Onkyo receiver options... (1 Viewer)

[Shane Kelley]

Hi all. I'm posting in this thread, now that I've sorted out a question on an upcoming Blu-ray player purchase.

In the next few months, I'll be picking up my first HDTV, Blu-ray player, and A/V receiver. TV will be 1080i or p, and Blu-ray will likely be the Panasonic DMP-BD35.

I'm looking for a decent A/V unit that will let me use HDMI all the way through; I have one other device to connect (XBOX360, likely in HDMI as well). I wouldn't mind more inputs, but I don't NEED a billion of them. I'd like to go for 7.1 as this will likely be a purchase that holds me for several years.

Onkyo was recommended in the HD thread, so I've looked at a few of the options.

First, I see they have receivers with speakers. That would make purchasing easy, but are their speakers worth it? I was looking at the HT-S9100THX (a little bit more out of my price range than I was looking) and the HTS6100. Is THX much of a difference anymore as a standard? I'm not yet familiar with all the new Blu-ray formats (Dolby TrueHD or whatever).

If these aren't worth it, then I guess I'm looking at the 805/806 or 605/606 (same question about THX applies).

Are there comparable products to look at from other manufacturers? I'd really like to stay around $300-$500 for the receiver.

 

[gene c]

Denon 1909, Yamaha 663, H/K 254, Pioneer 1018, and Marantz has a new line-up out now and I'm sure they have something for you to consider. Sorry, to lazy to look up model numbers at the present time

. Also look at last years models (like the 805 you mentioned and the Denon 2808). They can be found at a real discount but may lack a feature or extra input.

 

[Shane Kelley]

Thanx for the suggestions and input, Gene. I think I have a good list of options to compare and contrast now

 

[drdave319]

Shane,

I recently (in September) bought a brand new Onkyo 606 receiver for all the same reasons you are looking for! I have to tell ya...this is the receiver you want! It has sufficient HDMI inputs and does throughput to the TV so you can still hear the sound through the TV's speakers instead of having to have the receiver on. It's in your $300 - 500 pricerange and has plenty of features to make it worth your while!

Good luck on your decision!
Make it a good one!

DAVE