Who makes slimline receiver? nothing fancy

[Emulex]

dvi & hdmi in [toslink]
component in (wii) [stereo audio]


output hdmi (convert?)

i have 3 front speakers, 3 rear speakers, 1 sub powered.

loudness is not a concern - heat and size more so. this ginormous heat breathing sony HTIB receiver is just being wasted.

Any ideas? I don't want more speakers.

Slim line - cool operating temp - ideal.

Ability to handle new tech - blu-ray/3D nice.

I can't stand fake surround - or i'd use a speaker bar.

Primary feed is XBMC/Media center, secondary feed is wii.

Tv is ancient LVM42W2 but i might consider a viera since 1080p shows the weakness of the old lcd display. (too little contrast in dark scenes).

outlet/refurb is okay - just needs to be reliable

 

[nsafreak]

Well Harman Kardon used to make a receiver that fit the bill and was an all digital unit which allowed Harman Kardon to cut down on a number of things that generate heat and consume space. Problem is that they no longer make such a receiver and even when they did make that unit it did not support things like 1080p, HDMI or DTS-MA. I've looked through the sites of all the reputable manufacturers I typically recommend, Denon, Harman Kardon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha but I was not able to find a single receiver that fit the bill for you. Your best bet is to make sure that your receiver is in a well ventilated area and can properly cool itself.

 

[Emulex]

any opinions on marantz? i notice they have a slim line?

 

[nsafreak]

Hmmm, I had forgotten about Marantz. Spec wise the receiver that you're probably referring to, the NR1501, should fit your needs just fine. I do know that they do have a very good reputation and usually put out a product that produces very good sound. You might want to read some reviews on that particular receiver to get some additional opinions but I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Not too many around that aren't part of HTIB kits, AFAIK.... my best recommendation for a standalone slimline receiver is the (old) Panasonic SA-XR55, which can be had around $280 refurb'd, but it doesn't do HDMI. The newer SA-XR57 has HDMI (but no upconversion) but it's very hard to find. (Search AVSforum for xr55 and xr57 threads.) They both use TI digital amps to produce good power with very little heat/weight/size.

Looks like the XR55 meets the rest of your needs though -- especially being small and running cool. If you don't mind using an external HDMI/DVI switcher, or just using your TV to switch video signals while letting the receiver handle only audio, it would be right up your alley.

 

[thedosbox]

I've had a Marantz NR-5101 for a few months. It replaced a five year old Panasonic SA-XR50 because I wanted go all-HDMI. The Marantz is a little slower to start up and switch inputs, and also runs warmer. Sound quality through a pair of Energy C-100's seems comparable.

 

[electroju]

Slimline type of AV receivers do not have the necessary power consumption to handle its advertise power output. The Marantz NR1601 can only output about 15 watts to all 7 channels. Slimline is basically is a way to keep things compact while sacrificing something. This means wattage and features.

If you want something that is cool as in temperature, look into AV receivers that uses Class-D amplifiers or similar like Class-T or ICEpower All the heat comes from the amplifiers. Today's AV receivers and amplifiers are Class-AB or Class-B. Some are Class-H. Class-AB consumes a lot of power even though there is no signal at their inputs.

If you want to cut down on heat, use a surround sound processor or a surround sound preamplifier and select a multi-channel Class-D amplifier. Still there will be heat because of the transformer. If the amplifier uses a switch-mode power supply the heat generated will be a lot lower, but the quality of the audio will suffer because switch-mode power supplies are noisy. A linear power supply is better for audio quality, but it uses a transformer. Transformers are very lossy, so the amount watts that is wasted is a lot. This wasted power translates into heat.

All of AV receivers will produce about the same amount of heat when they are powered on and no audio is coming out of the speakers. Slimline type of AV receivers have the same issues that you are trying to get away from. I recommend do not put in a an enclosed cabinet.

 

[Emulex]

15 watts is fine. i have a child now - maybe 1 day a year i get to be sick at home and crank it up.

anything cheap?

Honestly i could do with:

1. toslink in - dts/dd5.1/pcm (from htpc)
2. stereo in - from wii

video direct to tv.

That is all. Am i totally overlooking something? 15 CLEAN watts is great. 15 dirty watts no thanks.

 

[jdl1681]

RCA puts out a HTIB that has 3 hdmi in and 1 out and it pretty slim I have picked up one and it's not half bad for the price. Got it at walmart for $158

 

[kalrith]

My Panasonic XR55s is pretty slim and really cool. It's an all-digital receiver. I'm not sure if there's an HDMI version out there.