Replace my HTIB Receiver / DVD Player ?

[ClockerXP]

I THINK I need to replace my Samsung HT-SK6 Home Theater receiver/DVD player circa 2003 (to achieve my goals below). I'm getting a new Samsung E7000 plasma TV to replace my 32" tube TV. I have a Klipsch Quintet 5.1 speaker system that I want to keep using to save cost and because they're already mounted to the walls. Can you recommend some components (5.1 receiver and blu-ray player) to me? I am not looking for anything high-end. Just as good as my HT-SK6 system is fine.

Here's what I want to be able to do:

Watch cable TV movies with either my 5.1 setup or through just the TV speakers.

Watch Blu-Ray disks through either the 5.1 setup or just the TV speakers.

I assume I will need to get a separate receiver and Blu-Ray player? I would not mind if they're integrated. I really like my Samsung HT-SK6 integrated DVD system, it just doesn't have HDMI and does not do Blu-ray.

If I could just add a Blu-Ray player to make it do what I want, I would but I can't figure it out! Not enough digital audio connections, I think. My budget is <$500.

Thanks,
CxP

 

[Zardnok]

For the receiver, I would check out the Harman Audio store on Ebay. You can get a Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD for $300ish if you use a bid sniper. That leaves you $200ish to find a cheap PS3 for Blu-Ray. Boom Pow Instant upgrade that blows away your old Samsung system!

 

[ClockerXP]

For the receiver, I would check out the Harman Audio store on Ebay. You can get a Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD for $300ish if you use a bid sniper. That leaves you $200ish to find a cheap PS3 for Blu-Ray. Boom Pow Instant upgrade that blows away your old Samsung system!

Thanks for taking your time to respond! How does that AVR 3550HD compare to this Onkyo for $180? I'm fine with spending << than $500. I'm not looking for high end or anything, just 'good' is fine.

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-RC330&modelid=28&group_id=1&detail=3

 

[Zardnok]

Thanks for taking your time to respond! How does that AVR 3550HD compare to this Onkyo for $180? I'm fine with spending << than $500. I'm not looking for high end or anything, just 'good' is fine.

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-RC330&modelid=28&group_id=1&detail=3

The HK blows the Onkyo away. You can find that same Onkyo for $130ish if you look, but the HK is a huge upgrade in terms of power output and sound quality, not to mention features. That Onkyo is an entry piece that weighs 16.5 lbs while the 3550 is a mid-line piece weighing in at 31.5 lbs. The Onkyo is measured using only 2 channels at a time, while the HK is measured all 7 channels being driven together. IMO, when it comes to "affordable" AVRs, Harman Kardon is tops, followed by Denon and then Onkyo/Integra. Some where after that comes your Yamaha, Pioneer, and Sony offerings.

The 3550HD is regularly a $1000 receiver, but has been replaced in the line-up and is sold by Harman Direct as "Z" stock, normally meaning refurbished, but at this point "Z" stock is probably new stock remaining in the Warehouse with full factory warranty. If you want an HK version of the Onkyo, look at the AVR1600. They are similar specs and entry level pieces, but the HK is a high-current design. You can get an AVR 1600 for $200ish on Harman Direct. Just use advanced search and completed listings to get an idea of what they sell for. IMO though, the 3550 is definitely worth the extra $100ish over the entry pieces. If you need to save some cash, I would buy a cheaper blu-ray player than a cheaper AVR.

 

[ClockerXP]

Thanks!