Best amp for the Panny BD35 ?

[Rforbes]

As i understand it the BD35 can decode HD master audio...does this then mean i can opt for an amp like the Onkyo tx 506 and still end up with HD master audio ?

[Colglizity]

Originally Posted by Rforbes

As i understand it the BD35 can decode HD master audio...does this then mean i can opt for an amp like the Onkyo tx 506 and still end up with HD master audio ?

As long as that 506 can receive HDMI audio (some only do video) then you will be able to go into the "digital audio settings" on your panny 35 and switch the Dolby and DTS settings from "bitstream" to "PCM" and you'll be getting all the new HD audio formats: DTS Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and LPCM. And make sure that you buy a version 1.3 HDMI cable for the connection from the 35 to the 506. Good Luck!!

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by Colglizity

As long as that 506 can receive HDMI audio (some only do video) then you will be able to go into the "digital audio settings" on your panny 35 and switch the Dolby and DTS settings from "bitstream" to "PCM" and you'll be getting all the new HD audio formats: DTS Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and LPCM. And make sure that you buy a version 1.3 HDMI cable for the connection from the 35 to the 506. Good Luck!!

Will either one or both of these Sony receivers work too:
Sony STR-DG720
Sony STR-DG820

Thanks for the info.

[BIslander]

Look at the specs for the receiver. It needs HDMI 1.1 and the ability to process audio over HDMI. Some cheaper AVRs do HDMI "video switching" or "pass through". Those are code words for "no audio processing". Any receiver that will process PCM over HDMI will work for HD audio with the BD35.

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by BIslander

Look at the specs for the receiver. It needs HDMI 1.1 and the ability to process audio over HDMI. Some cheaper AVRs do HDMI "video switching" or "pass through". Those are code words for "no audio processing". Any receiver that will process PCM over HDMI will work for HD audio with the BD35.

This is from the Circuit City website. It does mention full HDMI switching. Is that good or bad for what I am looking for? I just bought the Panny 35 and my current receiver does not have an HDMI input. I am connecting it to a 62" Mitsubishi that only has 1 HDMI input so i am going to upgrage the receiver as i also have the Toshiba HD-dvd A3, along with DirecTV DVR so i need more HDMI inputs via the receiver. Thanks.

Product description
Sony STR-DG820 7.1 Dolby and DTS Home Theater Receiver
Features
7.1 channel receiver: The Sony STR-DG820 serves as the nerve center of your 7.1 channel home theater system, with 110 watts power per channel. Optimized for connecting Blu-ray Disc players, the STR-DG820 features full HDMI switching and 4 HDMI inputs for a high definition home theater experience.

Digital Media Port: Connect an audio source such as an iPod or PC to the receiver. Then liberate your music in the rich, full 7.1 sound provided by your speakers.

4 HDMI inputs: Connect 4 different HDMI devices to your receiver and use the HDMI output to connect straight to an HDTV. Or take advantage of 3 component video inputs/1 out, 1 coaxial digital input, 4 composite video inputs/1 out, 2 optical audio inputs/1 out, 7 RCA inputs/2 out, and 1 subwoofer output.

DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX: DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX give you 6.1 surround sound, matrixing the original 5.1 channel audio to create a new rear audio channel. Get 5.1 surround sound support from Dolby Digital and DTS. When you have a source with only two audio channels (like a CD), Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo6 create a simulated 5.1 surround effect. Dolby Pro Logic IIx goes even farther, taking a stereo source and creating a 7.1-channel feel with it.

This is from Cnet. I think i just found my own answer:

Step-up features on the STR-DG820:
7.1 channels, 110 watts of power
Four HDMI inputs
Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio
Supports x.v.Color
XM-ready with Neural Surround Sound
Includes a Sony Digital Media Port
Available in May for about $400

[kpkelley]

The Onkyo 506 does not accept audio over hdmi, so pass.

Both Sony's will work or an Onkyo 605 or higher or a Yamaha rx-v663 or higher.

If you provide us with an idea for the budget we can give more informed suggestions.