need help deciding (1 Viewer)

[Neal_C]

Stephen,

I was thinking about replacing my Rotel 1055 with a receiver that has HDMI. I would only be using the receiver as a pre-amp because I have a Rotel 1075 amp to drive the speakers.

I know I very well may lose some audio quality but that will just have to be a sacrifice for now. I won't be able to work a higher end piece into the equation right now. But maybe being able to get lossless audio would make up for that?

Here are the main things I would hook into it: Xbox 360 with HD-DVD add on via component and optical, Cable box via HDMI and PS3 via HDMI.

What do you think?

By the way, probably looking at $600 tops since thats about what I could get for my Rotel 1055 it seems.

Neal

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

I doubt you'll lose much quality, especially w/ something like the 2807. The 1055 has also been replaced by the 1057 which retails for $1300 but is probably available as low as $1100... though I think that would be overkill for your needs. The 2807, 674, or 804 would probably be your best bets for use as a pre-pro.

 

[Neal_C]

Thanks Stephen. I will definitely look into those.

 

[Greg Stone]

Thanks for the helpful information in this post, especially this one from Stephen Hopkins, it helped me make my new purchase decision easier. I purchased the Onkyo SR674 from J&R.com today.

"There's more to HDMI than just video... even right now in the pre-HDMI 1.3 era. With next-generation disc formats (HD-DVD and BLURAY) you have the advantage of lossless compression audio (Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master HD) that can currently only be decoded in the player and be sent to the receiver as 5.1 or 7.1 LPCM over HDMI. Right now I wouldn't buy a receiver WITHOUT proper HDMI implementation including acceptance of LPCM audio over HDMI (especially since they can be had for as low as $330 in the form of the Onkyo SR604). With decoding in the player and LPCM over HDMI you can fully enjoy losless audio without any HDMI 1.3 equipment.

All that said, there's definitely alot better options than any non-ES Sony for under $800, and even for less than $400. The ones I can think of are:

Onkyo SR604 ($325, Accessories4less.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Marantz SR4001 ($399, Accessories4less.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Onkyo SR803 ($489, eCost.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080i Capable HDMI Switching
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI
THX Select 2 Certified

Onkyo SR674 ($499, Accessories4less.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Deinterlacing of 480i Sources to 480p
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Pioneer Elite 81TXv ($586, ButterflyPhoto.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI
THX Select 2 Certified

Yamaha HTR-5990 ($605, ButterflyPhoto.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080i Capable HDMI Switching
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI
THX Select 2 Certified

Denon AVR 3806 ($629, eCost.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Deinterlacing of 480i Sources to 480p
DD, DTS, and 7.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Denon AVR 2807 ($629, eCost.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Deinterlacing of 480i Sources to 480p
DD, DTS, and 7.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Onkyo SR804 ($649, Accessories4less.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Deinterlacing of 480i Sources to 480p
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI
THX Select 2 Certified

Yamaha HTR-6090 ($669, AbesOfMaine.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Deinterlacing of 480i Sources to 480p
DD, DTS, and 7.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Marantz SR5001 ($699, OneCall.com)
2 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
DD, DTS, and 5.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI

Pioneer Elite 82TXs ($806, ButterflyPhoto.com)
3 HDMI in / 1 Out
1080p Capable HDMI Switching
Upconversion of Analog Sources to HDMI
Scaling of Video Sources to 480p, 720p, and 1080i
DD, DTS, and 7.1 LPCM Audio over HDMI
THX Select 2 Certified

If you want the best for your $800 I'd get the Elite 82TXs for its 3 HDMI inputs, video scaling, and amazing build quality. I love mine. If you want the best bang-for-your-buck from the entire range I'd get the Denon 3806 or 2807 from eCost. Middle of the pack I'd go w/ the Onkyo SR674 for its all-around features and solid build. On the low end the Onkyo SR604 is still a good choice but you lose conversion of analog sources to HDMI. I had a Yamaha RX-V1700 (same as HTR-6090) and didn't care for the sound, was unimpressed with the build, and hated the remote... that said it probably has one of the best HDMI implementations (no known bugs) even though it only has only 2 inputs and only deinterlaces to 480p (doesn't scale to 720p or 1080i).

As much as I like Pioneer (i've had 5 in the past 5 yrs, D810s, D811s, Elite 43TX, 1014TX, Elite 82TSs) I would not get the 1016TX if HDMI and next-generation disc support (HD-DVD and Bluray, Dolby TruHD and DTS-Master) are important to you. It does not read audio from HDMI at all and is only used for video switching. There are better HDMI implementations that open up the world of next-generation discs w/ losless audio (without requiring HDMI 1.3) as well as true single-cable functionality."

 

[Chris Fleming]

If I use any of the receivers that do upconverting of analog to HDMI, does this mean I'll only need one cable to my projector?

I'm envisioning a set-up where my dvd player (component), xbox 360 (component), satellite receiver (HDMI), and HD-DVD player (HDMI) would all go to the receiver, and only one HDMI cable would run from the receiver's HDMI out to the projector's HDMI in. Is this correct?

I apologize for the basic question. Thanks!

 

[Neal_C]

Yes, that is correct. You just need the one HDMI cable.

 

[stimp]

That price is great for the Denon 2807 on eCost. I was wondering if the factory warranty was still valid if the refurbished unit was purchased from eCost?

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

eCost is an authorized refurb dealer, so it will carry a 90 day warranty from the factory.

 

[Norris]

Stephen,

What's the difference between the Denon2807 and Denon3806? The specs you listed are identical. I have just installed a 7.1 speaker setup, and want a receiver that allows lossless audio to all 8 speakers.

Thanks a lot, you've been a huge help in my search, and education!

 

[hirt]

I'm looking for a receiver, I doesn't have speakers, it will work with a Projector SANYO PLV Z4. I think interessant 1.3 HDMI, and 7.1 channel.

Harman Kardon - AVR 745 7 x 85W 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
ONKIO SR804
Denon 2807
Denon AVR 887 and 987
Pioneer - Elite VSX84TXSI Receiverd
Pioneer Elite 82TXs

Someone could to help me to choise? Or give-me another idea?

Thank's

 

[gene c]

If you go to the Denon web site you can click on the little "compare" boxs next to each receiver to view the differences. Very usefull. Steven seems to know his stuff too.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

The 2807 and 3806 are very similar... the 2807 fills about the same spot in the Denon line that the 3806 did (until the 3807 comes out w/ HDMI 1.3, but probably at a higher price point). The 2807 supposedly handles HDMI switching better though I don't think the 3806 did too bad a job. They both have the same version of Audysee and the same inputs/outputs.

 

[hirt]

Mrs.
I would know if the models Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSE and VSX 82txs are equal? How of these you prefer?
Or I should to buy Onkyo SR674, or Denon AVR 3806
It's more to films.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

The 82TXs and 84TXsi are equal outside of a few minor feature differences. The 84TXsi has firewire input for digital audio sources like SACD and DVD-A, the 82TXs does not. The 84TXsi has 4 HDMI inputs, the 82TXs "only" has 3. The 84TXsi includes a 2nd zone remote (though it requires an IR repeater), the 82TXs does not. The 84TXsi has a USB port, the 82TXs does not. The amp section, audio processing, video processing, MCACC, and user interface are all the same.

 

[hirt]

Thank you for your help Mr. Hopkins, I'm very happy for it.
Than to finalize I should to buy the Elite VSX-84TXSE that is better that another, OK. I was seen a comparation and the 82TXS says...HD radio ready, Ipod ready, thx select2 certification, that 84TXSE does not apear. May I to be calm that 84 haves?

Fabiano

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

The 84TXsi has ALL the features of the 82TXs (THX Select 2, Included iPod cable, XM Radio, HD Radio Ready) and also adds a few more (i.link input, 4th HDMI input, USP port, and second-zone remote).

 

[TxScott]

I am also looking at upgrading my receiver. I have narrowed it down to the Denon2807 and the Onkyo804. I can get the Onkyo for $150 less, but the Denon looks to have a few extra options. I could use some help between those 2 from anyone that has experience with them.
Thanks

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

The Denon will handle HDMI slightly better... it passes 1080p from all sources (the Onkyo has some bugs w/ the PS3) and has no problems w/ LFE over HDMI. If you can swing for the extra $$ for the Denon then go for it. The Onkyo is, however, a VERY good value at $650 - $700.

 

[ScottyH]

Stephen,
I was just curious where you found the Pioneer - Elite VSX82TXS for $806. Butterfly's website shows $999 for this model.
Also Im curious as to if you think there is any difference in the Pioneer and the Yamaha RX-V1700/2700 as far as the yamaha having HDMI 1.2. Does this make a noticable difference in Audio? Thanks

 

[Neal_C]

Looks like Butterfly is out of stock on it anyway. It is listed like that on their website and says to contact them for ordering info. Weird thing is its the same price as the 84TXsi which says out of stock as well.

I looked on pricegrabber and you can get the 82TXS from dynaco.com for $799 plus shipping.

I don't think HDMI 1.2 has any audio advantages over 1.1.