[Jeremy Tebo]

Sorry to add another thread like this, but I know that all of you A/V obsessed people can surely answer my questions and point me to the promised land. I've got a half-assed wife acceptance, so I need to strike while the iron is hot.


Current equipment:


Sony DA1ES

Infinity Primus 5.1 Speakers

Panasonic CRT RPTV (HD but not HDMI, soon to be replaced, likely by Samsung 52a630)

Comcast HD-DVR

PS3

Sony DVD player (solely for SACD)

Wii (new)


The HD-DVR and PS3 are connected to the receiver via component, and I have component going to the TV, so all was fine before. However we just got a Wii for Christmas, and as I was hooking it up yesterday I discovered that connecting the composite video into the receiver won't allow it to output via component like the others are. I could get a component Wii cable, but I only have two component inputs anyway.


This requires me to connect the Wii straight into the TV, which requires my wife to deal with more hassle, which allowed me to talk her into upgrading my receiver, which is where we are now. (A half-assed wife acceptance, but I'll take it.) When I looked a few months ago it seemed like the Onkyo 606 was a no-brainer, but now it sounds like that might not be the case. I told her it would only cost like $300, which means I can probably squeeze it up to $400 tops. A few questions/concerns:


-With a new receiver, will I be able to connect the PS3 and HDDVR via HDMI, the Wii via composite, and send them all via component to the TV? Is that possible? Or would I need to keep them all component? Eventually I'll get an HDMI capable TV and it won't be a problem, but I need it to work in the mean time.


-I've heard that the PS3 can handle my SACDs, but only with one of these newfangled receivers. Is that true? One of my selling points was being able to get rid of the old Sony DVD player to make more room.


Please let me know what receiver you'd suggest under $300. The 606, or Sony 820, Denon whatever, Pioneer, or any others. I would like to go 7.1 eventually also, but it seems that they all do that anyway.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

Since your PS3 will decode all audio formats, you don't really need a receiver with onboard TrueHD/DTS-MA decoding... any receiver with the ability to handle 7.1 LPCM will allow you to enjoy those codecs fully.


If you can push to $400ish I'd probably go with either the Pioneer 1018AH or Onkyo SR705. Denon 2308ci/888 and 1909/789 are also good options.

 

[MichaelJHuman]

I believe some models of the PS3 can output DSD (SACD) over HDMI. Some higher end Yamahas do handle DSD direct over HDMI, but that's big bucks unless you buy used.


It's possible the PS3 can decode DSD off SACDs and output it over HDMI as PCM, I have no idea.

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

Thanks for the suggestions, good to know. Looks like there is a good deal on the 888 if that would fit the bill. Think it would make my speakers sound much better than my current Sony DA1ES? More importantly, will it work for what I want it to do with regards to my current TV setup?

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

Any thoughts on the HDMI in, component out? Surely someone knows.


Jeez, 1 day and my thread slipped to page 4. AVSForum sure has gotten big over the past few years.


Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

Nevermind, did the right google search and figured out that you can't do that. Sounds like it's all personal preference when it comes to receivers also.

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

For those keeping score at home, I ended up with a Denon 2309. Went a little over budget, which is what usually happens when I spend too much time on this damn website. Seems to be a good one, looking forward to setting it up tonight and hearing how it sounds.

 

[rnatalli]

In the $400 range you can find the Yamaha 663, Pioneer 1018, Onkyo 606, and HK254. Choose your poison

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

Too late - I already pulled the trigger, bought the 2309 for $650 at lunch and I'm installing it tonight. All those had drawbacks that I couldn't deal with. Of course avsforum made me do it.

 

[rnatalli]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Tebo /forum/post/15510313


Too late - I already pulled the trigger, bought the 2309 for $650 at lunch and I'm installing it tonight. All those had drawbacks that I couldn't deal with. Of course avsforum made me do it.

A nice receiver and a fair amount over your approved amount. Get ready to buy some jewelry

 

[~Ohdee~]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Tebo /forum/post/15510313


Too late - I already pulled the trigger, bought the 2309 for $650 at lunch and I'm installing it tonight. All those had drawbacks that I couldn't deal with. Of course avsforum made me do it.

Congrats and have an awesome Friday night playing with your new AVR.


Damn, getting new home theater gear is almost as good as sex.

I SAID ALMOST!

 

[batpig]

Jeremy - lots of good info in the various owner's threads, and I have a full setup guide and FAQ on my website (linked in my sig). Let us know if you have any setup problems on the owner's threads, and enjoy!!

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

It's a little sad that I'm excited about spending my Friday night setting up electronics. My 5 years-ago self would be ashamed.

 

[Knucklehead90]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ~Ohdee~ /forum/post/15510496


Congrats and have an awesome Friday night playing with your new AVR.


Damn, getting new home theater gear is almost as good as sex.

I SAID ALMOST!

*


LOL!


Thats how I describe a good game of golf these days. Hell, thats how I describe any game of golf. Hey, I'm 61. Still got a lot of golf ahead of me.

 

[bommai]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelJHuman /forum/post/15407541


I believe some models of the PS3 can output DSD (SACD) over HDMI. Some higher end Yamahas do handle DSD direct over HDMI, but that's big bucks unless you buy used.


It's possible the PS3 can decode DSD off SACDs and output it over HDMI as PCM, I have no idea.

Actually, PS3 does not have the capability to output DSD over HDMI. It ALWAYS converts to PCM. BTW, some of the newer models of PS3 don't even do SACD. This sucks because if my current PS3 breaks, I will buy an Oppo for SACDs.