Best amp for the Panny BD35 ?

[Rforbes]

As i understand it the BD35 can decode HD master audio...does this then mean i can opt for an amp like the Onkyo tx 506 and still end up with HD master audio ?

[Colglizity]

Originally Posted by Rforbes

As i understand it the BD35 can decode HD master audio...does this then mean i can opt for an amp like the Onkyo tx 506 and still end up with HD master audio ?

As long as that 506 can receive HDMI audio (some only do video) then you will be able to go into the "digital audio settings" on your panny 35 and switch the Dolby and DTS settings from "bitstream" to "PCM" and you'll be getting all the new HD audio formats: DTS Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and LPCM. And make sure that you buy a version 1.3 HDMI cable for the connection from the 35 to the 506. Good Luck!!

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by Colglizity

As long as that 506 can receive HDMI audio (some only do video) then you will be able to go into the "digital audio settings" on your panny 35 and switch the Dolby and DTS settings from "bitstream" to "PCM" and you'll be getting all the new HD audio formats: DTS Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and LPCM. And make sure that you buy a version 1.3 HDMI cable for the connection from the 35 to the 506. Good Luck!!

Will either one or both of these Sony receivers work too:
Sony STR-DG720
Sony STR-DG820

Thanks for the info.

[BIslander]

Look at the specs for the receiver. It needs HDMI 1.1 and the ability to process audio over HDMI. Some cheaper AVRs do HDMI "video switching" or "pass through". Those are code words for "no audio processing". Any receiver that will process PCM over HDMI will work for HD audio with the BD35.

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by BIslander

Look at the specs for the receiver. It needs HDMI 1.1 and the ability to process audio over HDMI. Some cheaper AVRs do HDMI "video switching" or "pass through". Those are code words for "no audio processing". Any receiver that will process PCM over HDMI will work for HD audio with the BD35.

This is from the Circuit City website. It does mention full HDMI switching. Is that good or bad for what I am looking for? I just bought the Panny 35 and my current receiver does not have an HDMI input. I am connecting it to a 62" Mitsubishi that only has 1 HDMI input so i am going to upgrage the receiver as i also have the Toshiba HD-dvd A3, along with DirecTV DVR so i need more HDMI inputs via the receiver. Thanks.

Product description
Sony STR-DG820 7.1 Dolby and DTS Home Theater Receiver
Features
7.1 channel receiver: The Sony STR-DG820 serves as the nerve center of your 7.1 channel home theater system, with 110 watts power per channel. Optimized for connecting Blu-ray Disc players, the STR-DG820 features full HDMI switching and 4 HDMI inputs for a high definition home theater experience.

Digital Media Port: Connect an audio source such as an iPod or PC to the receiver. Then liberate your music in the rich, full 7.1 sound provided by your speakers.

4 HDMI inputs: Connect 4 different HDMI devices to your receiver and use the HDMI output to connect straight to an HDTV. Or take advantage of 3 component video inputs/1 out, 1 coaxial digital input, 4 composite video inputs/1 out, 2 optical audio inputs/1 out, 7 RCA inputs/2 out, and 1 subwoofer output.

DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX: DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX give you 6.1 surround sound, matrixing the original 5.1 channel audio to create a new rear audio channel. Get 5.1 surround sound support from Dolby Digital and DTS. When you have a source with only two audio channels (like a CD), Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo6 create a simulated 5.1 surround effect. Dolby Pro Logic IIx goes even farther, taking a stereo source and creating a 7.1-channel feel with it.

This is from Cnet. I think i just found my own answer:

Step-up features on the STR-DG820:
7.1 channels, 110 watts of power
Four HDMI inputs
Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio
Supports x.v.Color
XM-ready with Neural Surround Sound
Includes a Sony Digital Media Port
Available in May for about $400

[kpkelley]

The Onkyo 506 does not accept audio over hdmi, so pass.

Both Sony's will work or an Onkyo 605 or higher or a Yamaha rx-v663 or higher.

If you provide us with an idea for the budget we can give more informed suggestions.

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

The Onkyo 506 does not accept audio over hdmi, so pass.

Both Sony's will work or an Onkyo 605 or higher or a Yamaha rx-v663 or higher.

If you provide us with an idea for the budget we can give more informed suggestions.

Very tight budget. Looking to spend around $300-$400, preferrably at BB as i have a $100 gift card.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by jstute55

Very tight budget. Looking to spend around $300-$400, preferrably at BB as i have a $100 gift card.

Don't take this the wrong way, but your gift card would be wasted at Best Buy if you bought one of the sony's there. Both can be had for eighty dollars less online and the 720 is even more than MSRP. Use the gift card on adding to your collection of blu's instead.

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

Don't take this the wrong way, but your gift card would be wasted at Best Buy if you bought one of the sony's there. Both can be had for eighty dollars less online and the 720 is even more than MSRP. Use the gift card on adding to your collection of blu's instead.

Not taken the wrong way at all.

I have strongly considered this as well. The Sony 720 was on sale for $209 during BF weekend at BB, and then went to $315 last Monday. They will not price match with Amazon, but will with Circuit City. I found the 820 at CC for $330. I am going to print it & see if BB will price match, then i can buy it for $230 with the card.

BB movie prices are horrible. The amazon prices on movies are much better.

[digs5446]

Given your budget, I would say without a doubt your best bet is the Onkyo 606 at Amazon for $319.99, free shipping and no tax depending on your state. That's an extremely future-proof model with 4 HDMI inputs and all the Blu-ray audio format processing. Don't get me wrong, Sony makes some great stuff (LCD TVs), but for receivers I'd take an Onkyo over a Sony any day of the week. Best price-value ratio IMHO.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by digs5446

Given your budget, I would say without a doubt your best bet is the Onkyo 606 at Amazon for $319.99, free shipping and no tax depending on your state. That's an extremely future-proof model with 4 HDMI inputs and all the Blu-ray audio format processing. Don't get me wrong, Sony makes some great stuff (LCD TVs), but for receivers I'd take an Onkyo over a Sony any day of the week. Best price-value ratio IMHO.

I suggest you listen to the Sony 920, it will give that 606 a run. Trust me, I just got done shopping for a receiver and the 4 i listened to were the Yammy 663, Pio 1018, that the 2 listed above. I did find the 1018 personally my favorite, but it was too big for my area. But the 920 was a great #2 choice and couldn't be happier. And actually the 920 and 606 i remeber thinking sounded really similar, but I wanted the full 1080p upscaling and a few other features the 606 didn't. But I did pay $60 more.

[jstute55]

Originally Posted by digs5446

Given your budget, I would say without a doubt your best bet is the Onkyo 606 at Amazon for $319.99, free shipping and no tax depending on your state. That's an extremely future-proof model with 4 HDMI inputs and all the Blu-ray audio format processing. Don't get me wrong, Sony makes some great stuff (LCD TVs), but for receivers I'd take an Onkyo over a Sony any day of the week. Best price-value ratio IMHO.

I got the Sony 820 for $294. Having a little buyer's remorse but it should still sound nice in our living room. If i was doing a home theatre room, i would probably go with a high end Onkyo or Yamaha. This is all just entry level blu-ray equipment for my living room. Thanks for all the help and i will post how it sounds after Christmas.