DACs and Upscalers used in various receivers

[richteer]

Hi all,

I'm drawing up a list of specs for receivers I'm considering, and part of that info is the audio DACs used and the video upscaler. After a lot of digging (thanks Google!) I've found most of what I need, but I was hoping people here could help me fill in the missing gaps, ideally with model numbers.

Here are the receivers I'm missing the DAC info for:
Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH
Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH
Marantz SR7002
Marantz SR8002
Yamaha RXV-1800 (I have Burr Brown, but which one? The 1791 or the 1796? Something else?)
Yamaha RXV-3800 Same as the 1800

Here are the receivers I'm missing the upscaler info for (my research suggests that these have no upscaler, but I'd like that to be confirmed):
Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH
Marantz SR7002
Marantz SR8002

Many thanks!

[DezNutz]

I will say you need to look at the Onkyo line, as they have some solid Video upscalers as well as DAC's. May I ask a question, what is the DAC although, and how does it directley correspond to sound and reciever quality?

The Onkyo SR805 has "top of the line Burr-Brown DAC's" and video upscaling.

The Onkyo SR875 has the same DAC, but also uses a Reon-HQV upscaler, which upscales all non-HD sources to HD and through your HDMI output. Supposedly this is one of the best upscalers on the market in the reciever market that is.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by DezNutz

I will say you need to look at the Onkyo line, as they have some solid Video upscalers as well as DAC's. May I ask a question, what is the DAC although, and how does it directley correspond to sound and reciever quality?

The Onkyo SR805 has "top of the line Burr-Brown DAC's" and video upscaling.

The Onkyo SR875 has the same DAC, but also uses a Reon-HQV upscaler, which upscales all non-HD sources to HD and through your HDMI output. Supposedly this is one of the best upscalers on the market in the reciever market that is.

Yep, the Onkyos (705 up) are on my shortlist, and the 905 is near/at the top.

DAC is the digital to analog converter. It converts the digital audio that comes into the receiver via HDMI/optical/coax into an analog signal, which the receiver then amplifies to pass to the speakers.

Audio quality is determined by the quality of the DACs and the amps; if you have great amps but a crappy DAC, you'll get a very well amplified version of crap. Similarly, a great DAC with a crappy amp is a waste. The trick is to get great DACs with great amps, which costs $$$. :-)

[Vlad44]

Originally Posted by DezNutz

The Onkyo SR805 has "top of the line Burr-Brown DAC's" and video upscaling

805 and below got crappy DCDi upscaling.

The only worthbying from Onkyo are sr875/nr905.

BTW all minor video issues (mentioned f.e. in ultimateavmag.com TX-SR875 revie article) where resolved by newest firmware update.

Thats why 875 is #1 in my shoping list.

[DezNutz]

Yeah I was comparing them as well, but to be honest I really do not think a video upscaler is even worth my time or money. I watch little non-HD right now, and only think that will go down with time.

If video upscaling is not important than I think the 800 would suffice as I believe it is 500.00 cheaper. Also every other component I have already does some level of video upscaling, I mean my PS3 upscales DVD's as well as my PS1 and PS2 games, and most TV's have some level of upscaling built in.

So in my view all I am really looking for is the best audio quality from my reciever so I am guessing the 800 may suffice for me.

[Vlad44]

Originally Posted by DezNutz

If video upscaling is not important than I think the 800 would suffice...

Exactly. but i still need HQV, and best place for it is receiver. from any point of view imho.