Receivers and Video

[Roger]

I'm about to buy a new receiver to run all of my equipment to the TV. The main thing I need in the receiver is the HDMI switcher (preferably with at least 2 if not 3 HDMI inputs) however I think I'm down to 3 receivers with the main difference being whether or not it has an on-screeen display. What do you all think of on-screen displays? is worth paying a little extra?

I'm down to a Yamaha, Onkyo, and a Dennon (all relatively cheap not high end), any opinions on these brands?

 

[HornGrad'01]

Setup is frustrating as hell without on screen display. I've owned all three brands. Liked the Denon sound quality the most, but the Onkyo is what I currently use as it offered me more value (though the Yammy's are pretty decent values as well). The 606 gives you more features for less money, including 4, count 'em 4, HDMI inputs for under $500, but its video capabilities for anything other than pass-through are nothing to write home about (the 706 does a better job, but will cost quite a bit more). The Denon 1909 is another decent bet, with 3 inputs, but streets about $100-150 more than the Onkyo.

By the way, if you really want a hoss of a reciever, I'd highly recommend snooping around for any remaining Onkyo 805's. I hug mine every time that sucker fires up. Only paid $600 for mine about 6-7 months ago and may be getting cheaper as they are phasing in the 806's (which are a downgrade in most respects to the 805!).

 

[Roger]

Crutchfield has the 805 but they are $799

 

[hlaustin]

I have been running Yamaha for the past few years, prior to that Pioneer Elite, and Sony ES. I have found that the Yamaha is one of the most user friendly receivers out there today, plus one of the most reliable, and very natural sound quality. I believe that are back on top as well with market share, if that means anything at all. Bang for the buck the RXV663, this guy has two hdmi in one out and well convert any other input to hdmi and send it out. If you are needing 3, more power and some extra features, the RXV863. I don't know if you are in Austin but if so and you are interested in either one let me know.

 

[HornGrad'01]

Between Fry's and Amazon, you'll always find the 805 for between $600 and $700. Watch the weekly Fry's ads and check back with Amazon regularly and I bet you'll find it for $599.

Burr-brown DAC's
0.05% THD
3 HDMI inputs
Plenty of head-room (130 wpc)
A power supply and heat sink the size of the white house
Weighs a ton (solid build quality)
THX Ultra 2 certified
Audessey MultEQ XT
Has all the current bells/whistles (including three-room capability)

Check out the review on Cnet and the the user forum on AVSforum.com for more info.

You wouldn't regret the purchase - guarantee it.

 

[NEWDOC2002]

Yeah, agree on the 805 but I got a 606 from Amazon for about $380 (with ship). If you're just going to pass through on HDMI it will work will AND it will upconvert all analog through HDMI. Big plus for a mid to low priced receiver. It's set-up EQ works pretty well. It only BI AMP's if you take out two channels on the 7.1 though. I'm driving two towers in a 5.1 set-up without any heat or distortion problems through a pretty good set of speakers.

Go to avsforum.com. They've got hundreds of posts on any receiver you may be considering.