Need help with a receiver...

[Flawless1984]

Hey guys planning ahead for my Christmas.. present to myself and I was wondering if all the tech experts on this site could help me pick out a receiver.

Thought I'd go to the source where I know I'd get the best bang for my buck.

My price range would be around $400-600 (Probably able to go a bit over )Canadian and I'm looking for input on the best bang for my buck for things that will be out at or before Christmas.



I'll check by here and there if you need any questions to be answered.

(I use a PS3 for my Blu-ray player, and have a 50 inch 1080i DLP TV)


Thanks for any input in advance.

[clyon]

wait until then & you will have more options to look at. I guess you want one with HDMI 1.3? If so your limited too Onkyo or Onkyo now. Yamaha will be coming out with a HDMI 1.3 reciever by then & I think the price is going to be $900 (US) for the entry model.

[Flawless1984]

Alright, wasn't sure... since from what I see on these boards, most of the people here are on the cutting edge and have their fingers on the pulse of the goings on.


Appreciate the help.

[Muad'Dib]

I suggest the Onkyo series 605,705, or 805. The 705 (799$) just cane out today; 8/3. It can do just about everything the 805 can do for 200$ less. Check the specks on Onkyo.com. They all come with HDMI 1.3 but the 705 and the 805 have three Hdmi inputs. The 705 and 805 are THX certified (if that really means anything these days) The DTS-HD and DD-HD are incredible. One of the coolest features is the DTS-Nero. I feel it sound better and seem to replace the Pro logic II surround sound. I believe when picking a receiver one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is to take the future into consideration; especially having enough inputs for future devices and the Onkyo’s seem to have that covered. I also feel that while Onkyo comes with many adjustable options they are easy to use interface with the onscreen menu. I hope I was at least a little helpful, and remember the return polices of CC and BB; return it within 30 days if you’re not satisfied. No questioned asked.

[crackinhedz]

I agree, save your money for the onkyo 705.

[dillycheeze]

i would also agree....check out the onkyo line......has anyone seen the new line of hdmi 1.3 receivers coming in sept from sony.....look at this one...6 hdmi ports!
STR-DA5300ES

[Muad'Dib]

6 HDMI ports that’s sick. Sony is known for looking ahead. I still say go with Onkyo due to its High-Current Power Supply (HCPS) transformer and high-capacity filter capacitors allowing it to drive low-impedance speakers without strain. This also means that over the life receiver the volume level will not have to go up. The Sony I had a while back was a good machine when I first got it but, after two years the movies I watched at 30 dB, I now had to play at 40 dB’s, and the clarity suffered. Sony may have fixed this problem but last I checked they did not have a HCPS.

[gvortex7]

Just get the Onkyo 605 for $400. That's the sweetest deal around right now. And even though you can't really use its DTS Master Audio decoding feature yet, due to the lack of a player that can send it in a bitstream form, you still get a "helluva" deal for the money.
Plus, starting this fall, the 3rd generation Blu-ray players should all come with HDMI 1.3 jacks and allow the 605 to decode the next generation audio codecs.
All other receivers that will be released (such as Pioneers, Denons, Yahamas) will cost an arm and a leg. So, why wait to pay a huge premium?

[Flawless1984]

Alright guys, appreciate the help beyond words.

I'll look into these things right away

[Flawless1984]

Okay it's much closer to the time... and I'm about ready to make the purchase.

Here's the catch, it's damn near impossible to find Onkyo in Canda, no one ships it from the states and everywhere over here is WAY overpriced [$649 on some US site, $1099 in stores.]

So what I'm asking is either, A) How you guys would get your hand on a 705, or alternative selections that are more easily obtainable in Canada for around the same price and bang for the buck.

Appreciate ALL the help so far.

[Luis_A51]

From what I remember the 705 wasnt really a worthwhile upgrade over the 605. And when I compared the 605 and the Sony STR-DG910 I ended up choosing the 910 instead.

Any store in Canada should have it for $650 or less. OR you could do what I did, order it from JR.com and get it for less than $400, shipping included.

HDMI 1.3 is not a requirement for a receiver. Pretty much any player that cannot internally decode one of the new codecs cant bitstream it either. Those that can bitstream it can likely internally decode it anyways. There is no benefit to having the receiver decode it: its just a feature they like to boast about so they can charge you more money. Worry more about finding a receiver that handles 7.1 PCM.