Ok, I'll try and make this short. I am getting rid of my Bose 321 - 2.1 channel audio system. I used to have a 5.1 system(Pioneer) but it is about 4 years old. I tossed the 5.1 receiver(broken) and I want a new one.

I spent the morning running cable under the carpet to set up my rear speakers so I am all set for a receiver. Now, I have never been an "audio guy" so i am confused.

I want lossless audio but I have no idea what receiver to get. Price range is about 500.

Questions:

1. Are my old speakers OK? I can't imagine they wouldn't work with a new receiver.

2. What the heck is HDMI pass through.

3. I also want a receiver with audio delay controls.

4. Can someone suggest a receiver for me?

A good thread to read...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738511

I'm considering upgrading as well to get lossless audio support. I currently have a Sony STRDG510 amp which has HDMI (only 1080i) switching but no support for using the audio stream from the HDMI.

I bought the Onkyo TX-SR605 a few months ago and havent looked back. They cost around $400-$500 so its within your price range.

A good thread to read...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738511

I'm considering upgrading as well to get lossless audio support. I currently have a Sony STRDG510 amp which has HDMI (only 1080i) switching but no support for using the audio stream from the HDMI.

I want to use the audio stream from HDMI, I also want 1080p, and I iam still curious if my old speakers will work.

I really want lossless from Blu Ray software..

By the way I have a Panny DMP-10AK

I would like to chime in with my reccomendation or the Yamaha 661. It was in that range and is awesome.

I bought the Onkyo TX-SR605 a few months ago and havent looked back. They cost around $400-$500 so its within your price range.

does the reciever pass through 24p to the tv?

The ones I have been looking at are the Sony STRDG910 and the Yamaha HTR6060.

Ok, I'll try and make this short. I am getting rid of my Bose 321 - 2.1 channel audio system. I used to have a 5.1 system(Pioneer) but it is about 4 years old. I tossed the 5.1 receiver(broken) and I want a new one.

I spent the morning running cable under the carpet to set up my rear speakers so I am all set for a receiver. Now, I have never been an "audio guy" so i am confused.

I want lossless audio but I have no idea what receiver to get. Price range is about 500.

Questions:

1. Are my old speakers OK? I can't imagine they wouldn't work with a new receiver.

Your old speakers should work just fine with a new receiver

2. What the heck is HDMI pass through.

I beleive HDMI pass through will pass the audio signal through without processing it. The PS3 decodes the audio, so you should be able to get a receiver with that for your needs.

3. I also want a receiver with audio delay controls.

HDMI 1.3 incorporates automatic audio syncing (Audio video sync) capability, not sure how that is handled through the receiver, so someone with experience on this will have to chime in.

4. Can someone suggest a receiver for me?

For Blu-Ray, lossless audio would be:

Linear PCM
Dolby TrueHD
DTS-HD Master Audio

You definately want to look for a receiver that supports one, if not all of those.

As mentioned, you might want to look at the Onkyo SR605 (http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=i) at around $499

Processing Today’s High-Resolution Media—Including Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD—with Effortless Efficiency
Meet the first of Onkyo’s new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The TX-SR605 7.1-channel A/V receiver embodies this new generation, with its remarkable processing capabilities courtesy of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). With the ability to keep everything in the digital domain, the TX-SR605 provides complete control of every video and audio format available today. Bringing high-definition A/V processing to Onkyo’s renowned approach to sound gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatility — such as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), satellite radio connectivity, room calibration and integrated system control — the TX-SR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater.

Special Features

HDMI V1.3 repeater (2in/1out, 1080p compatible)
HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi technology
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding

I have one of the older Onkyo receivers, as you can see in my signature, and have been very happy with it

do keep in mind that there are no players that can pass/decode DTS-MA so with or without the onkyo 605 you can't listen to that track on your BDs. so the HDMI 1.3 featured on the Onkyo shouldnt be a deal breaker for you to look at other receivers.

i have the str-dg910 myself and loving it right now, it is $500.00 and has 3 HDMI inputs, which i believe is 1 more than other receivers in this price range. others can correct me on this of course. since i'm using all 3 hdmi inputs (ps3, region free upconvert dvd player soon to be replaced by a htpc, hd cable dvr box) i can't see myself using the other receivers. i believe it does pass 1080p signals, not sure about 24fps as my tv does not support it and is only a 720p resolution.

also, do you have a 5.1 or 7.1 setup? some receivers like the onkyo 605 does not matrix 5.1 signals to 7.1. if you have 7.1 setup and you want all your 5.1 signals (most audio tracks on discs are 5.1 afaik) to be output to 7.1, this might be a deal breaker for you on some receivers. from what i've read so far the yamaha 661(?) will matrix 5.1 to 7.1.

... and I iam still curious if my old speakers will work.
One thing great about speakers is they are format neutral. Unless you have speakers that have George Lucas' name all over it...

Sorry - i'll get to the point. If you have THX certified rear speakers (or dipole speakers), get them replaced. Other than that you should be good.

One very important note about speakers: they can make or break a sound system. Out of curiosity - what speakers do you have?

also, do you have a 5.1 or 7.1 setup?

He mentioned his last system was a 5.1 system in his original post, so I am assuming that he has the 5.1 speakers.

I could be wrong :p

One thing great about speakers is they are format neutral. Unless you have speakers that have George Lucas' name all over it...

Sorry - i'll get to the point. If you have THX certified rear speakers (or dipole speakers), get them replaced. Other than that you should be good.

One very important note about speakers: they can make or break a sound system. Out of curiosity - what speakers do you have?

I cannot really know without a little researching. they are Pioneer speakers. THX Certified...no clue. Dipole....no clue. The speakers are 3-4 years old and are from a HTIB.

Also....On the Onkyo SR605....I do not see a spot to hook up my Sub. I see the the sub input but my sub end is like a wire...like it would hook up to wear the front and surronds would go.

I'm still deciding over the Yamaha RX-V661 (I get for $315) or the Onkyo SR605.

I bought the Onkyo605 and it has been great. The new Denon Blu-Ray players (and hopefully other new Blu-Ray players) allow you to pass the advanced audio codecs (DTS-HD-MA, TrueHD) to the receiver to let it decode the audio (as long as your receiver supports HDMI 1.3 and has the decoding built in, like the new Onkyo HDMI 1.3 receivers do).

Are these any good?

Sony 8" 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Pair)

Model: SSF5000


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8289238&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03044&id=1172277278079

I bought the Onkyo605 and it has been great. The new Denon Blu-Ray players (and hopefully other new Blu-Ray players) allow you to pass the advanced audio codecs (DTS-HD-MA, TrueHD) to the receiver to let it decode the audio (as long as your receiver supports HDMI 1.3 and has the decoding built in, like the new Onkyo HDMI 1.3 receivers do).

How do you have your sub hooked up?

HT subs are powered. So, you need to connect the pre-out (pre-amp level not speaker level) sub output to the LFE input on the sub. Then let the receiver perform the crossover bass management. Also, many people are extolling the virtues of the Onkyo 605. I recommend people buying a new receiver checkout several brands before settling on one. In your price range check out the Onkyo 605, Yamaha 661 as well as Harman Kardon AVR 247. I love the H/K sound and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

HT subs are powered. So, you need to connect the pre-out (pre-amp level not speaker level) sub output to the LFE input on the sub. Then let the receiver perform the crossover bass management.

I totally respect your knowledge of sound systems but what you just said is total jibberish to me. Laymans?

I totally respect your knowledge of sound systems but what you just said is total jibberish to me. Laymans?

See if your subwoofer has an input where it can be connected with an audio cable rather than speaker wire.

Mr Good Kat,
i think your sub is a non-powered sub. if it came out of a HTiB set that included a receiver, chances are it is not a powered sub. you will have to get a new sub when you upgrade the receiver. generally if the speakers are from a HTiB you'll want to replace them eventually. perhaps retire the whole system to the bedroom or a guest room or something.

Are these any good?

Sony 8" 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Pair)

Model: SSF5000

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8289238&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03044&id=1172277278079

i'd only buy sony tv's. my experiences with sony products on sound has not been good. i do like the str-dg910 i have tho, even though the only reason i got it over other amps is b/c i had credit card points to get a discount on it.

Mr Good Kat,
i think your sub is a non-powered sub. if it came out of a HTiB set that included a receiver, chances are it is not a powered sub. you will have to get a new sub when you upgrade the receiver. generally if the speakers are from a HTiB you'll want to replace them eventually. perhaps retire the whole system to the bedroom or a guest room or something.

Ok, basically what I want is something I can hear PCM or Dolby True HD over analogs and surround through my cable box. I am really a noob when it comes to this stuff so I apologize if I don't know what I am talking about.

Basically...will i hear True HD over analogs from a HTIB or do I need a advanced receiver. Also, will my Panny send true HD and PCM to my receiver or does the reciever need some sort of special decoding?

Ok, basically what I want is something I can hear PCM or Dolby True HD over analogs and surround through my cable box. I am really a noob when it comes to this stuff so I apologize if I don't know what I am talking about.

Basically...will i hear True HD over analogs from a HTIB or do I need a advanced receiver. Also, will my Panny send true HD and PCM to my receiver or does the reciever need some sort of special decoding?

My understanding is that your player decodes TrueHD and will send lossless audio through the 5:1 (7:1) analog output. The answer should be yes as long as your HTIB has 5:1 multichannel input.

Are these any good?

Sony 8" 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Pair)

Model: SSF5000


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8289238&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03044&id=1172277278079

Elbie,

Stay away from Sony speakers! You can do better.

If you want inexpensive (not cheap!), but good I'd try www.********** and look at their X-Series speakers or for a little more their Rocket RS450's. A lot of raves. Different veneer finishes too on the x's and rosewood for the Rocket's.

Questions:

1. Are my old speakers OK? I can't imagine they wouldn't work with a new receiver.

2. What the heck is HDMI pass through.

3. I also want a receiver with audio delay controls.

4. Can someone suggest a receiver for me?

1. Yes, they are ok. I have my old Sony HTIB speakers hooked up to my new receiver. (My 7+yr old one wasn't broke, I just wanted HDMI switching) Check out the Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Surround Sound Speaker System, if you want some nice budget speakers!

2. HDMI Pass through means it will pass the video through, but not the audio. You still have to run a seperate audio cable. Coaxial, Optical, Analog Outs are examples.

3. I suggest the Yamaha RX-V661. It has this feature, and will apply PLIIX to PCM.

4. As I said in #3, I have the RX-V661 and would recommend it. Not many inexpensive players will turn 5.1 PCM into 7.1 PCM. I know you only have 5.1 now, but that may change!


Good luck on your search.

I bought the Onkyo605 and it has been great. The new Denon Blu-Ray players (and hopefully other new Blu-Ray players) allow you to pass the advanced audio codecs (DTS-HD-MA, TrueHD) to the receiver to let it decode the audio (as long as your receiver supports HDMI 1.3 and has the decoding built in, like the new Onkyo HDMI 1.3 receivers do).
I would like to inform Mr. Good Cat that the Denon BD player mentioned in this quote has a MSRP $2000

Checkout the Why you don't need HDMI 1.3 Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9506527&&#post9506527) I just want you to make an informed decision, whatever that may be!