Upgrade receiver just for component switching? (1 Viewer)

[Dwight Amato]

I have read the thread at the top of the page regarding component video switchers and I am not sure what to do. Currently I have a Sony STR-DA30ES receiver. It has been a great work horse for me for the past 4 years and I have no complaints. It has 80watts x5, DD and DTS. I am pleased with it except for the fact that it does not have any component video switching. My 47" Panasonic has 2 component inputs, but I currently running 3 component devices (DVD, HD Cable box, Xbox). Switching out cables is quickly becoming a hassle and I now know that I will need to do something.

I can go for the Audio Authority Component switcher for $200 and be done with it. Or I upgrade my receiver to a newer Sony 4ES model for around $650. I figure I can sell my 30ES for around $100 on ebay (hopefully more), meaning it will cost me an additional $350 then if I just upgraded by getting the AA. For the additional $350 I would get Prologic 2, more watts (questionable if needed), and some more stuff. I really won't be able to take advantage of the center surround speaker as my setup is very confining.

The other issue this brings up is that I will now be at my max of component video inputs. If I add an HDTV tuner for my locals (trying to wait for my cable company to finally add them, but I can't wait forever) or some other device then I will still need yet another device for switching.

Does anyone have any suggestions as I am really unsure of what to do, and this switching is killing me!

 

[John-Miles]

Yeah but what if you want to add another HD source in a few months? Id go with audio authority, from your post it dosent seem like you really feel a need to upgrade your receiver so I would not do it just for component video switchign, of course if you want to do both

Oh yeah and aparently the audio authority is a better switcher than most receivers will ever be.

 

[Bob McElfresh]

I have read the thread at the top of the page regarding component video switchers and I am not sure what to do.

Short Answer: buy one of the switch box's.

I created the post and stuck it at the top because MANY people are in the same situation as you:

- Already own a great receiver, but without any/enough HD component video switching

- Not enough component inputs on the TV

And you have to spend about $2,600 on a new receiver to get 3 HD capable video inputs and $3,000 for 4 inputs.

$180 for a 4-input switch box vs $2,600 for a 3-input capable receiver. Do the math and the answer is clear.

You are suffering from "UpgradeItis" and it's clouding your judgment. (slap, slap) Feel better?

 

[Dwight Amato]

(slap, slap) Feel better?

Thank you, I needed that.

I agree with what you said. In fact, as I was typing my email I pretty much sold myself on the need to get a switching box rather then a new reciever. I figure that while my existing receiver isn't the greatest, it is good enough for what I need, and I can upgrade later when I really 'need' it.

The Audio Authority is pretty impressive, and it will definately allow me to get a couple more years out of my receiver, so I guess that is money well spent.