Looking for best 7.1 HTiB

[Freekman]

I am in search of the best value 7.1 audio system. My budget is $400-$800. All that is really required is the ability to play 7.1 audio, as well as decode all HD audio formats (DTS-HD MA, Dolby TrueHD). Everyone here seems to know a lot about audio, so I trust that at least one person can give me a good recommendation.

I've looked at a few receivers, such as the Sony-770W and the Denon-630W, but none seem to come with speakers, which are vital.

[eiker_ir]

Onkyo HT-S6100

[Bizdady]

Originally Posted by eiker_ir

Onkyo HT-S6100

My vote goes to Onkyo HT-S7100. Almost identical to the S6100 but comes with front speaker stands and the receiver is actually a retail Onkyo's TX-SR606 receiver which you know is top notch. I would go with this one

[Freekman]

I researched the Onkyo HT-S6100 and everything looks perfect, except I have one question: Can the receiver take Linear PCM from my PS3 or do I have to use a player that can bitstream HD audio like DTS-HD MA?

(Same question with the HT-S7100)

[Bizdady]

Originally Posted by Freekman

I researched the Onkyo HT-S6100 and everything looks perfect, except I have one question: Can the receiver take Linear PCM from my PS3 or do I have to use a player that can bitstream HD audio like DTS-HD MA?

(Same question with the HT-S7100)

LPCM from the ps3 is fine as long as you dont mind the Receiver not lighting up with "DTS-HD MA".

[Rup_Muk]

Originally Posted by Freekman

I researched the Onkyo HT-S6100 and everything looks perfect, except I have one question: Can the receiver take Linear PCM from my PS3 or do I have to use a player that can bitstream HD audio like DTS-HD MA?

(Same question with the HT-S7100)

Right off the bat: I'm not an audio expert and am regurgitating some of the advice that was previously provided to me.

The Onkyo SR-606 can decode the HD audio formats if you feed it to the receiver as bitstream. However, I've been told that the players - specifically the PS3 - will likely do a better job decoding. So, you'd want to feed the decoded Linear PCM from the unit to the receiver. However, the "DTS" display on the receiver will not light up if you do this.

I hope the above makes sense...

Rup

[Freekman]

I don't think I can handle that... jk
It seems to have every feature I want and isn't ridiculously priced. I plan on purchasing a second BD player anyway, so I think I'll survive with my PS3 not lighting up DTS-HD MA. I can't wait until I can fork over $600 and truly experience HD audio.

Edit: That makes perfect sense. From what I've heard, I would prefer PCM anyway because it can play 2 separate streams of audio, such as in a PiP track.

[CallingMrBenzo]

Originally Posted by Rup_Muk

Right off the bat: I'm not an audio expert and am regurgitating some of the advice that was previously provided to me.

The Onkyo SR-606 can decode the HD audio formats if you feed it to the receiver as bitstream. However, I've been told that the players - specifically the PS3 - will likely do a better job decoding. So, you'd want to feed the decoded Linear PCM from the unit to the receiver. However, the "DTS" display on the receiver will not light up if you do this.

I hope the above makes sense...

Rup

where did you hear that??? I have experience with a ps3 in my system and with multiple blu ray players that bitstream i will say that I definitely preferred the sound of the receiver doing the decoding.. but either way the jump from nothing to high def audio will satisfy and them some

[Freekman]

I've been stuck with only imagining what a film would sound like in HD 7.1, as I only have a standard 5.1 system. But with the PS3 being the player of my choice, bitstreaming is simply not an option.

[CallingMrBenzo]

i will say this... the big difference you will notice is the initial jump to high def sound... the whole 7.1 versus 5.1 i feel is overrated, as a good 5.1 system sounds pretty much the same as a 7.1 .... while the extra speakers do add some nice effects with certain movies .... its hard to tell the difference..

you will love the onkyo receiver and when and if you ever upgrade your speakers that will add a whole world of difference..

when you get your new system you best post a nice review... i look forward to reading it

[Bizdady]

Originally Posted by CallingMrBenzo

i will say this... the big difference you will notice is the initial jump to high def sound... the whole 7.1 versus 5.1 i feel is overrated, as a good 5.1 system sounds pretty much the same as a 7.1 .... while the extra speakers do add some nice effects with certain movies .... its hard to tell the difference..

you will love the onkyo receiver and when and if you ever upgrade your speakers that will add a whole world of difference..

when you get your new system you best post a nice review... i look forward to reading it

Haha I have the S7100 and After my move I didnt even bother setting up the 7.1. So few movies support 7.1 its not something im missing out on.

[CallingMrBenzo]

bizdady thats a nice little set up you have going on there... very nice tv as well


the extra two speakers also cause more wiring problems and space issues unless you have them hanging off the wall which isnt an option for me

[mugupo]

Originally Posted by Freekman

I am in search of the best value 7.1 audio system. My budget is $400-$800. All that is really required is the ability to play 7.1 audio, as well as decode all HD audio formats (DTS-HD MA, Dolby TrueHD). Everyone here seems to know a lot about audio, so I trust that at least one person can give me a good recommendation.

I've looked at a few receivers, such as the Sony-770W and the Denon-630W, but none seem to come with speakers, which are vital.

You can get a used onkyo s9100thx for under $800 probably in crainglist or ebay, i sold my 9100 for $720 plus 2 stand, but i didn't lose money cause i pay only $680 for at in aafes.

S9100thx is probably the best htib, but i think you should invest in receiver and speaker seperate cause that would save more money and better speaker, those htib has very low db sound.