[OT] Audio Receiver Help

[malichai]

So I decided to get my wife a Gamecube for Christmas. I then realised that in order for her to enjoy video components on our HDTV, I was going to need to get a component video switchbox. It then came to my attention that some audio receivers have component video inputs (2) with 1 output. That, and my receiver is a bit old, and I wouldn't mind upgrading.

So, now I'm looking for a nice, high quality audio receiver with video component input. I kinda like the Sony DE985 which has all the 6.1 stuff, has 4 audio optical inputs, but it isn't "THX certified." The only "THX Certified" models I find only have 2 or 3 audio optical inputs, and cost an extra $100 or so. How important is this THX certification? Is it something I'm even likely to notice watching most movies?

Or on the other hand, do I even need 4 optical inputs? Right now only my Xbox and DVD player use the optical inputs for audio, will my Gamecube use an optical input? How about if I get an HDTV receiver, can they do optical output for sound?

Finally, besides weighing in on all that, do folks have suggestions for good receivers that will have all the 6.1 stuff, DTS, Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II, etc, etc? Oh, and I'm looking to spend under $400, and would prefer to hit around $300.

Thanks again!

 

[Baron Von StarBlade]

Couple of things, you might not wanna rule out the Component Switcher, I'm looking at mine right now and I payed about $75 for it; a JVC JX-S111 if you're interested. As for your question about THX Certified, yeah it's nice but the big thing with THX certification is that you really need THX Certified speakers to go along with it otherwise you won't really gain anything from it. As for Optical inputs again a nice feature but unless you are actively utilizing them then you won't really miss having only two or three. I don't think the GC has optical outputs since it uses Dolby Pro Logic II (which I don't believe is digital).
As for good receivers, unfortunately you'd need to pay in the $5-600 range for a receiver that will do 6.1, but it will carry all the other goodies, DPL2, DTS, etc. However you can get a really nice Denon receiver (probably one of the top three makers of Receivers) that does everything but 6.1 for about $350.00. Onkyo and suprisingly Yamaha are other nice choices for a good receiver.
Of course I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for so that may skew my opinion some.

 

[malichai]

I do use the optical inputs, and have already filled up my current receiver, and will need to get more once I pick up my HD receiver. I have found a THX certified, 6.1 receiver for between $400-500 it's the Kenwood 6070. Anyone had any experiences, good or bad, with Kenwood receivers?

 

[Arnwyn]

First - no, you'll barely notice a receiver that has THX certification. Really, if you have DTS-ES you'll be more than just fine.

As to the inputs - think about what you want for the future. I, for one, need a receiver that has 5 digital inputs (4 optical, 1 coax): optical: Xbox, PS2, CD jukebox, MD deck; coax: digital cable.

No, you do not need an optical input for the GameCube - ProLogic II (the best sound the GC is capable of) does not use digital inputs. An HDTV receiver/set-top box, though, will likely have a digital output (thus requiring a digital input in your receiver) - thus you're at 3 required inputs already (Xbox, DVD, HDTV).

The Sony DE985 seems okay, but it doesn't look like it has any component inputs - not good if you have any games (either for your GC or Xbox) that use progressive scan.

No experiences with Kenwood, but I haven't heard anything bad about them (in fact, you're pretty much okay with JVC, Sony, Panasonic, or Kenwood - and certainly Onkyo and Denon, as the Baron noted above). JVC, though, seems to be lagging with features in recent models (which is a shame, because their Compu-Link idea is pure genius). The Kenwood 6070 looks pretty slick (especially for that price!), but it's digital inputs are lacking - who uses *two* coax inputs?

(As you can tell, I love talking home theatre receivers...)

 

[boxstop7]

Harman/Kardon makes some really great stuff as well. I recently purchased the H/K AVR320 model, and I'm loving every minute of it. As noted above, I really doubt you'll find a receiver with all the features you've listed for less than $500. When it comes to this stuff, you usually can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want the high-end features, you pay for them. The model I bought has 4 digital inputs (2 optical, 2 coax), 2 digital outputs (1 optical, 1 coax), 2 component inputs and one component output. 3 video inputs, plus inputs "reserved" for DVD and CD players. Granted, they've released the new models since I bought mine (though it's barely a year old). Here's the H/K website.

As mentioned by everyone else, Onkyo, Yamaha, Kenwood and Denon (in no particular order) are also great companies for A/V receivers. I've found that Sony's video products FAR surpass their audio stuff, though there's nothing wrong with their audio stuff (but if you want top-of-the-line receivers, Sony ain't makin' 'em). Panasonic is a great all-around company: they don't make GREAT stuff, but everything they make is pretty darn good and none of it should be scoffed at. Of course, your A/V receiver is only as good as the speakers hooked up to it...

~Box

 

[dshai527]

As a subject that is very near and dear to my heart, i have finally found some tim eto answer.

Yes THX certification is worth it, BUT only if you do everything to take advantage of it. ALL peices of your system have to be THX certified. Even the speaker wire. (Yes speaker wire makes a difference, I recommend Monster Cable)

As for which reciever is right for you: it all depends.
Ask yourself thses questions.

1) How good is my hearing?
2) What kind of effect am I looking for? Music requires different power ratings than movies and video games.
3) What are the other pieces of my system? Your system is only as good as your weakest link. It won't do you any good to have a high rank reciever if you have cardboard speakers hooked to it.
4) How much money are you willing to spend?


Tips
1) Take along your own DVD and music CD to a store to listen to and try to match the reciever up with speakers that are simialr to your own. Don't trust the salesperson to have a demo cd that meets your needs. Use parts of the movie/song that you know real well and have listened to on your own system.
2)Define your current system How are the highs, the mediums, and the lows.
3) Make sure all demo equipment is set to base levels, don't listen to a system that has the base and treble moved all the way up.
4) I look for three things in a reciever a) THD total harmonic distortion (this is the distortion level added to the sound just by being powered on)-most recivers run at .9% THD at base levels getting worse as you increase the volumn Onkyo and HK are better here they run at .09%THD b)Amps how many amps is the system running (it is an amplifyer not a watt-fier) most run with 6-9 amps HK and yamaha and onkyo run between 26-45 much better sound c) how many watts - you must be careful there are two ways to rate wattage for labeling purposes (an Onkyo at 50 watts is really better than a pioneer at 150 watts) one is called peak power rating and the other is constant rating. Peak power is when all power is turned up and where the wattage peaks at the other is where all levels are set to zero and rated where the average wattage is. (pioneer, sony, JVC, all use peak ratings and ONkyo, Yamaha, HK use constant ratings)

My opinions

HK - Great music sound (Classical, and easy listening) and Movies (Best for dramas and comidies)

Onkyo - Great music (Hard Rock, Rap and bass) Movies (Action and Bass heavy)

Yamaha - Great for in between or a mix of HK and Onkyo

JVC - the best of the "consumer" models great for all movies okay for music.

That is all I have time for now, if you need more help let me know. I did sell Audio for many years and consider myself an Audiophile. I didn't list all of the brands or even get into the high end electronics but I can if you need it.