[H] A/V receivers?
Hey, I'm not ready to purchase for a good while, but I was wondering what everybody's opinions are on the current crop of A/V receivers. My budget would probably be in the $400-$900 range. And if you'd like to throw in some opinions for speakers, that would be great. Thanks, Bobby
Re: [H] A/V receivers?
Hunt around, you can find the denon 3808ci for around $900. Incredible receiver for the bang. --Original Message-- From: Bobby Heid Sender: hardware-boun...@hardwaregroup.com To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com ReplyTo: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: [H] A/V receivers? Sent: May 2, 2009 9:20 PM Hey, I'm not ready to purchase for a good while, but I was wondering what everybody's opinions are on the current crop of A/V receivers. My budget would probably be in the $400-$900 range. And if you'd like to throw in some opinions for speakers, that would be great. Thanks, Bobby Sent via BlackBerry
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
The Sony Harmony is sweet if you can stand the price. I have one and it stopped the wife from calling me on how to change inputs and it got all the remotes off the coffee table. Something she really like. Maybe use those arguments? :) Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:07:05 -0500 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com From: wav...@zoominternet.net Subject: Re: [H] A/V Receivers At 08:56 PM 1/19/2009, Christopher Fisk typed: More button presses To be quite honest. You have to turn on the TV, select the input, turn on the audio, select the input, then you can start watching. I have mine run through an audio/video receiver from the cable DVR but with the Logitech Harmony we only have 1 button to push for cable, 1 button for the DVD-DVR, 1 button for the Sony Camcorder, 1 button for Philips DVP 642 DVD player, 1 button for the JVS VHS VCR etc. etc. My wife who is no techie runs them just fine with the Harmony. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://users.zoominternet.net/~wdjvmj/ _ Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitworks_012009
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
OK, now this brings up a question, why run the video thru the receiver? Why not just go straight from the component to the TV? -Original Message- From: hardware-boun...@hardwaregroup.com [mailto:hardware-boun...@hardwaregroup.com] On Behalf Of Christopher Fisk Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2009 11:30 AM To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] A/V Receivers On Sat, 3 Jan 2009, Brian Weeden wrote: Correct on sound over HDMI. If your receiver can do video switching, then you can hook multiple different formats up to it (Component, composite, HDMI) and output just one video cable (HDMI). Ditto with audio switching, and of course the same HDMI cable can carry both the video and audio signal. Yeah, the 506 is passthrough, the 606 does switching. My current setup is Standard Def TV going through an 8 year old JVC Receiver to a 1080i TV. I will not be upgrading the TV anytime soon, so 1080i receiver is fine. In fact, most of my viewing will continue to be standard def. I still have an old series 2 TiVo which will stay in service for a long time, so any recorded TV will continue to be standard def for the time being. The extent of my HD watching will be the occasional HD on demand through my cable box, live football through the HD channels and I will be purchasing a cheap Upconverting DVD box. Eventually I *will* be getting a PS3 for Bluray disks, but that is not high on my list. Assuming the receiver will be upconverting the signal from the TiVo even if it's a bad upconvert it can't be worse than the 480i I'm watching in already, can it? Christopher Fisk -- [on the phone] Chris Griffin: So, what are you wearing? [pause] Chris Griffin: Wow. I bet you can see right through that. Lois Griffin: Chris, who are you talking to? Chris Griffin: Grandma. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
On Mon, 19 Jan 2009, mark.dodge wrote: OK, now this brings up a question, why run the video thru the receiver? Why not just go straight from the component to the TV? Ease of use. The receiver remote is a programmable universal, so you click the button to choose your input and it switches over. No need to change the input on the TV. Also, the video and sound both run through the HDMI cable, so you kind of have to run through the receiver. I'll do a review on the Receiver shortly, I've got it in place and working. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
werkx4me2.:) Duncan At 13:22 01/19/2009 -0700, you wrote: Only having to run one cable to the tv and single remote control for everything greatly increases the spousal acceptance in my experience. --- Brian Weeden Technical Consultant Secure World Foundation Sent from my iPhone On 19-Jan-09, at 12:22 PM, Christopher Fisk chr...@mhonline.net wrote: On Mon, 19 Jan 2009, mark.dodge wrote: OK, now this brings up a question, why run the video thru the receiver? Why not just go straight from the component to the TV? Ease of use. The receiver remote is a programmable universal, so you click the button to choose your input and it switches over. No need to change the input on the TV. Also, the video and sound both run through the HDMI cable, so you kind of have to run through the receiver. I'll do a review on the Receiver shortly, I've got it in place and working. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
Bino, You are way more TV aware than I. This I do not mind one bit. I watch all the NASCAR and Football, and Network stuff that satisfies me! [if you are into other venues, please forgive!] Please, sit patiently on the list. A solution will bubble up. It seems the WE do stuff our own way; regardless of what the SPECS might suggest WE should be doing. The Collective does ITS' Own thing :) The answer is here. You just have to be patient :) Best, Duncan At 14:12 01/19/2009 -0800, you wrote: Though I guess it depends on your system right? I've had the same system since 2000 when I got my Sony 36 XBR400 CRT which did 1080i back then and I've had HD capability...but I have two video runs from the Receiever, one with s-video for the non-HD stuff, and one with component for the HD stuff...so the problem is that I also need to switch the TV input when I select the receiver input, which the receiver remote doesn't really do; I need a universal for that... And as my friend was arguing with me, if I get a new TV with 3-4 HDMI etc inputs and have a true universal (like Logitech Harmony 1 etc), then wouldn't it be better to just run the video directly to the TV and eliminate the middleman? What are you gaining by adding the receiver in the middle in that case...? BINO -Original Message- From: hardware-boun...@hardwaregroup.com [mailto:hardware-boun...@hardwaregroup.com] On Behalf Of Brian Weeden Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:23 PM To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Cc: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] A/V Receivers Only having to run one cable to the tv and single remote control for everything greatly increases the spousal acceptance in my experience. --- Brian Weeden Technical Consultant Secure World Foundation Sent from my iPhone On 19-Jan-09, at 12:22 PM, Christopher Fisk chr...@mhonline.net wrote: On Mon, 19 Jan 2009, mark.dodge wrote: OK, now this brings up a question, why run the video thru the receiver? Why not just go straight from the component to the TV? Ease of use. The receiver remote is a programmable universal, so you click the button to choose your input and it switches over. No need to change the input on the TV. Also, the video and sound both run through the HDMI cable, so you kind of have to run through the receiver. I'll do a review on the Receiver shortly, I've got it in place and working. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
Wayne, You have too many buttons! (looks for a hole to hide in. :) Best, Duncan At 21:07 01/19/2009 -0500, you wrote: At 08:56 PM 1/19/2009, Christopher Fisk typed: More button presses To be quite honest. You have to turn on the TV, select the input, turn on the audio, select the input, then you can start watching. I have mine run through an audio/video receiver from the cable DVR but with the Logitech Harmony we only have 1 button to push for cable, 1 button for the DVD-DVR, 1 button for the Sony Camcorder, 1 button for Philips DVP 642 DVD player, 1 button for the JVS VHS VCR etc. etc. My wife who is no techie runs them just fine with the Harmony. --+-- Wayne D. Johnson Ashland, OH, USA 44805 http://users.zoominternet.net/~wdjvmj/
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
On Sat, 3 Jan 2009, Brian Weeden wrote: Correct on sound over HDMI. If your receiver can do video switching, then you can hook multiple different formats up to it (Component, composite, HDMI) and output just one video cable (HDMI). Ditto with audio switching, and of course the same HDMI cable can carry both the video and audio signal. Yeah, the 506 is passthrough, the 606 does switching. My current setup is Standard Def TV going through an 8 year old JVC Receiver to a 1080i TV. I will not be upgrading the TV anytime soon, so 1080i receiver is fine. In fact, most of my viewing will continue to be standard def. I still have an old series 2 TiVo which will stay in service for a long time, so any recorded TV will continue to be standard def for the time being. The extent of my HD watching will be the occasional HD on demand through my cable box, live football through the HD channels and I will be purchasing a cheap Upconverting DVD box. Eventually I *will* be getting a PS3 for Bluray disks, but that is not high on my list. Assuming the receiver will be upconverting the signal from the TiVo even if it's a bad upconvert it can't be worse than the 480i I'm watching in already, can it? Christopher Fisk -- [on the phone] Chris Griffin: So, what are you wearing? [pause] Chris Griffin: Wow. I bet you can see right through that. Lois Griffin: Chris, who are you talking to? Chris Griffin: Grandma. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
Correct on sound over HDMI. If your receiver can do video switching, then you can hook multiple different formats up to it (Component, composite, HDMI) and output just one video cable (HDMI). Ditto with audio switching, and of course the same HDMI cable can carry both the video and audio signal. Reading through the review of the Onkyo 606 on Cnet, it seems that it has fairly poor video converters onboard. That could be a big deal if you are running a lot of non-720p sources through it (the receiver only supports up to 1080i so I would reccomend sticking to 720p). So let's say you are watching a DVD through an older DVD player that doesn't upconvert or have an HDMI output. Then the receiver would be attemping to upconvert the original DVD video (480p) to 720p and pass it out over the HDMI. From the editor's review it sounds like it doesn't do a very good job of that. If you have a newer DVD player that does the upconverting internally then it may not matter to you. Here's the review: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr606-black/4505-6466_7-32956253.html?tag=rnav There's also the added complication of whether your TV does any video upconverting. That can be either a problem or a good thing depending on the quality of the chips and software used. From what I have seen, some of the best upconverting chipsets come from a company called Faroudja. Used to be pretty expensive but they've gotten fairly cheap in the last few years. --- Brian Weeden Technical Consultant Secure World Foundation http://www.secureworldfoundtion.org +1 (514) 466-2756 Canada +1 (202) 683-8534 US On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 9:06 PM, Christopher Fisk chr...@mhonline.netwrote: On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Brian Weeden wrote: I've been a big fan on Onkyo for the last 15 years or so. They are one of the few low/mid priced receivers that have realistic power amplifier ratings and current delivery. Why would you need to replace your speakers? If you have a 5.1 setup, you don't need to move to 7.1. You can still run it in 5.1 mode. Yeah, I went to Circuit City, they have the Onkyo SR606 which is what I think I'm going to get. It's about $150 more than my budget, but it also will last through everything I'm eventually planning on getting, and it supports sound over HDMI instead of just passthrough (Which I believe means I'd need to use a separate cable for sound?) If the 506 can get it's sound through HDMI I might get that instead, it's $150 cheaper. And you're right about speakers. The shape of the speaker connector threw me off. There is no need to replace my current speakers. In fact, I could take my 5.1 system and convert the back speakers into front speakers and use a wireless rear set in the future. Any of this not make sense? Christopher Fisk -- Mal: Use of a swhat? --Episode #4, Shindig -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
[H] A/V Receivers
OK, my budget isn't huge with this, but I'm looking to replace my A/V stuff slowly. I currently have: 36 1080p HDTV Series 2 TiVo (You can have it when you pry it from my cold dead fingers, or replace it with an HD version =) Non-Upscaling DVD player JVC A/V Receiver which supports SD only Digital Cable, which I can upgrade to HD Cable for no charge. What I think I want in replacement: Sound system that will accept optical input, but has the one speaker surround sound: This allows my wife to be happy there aren't speakers and wire around the room. Wireless speakers are a viable answer as well. Audio Receiver: HDMI output to TV Inputs currently required: 1: Composite from TiVO 2: Componant from Wii 3: Composite from Digital Cable 4: Componant from DVD player (Optional) 5: Composite from PS2 6: Composite from kids handheld Game controllers Inputs required once I complete all my upgrades: 1: HDMI from TiVo 2: Componant from Wii 3: HDMI or Componant from HD Cable 4: Componant or HDMI from DVD player And optional Composite for PS2/Handhelds Anyone have a good site for browsing this stuff? I don't need best quality stuff, just shit that'll get the job done without burning out in a year. Christopher Fisk -- BOFH Excuse #128: Power Company having EMP problems with their reactor -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
Answering myself: Anyone have opinions on the 2 sony items listed here: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230925923sr=1-42 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG820-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/tech-data/B0015HPYDK/ref=de_a_smtd?ie=UTF8m=ASH1H6YCFH4EF The 820 is more than I want to spend, but It is negotiable. I can't really see anything special about the 820 other than it'll process the audio in hardware that bluray sends out. I figure when I get a Bluray player it is going to be a PS3 that's not an issue because the PS3 processes the audio itself? Christopher Fisk -- Leela: Hey, you know what might be a hoot? Professor: No. Why would I know that? -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
The only difference I can see is the number of inputs, which may or may not be an issue (3 vs. 4 HDMI). I would look up/ask on avsforums about the two receivers. Personally, I've always liked Denon receivers (I've owned two and loved them), but the folks over at avs really know their stuff.Julian (Sabre) On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 3:20 PM, Christopher Fisk chr...@mhonline.netwrote: Answering myself: Anyone have opinions on the 2 sony items listed here: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230925923sr=1-42 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG820-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/tech-data/B0015HPYDK/ref=de_a_smtd?ie=UTF8m=ASH1H6YCFH4EF The 820 is more than I want to spend, but It is negotiable. I can't really see anything special about the 820 other than it'll process the audio in hardware that bluray sends out. I figure when I get a Bluray player it is going to be a PS3 that's not an issue because the PS3 processes the audio itself? Christopher Fisk -- Leela: Hey, you know what might be a hoot? Professor: No. Why would I know that? -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
I'm a big fan of this one for low budgets: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230932169sr=8-1 On Fri, Jan 02, 2009 at 03:20:14PM -0500, Christopher Fisk wrote: Answering myself: Anyone have opinions on the 2 sony items listed here: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230925923sr=1-42 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG820-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/tech-data/B0015HPYDK/ref=de_a_smtd?ie=UTF8m=ASH1H6YCFH4EF The 820 is more than I want to spend, but It is negotiable. I can't really see anything special about the 820 other than it'll process the audio in hardware that bluray sends out. I figure when I get a Bluray player it is going to be a PS3 that's not an issue because the PS3 processes the audio itself? Christopher Fisk -- Leela: Hey, you know what might be a hoot? Professor: No. Why would I know that? -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -- Bryan G. Seitz
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Bryan Seitz wrote: I'm a big fan of this one for low budgets: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230932169sr=8-1 I was looking at that one, but I think I would need to replace my current speakers with this. That said, I do have some budget to do just that, and I'm afraid I'm going to sound like a real n00b, but what exactly is Class 2 Wiring (I'll check wikipedia after I send this) and do you also have a suggestion for a soundbar type speaker set, or wireless speakers on a budget? Again, doesn't have to be audiophile quality, just watch some TV and DVD's on this. Christopher Fisk -- The purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure pure reasoning, and inhibit clarity. With a little practice, writing can be an intimidating and impenetrable fog! -- Calvin -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
Chris, No idea on the class 2 wiring however I would use this standard for your choice of speaker cable: * For less than 50 feet to the speakers or volume control, 16AWG is fine * From 50 feet to 100 feet use 14AWG * For 100 feet or more use 12AWG As far as speakers i'm a total noob as well, if anyone can recommend speakers from low range to high range that'd be excellent as I need to replace mine too ;) On Fri, Jan 02, 2009 at 04:43:45PM -0500, Christopher Fisk wrote: On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Bryan Seitz wrote: I'm a big fan of this one for low budgets: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230932169sr=8-1 I was looking at that one, but I think I would need to replace my current speakers with this. That said, I do have some budget to do just that, and I'm afraid I'm going to sound like a real n00b, but what exactly is Class 2 Wiring (I'll check wikipedia after I send this) and do you also have a suggestion for a soundbar type speaker set, or wireless speakers on a budget? Again, doesn't have to be audiophile quality, just watch some TV and DVD's on this. Christopher Fisk -- The purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure pure reasoning, and inhibit clarity. With a little practice, writing can be an intimidating and impenetrable fog! -- Calvin -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -- Bryan G. Seitz
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
What budget are you all looking at for speakers? I have Energy Speakers and love them. Again, I would present your budget to the avsforum guys are see what they have to say :) Looks like the newer version of mine is on ebay for a decent price: http://cgi.ebay.com/Energy-Speakers-Energy-Take-LCR-Home-Theater-System_W0QQitemZ370105820574QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item370105820574_trksid=p3286.c0.m14_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50 Julian On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 4:54 PM, Bryan Seitz se...@bsd-unix.net wrote: Chris, No idea on the class 2 wiring however I would use this standard for your choice of speaker cable: * For less than 50 feet to the speakers or volume control, 16AWG is fine * From 50 feet to 100 feet use 14AWG * For 100 feet or more use 12AWG As far as speakers i'm a total noob as well, if anyone can recommend speakers from low range to high range that'd be excellent as I need to replace mine too ;) On Fri, Jan 02, 2009 at 04:43:45PM -0500, Christopher Fisk wrote: On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Bryan Seitz wrote: I'm a big fan of this one for low budgets: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230932169sr=8-1 I was looking at that one, but I think I would need to replace my current speakers with this. That said, I do have some budget to do just that, and I'm afraid I'm going to sound like a real n00b, but what exactly is Class 2 Wiring (I'll check wikipedia after I send this) and do you also have a suggestion for a soundbar type speaker set, or wireless speakers on a budget? Again, doesn't have to be audiophile quality, just watch some TV and DVD's on this. Christopher Fisk -- The purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure pure reasoning, and inhibit clarity. With a little practice, writing can be an intimidating and impenetrable fog! -- Calvin -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -- Bryan G. Seitz
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
I guess I'd like to get a HTiB for under $500 for speakers and Receiver. I'd prefer to have small form factor speakers, but I can continue to use what I have (crappy HTiB from a long time ago that get the job done). I need to move to HDMI since I've got HD stuff now. Christopher Fisk -- Lois Griffin: Excuse me? Gloria Ironbox: I can't imagine how screwed up your kids must be. Lois Griffin: You... bitch! -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
I've been a big fan on Onkyo for the last 15 years or so. They are one of the few low/mid priced receivers that have realistic power amplifier ratings and current delivery. Why would you need to replace your speakers? If you have a 5.1 setup, you don't need to move to 7.1. You can still run it in 5.1 mode. --- Brian On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 4:43 PM, Christopher Fisk chr...@mhonline.netwrote: On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Bryan Seitz wrote: I'm a big fan of this one for low budgets: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8s=electronicsqid=1230932169sr=8-1 I was looking at that one, but I think I would need to replace my current speakers with this. That said, I do have some budget to do just that, and I'm afraid I'm going to sound like a real n00b, but what exactly is Class 2 Wiring (I'll check wikipedia after I send this) and do you also have a suggestion for a soundbar type speaker set, or wireless speakers on a budget? Again, doesn't have to be audiophile quality, just watch some TV and DVD's on this. Christopher Fisk -- The purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure pure reasoning, and inhibit clarity. With a little practice, writing can be an intimidating and impenetrable fog! -- Calvin -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
Re: [H] A/V Receivers
On Fri, 2 Jan 2009, Brian Weeden wrote: I've been a big fan on Onkyo for the last 15 years or so. They are one of the few low/mid priced receivers that have realistic power amplifier ratings and current delivery. Why would you need to replace your speakers? If you have a 5.1 setup, you don't need to move to 7.1. You can still run it in 5.1 mode. Yeah, I went to Circuit City, they have the Onkyo SR606 which is what I think I'm going to get. It's about $150 more than my budget, but it also will last through everything I'm eventually planning on getting, and it supports sound over HDMI instead of just passthrough (Which I believe means I'd need to use a separate cable for sound?) If the 506 can get it's sound through HDMI I might get that instead, it's $150 cheaper. And you're right about speakers. The shape of the speaker connector threw me off. There is no need to replace my current speakers. In fact, I could take my 5.1 system and convert the back speakers into front speakers and use a wireless rear set in the future. Any of this not make sense? Christopher Fisk -- Mal: Use of a swhat? --Episode #4, Shindig -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.
