Extreme rookie needs advice.

[ricleo2]

Hello everybody. I am currently in the market to replace my old yamaha receiver. I need some advice as I don't have the time to do any research. I want a receiver that has at least 3 HDMI inputs that will not degrade the video signal out to my Sony 50 inch SXRD. I have a 5.1 speaker system of JBL's. I will be getting a Playstation 3 for playing Blu-ray discs. I also have Direct TV HD with an HDMI output and a VCR/DVD player combo. I want a receiver with the latest and greatest audio and video standards. I budgeted $500.00 but that can change if I have too. Thanks so much for this great website and the advice.

 

[krotchy]

First off any receiver with HDMI scaling can be set to pass it through directly, so I wouldn't worry about it degrading the video signal.

The Onkyo 606 is personally my favorite entry level receiver out there and is well under your budget. The step up 706 is a bit over what you are spending, however I have the 705 and 605 from last year and I think the jump to the 7 series over the 6 is pretty significant, but it all depends on what you need.

Denon also makes some very good receivers, though for the features they tend to cost more than Onkyo. Still Denon is very high quality.

Yamaha and Pioneer are also very good choices as well. Some people here also like Harmon-Kardon, but I have no experience with them so I can let someone else discuss em.

 

[erwos]

For that price range, I'd recommend an Onkyo 606, too. You might also want to look into the Sony STR-DG920[1], which you should be able to procure for $500 online - it won't sound as good as the 606, but will have far superior video processing. The Pioneer 1018 is also another interesting choice, but I don't know how much it costs exactly - I think it's somewhere in your price range.

The Denon 1909 is out of your price range, alas.

[1] Disclaimer: I have a Sony STR-DA2400ES, and really like it.

 

[ricleo2]

Man ,that Denon 1909 is looking good!

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: ricleo2
Man ,that Denon 1909 is looking good!

If your budget fits it, then I give you the :thumbsup:

 

[jhh979s]

The Yamaha 663 would be another good choice in that budget.

 

[mshan]

Look at YoYo's sticky at the top of this forum.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: mshan
Look at YoYo's sticky at the top of this forum.

I don't really go into much detail on receivers since the options change so rapidly

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: ricleo2
Man ,that Denon 1909 is looking good!

If you can stretch, it's IMHO worth it.