Receiver Questions

[Man-Is-Obsolete]

Okay let me preface by saying I have a Sony KDS-50A2000 tv, 20GB PS3, and a old JVC HTIB surround system. I am looking to upgrade my receiver first than slowly upgrade speakers potentially to a 7.1 setup. I realize the PS3, at least at this time, cannot bitstream TrueHD and Master Audio but it can decode True HD and there is a lot of talk that it will support Master as well. I plan to use the PS3 as my blu ray player so having a reciever decode HD audio codecs isn't important. 2 HDMI inputs are enough as well.

So I have decided, after researching many sites, upon the Yamaha RX-V661, but I have a few lingering questions yet to be answered that is keeping me from buying.

1. Is updating reciever first the best solution? In other words will I notice a difference in sound on my current HTIB speakers with the new receiver and the ability to amplify lossless audio?

2. Like I mentioned before I am going to update my speakers, probably to Definitive Technology's Pro Cinema 1000, so in the future is 90 watts per channel enough power to fill a decent size family room and for those speakers?

3. The reason I chose the Yamaha 661 is that I have heard some issues with Onkyo's 605 (popping between inputs, handshaking, and just faulty receivers at times) and Sony's 910 is said to not have as good of sound as other brands, so are there issues with the Yamaha 661 that I have yet to unearth?

4. My budget is under $500, so my last question simply is the Yamaha RX-V661 a great choice for me now and for the future?

Hope I was clear on everything and thanks in advance for any insight and answers you guys can give me.

[Slec]

Welcome!

1. Absolutely. You will notice a difference and this is the place to start. You will get better fidelity out of towers and more expensive speakers, but there is a noticeable difference between Lossless audio, and traditional lossy tracks.

2. I will let one of the audiophiles handle this one.

3. I haven't heard too much about the 661. I was looking at it as well, but chose the 605 based on my previous experience with Onkyo products. I haven't had any handshake issues, popping, or over heating. When I was searching, I found that there were a few failures, and those failures were referenced frequently. One of those cases where the problem is thought to be more than it actually was because the same failures were referenced so many times. IMO

4. I'm greatly biased on this one (being that I chose the 605), but the 661 looks like a fairly decent receiver. Its HDMI 1.2, not 1.3 but is that an issue? for some, yes, for others, no... I'll have to refresh my memory on this receiver before commenting further. Enjoy!

[kingofgrills]

You will notice a huge difference upgrading your receiver first, and I think you will be pleased with the RX-V 661.

I've sent you a PM with some additional info...