Cheaper Reciever?

[brianh78]

Hey guys, instead of going the route of asking what you recommend, I was wondering if it was possible to find a reciever capable of HD sound in or around the $200 neighborhood with HDMI? I am in need of a desperate (ok not totally desperate but wanting a) upgrade from a 6yr old Technics reciever with no HDMI. I have the Sony BDP-BX-1 (was like a costco "exclusive" model # or something) and a Phillips 42in HDTV. One of the main issues I have is not hearing the actors speech to well, then having to turn it up only to get BLASTED away by sound effects. Thanks for any suggestions!!

Brian

[tootall82103]

Didn't do much research for this but scope out the Harman Kardon AVR 154.
You can pick up a new one for $202 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-.../dp/B0016BN5CM


Forgot to add. The AVR 154 receiver itself cannot decode HD Audio such as Dolby True HD or DTS HD MA. But if your BDP does I assume you could send it as PCM to the receiver and still get the same sound quality. I think that is how it works from what I have read on here. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[king_patrick_7]

I picked up a Sony DG-720 for pretty cheap (around $300). Love it so far and it can decode the HD audio if paired with a PS3

[callas01]

You can see about the Sony DH-800 or if your receiver can decode the audio, like if you have a PS3, then the Sony DH700 could work too.

[ZIPPO]

What speakers are you using?

[deckardp]

Originally Posted by callas01

You can see about the Sony DH-800 or if your receiver can decode the audio, like if you have a PS3, then the Sony DH700 could work too.

Was looking at this one also over the weekend. Is this getting decent reviews?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by deckardp

Was looking at this one also over the weekend. Is this getting decent reviews?

Here is one http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DH800/ For $282 on amazon, its a good buy.

Its the same as last years STR-DG820, there really was no changes to the amp, powersupply or software, I think all they did was add some inputs and an HDMI/Component output.

Here is last years review http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DG820/

Understand that at these prices $300 and below there isn't much difference between units. I think Sony does a better then average job, Onkyo 607 may have a leg up when compared sub $400 receivers, but pretty much the Yammy, Sonys and Pioneers are all the same. I would say the Onkyo 607 and Sony STR-DN1000 are the 2 top units this season. Denons 590 would be right there too.

[deckardp]

Originally Posted by callas01

Here is one http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DH800/ For $282 on amazon, its a good buy.

Its the same as last years STR-DG820, there really was no changes to the amp, powersupply or software, I think all they did was add some inputs and an HDMI/Component output.

Here is last years review http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DG820/

Understand that at these prices $300 and below there isn't much difference between units. I think Sony does a better then average job, Onkyo 607 may have a leg up when compared sub $400 receivers, but pretty much the Yammy, Sonys and Pioneers are all the same. I would say the Onkyo 607 and Sony STR-DN1000 are the 2 top units this season. Denons 590 would be right there too.

Thanks for the info!

[canative454]

Originally Posted by brianh78

Hey guys, instead of going the route of asking what you recommend, I was wondering if it was possible to find a reciever capable of HD sound in or around the $200 neighborhood with HDMI? I am in need of a desperate (ok not totally desperate but wanting a) upgrade from a 6yr old Technics reciever with no HDMI. I have the Sony BDP-BX-1 (was like a costco "exclusive" model # or something) and a Phillips 42in HDTV. One of the main issues I have is not hearing the actors speech to well, then having to turn it up only to get BLASTED away by sound effects. Thanks for any suggestions!!

I would check out Harman Kardon ebay store you could pick up a refurb AVR 254 for a little over $200. I bought one and the sound is great and the price was definitely right.

[HAMP]

I don't know anything about this receiver but it is on sale at Frys for $279.

I think this sale is only for a few more days

SONY STR DH800 7.1

[brianh78]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

What speakers are you using?

For now a brand called Audiosource, never heard of them myself, but they sound decent with this old reciever I have but those will also be upgraded in due time. Thanks for all the suggestions, I will try that ebay store see where that gets me.