Receiver Choice?

[Porscheman]

Looking at various receivers at Bestbuy...

I have an older Yamaha and now with Blu want a good top notch sounding receiver. What would you guys buy?

Budget of up to $1000 lets say. Also, should I still be running 2 front speakers, center, two rear and sub? Or should there be additional speakers?

And lastely, do you guys run HDMI through your receiver?

[cartier]

Onkyo, is a great choice the 705 and 805 seem to be popular and well reviewed models.

You should use HDMI as it is the only way to take advantage of the high quality sound available on blu-ray. Both the 705 and 805 use HDMI 1.3 which is the most recent standard. Also they will allow for 7.1 sound which means you can add two additional speakers on the right and left.

[ESUNintel]

Like Cartier says, you should use HDMI for the best sound; or at least use optical. If you want to experience the best possible go with a 7.1 (7 speakers + sub) set-up, if your room is big enough, if not 5.1 works.

I currently have a Denon, and it's pretty cool, but it's 2 years old and has no HDMI. I'm currently looking at these: All by Sony (STR-DA4300ES or STR-DA3300DS or the STR-DG1100 or STR-DG1000), most likely the DG ones cause of price.

I know many don't like Sony for receivers,I think their ok and they'll match my TV and BD player too.

...So if anyone has any advice, I'm sure Porscheman and I would find it helpful. Thanks

[Porscheman]

So do you think that this scenario is my best...

Comcast TV receiver - HDMI to AV receiver
Blu-ray player - HDMI to AV receiver

then take the HDMI from my AV receiver to my TV? TV only has one HDMI port...

Also, what makes your speakers capable of the high def sound? I dont get that...

[Redrox]

Originally Posted by Porscheman

Looking at various receivers at Bestbuy...

I have an older Yamaha and now with Blu want a good top notch sounding receiver. What would you guys buy?

Budget of up to $1000 lets say. Also, should I still be running 2 front speakers, center, two rear and sub? Or should there be additional speakers?

And lastely, do you guys run HDMI through your receiver?

Sorry man but unfortunately you might not be able to get a TOP notch receiver for $1000. There are certainly some REALLY NICE receivers out there in that price range, but top notch starts at about 2.5-3k and goes way beyond that for really high quality a/v receivers. Anyway, I am looking for a receiver myself and I am still not certain which one to buy. I am looking at Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha. I think you would like any of those brands for your setup but it really depends on your personal (sound) taste, room size and configuration. Make sure to test any receiver you like in the store showroom and that whatever store you will purchase it at has no restocking fee. Because it ALWAYS sounds different at home and you might want to return it :-)
Do you have to buy new speakers as well? I was looking at the 9.1 setup but I don't know if that really makes that much sense. I think the 7.1 setup is still the best way to go and most receivers support it.

[jdc115]

Originally Posted by ESUNintel

Like Cartier says, you should use HDMI for the best sound; or at least use optical. If you want to experience the best possible go with a 7.1 (7 speakers + sub) set-up, if your room is big enough, if not 5.1 works.

5.1 (or 7.1) analog output is a better option then optical if you do not have HDMI input on your receiver. This is not a choice for the PS3, but for most of the standalone players it is so I would go this route. Some might prefer it to using HDMI but it does cause a lot more cable issues. If it is a PS3, then HDMI and then optical as you can only output 2 channel for analog.

[ESUNintel]

Originally Posted by jdc115

5.1 (or 7.1) analog output is a better option then optical if you do not have HDMI input on your receiver. This is not a choice for the PS3, but for most of the standalone players it is so I would go this route. Some might prefer it to using HDMI but it does cause a lot more cable issues. If it is a PS3, then HDMI and then optical as you can only output 2 channel for analog.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.