I need the cheapest Receiver that will decode HDMI Audio

[ComputerWizKid]

I need a new receiver that does not cost a lot of money as I am on a budget so I am looking for a cheap one that will decode the audio and not just pass it though to the TV

I found two that I liked but the spec sheet says nothing about HDMI audio^_^
so does anyone that has a Pioneer VSX-820-K or VSX-920-K know if either one of those two will decode the audio from the HDMI signal? Or is there another one under $400 that will do the job just as good?

Thanks

 

[electroju]

Any will decode digital audio from HDMI these days, but you will need very efficient speakers at that price. All consumer grade AV receivers does not handle the full power output that they advertise. They are actually output about quarter of the output of what they advertise.

The manual will tell you if they will decode the digital audio. Some may require you to use optical or coaxial for digital, but that is not any different to HDMI. Digital audio over HDMI is an luxury feature that you will have to pay more.

At your price I suggest Onkyo TX-SR308. It is $250 at crutchfield.com. It can handle up to 35 watts per channel and this is more power than other AV receivers in its price range.

 

[alcoholbob]

As far as entry-level receivers, the only ones I know of that can decode Dolby Digital/DTS and play audio to the speakers through HDMI (without having HD support) are the Pioneer receivers.

Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, etc, (that don't have HD audio support listed) will only pass audio to the TV and act as a hdmi switch and can't output pcm/dd/dts to the speakers.

I had this dilemma earlier as well, I wanted a small setup in a study using hdmi output from my laptop, and the only entry-level brand that had hdmi audio was Pioneer.

 

[ComputerWizKid]

Which Pioneer models decode the audio? Is it one of the two I listed?

 

[Auric]

Dunno about Pioneer but the Onkyo 507 and 508 which have HD decode are $200-250 refurbished.

 

[Anubis]

As far as entry-level receivers, the only ones I know of that can decode Dolby Digital/DTS and play audio to the speakers through HDMI (without having HD support) are the Pioneer receivers.

Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, etc, (that don't have HD audio support listed) will only pass audio to the TV and act as a hdmi switch and can't output pcm/dd/dts to the speakers.

I had this dilemma earlier as well, I wanted a small setup in a study using hdmi output from my laptop, and the only entry-level brand that had hdmi audio was Pioneer.

huh my denon will definitely decode HD audio, the 1910 and the 1610 both do it, and can be had for pretty cheap

 

[Tbirdkid]

My onkyo wont do it. its the 506. it just passes right thru it. so i have to use my optical cables to get audio to my surround.

Look at craigslist in your area. I know you can find one there...
guess i have to eat my words, no receivers in that area on craigslist that would fit your requirement...

 

[vshah]

electronics expo often has huge sales on denon receivers. i'd keep an eye out there for a 1610

 

[Modelworks]

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5325.asp
It isn't the cheapest but at $398 it is probably the best one in that price range.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-1611...938740&sr=1-21

 

[Anubis]

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5325.asp
It isn't the cheapest but at $398 it is probably the best one in that price range.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-1611...938740&sr=1-21

http://www.electronics-expo.com/index.php?page=item&id=DENAVR1610

 

[kalrith]

http://www.electronics-expo.com/index.php?page=item&id=DENAVR1610

That's what I have, and I'm really pleased with it. Coupon code LS0635 drops the price to $286.71.

 

[vshah]

another vote for the 1610, been using it happily for almost a year

 

[Modelworks]

http://www.electronics-expo.com/index.php?page=item&id=DENAVR1610[/URL]

If I had the money I would still get the 1611. The changes are worth the $70 or so .

I looked at the differences in 1610 and 1611 and here is what changed, if you have older things to hook up like lots of analog gear the 1610 would be better.



1611
Added:
Stereo/Direct Modes w/Pure Analog Path
Multi-Channel Stereo Mode 5/6/7
IR serial remote in/out terminals
Multi-Source/Multi-Zone (*Uses REC OUT) 2S/2Z
preamp outputs for multizone
high pass for multizone
Discrete Remote Power On/Off, Source Selection and Volume for Main and Second/Third* Zones
HDMI now version 1.4a
1 more HDMI input, 4 total
Enhanced power amp assignment
Equal Power Amplifiers 7 ch , 1610 was 5ch here
DAC change AKM Semiconductor 24-bit/192-kHz AK4358VQ


Removed:
1 less coax
1 less optical
1 less analog
no svideo to component conversion
1 less composite input
Pre-Amp Outputs Sub only



Looking at the DAC change there isn't a whole lot of difference. The 1611 has 112db dynamic range and the 1610 108db.
My guess for the change is the akm dac is a much more engineer friendly part than the analog part.

 

[Emulex]

hdfury will decode most audio and render it drm free. you then have alot of options

 

[ComputerWizKid]

I think I will buy either the
Onkyo TX-SR508
or the
Pioneer VSX-820-K

I think I am going to get the Onkyo though because all it needs is a single HDMI connection to the TV and it is 7.1 if I ever want to get two more speakers + a sub-woofer as I sold mine years ago (I live in an apartment so I don't know if sub-woofers are allowed), I have vintage front speakers with 15" Woofers so I think I will not need a sub-woofer anytime soon

Thanks

 

[mmntech]

I found two that I liked but the spec sheet says nothing about HDMI audio^_^
so does anyone that has a Pioneer VSX-820-K or VSX-920-K know if either one of those two will decode the audio from the HDMI signal? Or is there another one under $400 that will do the job just as good?

I have the VSX-819, which the 820 replaced. Not only does it do HDMI audio but also has built in decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA. I like the receiver I have. Perfect for a smaller setup. Sounds great on my five bookshelf speakers and woofer.

 

[SlickSnake]

Great sounding high quality Harman Kardon's can be found here:

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

They have been blowing out high power refurb receivers lately with full 2 year warranties for 1/2 to 2/3s off retail prices, or even 3/4 off for the lower end models. You can get an AVR 3600 for half off retail, and a AVR 354 for 2/3s off. I picked up a like new 3600 last month for about $500 shipped. Scored a 354 last night for $285 shipped, for my less used HT. You simply can't beat those deals, especially for the sweet sonic nirvana sound that H/K's amps reproduce.