A/V Questions

H

HoustonHorn

250+ Posts
I'm looking to buy a new receiver and a PS3. My current, older receiver doesn't have HDMI connections, so I want to upgrade to take advantage of the full capabilities of my TV (1080P).

I'm also on a budget, so I'm looking to spend under $1,500 for both the receiver and PS3. What are my options for a receiver between $800-$1,000?

For the PS3, I don't really have any PS2 games that I'm worried about playing, so the backwards compatibility isn't a huge deal. Is there any other reason to get the 80G vs. the 40G? I'm not a huge gamer, so the PS3 is basically a Blu-Ray/DVD player with the added benefit of being able to play games.

Also, what should I be looking at for HDMI cables - I've searched Monoprice.com but there's a lot of options and I really don't know **** about what to look for. This is what I was looking at getting, but they also have a 22AWG that may be better:

HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified CL2 Rated (In-Wall Installation) Cable (24AWG) w/ Net Jacket - 10ft (Gold Plated Connectors)

Should I stick with this or go with the 22AWG?

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.
 
For that price range of receiver you can get a very good unit from Onkyo or Denon. Sony's another one to consider.

As far as HDMI cables go, are you doing an actual in-wall installation where you'll be fishing the cable behind your wall? If not, then you don't need to pay extra for the CL2 rated cable. The CL2 (some call it plenum rated) is approved for in-wall installations & simply stated it is designed to meet fire code requirements (very important consideration for your home owner's insurance). It won't provide you any performance benefits over a non-CL2 cable.

If you're worried about the 22AWG vs. 24AWG performance, don't. You'll never detect a performance difference between the two.
 
Thanks for the info on the cables. After doing some research, I'm looking at possibly a Denon or an Onkyo (805 vs. 875). It looks like the Onkyo 805 has an issue with upconversion. Will this be an issue with my Wii?

Thanks.
 
Wasn't aware of problems with the 805 and converting analog to HDMI. It won't upscale like the 875 will (Reon processor), but it does convert so all inputs lead to one HDMI output.

I own the 805 and consider it to be the best value in its class. I paid $549 for it. The 875 goes for nearly $500 more.

Also note that the new model line is rolling out now. 605 currently available and more coming.
 
HG...thanks for the info. Where did you find it for $549, the best I've found is $599.

Also, it seems that is less of a problem than a popping sound from the speakers when using the Onkyo with a PS3. Have you used the Onkyo with a PS3, and if so, have you had any problems?
 
Your budget will allow for a nice A/V receiver in addition to the PS/3, the best thing to do is go and listen to/look at each. I have the Onkyo 905 and love it, but one man's badass piece of equipment is another man's piece of ****...FWIW I also looked at Denon and a couple others in this price range, I think Pioneer is totally overpriced for what you get, but that's just me...

As far as the cables, unless you're planning on putting them in the wall don't go with wall-rated; at the same time, you're definitely swimming in the right pond, as monoprice is hands-down the best place to get cables...
 
New models should be coming out this fall if you can wait. Better performance and price than previous generations.
 
DC:

I noticed that. Do you think that will make the older models, i.e., the 905 and 805 significantly cheaper?

I've come to the realization that with my current setup, I'm overbuying with anything over an 805. When I build in a few years, I'm going high-end, but for now, there's not much reason to spend more than $700-$800.

The 805 is $600, so if the prices will drop significantly in a couple of months, then I can wait, but otherwise, I'd like to get this done.
 
Bought it on Amazon. Price bounces around more than the price of oil. If you can score it for $600 tax-free, consider it a buy. Will it get cheaper when the newer models come out? Maybe. But not likely to drop off the cliff.

I have no popping sounds whatsoever with my Panny BD30 or Toshiba A35. I do have the audio lag when playing, resuming play, but doesn't bother me too much.

This sucker definitely gets hot and is not energy star efficient by any means, so be sure it gets air around it.

I was originally looking upstream in the model line, but decided value is value and the 805 suit my immediate needs until I get upgrade-itis (already have the itch).
 
Hey before you jump all in on the units you have mentioned, not saying they aren't good, but check out a couple of the Yamaha units. If you are after good bang for the check out the Yamaha RXV663, this unit has two hdmi in one out and will convert any video input to hdmi as well. It also has all the 1.3a requirerments. We sell this unit for 487.If you want a little more power and an extra hdmi in check out the RXV863. This unit also scales to 1080p, if you are after something like that. We sell this guy for 850.00.
You will see new units from Pioneer in the next month, and the new top in from Yamaha in the next two-three months.
 
I like that Yammy (was in the running for me too). Decent value as well. I ultimately elected to go with the 805 if for no other reason the third HDMI input (although a mix of the 605/705 is the competitor to that Yammy). The 805 also has more power and a couple more bells and whistles and is built like a brick (Audessy Multi-EQ, 3-zone, etc), but most users will not be able to tell the difference in power, or use the added features, although the Audessy Multi-EQ setup is kinda nice.

Oh, and the Onkyo 606 is out now. Pretty sweet feature set (including 4 HDMI inputs!!) and a great value as well.
 
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