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Receiver recommendations?

1044 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by IVB, May 23, 2007

mikeftb

Discussion Starter · May 22, 2007

I just put together my first HTPC, and I'm looking for a good recevier to go with it. All I plan to do with it is run analog sound through it via my x-meridian for amplification, then out to my polk surroundbar and sub. Any recommendations?

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IVB

· #2 · May 22, 2007

a cheap one with RS232 control, so you can integrate into your HTPC setup later if you want.

I hear folks have been getting the yamaha RXV1500 for

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mikeftb

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 22, 2007

Thanks for the info, I'll check that one out. I'm glade you said something about RS-232, this is the first time I've heard about it and it seems like a very important feature.

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galileo2000

· #4 · May 22, 2007

IVB, what RS-232 does for you in the receiver?

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LuncHwagon

· #5 · May 22, 2007

It does alot for you. It can take away IR and RF control for starters. It also offers descrete commands that often cannot be accomplished with the remote commands. One of the other key features is the video switching. this keeps the audio and video "lined up" (lets you toggle video and audio from one device to another) I always feel that the more it has the better. I would look at the yamaha (as mentioned above) marantz, and denon models. they all have reasonably priced units of good quality. the rs232 or "serial" control is not often found on more "commercially available" brands.

If you dont plan to integrate all your equipment together, then rs232 becomes far less important. But i will tell you that getting eveything controlled from a central place is a cool feeling. it has a high "geek" factor.

My.02

CM

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galileo2000

· #6 · May 22, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by LuncHwagon /forum/post/0

It does alot for you. It can take away IR and RF control for starters. It also offers descrete commands that often cannot be accomplished with the remote commands. One of the other key features is the video switching. this keeps the audio and video "lined up" (lets you toggle video and audio from one device to another) I always feel that the more it has the better. I would look at the yamaha (as mentioned above) marantz, and denon models. they all have reasonably priced units of good quality. the rs232 or "serial" control is not often found on more "commercially available" brands.

If you dont plan to integrate all your equipment together, then rs232 becomes far less important. But i will tell you that getting eveything controlled from a central place is a cool feeling. it has a high "geek" factor.

My.02

CM

Understood.

My RemoteControl II-based Dell Axim X5 can do whatever my heart desires using macros which would turn on the appropriate input for the receiver depending on video signal, adjust volume, switch to the appropriate listening mode etc. all with the click of one button.

I am looking at Onkyo TX-SR605 right now. It does not have RS-232 but it has HDMI 1.3 and other features.

That's why I asked. I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything.

I found the solutions for my (former) Sony DVP-CX777ES with the RS-232 control but decided I wanted PC-based changers instead.

What I really want is the receiver inside my HTPC so it can be fully controllable.

P.S. Geeks are cool and they will inherit the Earth.

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LuncHwagon

· #7 · May 22, 2007

From the limited amount I've seen about it. HDMI ver 1.3 is going to be a serial command type. Basic 2way communication. I'm interested to see how all the brands are going to play together even with the hdmi "standard" If you go with the unit, I'll be excited to see what you think.

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galileo2000

· #8 · May 22, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by LuncHwagon /forum/post/0

From the limited amount I've seen about it. HDMI ver 1.3 is going to be a serial command type. Basic 2way communication. I'm interested to see how all the brands are going to play together even with the hdmi "standard" If you go with the unit, I'll be excited to see what you think.

Problem is, my "main" TV is not HDMI 1.3, and my F-I90HD-based HTPC is not HDMI 1.3-compliant either.

So we'll see what happens.

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IVB

· #9 · May 22, 2007

G2K: With RS232, you can add the current status, volume, etc, to those Axim screens. That way there's no question about whether the command worked, or whether you're about to turn on the TV with the audio blasting, etc.

Here's a horridly ugly screen I created for my PPC, I don't use it that often so I haven't obsessed about the looks. Note the green/red indicating on/off, what the volume level is, and the current source setting.

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galileo2000

· #10 · May 22, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by IVB /forum/post/0

G2K: With RS232, you can add the current status, volume, etc, to those Axim screens. That way there's no question about whether the command worked, or whether you're about to turn on the TV with the audio blasting, etc.

Here's a horridly ugly screen I created for my PPC, I don't use it that often so I haven't obsessed about the looks. Note the green/red indicating on/off, what the volume level is, and the current source setting.

That's cool. Except I only turn on the receiver when I can see it.

Anyway, thanks for the explanation.

Now I am sure I don't need it.

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mikeftb

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 22, 2007

I ended up buying a yamaha RX-V661. Seems like a good unit so far, and it does everything I want it to do. Plus I got it hella cheap, only $200.

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IVB

· #12 · May 23, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by galileo2000 /forum/post/0

That's cool. Except I only turn on the receiver when I can see it.

Anyway, thanks for the explanation.

Now I am sure I don't need it.

True, certainly not for everyone. In my situation, the only way I was allowed to buy a plasma TV was if:

1) It was wallmounted

2) Floor speakers were sold off, wallmount speakers put in it's place

3) *All* other electronics (incl. receiver) were moved out of the room.

We spent more time absolutely cursing at why there was no sound, and had to get our asses up and walk over to the closet and open it up until we got an RS232 controllable receiver.

My ancient thread about this

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