What receivers should I research???

jemrey81

Hey, I am lost at all of the options with the different receivers. I currently have a Pioneer unit (entry level), but want to upgrade to something that will do HDMI (don't know why). Will I benefit from an HDMI compatable unit? I am ony running a 3.1 for now (TSi100's, CS10, and PSW505), should I hold off since I am not doing surrounds? I know that Blu Ray has some new audio technology, but I don't know if I will even notice in a 3.1 setup.... I guess I am just lost For the record, I don't have any problems with my current setup I was just thinking of upgrading to the next best thing if it would be worth it sound wise. My budget would be $400, so I was looking around at the different Onkyo, Marantz, and Denon units that fall in that range (most are reconditioned).... I havent looked at the HK ebay site yet. And, my budget won't be changing no matter how long I wait.... and $400 is max, including tax, shipping, etc.

Any input on if I should hold off until I can do surrounds? I would feel silly buying a 7.1 if I am only using 3.1

I saw some that have HDMI, but aren't in the "built for Blu Ray" category... like I said, I am lost! I don't know what all of the DTS, THX, TRU HD, etc. is all about and which ones are important to look for

PSOVLSK

What Blu-ray player do you have? If it has analog outs, you don't need an AVR with HDMI...if your AVR has the correct inputs.

jemrey81

I have a sony bdp-s something.... it has hdmi out, has the internet, some other output, etc. I currently have it connected to my receiver via a mit cable... is it analog? Looks like a single rca cable (just an mit one).... I think it says digital on the cable though.

jemrey81

Sorry, it's a BDP-N460... I just looked it up. And it looks like I am using the Digital Audio Output going into the reciever and an hdmi going to the tv.

vc69

You definitely want HDMI. What's your budget?

jemrey81

vc69 wrote: »

You definitely want HDMI. What's your budget?

$400 max

jemrey81

pretty sure this is my receiver: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/VSX-518-K?tab=B

pioneer vsx-518

packetjones

I know that you are asking about receivers and my comment does not really address those questions. But in my opinion is that you should keep the AVR that you have now and invest in some bigger speakers. You will get a much more noticeable upgrade by upgrading to some monitor 60's or something similar. The 100's you have are some of the smaller bookshelfs available. You can the get the 60's for less than what a new AVR will cost. IMO this is the best option.

I have a HK 254 so i would recommend HK.

TG Meat

I would look at Pioneer's Elite series. You might find an open box at Best Buy or something of the like. I have been happy with both the sound and features. I would recommend choosing a unit with preouts, though. Good luck.

cnh

jemrey81 wrote: »

Hey, I am lost at all of the options with the different receivers. I currently have a Pioneer unit (entry level), but want to upgrade to something that will do HDMI (don't know why). Will I benefit from an HDMI compatable unit? I am ony running a 3.1 for now (TSi100's, CS10, and PSW505), should I hold off since I am not doing surrounds? I know that Blu Ray has some new audio technology, but I don't know if I will even notice in a 3.1 setup.... I guess I am just lost For the record, I don't have any problems with my current setup I was just thinking of upgrading to the next best thing if it would be worth it sound wise. My budget would be $400, so I was looking around at the different Onkyo, Marantz, and Denon units that fall in that range (most are reconditioned).... I havent looked at the HK ebay site yet. And, my budget won't be changing no matter how long I wait.... and $400 is max, including tax, shipping, etc.

Any input on if I should hold off until I can do surrounds? I would feel silly buying a 7.1 if I am only using 3.1

I saw some that have HDMI, but aren't in the "built for Blu Ray" category... like I said, I am lost! I don't know what all of the DTS, THX, TRU HD, etc. is all about and which ones are important to look for

Ok, refurbs....you want to look at

Onkyo TXSR-706/7
Marantz--5003/4
Pioneer VSX-21
Harman Kardon AVR 254

Or look at your current Pioneer and see if it has multi-channel ins...at least 5.1. If so get a blu-ray that has multi-channel out and hook them via RCA interconnects; the BDP will decode the HD sound and the HDMI can go directly to the HDTV.

Also suggested above...if you can keep your current AVR, do look into getting tower Monitors like the 60s or even 70s. Your 400 dollar budget could easily get you a pair of M70s that will make a big difference for you?

Or two M-60s and a pair of M-40s...use the M-30s as back surrounds.

cnh

logo896

Id second on the marantz 5003 if you can get your hands on one. There is a good reason you can buy vintage marantz avr's and they still cost a ton. I love the 4001, it does hdmi and everything fine, however it doest not a 12 volt trigger which is really annoying. So start in the 5000 series so you can have room to upgrade in the future. Best of luck,

PSOVLSK

Your AVR has multi-channel analog inputs. The least expensive way to get the new codecs would be to get a Blu-ray player with analog outs (your current player doesn't appear to have analog out). Since you currently only have 3.1, you could hook it up that way and add to it if/when you add surround channels.

If I were you I'd try to buy this if it's still available:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100453

Great BR for a great price. Sell your Sony for $100 or so and you're only out about $50. This would leave you with about $350 to invest in new speakers as packetjones suggested. IMO, this will give you the most improvement.

PSOVLSK

Here's a good deal on a nice set of bookshelves for you: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99960

jemrey81

Thanks for all the input guys... I have no interest in getting new speakers right now. My room layout / tv stand situation will not allow for towers or anything larger than the TSi100's..... thus the reason I just bought them. I used to be running the T15's due to the size, but reworked some things to fit the TSi100's. There is absolutely no way of getting bigger speakers to work anywhere in this house / layout. Thanks though.

I am happy with my blu ray, I bought it due to the fact that it does Netflix streaming and has Slacker radio and is not wifi.... as well as it has decent PQ.

cnh: Thanks for posting those receivers, exactly what I was looking for.

schnottus

TG Meat wrote: »

I would recommend choosing a unit with preouts, though. Good luck.

I have to agree with this. While I am very pleased with my reciever (Onkyo tx-sr606) I greatly regret not getting one with preouts.