Need new receiver advise

[gplracer]

I have an Onkyo TX-DS595 the problem is that it does not have HDMI. Here is a link to its specs: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_2/onkyo-tx-ds-595-receiver-5-2001.html

I want to upgrade to something with HDMI that is better sound quality wise that what I have but not too much cost wise. I was looking at the Pioneer VSX-520-K. Here is a link to it: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+550W+5.1-Ch.+3D+Pass+Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9846483.p?id=1218183107289&skuId=9846483 What do you think?

 

[gplracer]

Maybe this would be better: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...=1218183106937

 

[Emulex]

you want to rely on the ARC from your tv to supply sound channel to your receiver. or stick within the brand so you don't end up with a receiver that has hdmi handshake hangups (happens more oft than not).

 

[gplracer]

The only problem is that my 65" HDTV is a dinosaur and has not HDMI. I just hate to give it up because the picture is ISF calibrated and looks great!

 

[Attic]

Depending on what you see for your future in audio i'd reccomend considering getting a Reciever with Pre-Out Terminals. If you get the right reciever you can have all your connectity needs met and then upgrade the amp section at a later time, if you go with a AV reciever with Pre-Out terminals that is.

 

[Attic]

The only problem is that my 65" HDTV is a dinosaur and has not HDMI. I just hate to give it up because the picture is ISF calibrated and looks great!

Don't give it up then, why even consider it? Use the reciever to push and handle your audio where you want it and just use the HDMI out (via HDMI-DVI adapter to run to your screen.

 

[kornphlake]

I'm not sure I understand, your TV doesn't have HDMI but you want a receiver with HDMI?

Unless you are looking for a receiver with audyssey I don't think there is an advantage to running HDMI into your receiver over a digital optical or digital coax, running a single cable to the receiver actually makes more sense to me than trying to use HDMI. Upgrade the receiver when you upgrade the television.

 

[Attic]

I'm not sure I understand, your TV doesn't have HDMI but you want a receiver with HDMI?

Unless you are looking for a receiver with audyssey I don't think there is an advantage to running HDMI into your receiver over a digital optical or digital coax, running a single cable to the receiver actually makes more sense to me than trying to use HDMI. Upgrade the receiver when you upgrade the television.

Devices that can benefit from HDMI
-Blu-Ray
-Game Systems
-HTPC
-Cable/Sat Box

For these devices it would make sense to run to the reciever via HDMI and then have the reciever take care of sound while passing video to the TV.

 

[gplracer]

I want to use the receiver as a HDMI control center. The audio will come in via HDMI and then to out HDMI to DVI to the tv for video. I read this online:

"With formats like TrueHD and DTS-HD increasingly being used in Blu-Ray discs, you’ll be missing out on quite a bit of sound using the optical connection instead of the HDMI connection. Loss-less sound is in a category all its own, and only capable on HDMI cable (for the moment)."

Of course now I have learned that some receivers pass the audio signal through so I need to find one that does the decoding for things that are brought in via HDMI. I now looking at this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...iver/9846378.p?id=1218183106808&skuId=9846378

 

[velillen]

One think to look at is comparable Onkyo and Denon receivers in your price range as well. Especially if you dont mind a refurb unit (which has a 1 year warranty...same as the pioneer new one you linked). I know the denon's and onky offer audyssy multi-eq which i feel i sbetter than Pioneers offering for room config.

but just another option for you to look at

 

[kornphlake]

I want to use the receiver as a HDMI control center. The audio will come in via HDMI and then to out HDMI to DVI to the tv for video. I read this online:

"With formats like TrueHD and DTS-HD increasingly being used in Blu-Ray discs, you’ll be missing out on quite a bit of sound using the optical connection instead of the HDMI connection. Loss-less sound is in a category all its own, and only capable on HDMI cable (for the moment)."

Of course now I have learned that some receivers pass the audio signal through so I need to find one that does the decoding for things that are brought in via HDMI. I now looking at this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...&skuId=9846378

I haven't personally done any A/B testing and this is the first I've seen anybody mention upgrading just the receiver, usually it's an entire system overhaul. I'd be interested to read your impressions once you've got a new receiver.

Is the difference between loss-less sound over HDMI and digitally compressed sound over digital optical audible? Is the DAC in a low end HT receiver going to resolve the digital signal any better if it comes in through HDMI? Are your speakers accurate enough that you'll hear the difference without having to upgrade your entire system? It seems to me, you'd get a better sounding system by upgrading the speakers, adding room treatments and properly EQing the system.

 

[Attic]

If you want 7.1, I believe you will need to use HDMI from a lot of devices.

There are some great deals on refurbed Denon and Onkyo equipment.

http://www.accessories4less.com/

http://www.dakmart.com/

 

[Jumpem]

Onkyo SR608. I have the SR605, and it's been great. Though it only has two HDMI inputs. The 608 now has five.

 

[velillen]

Onkyo SR608. I have the SR605, and it's been great. Though it only has two HDMI inputs. The 608 now has five.

or 607 if you dont want the 3d playback...can save a bit more. thats the only real difference if i remember right between the 607/608 (hdmi 1.3 vs hdmi 1.4)