Help choosing a receiver

[trekdude]

I've been trying to decide on a receiver for a few weeks and my head is spinning.

Here's my choices
Pioneer VSX-918
Yamaha 465
Yamaha 663
Onkyo 507
Onkyo 606

My needs
HD-MA decoding - the Sony BDP-350 doesn't decode it
5.1 sound is fine, 7.1 won't work in the layout of my house
HDMI connection for Comcast HD
The ability to send DVD audio from the blu-ray player to the TV for some videos. My daughter's Elmo DVDs don't need to be in surround sound.

I'm leaning toward the Pioneer since it is the cheapest and my needs are really basic, but open to suggestions. All of the receivers are in the right price range and I don't want to spend more.

Any recommendations or opinions would be helpful.

[cembros]

if im not mistaken the 350 will decode dts hdma with a firmware upgrade

[Moefiz]

Yeah, you might want to check the s350 thread out its does decode internally and you can let the receiver do the work.

[callas01]

like these guys said check out the 350 thread, but if you are getting one, get the Yamaha 663, its prolly the best one you have up there on your list and it is the most future proof of them all.....

[JasonR]

The S350 will bitstream DTS-HDMA, but not decode it.

[Slec]

cross off the Yammy 465 and Onkyo 507 as I do no believe they do audio over HDMI.

[Blu-Raider]

Just my opinion, but in your listing's price range you really ought to consider listening to a Denon as well.

[mtbkr]

i bought an onkyo and will never look back. although mine is one of higher end models i have been in love with their product and the most important thing....my wife has a pretty easy time navigating through the inputs ect.

[Silverwing]

Originally Posted by Blu-Raider

Just my opinion, but in your listing's price range you really ought to consider listening to a Denon as well.

Agreed. Although I no longer have a denon, they are really great recievers for an even better value. The only issue with them is the overall complicity of the device/remote. But with that said they produce great sound quailty. Give them a look

[CosmoKid]

Originally Posted by Slec

cross off the Yammy 465 and Onkyo 507 as I do no believe they do audio over HDMI.

the 465 does audio over HDMI and decodes internally. newegg had it this weekend for $319 shipped free.

[Slec]

Specs say its HDMI pass-through....

[mred612]

I recently purchased the Onkyo 606, and I love it! I have a small place and was only gonna use it as a 5.1 but my local fry's had a sale on some polk r50's that I couldn't pass up. Anywho, like I said, I love my Onkyo, only gripe I have with it, there is no mini jack to connect a mp3 player. Hope this helps.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Slec

Specs say its HDMI pass-through....

it will decode.

Maybe you read 1080p 'passthrough'...which refers to video capability.

Yamahas website clearly states HD decoding.

[Slec]

so yet another wrinkle to confuse the masses

edit: the spec sheet on Yamaha's site is what says HDMI pass-through.

I'm happy to be wrong on this, just want to make sure the OP gets what he's trying to.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Slec

edit: the spec sheet on Yamaha's site is what says HDMI pass-through.

well, in a way it does have passthrough. Just like it also has HD decoding, which is checked also.


The term "Passthrough" is a vague term used in different ways between these manufacturers.

Just like the term "LPCM". Some manufacturers use it to say Multichannel, others use it even if its only 2 channel. So its hard to get an idea of its true functionality depending on how its being used.

Same deal with passthrough. Do they mean audio passthrough? video passthrough? ...or was it just a goof? hard to really tell, but in all I think its failry certain the 465 will decode HD audio.

[callas01]

^ Yeah, sony uses pass through and they have audio capabilities, to bad they don't all use a standard set of terms and rating system

[ryandubbz]

Go witht the Onkyo 706 i bought this for $500 on a great certified website. You can probally find it cheaper now. Best receiver i have ever owned, No problems with the newer models. If you can't spend that much go with the Onkyo 606

[ACEOFSPADES]

Hi there.i would go with the yamaha 663 great receiver has all the latest audio dts hdma dolby true hd plus anyone out there still got a record player for playing your classic vinyl albums you can connect your turntable to it as well.great system . i have had it for 12 months now and it's worth it.also has 7.2 channels so pretty much future proofed.