Receiver help needed (1 Viewer)

[Bob Chicago]

I was guided to this site from a friend at a gaming forum (ugo.com) who said the posters here were the most informed and nice guys there are to talk to about AV equipment. I am not a true audiophile like most of you (my wallet does not permit), but I am a step or two higher than your average Joe. So here goes my first post!
I have an older Sony receiver I bought quite a few years back (STR-D560Z) that I like, but lacks a digital/DTS decoder. It IS digital "ready" but I've been unable to find a cheap decoder that would bring it up to the digital age. I did find one at Klipsch.com (see it here):Link Removed
that seems nice,but for the $170 price tag, I'm thinking I may be better off spending a few dollars more and getting a whole new receiver. I don't want to spend big dollars on a whole new receiver (the Mrs. would kill me) so I need to keep it under $200.
I found an open box Sony STR-DE685 for $199 (retail is $299) that sounds pretty nice for the money. Am I better off with this receiver, or should I buy the Klipsch upgrade for my old system? Or does anyone know where I could find a cheaper Dolby Digital/DTS decoder that would make upgrading my old system more economically viable? Thanks in advance!

 

[JackS]

Sony, Yamaha and I'm sure a few others made decoders a few years back. A search of the auctions might lead you to something. The question might be though is-should you spend any money at all trying to improve an aged receiver.? 50-100 bucks might be better spent on newer equipment. Good luck, Jack

 

[flenn]

I'm going to sound like a broken record plugging this site - here
This, IMO, will blow the Sony away. Don't worry too much about the power rating. The HK should sound head and shoulders better than the Sony despite having a lower rating. Also, the HK is 31lbs. The Sony is only 16lbs.