Help choosing either Sony 720 or 820...Opinions?

[DeadDog]

O.K. I've narrowed down my receiver choices to either the Sony 720 or 820. First off, please no one suggest Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc. as I have read all those posts and although they may be better (in some opinions) it doesn't really matter as I have size restrictions that come into play. The Sony's have a depth that allows for them to fit where I need them too (the 920 is too deep).

So, I have a PS3 and won't be upgrading anytime soon. Sometime in the future I may get a new player, and at which point a new receiver, so I'm really looking at the most logical/cost effective solution for now. This receiver would be used for at least 3 years with this setup, at which point if I upgrade there will be newer, better receivers and I'll probably have more room so I can make a new decision at that point.

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my system and this is what I have so far.

PS3
Energy RC-mini Center
Energy RC-10's Left and Right
Energy ESW-8 Subwoofer
(Eventually a pair of surrounds, thinking C-50's right now).

Since the PS3 is going to be sending the HD-audio via PCM the decoding abilities of the 820 don't seem to matter. What I am curious about however, is the power difference between the two. Would the 720 adequately power these speakers or would the difference in the 820 be worth the extra $100? Aside from the 820 decoding audio (which doesn't matter), and having a little more power, would I benefit in any other ways by getting it over the 720? Any help and opinons are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[callas01]

You could pretty much go with either of them, the only real differences in the 2 units are that the 820 offers the programming essential for decoding the HD audios, which you don't need having a PS3. Other then that you get 5 extra watts per channel, not really sure if you do or not because they use the same power source, but I guess they could have set it up that way. You will also get 1 extra HDMI input, screw binding posts (Speaker B have push tabs), other then that it is really up to you, if you want to kinda future proof yourself in case you get a standalone BDP sometime, the extra $100 now would be looked at as an investment.

[DeadDog]

Are binding posts any "better" than the push tab connector's? Or is it just a matter of a stronger connection with the ability to use banana plugs?

My dilemma comes from wanting something that will work the best for now. I'm kinda leaning towards the 720 as the 820's "upgrades" don't seem to be necessary for me. I only have 1 HDMI source right now (PS3). And I won't ever get anything more than a DVR eventually. so the 3 HDMI ins for the 720 would be enough. Plus, I figure the money I save now would help out when I want to upgrade in the future (more so physcologically then financially )

Anyone else care to chime in? Any thoughts are always appreciated.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by DeadDog

Are binding posts any "better" than the push tab connector's? Or is it just a matter of a stronger connection with the ability to use banana plugs?

My dilemma comes from wanting something that will work the best for now. I'm kinda leaning towards the 720 as the 820's "upgrades" don't seem to be necessary for me. I only have 1 HDMI source right now (PS3). And I won't ever get anything more than a DVR eventually. so the 3 HDMI ins for the 720 would be enough. Plus, I figure the money I save now would help out when I want to upgrade in the future (more so physcologically then financially )

Anyone else care to chime in? Any thoughts are always appreciated.

Binding posts are far better than push connectors. Always try to stay with binding posts.