[Shyatic]

My sister works for Sony, and gets a 40%-50% discount on *most* of their components. Given that, I don't know if I'm going to be better off still going with an Onkyo receiver which seems to be the best 'bang for the buck' type of thing, or a Sony that's more expensive but gets cut down with the discount.


That said, I'm looking to spend about $300(ish) on the receiver. The only requirement I have really, is that I can do HDMI switching (a bunch of HDMIs/Components IN, and single HDMI OUT). This lets me hook up my Wii, Xbox, Computer (it uses HDMI) to my TV, which will probably be a Sony TV as well (I'll start a new thread for that).


Much obliged for any ideas on this, and given the discount (let's say it's 40%), what could I buy for $300 (after discount), and is it MORE worth it than an Onkyo, or something else for $300 (without a discount)?


Thanks!

 

[PIRSQUARED]

Based on your requirements, you could get a Sony AVR with an MSRP of $500. That being said, Sony only offers AVR models at $400 and $600 MSRP, so you could get the STR-DG820 for $240 after discount. See if you can slightly increase your budget for either the Sony STR-DG920 ($360 after your discount) or the Onkyo TX-SR606 ($400). If you can, then go with the Onkyo. Good luck!

 

[Shyatic]

Anything else in that $300 price range you'd recommend? It doesn't have to be Onkyo

I'm trying to put together my home theater system (with speakers) for under $1000, the HDMI switching is essential though, which is why I'm avoiding HTIBs because I don't recall any of them doing it. Besides, upgrading those are painful

 

[PIRSQUARED]

There aren't really alot of other $300 AVRs out there that will give you 4 HDMI inputs other than the Sony. You could get a $300 Denon 1609 or Yamaha RX-V463, but they only have 2 HDMI inputs. You could move down to the Onkyo TX-SR506, with 3 HDMI inputs at $230, but it only has video passthrough for HDMI and requires separate digital audio cables (and no decoders for the new lossless audio bitstreams).


For your under $1,000 budget, you could stick with the Sony STR-DG820 and add a 5.1 speaker system from Definitive Technology ($700 ProCinema60) or Energy ($600 Take Classic 5.1 - I believe it's even less than this at Costco). And if you went with the Energy speaker system, you could still get the Sony 920 or Onkyo 606. Don't skimp too much on your AVR so you won't find yourself wanting to upgrade too soon. Good luck!

 

[erickrd]

Keep in mind the 820 will not play anything you have hooked up with a component if your only connection to the TV is HDMI. It does not do video upscaling.

 

[samsurd2]

^^With the sister's Sony discount, the OP can probably afford the STR-DG920 (MSRP $599.99). It does convert analog video signals to HDMI (digital) so a "one cable to TV" solution is possible. It also scales those converted signals.

 

[Shyatic]



Quote:
Originally Posted by samsurd2 /forum/post/15498461


^^With the sister's Sony discount, the OP can probably afford the STR-DG920 (MSRP $599.99). It does convert analog video signals to HDMI (digital) so a "one cable to TV" solution is possible. It also scales those converted signals.

Is that one any good, compared to the Onkyos or whatever else?


Much obliged!

 

[samsurd2]

The STR-DG920 and TX-SR606 have comparabe prices and features. In that same range are the Yamaha RX-V663, Pioneer VSX-1018, Harman Kardon AVR254 and a Denon AVR as well. The opinions/answers you'll receive about which is best, which is the best bang-for-the-buck, which has the best SQ, which has the fewest problems, what manufacturer has the best Customer Service/Support, etc., etc. (the list is interminable) typically depends on which of these receivers the responder happens to own. Read them all (if you have the patience) and take all opinions and reviews with a grain of salt. Then check them out in a B&M store if you can and buy whichever one has the features YOU want for the price YOU can afford. JMO

 

[drballard33]

I bought the 920 and love it. Its the only sony in that series that does the full switching (720 and 820 do not). I have read some reviews that the GUI is a pain but I really like it. I have it hooked up to a Sony LCD and when I hit the GUI button all of the receiver controls appear on the screen so I dont have to sit right in front of the receiver and push the buttons and read the receiver display. I also like the microphone that comes with it that I can put in the middle of the room to calibrate all of the speakers, it made my setup easier and actually found one speaker that was hooked up wrong, although I did tweak it a bit to liking. I got the 920 for $439 at HH Gregg around new year so you should be able to get it cheaper. Any other questions let me know