upcoming firmware update).

    Can anyone confirm or make recommendations?

    Thanks,
    Will
     
  2. 2 Jun 7, 2017
    DavidMiller

    DavidMiller Screenwriter
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    I give you my 2 cents worth... :)

    I have heard good things about the Sony x800, it also supports apps for what that is worth. Given your price point for the receiver I would guess your best option. The Oppo 203 is a great player for me it has been flawless. It is really fast since it is completely focused on playing discs. Don't know what TV you got but the Oppo supports Dolby Vision as of yesterday. Rumors that the Sony may have an update at some point but I haven't seen the official announcement.

    Receiver, I'm not sure I have much advice for you. Since you are buying a new one you probably can get a Dolby Vision update at some point for most of the models. I have a Marantz and I have been very impressed how much better it is then the Pioneer Elites. It sounds like the Onkyo reputation is a little better after the HDMI board failures they used to have so it could be a good choice.

    Anyway there you go.
     
  3. 3 Jun 7, 2017
    Scott Merryfield

    Scott Merryfield Executive Producer

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    I own the Sony X800, and it's a solid player. It has become my primary disc player for all formats. The player supports SACD and DVD-Audio, as well as UHD, BD and DVD. It's biggest downside versus the Oppo is that Sony has not made any commitment for providing a firmware update for Dolby Vision, although the hardware will support the format. I went with the Sony over the Oppo (I own an Oppo DVD player) because the Sony was half the cost of the Oppo.

    As for receivers, since you mentioned SACD, make sure that whichever AVR you select supports DSD on the HDMI inputs. Not all the lower end models provide this support. I recently upgraded my receiver, and went with the Denon X3300. I picked that particular model partly because it was the lowest model from Denon which provided DSD support. I think Yamaha's lower end models had the same issue, but I do not remember exactly. I did not check into Onkyo much.
     
  4. 4 Jun 9, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    So the onkyo TX-NR656 seems to be having a clearance sale at Best Buy for $319. Seems like a good price for an HDR with DTS X and Atmos. Also supposedly will be upgraded to Dolby Vision. Only question I have is out of the multitude of HDMI inputs, it seems that only 3 are HDPC 2.2 capable? So what does this mean in practical terms. I want to hook up a UHD player, maybe a PS4 Pro and and maybe a UHD Roku or something. Does this mean that there are only 3 inputs that are HDR capable?

    Also I did check, the Onkyo had DSD capability. I thought that would be ok because the Yamaha I have had for a few years is capable. I'm actually listening to some multichannel SACDs right now.
     
  5. 5 Jun 10, 2017
    Sam Posten

    Sam Posten Moderator
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    I use my xbox 1s for 4K, don't forget that option. Considering getting an Oppo 203 for DV but $550 is no way.
     
  6. 6 Jun 15, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    Ok, so I looked around some more at some receivers. I think I’ve narrowed it down based on price and desired features. If anyone can make recommendations, it would certainly be helpful


    Denon AVR-5920W

    Looks like I can get it from Best Buy for 463.00

    Advantages: Lots of HDCP 2.2 HDMI inputs
    Dolby Vision Capable

    I forget if it upscales to 4K though


    Yamaha V681 BL
    Best Buy for 479
    Newegg for 399 (until Monday, thinking that is a real good deal for this)

    Advantages: Dolby Vision capable
    Currently have an older Yamaha
    Has Phono input
    Believe it 4K upscales

    Disadvantages: Not as many HDMI Inputs (and it seems only 3 are HDPC 2.2)


    Onkyo TX NR-656
    396 at amazon

    Advantages: Lots of HDMI inputs
    Dolby Vision capable
    Has phono input
    Believe it 4K upscales

    Disadvantages: Only 3 HDMI inputs appear to be HDPC 2.2 capable

    Any clear winner here?

    Thanks!
     
  7. 7 Jun 15, 2017
    dpippel

    dpippel HTF Premium Member
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    Just a word of advice Will - You don't want the receiver to do your upscaling, so IMO it shouldn't be a factor in making your decision. The scaler in your display or 4K UHD player will be superior. Image fidelity is best served by passing video through the receiver unmolested and using it only as a HDMI switcher.
     
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  8. 8 Jun 15, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    Gotcha, but I assume you can turn that off in the settings?
     
  9. 9 Jun 15, 2017
    dpippel

    dpippel HTF Premium Member
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    Yes you can. :)
     
  10. 10 Jun 15, 2017
    Scott Merryfield

    Scott Merryfield Executive Producer

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    I agree. Just for the heck of it, I tried the 4K upscaling capability of my Denon X3300. It did a poorer job with 1080p and 480p material than my Vizio 4K display and Sony X800 UHD player. The Vizio and Sony were pretty much equal to each other with 1080p material, but the Sony is better with 480p.
     
  11. 11 Jun 15, 2017
    Raul Marquez

    Raul Marquez Supporting Actor

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    One word:

    OPPO

    Raul
     
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  12. 12 Jun 15, 2017
    dpippel

    dpippel HTF Premium Member
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    Yeah, the Sony is almost as good as the Oppo UDP-203 in that regard, and that's saying a lot.
     
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  13. 13 Jun 15, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    For the UHD player, right? They don't make receivers, do they (and if they did, probably too pricey for me at the moment.
     
  14. 14 Jun 15, 2017
    Raul Marquez

    Raul Marquez Supporting Actor

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    Yup
    UHD player
     
  15. 15 Jun 16, 2017
    Robert Crawford

    Robert Crawford Moderator
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    Yes, Oppo makes players and based on your posted price range their 4K/UHD players costs more than any of those receivers you listed in Post #7.
     
  16. 16 Jun 17, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    Does anyone know of the Denon AVR-S920W is Dolby Vision capable. I thought I read it was but I'm now looking again and having a very had time validating.
     
  17. 17 Jun 17, 2017
    DavidMiller

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  18. 18 Jun 18, 2017
    Scott Merryfield

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    All the 2016 Denon models, including this one, will be receiving a firmware upgrade to support passing Dolby Vision. I do not think the firmware has been released yet for any of the models, though. For my X3300, it's supposed to be out in either late 2017 or early 2018. The schedule is probably similar for all the Denon models.
     
  19. 19 Jun 18, 2017
    WillG

    WillG Producer

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    That's the AVR-S930H which looks to be the 2017 model. I'm trying to confirm for the AVR-S930W which seems to be the 2016 model. That's the one I'm having trouble getting confirmation on

    Not that I don't believe you, but can you point me to somewhere from Denon that confirms the S930W is Dolby Vision upgradable.
     
  20. 20 Jun 18, 2017
    Scott Merryfield

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