HDMI Rcvr to pass through TrueHD & DTS-MA (1 Viewer)

[Jimjum27]

Hey everyone! After having an appropriate period of mourning over my HD-DVD player :frowning: , I've decided to purchase the new Sony 550 blu-ray coming out this fall. Since it decodes all of the new codecs, as does my A35, I don't need a fancy receiver to perform the function, but I do need one with at least three HDMI inputs and 7.1 surround sound.

Is this what is considered pass-through? Will I need HDMI 1.3? I ask because if I can avoid spending $700, and get away with $200, I can put the extra money towards a better TV.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hodedofome]

The 550 will internally decode all the new formats, so all you need is either a receiver with 7.1 analog inputs or a receiver with HDMI v1.1 or higher. You do NOT need a HDMI v1.3 receiver if you are using the 550.

The 550 will output all the new formats as PCM, and any HDMI v1.1 receiver can accept 7.1 PCM. It will sound the same, assuming that the audio decoders in the 550 are as good as the audio decoders in the receiver. If the decoders in the receiver are better than the player, then it makes sense to get a v1.3 HDMI receiver to decode the formats instead of the player.

Pass-through in this sense would be the 550 'passing-through' the audio where it would then be decoded by a v1.3 receiver. You won't be 'passing-through' as the sound will be decoded by the 550, then just 'sent' to the receiver.

 

[Jimjum27]

Thanks Aaron! I was looking at the Onkyo 506 and emailed their customer service asking about its HDMI v1.3 pass through. They said that it is video only. Reviewing their website, the description now details that "a separate audio connection is necessary."
Since I would like to hook up both Blu-ray and HD-DVD players, I would need to make sure that the receiver accepts both audio and video through HDMI as the analog inputs could only be used for one player. Is there another brand of receiver that I should look at? I haven't heard of any decoding complaints about Sony's 350, so I assume the 550 is just as good and won't need the receiver to perform this function.
I appreciate the help!

 

[David Willow]

Have you looked at the Onkyo 606? Also, the 705/805 (last years model) can be found cheap.

 

[Jimjum27]

Hi David. After seeing Onkyo's statement, I took a look at the 606 which seems great(4 HDMI inputs!), although a little more expensive. Always one looking for a deal, my concern over the previous models was the whole "popping" issue that I read was destroying some user's speakers. Was this problem with a specific model?

 

[hodedofome]

You can look at the Onkyo 604, it has HDMI v1.1 and will accept 7 channel PCM Amazon.com: Used and New: Onkyo TX-SR604 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

It's a little cheaper as it's a couple generations back from the newest model, if the popping is a concern then look elsewhere.

Look at Yamaha/Pioneer/Harman Kardon receivers that are a few versions back, you should be able to find some that are cheaper and have HDMI v1.1-1.2 and process both audio and video. This one is used but it's HDMI v1.2 Used Yamaha | RX-V661BL 7.1-Channel Home Theater | RX-V661BL

 

[David Willow]

No issue with popping. Onkyo put out an update to fix that problem.

BTW - It was not just Onkyo that had this issue. Other MFG had to fix it as well.

 

[Jimjum27]

David: Thanks for the info!

Aaron: Thanks for the suggestions!

I greatly appreciate the assistance.
With luck I'll be listening to lovely lossless in no time!

 

[Will_B]

The Onkyo 606 has a humming problem! Do not get it! I had one on preorder at an excellent price but after reading of the humming problem I had to cancel. So I looked for other receivers that have the Audyssey chip, and came around to the slightly more expensive Denon 1909. The Denon 1909 (aka Denon 789 -- same unit) goes for between $500 (best sale price) to $650 (usually sold for $600). I have been using the Denon 1909 for about a week now and I like it.

The Onkyo TX-SR606 Owners Thread - Page 68 - AVS Forum

 

[drdave319]

Hey guys!
Tell me more about this "popping" problem.
I have a Sony DG600 and I am experiencing this, too!
It's been doing it from Day one!
I hate it!

Any info (or links to add'l info) would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!

DAVE

 

[Phil Iturralde]

... I'd recommend the Onkyo TX-SR606 via Amazon @ today's price $349.30 (yep - another CREDIT request! I can do that until Sept. 5th).

Test it out with your Toshiba HD-A35 via HDMI to hear TrueHD @ -10 dBc below REF Level.

You'll know within the 30-day Return/Satisfaction Guarantee** if your unit will work out or not.

**NOTE: Amazon will also PAY for your RETURN SH!!!

Hope this helps,
Phil