Specific Receiver Recommendations

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rjinla
rjinla Posts: 25
edited June 2008 in Electronics
So I am looking for a frontend for my entertainment center. I need a receiver with HDMI Video/Audio support. The more HDMI input the better, but not necessity as I can get a switch.

I have 2 RTI10's and will be powering them with 2 Outlaw 2200's so the wattage on the receiver isn't necessarily a huge deal.

I previously was looking @ the Harman Kardon 247, which seemingly had everything I needed for $300, but it seems like this is no longer made, the 254 is out, and seems excessive.

So I turn to this great community for some suggestions before I delve into research. I haven't been around in a while, so, hello to all who have helped in the past! Finally looking into getting my system setup proper! ;)

-RJ

TIA for all help!
-RJ
Post edited by rjinla on
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2008
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    http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

    Plenty of 247's there, still with the factory warrantee.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • rjinla
    rjinla Posts: 25
    edited June 2008
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    Thanks for that link.

    Just wondering if there would be any reason to not go with this receiver?
    -RJ
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  • polktiger
    polktiger Posts: 556
    edited June 2008
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    It doesn't look like it decodes HD audio, if that is important to you.
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  • rjinla
    rjinla Posts: 25
    edited June 2008
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    Call me a noob, but I read it does decode audio, do you mean it doesn't decode 7.1? just puts out 2 channel stereo?

    This was the main reason I was looking at it, I want to be able to pull audio from all my HDMI sources. My older reciever I am having to use a million digital and optical cables and it's a pain.
    -RJ
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited June 2008
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    You might want to look at the 247 manual at www.harmanaudio.com, but I've heard the HDMI pass through on the 247 is video only. That may only be for the hi resolution formats and DD/DTS will work, but I'm not sure. You may need to connect your devices both with HDMI and digital (toslink or optical), plus analog for the hi rez stuff. The HKs 2xx series are excellent sounding AVRs when and used as a pre/pro gives you a great bang for the buck. You should be able to score one for ~ $200 on the ebay auctions.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • rjinla
    rjinla Posts: 25
    edited June 2008
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    I'll dig into the manual but if you look @ their front page of the receiver

    http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/SupportDetails.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=AVR%20247&sjump=&ky=cu6K3D0dCnG6cdoQWsUvAQ==&#active

    and you see

    7.1-Channel A/V Receiver With HDMI™ Switching and Audio/Video Processing
    350W: 50 watts x 7 (All channels operating at full-rated power), THD <0.07%, 20Hz - 20kHz into 8 ohms
    595W: 85 watts x 7, THD <0.07%, @1kHz into 8ohms


    btw thanks for the vote of confidence on my brand/model decision. I always have a lil doubt on my decisions. :P
    -RJ
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  • rjinla
    rjinla Posts: 25
    edited June 2008
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    Just dug into the manual and it says

    Digital Audio

    The AVR 247 is equipped with two HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
    Interface) inputs, and one output. HDMI is capable of carrying digital
    audio and video information using a single cable, thus delivering the
    highest possible quality picture and sound.
    There are different versions of HDMI, depending on the capability of
    the source device and the type of signal it is capable of transmitting
    via the HDMI connection.
    In addition, receivers and processors such as the AVR 247 may handle
    the incoming signal in several different ways, depending on their capability
    as well. The AVR 247 uses HDMI version 1.2a, and is capable of
    processing both the audio and video components of the HDMI data,
    minimizing the number of cable connections in your system.


    So it does seem like it can handle 2 ports of hdmi A/V and I'd just throw a switch on one of the ports, and think I'll be ok.

    I am basically hooking up a ps3, xbox 360 and directv box. should all be good i'd think.
    -RJ
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  • ab2000us
    ab2000us Posts: 4
    edited June 2008
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    I have had mine for a little over a year now. The performance is exceptional. It also provides a lot of options for a custom set-up.

    The prices range from $350 to $7,000. This is the base model of their line-up.

    Here are the specs for the AVR-588
    7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH Home Theater Receiver

    This Model retails for about $350
    • 75 watts x 7 channels
    • Analog Devices Melody 100 32 bit floating point DSP processing
    • 7.1 channel analog EXT input for HD audio sources
    • Component video switching
    • HDMI v1.3a video switching with deep color support (no audio)
    • 24bit/192kHz A/D
    • XM Radio ready
    • XM-HD Neural sound
    • Network ready
    • Dedicated iPod port for use with optional ASD-1R D-dock
    • Network ready with optional ASD-3W/3N iPod dock
    • Variable low/high-pass crossover
    Follow this link for more information on this model:
    http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3643.asp

    Follow this link for all of their A/V Receivers:
    http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/AVReceivers.asp
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited June 2008
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    Denon better than HK.
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
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