Recommendations on HTiB that supports PCM/HD Audio

[wiNd]

Hi guys.

Currently, i'm scouting for a decent, budget & entry level HITB ($200-$500) that supports PCM / HD Audio (DTSMA, DTrueHD) with HDMI IN and OUT. My companions : Sony Bravia LCD & PS3

Shorlist :
-Sony HTSS2300

Any brand will do, please advise?

Thanks alot!

[Bad Chile]

Since your PS3 decodes all the lossless codes, you could go with the following

Pioneer VSX519 Receiver (~$190). Does not decode the lossless formats, but does accept audio over HDMI, and since your PS3 handles those duties you're good to go.

Polk RM6750 Speaker set ($199 right now at Newegg, or $179+ shipping off eBay direct from Polk). This speaker set is pretty well liked around this forum based upon my research.

Speaker cable from monoprice (~$20) since you'll need it.

For around $400 you get a pretty good setup. Its what I'm running.

[RBBrittain]

I have an HT-SS2300 and love it--and my TV is Vizio, not Sony. That or the current version (HT-SS360) should be great for you, especially since the HTIB remote will also control your Bravia.

Like the Pioneer AVR in the previous post, the HT-SS2300 & 360 won't decode TrueHD or DTS-HD MA, but that's unnecessary; the *only* way the PS3 will do lossless audio is to decode them itself and send PCM 5.1/7.1 to the AVR, which both the Sonys and the Pioneer will handle.

One small disadvantage for the Sonys: Their speakers have a non-standard ohm rating (3 ohms), so you can't use them with other AVRs even if you cut off their proprietary speaker-wire connectors. If you want to swap out later, the Pioneer/Polk combo in the previous post will be better even though it's a separate AVR & speakers (not really a HTIB).

[wiNd]

thanks Bad Chile for the recommendation.

[Bad Chile]

Originally Posted by wiNd

thanks Bad Chile for the recommendation.

No problem. If I was doing this again I'd stick with everything but upgrade the speakers - it isn't that I don't like the RM6750 set - it is that there is a good sale at Newegg right now.

Instead of dropping the $219 (current price) for the RM6750, I'd get two Monitor 50 (at $89.99 each) and a CS1 ($74.99) with coupon codes - check the Hot Deals forum. This would end up being $255, no sub or surrounds, but is a better "base" to build on. I'd then save my cash for another month and get an AA sub; and just watch the Newegg site for when Monitor 30s for the rear drop to below $89.99 as they frequently do.

Like I've said in a review in the Official Polk Audio threat - the RM6750s are great, but they do lack "oomph" when listening to music.