View Full Version : Best receiver for PS3?


jayenright
02-27-07, 03:25 PM
I've been trying to research this. I'm trying to get my first home theater setup and I know nothing about audio. I've gone away from the HTIB and going seperate and I'm going to get a Bic H-100 sub and some speakers for a 5.1 setup (probably velodyne, similar to some of you others) There are a few threads here that reference a Onkyo 604 receiver but there has got to be some other options out there. A search didnt get me much. Can anyone post their current receivers for use with PS3 and how they are setup? Current problems? To be honest I'm pretty scared to throw down $400 for a receiver only to spend hours upon hours and not get what I want. (I'm an audio-tard). Just want to make sure I have all my bases covered and get the right cables, and get my HD 5.1 setup right.

My setup includes a Comcast box with HD and recording capabilites, an XM Radio, and a PS3 which I use for games, movies, blu-ray and CDs. Thanks!

grant0830
02-27-07, 03:29 PM
I would go with the Denon AVR-887, I just got the AVR-2307ci (it’s the same receiver only more expensive and has a RS-232C connector). This receiver is a level 6 receiver and as long as Sony releases the ability to decode DTS-HD in the PS3 you will be set (it will already decoded Dolby HD and send it to the denon as PCM, which the denon can handle up to 7.1). I hope this helps! Cheers!

Wagon Man
02-27-07, 03:43 PM
This Subject looks very familiar ...

jayenright
02-27-07, 03:50 PM
I apologize, I did searches and didnt find what I was looking for.

Wagon Man
02-28-07, 12:22 AM
Subject title is exactly identical ... how did you set your search :rolleyes:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=804850

I apologize, I did searches and didnt find what I was looking for.

clayfu
02-28-07, 01:27 AM
Subject title is exactly identical ... how did you set your search :rolleyes:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=804850

before you go putting the "rolling eyes" face up. the original poster is right.

do you read the post you linked or were you just so excited to put up that emotioncon!

the thread probably has 3-4 posts that actually talk about a receiver, it goes off on a tangent for resolution and the such. All other talk about receivers (other than 1 or2) were "omg this one is good!!! i love it!!!" with no real reasons.

joeblow
02-28-07, 03:54 AM
The OP has PM'd me this afternoon after he searched the other threads since I have the setup he's looking for. No need to nag at him anymore; he has the info he was asking about.

Summary: Onkyo 604, Velodyne Fron Row Speakers and the BIC H100 sub are awesome 5.1 HDMI audio components for the price (about $800)

ChrisFB
02-28-07, 10:17 AM
Depending on what you are looking for in a receiver, this is not an easy question. Between HDMI 1.3, 1080p passthrough, and the new audio formats (PS3 does not offer a set of audio outs) - this can be a very narrow selection with new models on the way. In another year or so this won't be nearly as big an issue but right now it's a very valid question since so much is new with BR and PS3.

jayenright
02-28-07, 05:08 PM
the 604 only supports 5.1 pcm though, not 7.1, correct?

DaGamePimp
02-28-07, 06:05 PM
the 604 only supports 5.1 pcm though, not 7.1, correct?

Correct , 5.1 PCM only .

--- Jason

markbryant
02-28-07, 08:00 PM
Jay,

take a look at the Yamaha RX-V2700 Receiver. I've been doing some research and it seems like the best all around 7.1 system out there with some very cool features including network connectivity to your PC.

cheers,

Mark.

BrianEK
03-01-07, 12:14 AM
Correct , 5.1 PCM only .

--- Jason

See this is what I hate, there is ton of conflicting information. Not saying you are wrong, but it is hard to tell who knows what. In another thread in the blu-ray software forum, someone stated that the Onkyo 604 can do 7.1 pcm, but only if the source is actually 7.1 such as with Crank blu-ray or RFOM game. If the source is only 5.1 pcm, it lacks the ability to use something like pro logic to process the extra 2 channels to make 7.1. Was this person incorrect? So If I were to buy an Onkyo 604 and play Crank that has 7.1 pcm, the onkyo will only give me 5.1?

As a testiment to the same issue of conflicting info, someone also stated the Onkyo does not have an issue with LFE using PCM, but then somone else later said it actually did have a problem with LFE. So I have no clue what to believe. Also, don't even know what the heck the LFE problem is.

thebigdaddye
03-01-07, 01:06 AM
See this is what I hate, there is ton of conflicting information. Not saying you are wrong, but it is hard to tell who knows what. In another thread in the blu-ray software forum, someone stated that the Onkyo 604 can do 7.1 pcm, but only if the source is actually 7.1 such as with Crank blu-ray or RFOM game. If the source is only 5.1 pcm, it lacks the ability to use something like pro logic to process the extra 2 channels to make 7.1. Was this person incorrect? So If I were to buy an Onkyo 604 and play Crank that has 7.1 pcm, the onkyo will only give me 5.1?

As a testiment to the same issue of conflicting info, someone also stated the Onkyo does not have an issue with LFE using PCM, but then someone else later said it actually did have a problem with LFE. So I have no clue what to believe. Also, don't even know what the heck the LFE problem is.
to answer the what does LFE mean in stands for low -frequency effects which basically means your sub woofer. also as far as the pcm ( i have this receiver ) the owners manual is kind of confusing. first in one parts it says multichannel linear pcm 5.1 channel, but in another part it says in the listening modes section = DIRECT in this mode,audio from the input source (ps3 for my example example) is output directly with minimal processing, providing high-fidelity reproduction. all of the source's audio channels are output as they are. so to me that says if the ps3 is outputting the pcm audio in let's say true hd 7.1 and you have 7 speakers you will hear sound in all 7 plus the sub since the ps3 is really doing the processing am i not correct? i only have a 5.1 system so i can not test this with crank, but i bet $$ on it that it does in deed work. multichannel pcm is different from direct pcm so i think you actually can get 7.1 direct pcm using your ps3/blu ray. if i am wrong then oh well. i might just give onkyo a call to see what they say about this since the ps3 is doing the processing so it would seem that ALL 7 channels would receive sound since the receiver is not really doing anything but sending it to the speakers. hope i'm correct guess will see. oh also this receiver does not have a problem with LFE if you set it up correctly. read the owners manual people ! lol

DaGamePimp
03-01-07, 01:26 AM
See this is what I hate, there is ton of conflicting information. Not saying you are wrong, but it is hard to tell who knows what. In another thread in the blu-ray software forum, someone stated that the Onkyo 604 can do 7.1 pcm, but only if the source is actually 7.1 such as with Crank blu-ray or RFOM game. If the source is only 5.1 pcm, it lacks the ability to use something like pro logic to process the extra 2 channels to make 7.1. Was this person incorrect? So If I were to buy an Onkyo 604 and play Crank that has 7.1 pcm, the onkyo will only give me 5.1?

As a testiment to the same issue of conflicting info, someone also stated the Onkyo does not have an issue with LFE using PCM, but then somone else later said it actually did have a problem with LFE. So I have no clue what to believe. Also, don't even know what the heck the LFE problem is.

Well from what I have read about the 604 (including parts of the manual) it sounds like it only does 5.1 LPCM to me ( but then I guess anything is possible ;) ) .

----- Jason

ChrisFB
03-01-07, 10:31 AM
= DIRECT in this mode,audio from the input source (ps3 for my example example) is output directly with minimal processing, providing high-fidelity reproduction. all of the source's audio channels are output as they are.

so to me that says if the ps3 is outputting the pcm audio in let's say true hd 7.1 and you have 7 speakers you will hear sound in all 7 plus the sub since the ps3 is really doing the processing am i not correct?

I don't have this receiver but to me that passage sounds a lot more like they are talking about not processing or altering the sound rather than expanding capabilities of dealing with 2 extra chanels. I would not conclude that this passage contradicts the pcm 5.1 spec they state previously. It seems a lot more focused on reproduction and lack of processing than it does on expanding any actual capabilities i.e. adding channels. That said, I don't own it so I can only offer an interpretation of the passage.

jayenright
03-01-07, 12:19 PM
Jay,

take a look at the Yamaha RX-V2700 Receiver. I've been doing some research and it seems like the best all around 7.1 system out there with some very cool features including network connectivity to your PC.

cheers,

Mark.

Thanks for the recommendation. I should have been more clear - at this point in time for my first system I have a $400 max budget for a receiever, which is why the Onkyo 604 was looking so good. In a few years after I'm more knowledgeable and have more things to take advantage of, I may bump things up.


I also hate how conflicting this issue is with this receiver...but beings how few things actually utilize the 7.1 (except Resistance, which I own) 5.1 will be enough for now. I may borrow some speakers and test the 7.1 when all of my stuff comes in.

This guy claims to get 7.1 PCM with the Onkyo 604 here:

http://blogs.ign.com/chubigans/2007/01/12/

and here's where he states that he's using the Onkyo 604:

http://blogs.ign.com/chubigans/2006/12/29/41597/

BrianEK
03-01-07, 03:15 PM
Thanks for the recommendation. I should have been more clear - at this point in time for my first system I have a $400 max budget for a receiever, which is why the Onkyo 604 was looking so good. In a few years after I'm more knowledgeable and have more things to take advantage of, I may bump things up.


I also hate how conflicting this issue is with this receiver...but beings how few things actually utilize the 7.1 (except Resistance, which I own) 5.1 will be enough for now. I may borrow some speakers and test the 7.1 when all of my stuff comes in.

This guy claims to get 7.1 PCM with the Onkyo 604 here:

http://blogs.ign.com/chubigans/2007/01/12/

and here's where he states that he's using the Onkyo 604:

http://blogs.ign.com/chubigans/2006/12/29/41597/

Thanks for the links, that was a great read! Well supposedly he has a first hand account of using an Onkyo 604 and getting 7.1 pcm with Resistance, which is great news. On the downside, it kinda sucks how he mentions that Paramount only has regular DD on all their blu-rays and that Warner is dropping the DD truehd tracks on blu-ray and only offering dd 5.1. I was hoping all blu-ray releases contained some sort of high def audio pcm track or something but seems like right now there is only a few movies that have hidh def audio (and we have to wait until ps3 firmware update for dts-ma and take advantage of fox/buena vista releases).

I also didn't know that DTS-MA was CONFIRMED for the march firmware update for PS3. Was he correct or is the DTS-MA support not "officially" announced as part of the update?

M_007
02-10-08, 03:07 PM
Hi All

I am getting ready to buy a receiver and speakers for my PS3 (mainly used for BD and DVD) - also have a 2 room set-up to consider (although not mandatory)

I found this thread and looked in to the recommendations but they seem rather dated now. I want to concentrate on a 5.1 set-up ... and also need some advice on good receiver / speaker / sub-woofer pairings. As my primary player is now a PS3 (also have an Oppo that I use only for non-region 1 DVDs and a DishHD DVR) I wanted to know what system would work best.

I have started investigating options - never really have had a full good quality audio system for movies etc so I'm new to this! Rather than opening a new thread I thought that I would tack on my query to this one - apologies to the original poster if this in not accepatable.

Many thanks in advance.

confidenceman
02-10-08, 03:36 PM
Most important part of making this decision is how much money you're willing to spend. With audio setups, you often get what you pay for. Sure, there are some good sound values, but on the whole, it all comes down to budget. The PS3 is a great piece of equipment, so it'll benefit from just about anything you can afford to throw at it.

Best advice for now: go dig around in the AVR, speaker, and subwoofer forums for pricing, value, and quality information.

M_007
02-10-08, 03:40 PM
Thanks for the advice - my budget is around the $1500-2000 area - so I guess it's not total high end stuff.

I am checking out the other areas also as advised. I am really quite interested in tried and tested pairings.

Appreciate the reply! Thanks!

Bokchoy
02-10-08, 04:43 PM
Hi All

I am getting ready to buy a receiver and speakers for my PS3 (mainly used for BD and DVD) - also have a 2 room set-up to consider (although not mandatory)

I found this thread and looked in to the recommendations but they seem rather dated now. I want to concentrate on a 5.1 set-up ... and also need some advice on good receiver / speaker / sub-woofer pairings. As my primary player is now a PS3 (also have an Oppo that I use only for non-region 1 DVDs and a DishHD DVR) I wanted to know what system would work best.

I have started investigating options - never really have had a full good quality audio system for movies etc so I'm new to this! Rather than opening a new thread I thought that I would tack on my query to this one - apologies to the original poster if this in not accepatable.

Many thanks in advance.

It's hard to recommend an AV Receiver without more information. There are a few other factors that should be considered:

-Money: If you're willing to spend $1500-2000, that really opens up your options, but there's a lot more to it than just how much you're willing to spend. For example, if you could get almost everything you need for just $600-700, would you spend double that for one step up, even if have the money for it? Or would you rather save what you can and spend that money elsewhere?

-Room Size & Speakers: Bear in mind that more powerful is not always better. If your viewing/playing area is relatively small, there is no need to buy a receiver that can DJ a high-school dance. To expand on that, if your speakers don't have the capacity to handle even half of your receivers potential output, there is no need to spend more for a more powerful receiver. I realize that you haven't decided on speakers yet, but I would suggest that you do that first before deciding on a receiver. Bookshelf speakers are the "in" thing nowadays. People care about the aesthetics of their home theatre, and huge floor speakers often clash with the sleek look of flat-panel TVs. I'm in the same boat. I'm planning to wallmount my LCD TV with wallmounted bookshelf speakers to match the decor. Since my speakers are smaller and require less wattage, I don't need a monster amp.

-Audio & Video Capabilities: If the PS3 is your main source of media, you don't need most of the features that a lot of receivers offer. For example, PS3 does a wonderful job in upscaling standard DVDs, so you don't need a receiver that upscales. The PS3 also decodes Dolby TrueHD, and it is rumored that it's just a matter of time before the PS3 can also decode DTS-MA. Again, a lot of high-end receivers offer this. You might not have to pay the extra premium for features that the PS3 can already do. However, if you have an HD-DVD player that doesn't decode these two codecs or if you don't want to bank on PS3 being DTS-MA friendly, you might want to consider a receiver that can do these things...if you're willing to pay for them.

-Future considerations: Your circumstances may change in the future. Right now, you might not need any more than two HDMI inputs, but maybe you'll need a third a couple years down the road. Right now, your home-theatre might be in a small 12" x 24" room, but in the future, you might have a bigger area that warrants a 7.1 setup, louder speakers and a more powerful receiver.

I'm most likely buying a Sony STRDG-910. It's not particularly powerful and doesn't have a lot of the features that more expensive speakers have, but the PS3 does what the receiver doesn't. If I could afford to spend a few hundred extra bucks, the Onkyo 805B is an excellent choice and one of the most bang-for-your-buck receivers for well-under $1000.

EDIT: Oops, I thought the $1500-2000 budget was for the receiver alone. The Onkyo 805B retails for about $800 right now, and a lot of people swear by that speaker. That will leave you roughly $1000 for a 5.1 speaker system, which is very reasonable.

The_Dark_Knight
02-10-08, 04:43 PM
Well, I'd imagine that a Sony reciever would be best for s Sony Blu-Ray player.

It doesn't really matter. There's so many recievers.

Just get what you want.

I have a HK AVR 635.

And although it is a bit outdated with all the new tech coming out, I love the dang thing.

MaliciousBraham
02-10-08, 04:46 PM
Look at the pioneer elite equipment also. The most important things you need are an HDMI 1080p capable receiver that supports 7.1 PCM.

I put decoders at a lower priority.

Shape
02-10-08, 06:12 PM
The Denon avr-3808ci is a very impressive receiver. It even has ethernet built in for audio streaming. I was planning on getting it, but I'm going to wait for the 2008 receivers.

Receivers are getting very complex these days. 2007 was the first year where really complex on screen menus and computer integration were built in. As such, there were a few bugs here and there. It is kindof like getting the 2nd year of a new car model. :)

Anyway, you can find the 3808ci for $1100 at 6ave.com, which is $500 off, if you contact someone there. Search for the deal on this forum.

ChrisFB
02-10-08, 07:07 PM
You are likely going to find out quickly that the the better "new" receivers which handle new audio codecs and have HDMI are going to be costly. We rarely get major upgrade cycles in home theater so getting a receiver that handles these and puts out very respectable power isn't going to be had cheap (wait 5 years though and you'll be able to do a ton better). That's going to limit your budget for speakers and unfortunately both amp and speaker are key components to sound so "splurging on one" often nixes the benefit in the other (i.e. splurging for that awesome set of mains leaves you with an amp incapable of really pushing them to achieve that higher potential or vice versus). If you want to do this right, I'd go listen to some audio setups and get an idea of what "good enough" is or whether you'd like to build out over time. I'd also point out that very often the used speaker market has some great values (this assumes the desire to buy decent equipment as shipping will kill you on the crap items). Figure out what you like and check ebay, audiogon, or even here.

M_007
02-10-08, 07:14 PM
Thanks all for the invaluable advice! I always find that half the fun is in the research so I'm giving myself 3 months to gather info. It's great that I now have some pointers to help me get started on the search.

You guys are always great with sharing info!

tdogroeder
02-10-08, 07:49 PM
There is a Onkyo 805 for sale in the classifieds at av123 $525.
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=29162

md47
02-10-08, 08:01 PM
thx for the thread.

is the idea that the ps3 will ever pass dsd to a receiver that can decode it properly just a pipe dream..? i know that there are chips to go into receivers that decode dsd, and i thought that streaming dsd was part of the hdmi spec. currently it seems your only options for sacd playback is with the ps3 converting the dsd to something else and outputing it via optical (which seems less than optimal to me), or you can output 2ch sacd via the rca analog outs on the ps3, which is sweet, but i would like to be able to do full multi channel sacd/dsd via the ps3 without transforming it to dolby digital or pcm...

which, if any, receivers currently on the market can handle the dsd decoding..?

thx, in advance, for any insight or ideas on the above.

kidkit
02-11-08, 11:27 AM
thx for the thread.

is the idea that the ps3 will ever pass dsd to a receiver that can decode it properly just a pipe dream..? i know that there are chips to go into receivers that decode dsd, and i thought that streaming dsd was part of the hdmi spec. currently it seems your only options for sacd playback is with the ps3 converting the dsd to something else and outputing it via optical (which seems less than optimal to me), or you can output 2ch sacd via the rca analog outs on the ps3, which is sweet, but i would like to be able to do full multi channel sacd/dsd via the ps3 without transforming it to dolby digital or pcm...

which, if any, receivers currently on the market can handle the dsd decoding..?

thx, in advance, for any insight or ideas on the above.

I was under the impression that if you were using the ps3 for SACDs you wanted the ps3 connected to a reciever via HDMI. For one reason or another there was a firmware that converted 5.1 to DTS over optical, but this has been removed. If you use toslink you'll only get 2 channel stereo.

This is one of the better websites for that information. Check out the "Super Audio Compact Disc support in PS3" paragraph.

http://www.edepot.com/playstation3.html

As far as the original question goes, I'm very happy with my Onkyo 705, and can't see why I'd need anything more than that right now.

Shape
02-11-08, 11:32 AM
If the Onkyo receivers worked with the DirecTV HR20 DVR, I'd be looking to buy one, too. But there is a compatibility issue between the two that makes the Onkyo receiver output silence for 3 to 5 seconds after using the DVR's trickplay controls. That just isn't acceptable to me. It is easy to say that the DVR is at fault, except that no other receiver has this issue with the HR20.

kidkit
02-11-08, 11:38 AM
If the Onkyo receivers worked with the DirecTV HR20 DVR, I'd be looking to buy one, too. But there is a compatibility issue between the two that makes the Onkyo receiver output silence for 3 to 5 seconds after using the DVR's trickplay controls. That just isn't acceptable to me. It is easy to say that the DVR is at fault, except that no other receiver has this issue with the HR20.

Yeah... They have a problem with some motorolla cable boxes as well. Something to do with a bad HDCP handshake. It always feels like we're waiting for the next firmware doesn't it :rolleyes:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=867002

jpniner
12-18-08, 09:49 AM
same question, I had a Refurb Onkyo 606 that lasted two weeks and is fried. A replacement is coming, though now after doing more research I think I don't really need the 606 for my setup and apparently lemons are common with them. It sounded great while it worked though.

Anyway, here is my setup and budget:

Budget $250 to 600, prefer to stay on low end unless someone really persuades me...

--PS3 for Blu-Ray and SD-DVD, DIVX and occasional gaming. This is new 80gb version
--HR-20 DirectTV HD DVR
--Sharp DT-510 Front Projector to 100" screen. Eventually this will be upgraded to a 1080p pj
--Speakers: Polk RC55i with Polk psw10 Sub
Its a 5.1 setup and will not change. , so technically only need a 5.1 receiver with HDMI.

Room size is only 12 x 12ft.


Like I said, I have an Onkyo 606 replacement on the way....but now thinking about getting the Marantz 4002 since I realized I don't need the TrueHD logo since the ps3 will do all the decoding anyway.

I guess I want a reliable, quality Receiver that will give Good Picutre quality and Audio and meets those needs. The Speakers are recommended to do no more than 100watts and are 8ohm. Obviously atleast two HDMI inputs are needed.

If not the Onkyo, then what are good models for this setup? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I think I can swap out the 606 for a Marantz 4002 that is new for same cost.

Shape
12-18-08, 10:54 AM
I ended up buying a Denon AVR-2809ci. 6ave.com has it for $750 after you use their 25% off coupon ( AFLAUD25 - it applies to a bunch of other receivers, too).

After setting up the Audyssey room correction, I'm never buying a receiver without Audyssey again. It just adds to much more immersion to games and movies. And the dynamic volume lowers the volume of explosions and commercials without compromising on the dialog.

jpniner
12-18-08, 11:11 AM
I ended up buying a Denon AVR-2809ci. 6ave.com has it for $750 after you use their 25% off coupon ( AFLAUD25 - it applies to a bunch of other receivers, too).

After setting up the Audyssey room correction, I'm never buying a receiver without Audyssey again. It just adds to much more immersion to games and movies. And the dynamic volume lowers the volume of explosions and commercials without compromising on the dialog.

What is your setup?

Given my setup, what would that receiver do that a cheaper receiver wouldn't and would be noticeable? If the ps3 is doing all the decoding and can't bitstream, why get a Receiver that does the decoding since those features will not be used unless you can bitstream to it?

I guess I'm asking what makes say the Denon you mention worth the $400 extra bucks over the Onkyo 606 or Marantz 4002 models for a ps3(which decodes) and HR20. Is it all about the Sound?

any help appreciated, thanks!

windwaves
12-18-08, 11:21 AM
I ended up buying a Denon AVR-2809ci. 6ave.com has it for $750 after you use their 25% off coupon ( AFLAUD25 - it applies to a bunch of other receivers, too).

After setting up the Audyssey room correction, I'm never buying a receiver without Audyssey again. It just adds to much more immersion to games and movies. And the dynamic volume lowers the volume of explosions and commercials without compromising on the dialog.

great to hear.

I am finally going to have to try this stuff on my 3808ci, but I don't think it has the dyn.volume which I am sure is very neat.

Congrats on your purchase.

webdev511
12-18-08, 11:24 AM
+1 on Audyssey. I've got an Onkyo 805 and it's been rock solid.

Shape
12-18-08, 11:28 AM
Here's my 7.1 setup:
Center: Athena C.5
Fronts: Athena LS-500 towers
Surrounds: Athena S.5
Surround Rears: Athena S.5
Subwoofer: 75W KLH (yeah, it is crap, but it works)

And I have 2 Aura Pro Bass Shakers under the couch with a 75W amp.

Basically, the 2809 is probably overkill. But I wanted the extra power and the extra HDMI input.

Anyway, you could get away with the 1909, which also has Audyssey, and you can get it for $494 with the AFLAUD25 coupon:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=DENAVR1909

You can read up on Audyssey here:
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/index.html

Audyssey really is a hard sell without having listened to it. But the difference between having it turned on and off is just phenomenal. It really feels as if the sound is being projected to your ears instead of just having speakers in a room.

Shape
12-18-08, 11:29 AM
great to hear.

I am finally going to have to try this stuff on my 3808ci, but I don't think it has the dyn.volume which I am sure is very neat.

Congrats on your purchase.

If you have the Audyssey update for the 3808, then you also have dynamic volume.

jpniner
12-18-08, 11:32 AM
Anyway, you could get away with the 1909, which also has Audyssey, and you can get it for $494 with the AFLAUD25 coupon:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=DENAVR1909

You can read up on Audyssey here:
http://www.audyssey.com/technology/index.html

Audyssey really is a hard sell without having listened to it. But the difference between having it turned on and off is just phenomenal. It really feels as if the sound is being projected to your ears instead of just having speakers in a room.

the 1909 is one I was looking at, thanks. Since I have a 5.1 setup and no ability to upgrade it to 7.1 I don't think i need too much. I guess what I'm wondering is since the ps3 does all the decoding do I need a Receiver that decodes TrueHD anyway, and not better off to get a quality receiver like a Marantz or Denon that has HDMI and can take the PCM from the ps3.


the 606 had Audssey, it made it sound good and is easy to setup, so I agree on that.

Shape
12-18-08, 11:35 AM
You probably don't need the ability to decode those formats, but if you take away that feature, you end up in the really low end of receivers and you will probably lose other features that are more worthwhile.

bdwright77
12-18-08, 11:55 AM
FWIW. I've been very pleased with my Sony STR-DG1000. It accepts 7.1 LPCM over HDMI, does 96/24 DTS processing, DPLIIx, A+B posts, and supposedly has internal components used in Sony's ES line. You can find this receiver for probably no more than 500 now, but I would guess a real scavenger could find it for around 400.

It doesnt do onboard decoding of TrueHD or DTS-MA, but the PS3 can't bitstream them, so no loss there.

Davio
12-18-08, 12:01 PM
Jay,

take a look at the Yamaha RX-V2700 Receiver. I've been doing some research and it seems like the best all around 7.1 system out there with some very cool features including network connectivity to your PC.

cheers,

Mark.

I own this receiver, and I agree it is one bad@ss receiver and pairs well with the PS3. You can probably get one dirt cheap now too because it doesnt contain all of the newer audio codecs (but the PS3 decodes them all and you can output LPCM so not an issue). I will however say that the networking of this receiver is pretty much useless if you have a PS3. I used the receiver to listen to songs directly from my PC, and the interface is clunky, slow, and just not that good. Without a doubt just turning your PS3 on and networking through your PS3 is the better option. Still doesnt change the fact that the receiver is awesome though.

Seriously though, there are so many great receivers now you arent going to go wrong with most choices. Some sound a little different than others depending on your speakers. I own Klipsch Reference speakers and Yamaha sounds terrific with them, a little brighter than some, but terrific.

jpniner
12-18-08, 04:14 PM
does having a receiver that is 1.3 HDMI needed for the ps3 since its 1.3 HDMI for some reason?