Home Theater: Best amp for your $?

[Borrik]

I snagged a Samsung 56" LED DLP HDTV when they first hit the market 6 months ago, a 5.1 Samsung upscale DVD player/home theater combo package, and an 80 gig PS3...

Once I hooked everything up I have my cable box >HDMI> 5.1 DVD/Home Theater >HDMI> TV; PS3 >HDMI> TV; PS3 >Digital Optical> 5.1 DVD/Home Theater.

This setup was working great until my cable box decided to not "communicate" as the Samsung Techy put it with my 5.1 system. Every so often I get the "blue screen of death" and have to turn off/on the 5.1 or cable box to restore viewing.

I had to rewire it again to get rid of the BSoD; so I hooked everything to the TV via HDMI and Digital Optical to the 5.1 from the TV. Well... low and behold when you hook up HDMI to the TV, for some reason it can not output the audio in Digital optical... Straight from the Techy's mouth and the Guy that was supposed to fix it. Page 73 of the owner’s manual in .0003 font tells you this same thing. Go fig...

So as a possible solution to the BSoD I was thinking about running everything through an amp (couple HDMI hook ups and/or digital optical) and possibly get some new speakers but didn't know of any good manufacturers to look at or types to keep in mind when looking for an Amp. I have been so used to the "all in one" packages, which I know isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Sorry for the rant, just looking for some advice. Thanks!

[Barnum]

I have a Denon 3808ci and love it. Nothing compares that system connected up to my B&W and M&K speakers.

[cpgator]

You are looking for a receiver, not an amp. It would also help to know you price range.

[Disco_And]

Can I recommend the Onkyo TX-SR875 it will up sample everything you put into it to 1080p even 480p Blu-ray extras and will also decode all the HD sound formats that are out there with its 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

[powersfoss]

Originally Posted by Disco_And

Can I recommend the Onkyo TX-SR875 it will up sample everything you put into it to 1080p even 480p Blu-ray extras and will also decode all the HD sound formats that are out there with its 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Yikes, $1,699 it says on that review. That's probably a pretty awesome receiver. I'll say I got the Sony STR-DG810 which does 6.1 and 5.1 setups, passes through my 1080p HDMI signal from my PS3 perfectly, and splits the sound to the 6.1/5.1. Best of all it was only $348 at Best Buy when I bought it about 2 weeks ago now.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665061597

[surfdude12]

i have an Onyko SR604 and its great, but know that it only does PCM 5.1, not PCM 7.1. and only has 2 HDMI inputs. Also I believe other receivers (eg. Onyko 805) can decode more lossless audio tracks, but the 604 is only $300 (last time I checked), and sounds terrific!

[cpgator]

I personally would stay away from the entry level Sony receivers. They generally have weak amps and the sound quality is poor compared to other receivers.

[Clark Kent]

If you're really looking for an amp and not a receiver the most popular recommendation on the internet is for Emotiva, who sell amps direct from their website. These are high quality amps at a very nice value compared to what you would pay locally.

http://www.emotiva.com/index.html

Their amps are very nice but stay away from their pre/pros.

[Borrik]

Thanks all! My price range for an reciever is something under $600, more like $500. But i dunno if there is something quality for that or less.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Borrik

Thanks all! My price range for an reciever is something under $600, more like $500. But i dunno if there is something quality for that or less.

These HDMI receivers are in your price range.

[itsfatboy]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

These HDMI receivers are in your price range.

Take the Onkyo 605 - its getting rave reviews everywhere.

[Downhere]

Originally Posted by cpgator

I personally would stay away from the entry level Sony receivers. They generally have weak amps and the sound quality is poor compared to other receivers.

+1

Sony doesn't do well with audio...stick with any of the other brands like Onkyo, Pioneer, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha.

Originally Posted by itsfatboy

Take the Onkyo 605 - its getting rave reviews everywhere.

Ditto that, for the price range the OP is looking at, that one would be the best bet.

[SmilesLots]

Originally Posted by Barnum

I have a Denon 3808ci and love it. Nothing compares that system connected up to my B&W and M&K speakers.

Golly - I just received notice of my 3808 being shipped. Got it instaed of the 4308 because it has 4 hdmi inputs. The 2 outputs would have been nice, but more ins seemed more relevant.

[cpgator]

Originally Posted by SmilesLots

Golly - I just received notice of my 3808 being shipped. Got it instaed of the 4308 because it has 4 hdmi inputs. The 2 outputs would have been nice, but more ins seemed more relevant.

Though not in the OPs price range, that is a great receiver. For the price, I don't think you can beat Denon.

[welwynnick]

Originally Posted by Downhere

+1

Sony doesn't do well with audio...stick with any of the other brands like Onkyo, Pioneer, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha.

The S-master Pro all-digital amps are the exception that otherwise general rule.

Nick

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by Barnum

I have a Denon 3808ci and love it. Nothing compares that system connected up to my B&W and M&K speakers.

I have the Denon 3808 as well. Awesome and fun to use. Got the ipod dock with it and EL remote. It's way cool, powerful, and great sound... can't go wrong. Power to spare... does 7.1