Is this an okay reciever?

[Newmason]

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=DENAVR1709

6ave.com has a deal going for this reciever. Right now my set up would be for an apartment and looking just to do a basic 5.1 surround. Since being in an apartment I cant really blast the surround. Would this work well for a first reciever? Im trying to peice the entire 5.1 system together slowly. Only thing I would be using for HDMI inputs would be PS3 and cable box so far.

Also if you put your cable box through HDMI into the reciever and then the reciever out to the tv, would I still be able to use the tv speakers or will I always have to have the reciever on in order to watch tv with sound? I would like to get cable sound either through the tv or surround depending on whats on!

[Newmason]

Nevermind read through a couple of things and says that audio isnt support through HDMI with this reciever! Well then whats the POINT! GRRRRR

[Crypter]

Denon makes a great receiver. I can tell you from first hand experience. Now, about that receiver, the point is this, if you're looking to spend $200 or less on a receiver the chances are that HiDef audio probably will not make ANY difference in your setup. So getting a receiver with a nice amp and using an optical audio cable will probably yield very good results for a setup with that receiver at it's core. Now, if you have invested a decent amount of money on speakers (which I would hope you did which is why you have so little to spend on a receiver). Then I would wait until you can spend at least $400 on a receiver. Denon may not be the brand for you since their good receivers start with the 2309 model which runs for about $800. I would consider looking at an Onkyo 607 or the like.

Just my 2 cents.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Crypter

Denon makes a great receiver. I can tell you from first hand experience. Now, about that receiver, the point is this, if you're looking to spend $200 or less on a receiver the chances are that HiDef audio probably will not make ANY difference in your setup. So getting a receiver with a nice amp and using an optical audio cable will probably yield very good results for a setup with that receiver at it's core. Now, if you have invested a decent amount of money on speakers (which I would hope you did which is why you have so little to spend on a receiver). Then I would wait until you can spend at least $400 on a receiver. Denon may not be the brand for you since their good receivers start with the 2309 model which runs for about $800. I would consider looking at an Onkyo 607 or the like.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree with Crypter based on your needs and budget. I too think the Onkyo 607 would serve you well, but I do recommend shopping around for the features and price point you want on line or in person.

[Newmason]

What should I look for, in a basic 5.1 or 7.1 reciever that would be hooked up to HDMI for multiple components. I'm not looking for a HTiB type of setup and not a room designated HT. Just looking for a nice reciever that will accept all the new fetures of the HDTV's today.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Newmason

What should I look for, in a basic 5.1 or 7.1 reciever that would be hooked up to HDMI for multiple components. I'm not looking for a HTiB type of setup and not a room designated HT. Just looking for a nice reciever that will accept all the new fetures of the HDTV's today.

It really doesn't get more basic for these needs than the Onkyo 606 if you ask me......

[Steve]

The main features I would look for is audio decoding over HDMI (all HD formats), 3 or more HDMI inputs, 7.1 (just in case), a full set of pre-outs, and Audyssey, or some other auto setup feature. The Onkyo 606 has all these features except the pre-outs. You can never add an amp to your setup without them.

[Riff Magnum]

I see Best Buy is running a "sale" on the Pioneer 819HK receiver at $299. Looks like you can find it online for $20-30 cheaper, but i bet this is a pretty solid receiver for the price. 5 channels @ 110watts. 3hdmi inputs.
Also, if you're not afraid of refurbs from the interweb, might wanna check out www.accessories4less.com
They have really good deals on some entry level Marantz receivers. Check out the SR4002 and SR5002. Right up your alley.

[Rup_Muk]

Originally Posted by fireman325

The main features I would look for is audio decoding over HDMI (all HD formats), ... The Onkyo 606 has all these features except the pre-outs. You can never add an amp to your setup without them.

I think that the PS3 decodes the HD audio formats internally and then sends out the signal as linear PCM. So, while the Onkyo 606 does have the capability to decode a couple of the HD audio formats, you won't need it for the PS3.

I agree with most others that the 606 is a good choice. I just picked one up on ebay for ~$300.

My $0.02.
Rup

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Rup_Muk

I think that the PS3 decodes the HD audio formats internally and then sends out the signal as linear PCM. So, while the Onkyo 606 does have the capability to decode a couple of the HD audio formats, you won't need it for the PS3.

I agree with most others that the 606 is a good choice. I just picked one up on ebay for ~$300.

My $0.02.
Rup

It does, but why limit your future options? Who knows what components you'll wind up with in the future. If the OP ever ends up with a stand alone player, he may wish he'd gotten a receiver that could do the decoding. I also recommend a receiver with pre-outs. If I had known when I bought my receiver what speakers I would end up with, I'd have gotten a different model so I could add an amp. Take it from me, just because you don't need certain features today doesn't mean you won't want them down the road. I learned this the hard way by getting an Onkyo 605 with no pre-outs.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by fireman325

I also recommend a receiver with pre-outs. If I had known when I bought my receiver what speakers I would end up with, I'd have gotten a different model so I could add an amp. Take it from me, just because you don't need certain features today doesn't mean you won't want them down the road. I learned this the hard way by getting an Onkyo 605 with no pre-outs.

You and me both Fireman on the lack of pre-outs. But now when I do get the right AVR with pre-outs, I will make sure I have the $$ to get the right amp as well. Knowing myself, if I had gotten an AVR with pre-outs 2 years ago, that by the time I would want the amp, I would feel the need to get a new AVR anyway, so at least the 605 was a good learning experience. This is just my way of rationalizing things I guess....

[Blove23]

Originally Posted by Newmason

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=DENAVR1709

6ave.com has a deal going for this reciever. Right now my set up would be for an apartment and looking just to do a basic 5.1 surround. Since being in an apartment I cant really blast the surround. Would this work well for a first reciever? Im trying to peice the entire 5.1 system together slowly. Only thing I would be using for HDMI inputs would be PS3 and cable box so far.

Also if you put your cable box through HDMI into the reciever and then the reciever out to the tv, would I still be able to use the tv speakers or will I always have to have the reciever on in order to watch tv with sound? I would like to get cable sound either through the tv or surround depending on whats on!

That's a great receiver for what you will be using it for. Denon makes great receivers and the audio quality is great...

[Steve]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

You and me both Fireman on the lack of pre-outs. But now when I do get the right AVR with pre-outs, I will make sure I have the $$ to get the right amp as well. Knowing myself, if I had gotten an AVR with pre-outs 2 years ago, that by the time I would want the amp, I would feel the need to get a new AVR anyway, so at least the 605 was a good learning experience. This is just my way of rationalizing things I guess....

I don't mean to make it sound like the 605 isn't a good receiver. On the contrary, I think it's an excellent receiver, but with my current speaker setup I would like the option to add an amp. Eventually I'll upgrade my receiver, but I don't know when that will be.

[Twitch9]

Don't skimp on a receiver invest a little more money and it will last you so much longer and you will not need to upgrade in a year.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Twitch9

Don't skimp on a receiver invest a little more money and it will last you so much longer and you will not need to upgrade in a year.

exactly, try the Yamaha 663 or 665, the Onkyo 606/607 is nice too, but the Yammy has pre-outs so for similar price I would go that route. IMO

[Newmason]

I know this is a refurbished product, but how does this denon do?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...631&CatId=3418

[StimpsonJCat]

Originally Posted by Newmason

I know this is a refurbished product, but how does this denon do?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...631&CatId=3418

It is a year earlier version of my 1909/789 AVR. It only has 2 HDMI inputs (mine has 3 and the newer version - 1910 has 4). It doesn't have DynamicEQ or Dynamic Volume. Otherwise I think it is close to what I have. I does have HDMI 1.3 repeater so it can decode the HD Audio streams.